Current News

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health reported last week that the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations fell slightly after a recent increase in cases that began in August. Neither the VDH nor the CDC are reporting COVID fatalities and total cases in Vermont or in the US any longer. WastewaterSCAN testing of treatment plants indicates that in Vermont both COVID-19 and Norovirus levels are higher in Vermont than they are nationally. Meanwhile in Vermont, there were 5 outbreaks last week (7 the week before), with 5 in Long-Term Care Facilities and 0 in schools. 

Vermont Business Magazine A new series of workshops will give cannabis license applicants the business, compliance, and cultivation skills they need to succeed in Vermont’s regulated cannabis marketplace. These short-term courses, created in partnership between VTSU, the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) and the Vermont Cannabis Control Board (CCB) will be held December 5-6 on the VTSU Johnson campus. 

Vermont Business Magazine That’s the message behind a new statewide video campaign from Vermont’s mental health agencies, encouraging people to connect with Mobile Crisis teams before their struggles become full-blown crises. The campaign features five short, easy-to-share videos that show what actually happens when someone calls or texts for help—and how Mobile Crisis responders can meet you in the moment, wherever you are. When life feels overwhelming, support should be easy to find. That’s why Health Care and Rehabilitation Services (HCRS), is partnering with designated mental health agencies across Vermont to raise awareness of Mobile Crisis services, available 24/7 for anyone experiencing mental health or substance use-related challenges.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Association for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery (VAMHAR) has partnered with The New Trade Program (NTP), a groundbreaking workforce development initiative founded by Salim Holder. This collaboration represents a bold commitment to workforce development that is deeply grounded in equity, mental wellness, and social impact. At the heart of this partnership is a shared belief: that recovery and purpose go hand in hand - and that meaningful work can be a powerful catalyst for healing, dignity, and systemic change. Salim Holder’s journey from the high-powered world of corporate marketing to launching NTP is a story of transformation. After witnessing the barriers many face in accessing meaningful employment and the ripple effects on families and neighborhoods, Holder shifted his focus from selling products to building futures. 

Vermont Business Magazine Schools play a critical role in creating a healthier school environment by improving indoor air quality, reducing triggers and training staff to help students manage their symptoms. The Health Department is recognizing 30 schools as “Asthma-Friendly” for 2024-2025 and encouraging all schools to learn more about how they can take steps to become asthma-friendly. More than 30 people were also recognized as Asthma Champions for helping their schools reach medal-level recognition, including nurses, facilities/grounds directors, administrative assistants and district-level nurse leaders. 

Vermont Business Magazine October is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month, designed to inform the public about warning signs, risk factors, and what to do in a cardiac emergency. During this month, the American Red Cross encourages everyone to enroll in a CPR and AED course so they can learn how to help save a life when someone goes into cardiac arrest and minutes matter. Each year, more than 350,000 people experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the U.S. and about 90% of them die. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating normally because of abnormal electrical activity. Every second counts, so it’s important for people to be trained in knowing how to perform CPR and use an AED. Immediate CPR delivered by a bystander can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival. More than 70% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen in the home.

Vermont Business Magazine The Attorney General’s Office today announced that Michael Dubois, 37, of Proctor, Vermont, was sentenced in Vermont Superior Court, Rutland Criminal Division, after pleading guilty to one misdemeanor count of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material. The Court, Judge Cortland Corsones presiding, sentenced the defendant to one to two years in prison, all suspended under a 10-year term of probation. Conditions of Dubois’ probation include mandatory completion of sex offender programming, no contact with children under 16, and restricted access to electronic devices and the internet. If Dubois violates the terms of his probation, he faces up to two years in prison. Dubois is also required to register as a sex offender until 10 years have passed since the completion of his sentence. 

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott and the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) today announced $2,783,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding and $770,760 in Recovery Housing Program (RHP) funding to benefit 11 projects in 11 different communities. Projects include the creation of 36 new affordable housing units at Riggs Meadow, part of the Windy Ridge neighborhood development in Hinesburg; renovating eleven units of affordable housing in Fairlee, bringing online the community’s first affordable housing project; and the creation of a vibrant, community-owned, local and healthy foods-focused grocery retail store in St. Johnsbury.  

Vermont Business Magazine Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) today released a statement on the release of the 20 remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas and the almost 2,000 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. Today, we welcome the long-overdue release of the 20 remaining Israelis held by Hamas and the freeing of almost 2,000 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. Hopefully, the ceasefire will hold, and the people of the region will find a lasting peace.

Vermont Business Magazine VTGOP Chairman Paul Dame today announced the list of 20 legislator endorsements from across six counties in the first round of endorsements. In Vermont the State Party elects its party officers in the odd numbered years in a process outlined in State Statute. Democrats and Progressives are going through the same process now. The election for Republican State Chair will be on November 8 at a meeting in Burlington. Each county chooses delegates to send to a state convention in October, and in November those delegates will elect a chair and other officers that serve for a 2-year term. 

Vermont Business Magazine Attorney General Charity Clark announced a settlement with Angi, formerly known as Angi’s List, over concerns about misleading marketing on its online platform, which connects consumers with more than 300 Vermont contractors or service professionals. Prior to 2025, Angi advertised participating Vermont residential contractors on its platform as “certified pros.” Vermont, however, does not have a “certification” process for contractors, and instead requires registration only under Title 26. Angi itself does not have a certification process and cannot confer, or vouch for, credentials of contractors using its platform. To resolve the state’s concerns, Angi has agreed to stop using the marketing term “Angi Certified Pro” and to pay the state a penalty of $100,000. 

Vermont Business Magazine Average gasoline prices in Vermont are $3.15/g, up 0.6 cents per gallon from last week's $3.15/g. The lowest price in the state yesterday was $2.83/g while the highest was $4.20/g, a difference of $1.37/g. The national average price of gasoline has fallen 6.4 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.02/g today. The national average is down 13.7 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 14.4 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.