Current News

by Joshua Brown, UVM A new UVM-led study shows that wildlife underpass tunnels dramatically reduce deaths of frog, salamanders and other amphibians migrating across roads. Frogs, salamanders, and other amphibians around the world face mounting threats from a devastating fungus, climate change, habitat loss—and road mortality. Among these, roads pose a uniquely immediate danger by cutting through critical migration corridors, allowing vehicles to crush millions of animals each year. Now, a new, first-of-its-kind study offers powerful evidence that a simple intervention—wildlife underpass tunnels—can dramatically reduce these amphibian deaths and help preserve ecosystems.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Congressional Delegation, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont), and U.S. Representative Becca Balint (D-Vermont-At-Large) on Wednesday pushed back on the Trump Administration’s plans to eliminate the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and terminate employees at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) who distribute the funding. The Delegation previously called on Secretary of HHS Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to immediately reinstate the staff of the Division of Energy Assistance at HHS and disburse funding to states for LIHEAP. They have yet to receive a reply. 

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Average gasoline prices in Vermont are $3.09 per gallon today, up 1 cent from a week ago and a month ago, and down 49 cents/g from a year ago. The lowest price in the state this week was $2.80/g while the highest was $3.19/g, a difference of 39.0 cents per gallon. Prices are lowest in Windham ($3.01/g) and Windsor ($3.02/g) counties and highest in Lamoille ($3.18/g), Essex ($3.20/g) and Grand Isle ($3.20/g). The national average price of gasoline did not decline as much as predicted during the holiday weekend, where it was anticipated to fall to near $3 per gallon. As of today, the national average is $3.16, down 3 cents/g from last week, unchanged from last month and stands 41 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

Vermont Business Magazine U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) urged the Trump Administration to drop its misguided plan to cut homebuilding tax credits in the midst of a housing crisis. The lawmakers urged the administration to reconsider its preliminary Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 budget request, which would completely eliminate funding for the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) HOME Investment Partnership Program. “Many households are contributing more than half of their income to rent, leaving less for other needs like health care, groceries, or saving for emergencies. For-profit developers also struggle to build entry-level or middle-income housing, resulting in a focus on high-end construction with units unaffordable to working families,” wrote the Senators. “Now is the time for strong federal support for HOME and the Housing Trust Fund to close financing gaps and build more homes.”   

Vermont Business Magazine At a roundtable in Manchester Wednesday, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont) brought together Vermont businesses and manufacturers to hear directly how global tariffs and President Trump’s trade war are impacting them. The event was held at The Orvis Company, which was founded in Manchester, Vermont, in 1856.  This roundtable follows Senator Welch’s recent trip to Ottawa, where he met with Prime Minister Mark Carney and other Canadian leaders to discuss President Trump’s tariffs and trade war. 

Vermont Business Magazine As boaters visit Vermont’s lakes and ponds this spring and summer, the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) and partners are offering a few tips on how to stay safe and protect Vermont’s natural resources. “From recreation and drinking water to fish and wildlife habitat, Vermont’s lakes and ponds offer us many benefits,” said Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Jason Batchelder. “As boating season kicks off, it is key that Vermonters use and enjoy our public waters in a way that is both safe and environmentally friendly.”

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Federal Credit Union has been named a recipient of the 2025 Best of the Best award by MemberXP, a program of CU Solutions Group. This award celebrates credit unions that consistently deliver exceptional member service—based entirely on real feedback from members. Vermont Federal Credit Union was recognized for its excellence in its Consumer Loan Process, highlighting its dedication to making lending simple, transparent, and accessible for all Vermonters.

Vermont Business Magazine In a rural state like Vermont, owning a vehicle is both essential and costly. As vehicle maintenance expenses rise, the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation aims to ensure that all Vermont motorists are informed about the resources available to them, including various vehicle warranties and the Automotive Emissions Repair Assistance Program. By understanding and using these resources, drivers can reduce transportation-related costs and decrease vehicle emissions, a significant source of air pollutants and the largest source of greenhouse gases in Vermont. 

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont’s annual, statewide Summer Free Fishing Day is Saturday, June 14 this year, and it will be highlighted by a free family fishing festival in Grand Isle as well as opening day of the state’s regular bass fishing season. Free Fishing Day in Vermont also will be celebrated at the “Grand Isle Family Fishing Festival,” to be held at the Ed Weed Fish Culture Station at 14 Bell Hill Road in Grand Isle.  The festival will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Association for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery (VAMHAR) has announced the reimagining of its statewide learning management system. Formerly known as Recovery University, the platform will now be called the Collective Learning Institute of Vermont (CLI-VT) — a shift that reflects VAMHAR’s deepening commitment to and leadership in fostering collaboration, equity, and innovation in mental health and addiction recovery education.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) announced Tuesday that Rob Katz, current Executive Chairperson and former Chief Executive Officer, has been appointed CEO of the company. Katz, 58, succeeds Kirsten Lynch, who has stepped down as CEO and as a director of the Board. Lynch will remain in an advisory role to the company for an interim period to facilitate a smooth transition. Vail owns three resorts in Vermont: Mount Snow, Okemo and Stowe Mountain Resort. The news that Lynch was removed and former CEO Katz brought back sent Vail shares higher Wednesday nearly 9% to about $165, even as the broader markets waivered. Still Vail is down year-to-year (52-week range, 129.85 - 199.45). When Lynch took over in 2022, shares had been trading near $350.

by Lucia McCallum, Community News Service Vermont is an idyllic place to grow up. I was born and raised in Cabot. And as a kid there, I thrived in our small, tight-knit community. Now, I’m living in Burlington. I just graduated from the University of Vermont. And as much as I love this state, I wonder if it makes sense for me to stay. As a 21-year-old with an English degree, I worry about finding a job, affording a place to live, and building a strong community of people my age here. Moving to a larger state with bigger cities might make all that a little easier. I know it's a privilege to get to choose where I want to begin the next chapter of my life. But still, I’m struggling with this decision. And I’m not alone.