Current News

VermontBiz The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on June 28, 2024, Clair Deslandes, 65, of Island Pond, Vermont, was sentenced by United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 30 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Deslandes previously pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base pursuant to a plea agreement with the United States.

VermontBiz With nearly two centuries of service as a non-profit psychiatric hospital, the Brattleboro Retreat proudly launches its latest educational outreach initiative: the Unravelling podcast. Hosted by therapist Kurt White and journalist Mary Wilson, Unravelling seeks to enrich the conversation on mental health by delving into the often-overlooked complexities, providing a more nuanced perspective than typically found in public discourse.  

VermontBiz In 2.5 weeks, over 6,000 attendees will enjoy the 31st Vermont Brewers Festival at Waterfront Park from July 19th-20th. The festival is organized by the Vermont Brewers Association (VBA), who have organized the extensively successful Vermont Brewers Festival since 1991. This year will feature 32 Vermont Breweries, 11 out-of-state and Canadian Breweries with over 200 beers to try over the two-day festival, many of which are collaboration and festival exclusive beers!

Excited to hear some of the unique beers that you will only find at this event? Switchback’s employee-led venture, Askew Beer partnered with Terry from Prohibition Pig to brew Secret Handshake, a traditional German-style Kolsch that packs a big grapefruit punch.

VermontBiz The Attorney General’s Office announced that David Green, 24, of South Burlington, Vermont, was sentenced today in Vermont Superior Court, Chittenden Criminal Division, after pleading guilty to one misdemeanor count of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials.

The Court, Judge Navah Spero presiding, sentenced the defendant by agreement to 1 to 2 years in jail, all suspended, with a four-year term of probation with conditions that they complete sex offender treatment, restrict access to pornography, limit internet usage, and require that any contact with minors be supervised and pre-approved. If they violate the terms of their probation, they could face up to two years in jail. Mr. Green is also required to register as a sex offender for 10 years after the completion of probation.

VermontBiz Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL), member of the House Judiciary Committee, released the following statement in response to today’s Supreme Court ruling, granting former President Trump immunity for plotting to subvert the 2020 election: 

“Today, the Supreme Court delivered another shocking blow to our democracy. This dangerous, disgraceful ruling allows Presidents to act like dictators with no consequence. Our democracy is built on the idea that no one is above the law. However, today, the Supreme Court dismantled that principle.

VermontBiz Governor Phil Scott has proclaimed July as Lakes Appreciation Month in Vermont. Lakes and ponds are among Vermont’s most valuable natural resources. They offer countless benefits from drinking water and recreation to crucial fish and wildlife habitat. The Governor’s proclamation stresses the importance of the state’s 800-plus lakes and ponds for this and future generations.

VermontBiz Fidium Fiber is expanding service of its all-fiber internet network to more than 3,600 homes and businesses in Castleton, Chittenden, Fair Haven, Pittsford, Poultney, Wells, West Haven and West Pawlet. Construction is scheduled to begin as soon as July 8. Through fiber expansion in these and other local communities, thousands of residents and business owners will have access to Fidium’s multi-gig speed fiber internet service.

VermontBiz On June 28, H.55 became law, authorizing Treasurer Pieciak to establish a Vermont Baby Bonds Trust Program and develop a pilot program. The pilot program will provide funds to a subset of young Vermonters born into poverty; their use limited to wealth-building activities like purchasing a home in Vermont, starting or investing in a local business, pursuing higher education or job training, and saving for retirement. The program will enable Treasurer Pieciak to evaluate the potential impact and operational needs of a fully funded statewide Baby Bonds program.  

VermontBiz Today the U.S. Supreme Court released its decision in Donald Trump’s immunity case. Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) released the following statement: 

“This activist Supreme Court has unconscionably allowed Donald Trump to evade criminal liability, a move that all but ensures he will never face justice for his attempts to subvert our democracy. It defies logic and our nation’s democratic principle that no person is above the law. Today the Supreme Court stood up for a political figure rather than the rule of law. 

VermontBiz GlobalFoundries (Nasdaq: GFS)(GF) today announced that it has acquired Tagore Technology’s proprietary and production proven Power Gallium Nitride (GaN) IP portfolio, a high-power density solution designed to push the boundaries of efficiency and performance in a wide range of power applications in automotive, internet of things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) datacenter. As the digital world continues to evolve with technologies like Generative AI, GaN stands out as a pivotal solution for sustainable and efficient power management particularly in datacenters.

VermontBiz Dairy processors across the Northeast United States can now apply for the Dairy Processor Modernization Grant through the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC).  With a total of $1.2 million in funding, this grant will fund specialized equipment to help processors expand capacity, increase efficiencies, and improve packaging.

VermontBiz Vermont Federal Credit Union has been proudly featured on Forbes' Best-In-State Credit Unions 2024 list. Earning recognition from Forbes for five out of the past six years speaks volumes about Vermont Federal's unwavering commitment and dedication to delivering top-notch financial solutions for members. Each year, only about five percent of credit unions nationwide earn this prestigious recognition.