Current News

by Bill Schubart Like many journalists, I tend to see societies through their “beats.” I divide social and economic drivers into specific areas of interest. I’ve organized my New Year’s wish list along these lines and will share my hopes for each in the New Year.

by Rep. Monique Priestley (D-Bradford) As Vermont enters a new legislative session, many legislators and members of the public have asked about the White House’s December 11 executive order targeting state-level artificial intelligence laws. Vermonters deserve to know that state leaders are paying close attention, are prepared, and are not backing down from our responsibility to protect people from real and growing technological harms. The executive order does not create new federal law, nor does it repeal existing state protections. What it does do is signal an aggressive attempt to intimidate states that are doing the work the federal government has repeatedly failed to do.

Northeastern Vermont Development Association The Vermont Council on Rural Development’s Climate Catalyst Innovation Fundsupports local innovative climate projects for which a small grant could have a meaningful impact at the community level. In this round, $60,500 in grants ranging from $500 to $4,000 were awarded to 17 local projects developing solutions that move Vermont closer to its climate and energy goals.

Vermont Business Magazine Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak announced that the City will open an extreme cold weather shelter in partnership with the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) at the Miller Center at 130 Gosse Court in response to the dangerously cold weather forecasted this week. After reviewing weather modeling in consultation with the City’s Emergency Management Director, officials have determined the forecasted temperature on Sunday, January 4th meets the City’s criteria for operation of an extreme cold weather shelter.    

Vermont Business Magazine Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak has announced the appointment of Lynn Reagan to serve as the next Director of Human Resources for the City of Burlington.  “I am pleased to appoint Lynn Reagan as the next Director of Human Resources,” said Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak. “Lynn has been a steady and capable leader in this City for many years, and she consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership, sound judgment, and a commitment to the well-being of city employees – even in difficult moments. Lynn’s dedication and ability to lead with integrity will undoubtedly continue to strengthen our organization as she steps into this permanent Director role.” 

The Vermont State Police is identifying the individuals involved in Thursday’s shooting at the Fox Run Inn in Ludlow. The man who was shot is Jaime Gomez, 18, who lived in a room at the inn. He is continuing to receive treatment for his injuries Friday, Jan. 2, 2025, at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire. The member of the Ludlow Police Department who shot Gomez is Chief Jeffrey Warfle.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Vermont weekly unemployment claims jumped last week and are at their usual and relatively high and volatile level for the end of holiday season. For the week ending December 27, 2025, the Vermont Department of Labor reports that new claims were 914. New claims were up 321 from the week before and are up 16 from last year at this time. Claims, which tend to be lowest in the summer, were 181 at the end of September 2024 and 186 last September. Claims tend to rise and fall around the holidays with temporary work hires and layoffs. The Vermont DOL also is reminding employers that beginning January 1, 2026, Vermont’s minimum wage will increase from $14.01 to $14.42 per hour - an increase of $0.41.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott and the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) today announced $1,000,203 in Municipal Planning Grants have been awarded to 47 municipalities, including one multi-town project. These grants will help communities throughout Vermont write and update town plans and bylaws, plan for public improvements, explore opportunities for new homes, and develop plans to make communities more resilient as they face more extreme weather.

Vermont Business Magazine Tim Ashe, the former state Senate pro tem and currently the state's deputy state auditor, announced today he will run for state auditor in the November General Election. State Auditor of Accounts Doug Hoffer, who was first elected in 2012, announced before the 2024 election that he would not seek reelection in 2026. "Today I am announcing my campaign for State Auditor. Vermonters deserve excellence from their state government. I intend to use the tools of the Auditor’s office to help make sure they get it, by ensuring taxpayer-funded departments and programs deliver results."

The Vermont State Police investigation Thursday morning’s shooting involving a member of the Ludlow Police Department is continuing Thursday night. Investigators continue to process the scene and have interviewed witnesses and reviewed video of the incident. The man who was shot has been transported to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, where he is receiving treatment. His current condition is stable.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Baruth, Representative Barbara Rachelson, Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak, Everytown for Gun Safety, GunSense VT, Giffords, and more. They are calling for the passage of S.131, a bill that would amend the charter of the City of Burlington to prohibit guns in bars. In March, this charter change was supported by 86.6% of Burlington Town Meeting Day voters, and S.131 passed the Vermont Senate on a vote of 17-12-1 in April. It has since resided in the House Committee on Government Operations.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced his appointment of Republicans Val Taylor to represent the Rutland-11 district in the House of Representatives and John Benson to represent the Orange District in the Senate. Taylor replaces Representative Jim Harrison who will be resigning effective January 6, and Benson replaces Larry Hart, who resigned in October. By tradition the governor appoints members of the same party to fill vacated seats in the Legislature.