The Vermont Attorney General won’t seek re-election.
Opioid settlement upped $1.2 billion
Vermont AG TJ Donovan and other AGs get another $1.2 billion out of Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family for their role in the opioid crisis. The Sacklers also must “express regret.” But the deal doesn’t send them to jail.
Facial recognition tech has AG Donovan concerned

AG Donovan has concerned about the Department of Homeland Security’s facial recognition tech.
Revoke Max Misch bail: Donovan

Attorney General TJ Donovan wants Max Misch’s bail revoked for “a clear pattern of conduct that jeopardizes the public safety.”
AG Donovan doesn’t join Keystone pipeline suit

Not surprisingly, Vermont is not among the 21 states suing Pres. Joe Biden in federal court for cancelling the Keystone XL pipeline project.
Mandatory mask critics rally for Newport store

About 50 people braved a Northeast Kingdom snowstorm yesterday to rally in support of embattled Newport print shop owner Mark Desautels’ stand against the state’s masking directive.
Former UPS store, sued by AG for no-mask policy, continues as independent

Despite being thrust into the spotlight over the last few days and having to end his franchise with UPS, store owner Michael Desautels is optimistic about the future of his business in downtown Newport.
State sues OneCare for hiding payroll

Attorney General T.J. Donovan has filed a lawsuit on behalf of State Auditor Doug Hoffer against OneCare Vermont after the accountable care organization breached its contract with the State by repeatedly refusing to provide accounting records to the State Auditor.
Donovan wants criminal investigation into Capitol riot, Trump involvement

Attorney General T.J. Donovan has requested that Acting U.S. Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen commence a criminal investigation into the activities of President Donald Trump and rioters in relation to the events occurring at the U.S. Capitol yesterday.
AG Donovan: fed defense of pro-life nurse “attack” on abortion, violates church/state separation

Significantly, HHS’s notice of alleged violation against UVM Medical Center continues to raise serious constitutional concerns as an attack against the long-established, fundamental right to access abortion services. It also presents serious constitutional issues in light of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which forms the principle of separation of church and state.