Current News

Vermont Business Magazine The Attorney General’s Office announced that Matthew Luzzatto, 49, of Colchester, Vermont, was sentenced yesterday in Vermont Superior Court, Chittenden Criminal Division, after pleading guilty to one misdemeanor count of possession of child sexual abuse material. The Court, David Fenster presiding, sentenced the defendant to one to two years all suspended to be served while on probation supervision until such time that the court orders otherwise. The judge also imposed probation conditions that restrict Mr. Luzzatto’s access to electronics, the internet and minor children. 

Vermont Business Magazine Breeze Airways, the premium leisure carrier offering affordable nonstop service across the U.S., today announced new nonstop service from Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport to Charleston, South Carolina, beginning May 30. Starting today, Burlington travelers can book summer seasonal flights to Charleston on Mondays and Fridays with fares from just $49* one-way. “The addition of Charleston marks another new milestone for Leahy BTV as we continue expanding connectivity for our passengers with direct access to yet another vibrant destination,” said Nic Longo, director of aviation at Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport. “With destinations now available across 14 states/districts, we are offering the most extensive network and highest quantity of destinations from Burlington!”

The Vermont State Police is investigating a missing-persons case in Bradford involving a 43-year-old man who was last seen in early January. Initial investigation suggested the disappearance of Corey Crooker was not suspicious, but further efforts by VSP have developed evidence that indicate the circumstances are potentially criminal in nature. As a part of the ongoing investigation, the Vermont State Police Crime Scene Search Team spent the day Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, carrying out a court-ordered search at a property on Old Post Road in Bradford. The on-scene investigation is planned to continue Wednesday, Feb. 5.

Vermont Business Magazine Rep. Becca Balint (D-Vermont) on Tuesday joined her colleagues, including Senate leadership and Ranking Member Raskin and others at the Treasury building to call out Musk’s hostile takeover of the US Treasury Department. Members of Congress demanded to speak to the Secretary and conduct oversight of the department but were denied entry. They said that President Trump has handed over the keys to the federal government and its checkbook to an unelected billionaire. He’s invading financial systems that hold all Americans’ addresses and personal information. This information is used to send out Social Security checks, Medicare reimbursements, and tax refunds–upwards of $5 trillion in transactions a year. 

Vermont Business Magazine Promoted as the “Biggest Business Night of the Year,” the Southwestern Vermont Chamber's 2025 Annual Membership Meeting took place on Friday, January 31, 2025, at the Kimpton Taconic in Manchester, Vermont. This year's event highlighted the Chamber’s Vision 2027, a forward-thinking initiative that aims to cultivate a vibrant regional economy driven by innovation and collaboration where commerce thrives in harmony with the stunning natural landscapes and welcoming, diverse communities.

Northeastern Vermont Development Association The Department of Housing & Community Development and other state entities, engaged extensively with stakeholders and focus groups to gather ideas and suggestions for increasing affordable housing in and around state designated centers. The report outlines actionable recommendations to expand the housing supply, including updates to Act 250, increased funding for housing programs, infrastructure, the modernization of local bylaws, improving the appeals process, and exploring tax policy changes. 

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Federal Credit Union is proud to partner once again with the National Guard Association of Vermont to support students from military backgrounds. Together, they are awarding $1,000 scholarships to four Vermont students: Colby Galipeau of Charlotte, VT will be attending Gordon College; Connor McNeil  of Oswego, NY will be attending Syracuse University; Abigail Gagnon of Shelburne, VT will be attending the University of Vermont; and Lily Korczykowski of Richmond, VT will be attending the College of Charleston. Students were selected from applicants who have served, or have a family member who has served in the Vermont National Guard. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on January 2, 2025, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Cedric Wormely, 58, of Birmingham, Alabama, with ten counts of wire fraud in connection with an alleged romance fraud scheme. Wormely had been previously charged by criminal complaint in September 2024. Wormely entered a plea of not guilty during an arraignment on February 3, 2025, before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. Judge Doyle ordered that Wormely be detained during the pendency of this matter.

Vermont Business Magazine In the Senate Finance Committee today, Vermont Senators Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch voted against advancing Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to be the next Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Mr. Kennedy would be tasked with leading HHS’ ten public health service agencies and three human services agencies. “I want a disrupter in the health care system, and the one leading it. I don’t want a destroyer.”

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott has directed his Administration to take a disciplined and measured approach to any major proposals coming from Washington, D.C. In last week’s meeting of the Governor’s Cabinet, Scott asked his team to remain disciplined, thoughtful and factual when evaluating and responding to changes in federal policy. This includes taking time to fully assess each proposal and distinguish between what is rhetoric, and what is real, in terms of impacts to Vermont. The governor noted that while there will be areas of disagreement, there may also be policy positions which could be beneficial to Vermont.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living and the Department of Health have released a report on progress made by Age Strong Vermont, the state’s dedicated effort to provide all people who live in Vermont the opportunity to thrive as they age. Age Strong VT serves as a roadmap for building a state that works for Vermonters across their lifespan. The goal of Age Strong VT is to ensure all Vermonters can look forward to enjoying a secure retirement, good health, access to housing and transportation, connection to community, and more in later life. The Age Strong VT Year 1 Highlights Report outlines progress made since the launch of the plan in 2024, and calls attention to key goals related to affordability, healthcare, housing and beyond. 

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health reported last week that the number of COVID-19 cases, deaths and hospitalizations were fairly stable after a spiking a few weeks ago to their highest levels since early November. There were 4 fatalities since the previous week's report, which reported only 1 death. Hospitalizations held at just over 10 after being at their highest levels since October. Outbreaks increased slightly. Wastewater testing continues to show higher levels than in the fall, especially in Burlington and Montpelier. Outbreaks at long-term care facilities and schools increased slightly. Vermont has the second lowest state fatality rate in the US (144.4 per 100K; Hawaii 112.5/100K). Mississippi (461.3/100K) and Oklahoma (456.2/100K) have the highest rates. The US average is 305.1/100K (CDC data).