Current News

VermontBiz The Vermont Department of Mental Health is proud to announce the launch of a new website designed to assist individuals and families affected by problem gambling. The new site, VTGamblingHelp.org, serves as a valuable resource for those seeking immediate assistance and support for problems related to gambling, as well as those looking to promote healthy and responsible gaming behaviors. 

 VermontBiz U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today joined the Champlain Housing Trust (CHT), local leaders and organizations in celebrating the groundbreaking of the Bay Ridge neighborhood project, which will provide 94 new permanently affordable homes including 68 affordable apartments for rent developed by the CHT. Sen. Welch nominated and secured federal funding for the project through the FY24 Congressional Directed Spending (CDS) process. 

VermontBiz The community showed strong support for UVM Health Network – Home Health & Hospice at its annual Jiggety Jog 5K fundraiser last month, helping to beat the goal and raise over $128,000 to ensure more community members receive high-quality, compassionate end-of-life care from highly skilled practitioners.

This annual fundraising event is the single largest fundraiser for the McClure Miller Respite House, Vermont’s only Medicare-certified inpatient hospice residence. Every dollar raised goes directly toward providing services for neighbors at end-of-life, regardless of their ability to pay.

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.