Current News

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.

VermontBiz Average gasoline prices in Burlington have risen 4.0 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.40/g today, according to GasBuddy's survey of 100 stations in Burlington. Prices in Burlington are 24.0 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 23.0 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has risen 1.4 cents in the last week and stands at $3.77 per gallon.

VermontBiz The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is asking for help with monitoring wild turkeys during July and August. 

Since 2007, the department has run an annual online survey in August for reporting turkey broods.  Beginning in 2021, the survey was expanded to include July.  The use of citizen scientists in this way facilitates the department’s ability to collect important turkey population and productivity data.

Vermont Agency of Transportation This weekly report is a list of planned construction activities that will impact traffic on state highways and interstates throughout Vermont for the week of July 1. Please remember to drive safely in all work zones. Lives depend on it.