Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) today released the following statement amid Israel's illegal, unilateral attacks on Iran: Netanyahu started this war with a surprise unilateral attack against Iran, which has already killed hundreds of people and wounded many more. This attack was specifically designed to sabotage American diplomatic efforts: Israel assassinated the man overseeing Iran’s nuclear negotiating team, despite the fact that further talks with the United States were scheduled for Sunday. Whatever you think of the corrupt and authoritarian Iranian regime, this attack clearly violates international law and the United Nations Charter.

Vermont Business Magazine M&T Realty Capital Corporation is proud to announce approximately $5 million Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) equity investment in the Chelsea Williamstown Apartments, a transformative affordable housing redevelopment project in rural Vermont. The Chelsea Williamstown Apartments project involves the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of two non-contiguous properties in Orange County, Vermont, totaling 61 rent-restricted units. Many of these units are adapted for senior residents, addressing the needs of Vermont’s aging population. 

Vermont Business Magazine Attorney General Charity Clark today announced all 55 attorneys general, representing all eligible states and U.S. territories, have agreed to sign on to a $7.4 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma and its owners, the Sackler family. This settlement was reached after the previous settlement was rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court. It resolves litigation against Purdue and the Sacklers for their role in creating and worsening the opioid crisis across the country. Now that the state sign-on period has concluded, local governments across the country will be asked to join the settlement contingent on bankruptcy court proceedings. As reported previously, Purdue and the Sacklers agreed to this settlement in January 2025 with a bipartisan coalition of states, including Vermont.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Transportation is preparing to modernize its Aviation Program by reviewing and revising policies, minimum standards for airport use, and operational procedures at state-owned airports with paved runways. The initial phase of policy modernization is expected to take approximately a year. Stakeholder engagement is essential to this initiative and will be possible through surveys, on-site meetings, and other forms of public feedback.

Vermont Business Magazine Average gasoline prices in Vermont are $3.04 per gallon, up 1.6 cents per gallon from last week's $3.02/g. The lowest price in the state yesterday was $2.59/g while the highest was $3.29/g, a difference of 70.0 cents per gallon. The national average price of gasoline has risen 1.1 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.08/g today. "With Israel and Iran trading attacks, oil prices have surged to multi-month highs—setting the stage for additional price hikes at gas pumps across the country."

Vermont Business Magazine Over 1,300 job seekers across Vermont connected directly with local employers during the Department of Labor’s Spring Job Fest Series, which concluded in Vergennes on June 5. The Spring Job Fest Series featured events in communities across the state, including Newport, Middlebury, Rutland, Lyndon Center, Bennington, White River Junction, and Vergennes. Attendees had the chance to meet with employers, participate in on-the-spot interviews, and connect with valuable career resources.  

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Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets You may live near a Vermont dairy farm or know a dairy farmer. You may enjoy Vermont dairy every day…a cheeseburger, butter on your pancakes, a Vermont maple creemee, or a morning yogurt with granola. There are so many ways to enjoy dairy, and when you make it Vermont dairy, you are joining an ever-growing fan base that knows what a glass of quality Vermont whole milk brings to the table. And now we know what our state’s dairy industry brings to all of us. Not only has it been part of our state’s culture and heritage for a century, a wonderful steward of our lands and forests, it is also a major contributor to our state’s economy. Our new report, ‘Vermont Dairy Delivers’, is a celebration of everything Vermont dairy, and timed perfectly for National Dairy Month in June. Here’s a hint: the annual contribution of Vermont dairy to the state economy has doubled in the last ten years! 

by Olga Peters, Vermont Business Magazine Things are hopping in Rutland County these days. From one side of the county to the other, its communities are buzzing with renewed energy and enthusiasm. Here are three recent examples: Bernie Carr, executive director at the Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce, marvels at Brandon’s revitalized downtown. Driving home on a recent Saturday afternoon, he stops at a new intersection and is amazed by the number of people enjoying the area after years of construction and the pandemic. “I’m looking around and seeing people scurry here and there, and the parking spaces are full, and I’m like, ’We’re finally here!’,“ Carr says. Vermont State University President Dave Bergh is focused on the governor. While loading up his car for a trip to Castleton for the Bring Back the Trades Expo, he apologizes to a reporter for having to rush. “I think I’m introducing the governor, which is one reason I can’t be late,“ Bergh explains.

VermontBiz From storefronts to Instagram feeds, a polished visual identity can mean the difference between being passed over or picked first. To find out which independent businesses across the U.S. are nailing their branding, Piktochart surveyed 3,013 consumers and compiled a list of standout examples in every state.

These small businesses aren’t just selling cookies, coffee, or candles - they’re selling an experience, a vibe, and a visual story. Whether it’s retro charm, island cool, or urban elegance, these brands know exactly who they are and how to show it.

VermontBiz This weekly report is a list of planned construction activities that will affect traffic on state highways and interstates throughout Vermont. Please remember to drive safely in all work zones. Lives depend on it.    

Interstates:  

I-89 Colchester – Improvements are underway at the Exit 17 interchange. The intersection of U.S. 2 and U.S. 7 will have lane closures with alternating one-way traffic controlled by flaggers from Sunday through Friday between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. U.S. 2 between the I-89 Exit 17 southbound ramps and U.S. 7 will have lane reductions from Monday through Friday between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m., with potential for alternating one-way traffic controlled by flaggers between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Travel lanes on U.S. 2 are shifted south between Jasper Mine Road and U.S. 7. 

Vermont Business Magazine As lawmakers and the governor continue to insist on “doing something” about education before the end of next week, the state’s largest union will begin training educators to become elected officials. “Nobody knows the needs of students and those who work in our schools better than my fellow educators,” said Don Tinney, a high school English teacher who serves as the president of the 13,000-member Vermont-NEA. “We have seen that clearly this year, as four educators-turned-lawmakers are key players as the debate over the governor’s plans for public schools rages on.”