Current News

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.

Vermont Business Magazine H.849, the Constitutional Accountability Act, passed into law yesterday. It is one of the first bills to clear the governor’s desk this year. The law allows individuals to sue government officials for monetary damages and other forms of relief if they violate a person’s federal constitutional rights. It represents one of the most powerful tools available for states to protect against unconstitutional actions by federal agents and was a top legislative priority for the ACLU of Vermont this year. 

Vermont Business Magazine The University of Vermont has announced the speakers for its 225th Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 16. UVM President Dr. Marlene Tromp will deliver the traditional address to the graduates as she presides over her first commencement since taking leadership of the university last summer.  Two-time Olympic medalist cross-country skier Ben Ogden will deliver a special guest address at the ceremony. A fourth-generation Vermonter, Ogden grew up in Landgrove, Vt. He graduated from UVM in 2022 with a degree in mechanical engineering. Ogden will be introduced by Interim Provost Linda Schadler, who was his academic advisor and dean of the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences during his time as a student at UVM.

Vermont Business Magazine Ballou Family Apothecary, a Vermont-crafted wellness brand dedicated to sustainable beauty, persistent wellness, and community investment, has announced a new partnership with Vermont Green Football Club for the 2026 season. The collaboration links Ballou’s commitment to direct childcare funding with Vermont Green FC’s mission-driven approach to sport, turning matchday support into a model where every purchase helps working Vermont families. Ballou Family Apothecary commits 10% of every purchase to affordable childcare initiatives for working Vermont parents. Vermont Green FC, the reigning USL League Two national champion, contributes 1% of its annual revenue to environmental causes.