Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of approximately $80 million through the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program to help communities address stormwater and sewer infrastructure needs. These grants will strengthen systems that safely capture and manage stormwater to help prevent contaminants, including untreated sewage, from polluting nearby waterways. The agency will provide funding from both fiscal years 2025 and 2026 totaling $464,000 to Vermont, which will be awarded to communities there. 

by Sara White, UVM Toddlerhood spans roughly ages 1 to 3 and is one of the most rapid, transformative periods of human development. During this time, children quickly progress from walking to running and climbing, from single words to short sentences and early thinking skills, and from simple exploration to problem-solving and imaginative play. Combined with a growing sense of independence, intense emotions, and early attempts at self-expression, these changes can create a range of challenges for both toddlers and their caregivers, starting with simply keeping up.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Federal Credit Union (VFCU) based in South Burlington and St. Patrick's Parish Credit Union, based in Fairfield, have officially merged, uniting two member-focused financial cooperatives with a shared mission: helping Vermonters prosper. St. Patrick’s Parish Credit Union, founded in 1953 with just $125 and a belief in neighbors helping neighbors, has been more than a financial institution, it has been a way of life rooted in trust, community, and personal connection. For decades, members were served not in offices, but around kitchen tables and across farm fields, where relationships mattered more than credit scores and a handshake meant everything.

by Mike Donoghue Opioid manufacturer Purdue Pharma LP (Purdue) was sentenced Tuesday in federal court in Newark, New Jersey, and ordered to pay criminal penalties of over $5 billion for its role in fueling the opioid epidemic in a case that was uncovered partially by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Vermont more than six years ago. Part of the multi-billion-dollar fraud was uncovered in Vermont by former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Owen Foster and Michael Drescher and healthcare fraud investigator George Thabault of Burlington while working for U.S. Attorney Christina Nolan. The Vermont portion of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia A. P. Cowles since Drescher’s appointment to the Vermont Supreme Court. 

Vermont Business Magazine As Vermont — and the nation — recognize National Apprenticeship Week, the University is highlighting a new registered apprenticeship opportunity available for aspiring educators. In partnership with the Vermont Agency of Education and Vermont Department of Labor, Vermont State University (VTSU) will offer courses for a new Teacher Apprenticeship program, enabling students to work toward a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the university, which leads to dual licensure in Elementary Education (grades K-6) and Special Education (grades K-8). Courses will be offered in 7-week sections, online, and will be self-paced. Current K-12 school employees looking for a bachelor’s degree or education licensure are encouraged to explore the offering, as many will be able to receive credit for the on-the-job learning available at their school.

Vermont Business Magazine Beginning this fall, Vermonters will have three additional pathways to high-demand careers through new academic programs at the Community College of Vermont (CCV). The new offerings are a liberal studies associate degree with specialization in education, a paraeducator certificate and a justice studies certificate. CCV programs are designed in close collaboration with businesses, state agencies, and other organizations to prepare students with relevant, in-demand skills.

Vermont Business Magazine Third Act Chittenden’s Media Committee is celebrating World Press Freedom Day 2026. A march Saturday, May 2, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. will go from the top of Church Street in Burlington to City Hall Park and back to the origin. The goal is to increase awareness and focus attention on press freedom, relentlessly under attack this past year by the Trump regime. Marchers’ signs will support our local, independent and public media as well as condemn suppression and censorship and creation of media conglomerates that reduce sources of information.

Vermont Business Magazine Today, Treasurer Mike Pieciak warned Vermonters about a scam posing as a service to return unclaimed property.  The Federal Trade Commission recently alerted that scammers are calling and texting individuals, requesting money and personal information to reclaim their lost financial assets. The Treasurer’s Office reports that several Vermonters have been targeted.  To capture an individual’s attention, scammers might provide a specific dollar amount, use a fake government name, or urge to act quickly.

by Maggie Lenz and Gwynn Zakov Two weeks ago, we wrote about how grassroots pressure had moved Act 181 from a deadline-extension conversation into a repeal conversation. Last week, we wrote about how quickly leadership aligned behind that repeal, and what previous testimony revealed about the trust costs of regulating ahead of landowners. This week, the committee began the harder work of writing what comes next. By Friday, the House Committee on Environment was already on its second draft amendment to S.325. The committee made good on the promise from Chair Sheldon and Speaker Krowinski. Sections 19 and 21 of Act 181, the Road Rule and Tier 3, are deleted outright. The Tier 3 rulemaking is repealed. So is the Tier 2 Area report.

Vermont Business Magazine As 98.9 WOKO and Golisano Children’s Hospital at UVM Health prepare to celebrate more than two decades of impact through Big Change Roundup for Kids (BCRU), donors who rally around the annual campaign and programs supported by funding through community donations are in the spotlight. Each year, thousands of donors, volunteers, local businesses and community groups contribute and help ensure children and families across Vermont and northern New York have access to high quality, child-friendly and family-centered care.

Vermont Business Magazine The Arbors at Shelburne, a Benchmark Mind & Memory Care and residential care community, has been recognized as one of the best senior living communities in both Vermont and the nation, earning top honors in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Senior Living ratings. The Arbors at Shelburne achieved "Best" status by earning the highest possible rating in Memory Care. Survey responses highlighted outstanding performance in key areas including safety, quality of care, community leadership, staff, value and overall resident experience. Selected from more than 100 communities statewide, The Arbors distinguished itself through exceptional feedback from residents and their families.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health has reported have COVID-19 hospitalizations remain at a very low level amd fell slightly last week. They are at a similar level to the negligible level seen last summer. There were no measles cases after one reported in Vermont in February in Washington County and the rate nationally is low. While there was no measles virus detected recently, RSV, Influenza B and Norovirus remained elevated at all the Vermont wastewater testing sites, as they are across the US.