Current News

by Jules Older, Vermont Business Magazine If you've read this column over the years, you're aware of three things: I never write about a product I haven't tested; I love well-made products; I love a bargain. I also love to write about little-known products that come from small companies. So, if you told me I'd be writing about — praising — products from K-Mart and Sam’s Club, I'd have suggested you stop taking drugs. But there it is. My first item today comes from, yes, K-Mart. The second is from a chain I've never entered, much less joined, Sam’s Club.

Vermont Business Magazine Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) today delivered remarks on the floor of the Senate regarding the government shutdown. "M. President: We are now in the 38th day of a government shutdown. That means that federal employees all over this country who have to feed their families are not getting paychecks. It means that air traffic controllers are forced to work crazy hours, and we worry about the safety of our flights right now. We worry about Capitol Police officers right here in D.C. who are having a hard time feeding their families. These are hardworking people who are doing important work. They deserve respect. They deserve to be paid. This shutdown must end as quickly as possible. And on top of the fact that we have hundreds of thousands of workers not getting paid, we now have a president who — for the first time in the history of this country — is willing to allow our kids, low-income, working-class children, to go hungry in order to try to make a political point. A point, by the way, that the American people are seeing through."

Vermont Business Magazine VermontBiz owners Timothy McQuiston and John Boutin have announced a significant leadership change at VermontBiz, appointing long-time employee Katie Kittell as its first female publisher. Kittell joined VermontBiz in 2011 as production manager and was soon promoted to Art Director. Kittell has been the creative force behind the publication’s consistent visual presentation. She has designed and produced every monthly issue, ensuring quality and cohesion month after month. Beyond the regular magazine, her design responsibilities have extended to VermontBiz’s annual publications, including the Vermont Business Directory, The Book of Lists, The Giving Guide, and Profiles in Business. 

Vermont Business Magazine U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont) today joined U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) in reintroducing the Farm to School Act, bipartisan legislation to get more fresh, locally grown foods in schools across the nation by expanding and investing in the Farm to School Program. The Senators’ legislation would increase annual funding for the program, reduce barriers to applying for Farm to School Program grants, and support initiatives that deliver fresh, local foods to schools nationwide.  

Vermont Business Magazine U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, today joined U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), U.S. Representative Maxine Dexter (D-OR-03), and 57 congressional Democrats in introducing the Restoring Access to Detainees Act, bicameral legislation to ensure the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) allows noncitizens who have been detained to contact their legal counsel and families.  

Vermont Business Magazine Today, Treasurer Pieciak confirmed that his office successfully sent payments ensuring recipients of 3SquaresVT, Vermont's version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), will receive their benefits today despite the ongoing federal shutdown. Approximately 67,000 Vermonters are enrolled in SNAP, and most participants access their benefits via EBT card. Funds were loaded to EBT cards this morning. Earlier today, the Trump Administration asked the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to issue an emergency stay of a U.S. District Court ruling ordering the federal Administration to fully fund SNAP. However, the administration subsequently said it would release full November SNAP benefits as the legal case plays out.

Vermont Business Magazine Clinicians across Vermont and northern New York hope to expand lung cancer screening efforts this year, with a focus on screening more patients at high risk for lung cancer who aren’t experiencing symptoms. The region-wide push to expand lung cancer screening is happening during this year’s National Lung Cancer Screening Day, which takes place Saturday, November 8, at participating clinical sites throughout Vermont, northern New York and New Hampshire.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont-based optical engineering firm 89 North has announced the launch of its latest product line, the LDI-G2 Series, marking another milestone in the state’s growing reputation for bio-sciences innovation and advanced manufacturing. The new laser diode illumination systems, developed and manufactured in Williston, set a new standard for performance and precision in life-science research worldwide. The LDI-G2 Series represents the next generation of 89 North’s flagship Laser Diode Illuminator platform, providing researchers with higher power density, exceptional illumination stability, and more efficient light delivery for cutting-edge imaging applications. The launch coincides with the firm’s exhibition at Society for Neuroscience 2025 (SfN), the largest scientific meeting in the field of brain research.

Vermont Business Magazine National Life Group has announced a strategic partnership with Homethrive, a leading caregiving support solution. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health estimates there are 63 million caregivers in the U.S.1 This collaboration aims to provide meaningful relief and resources to families and individuals across a spectrum of caregiving situations, including elder care, disabilities, neurodivergence, and chronic conditions. As part of the partnership, Homethrive’s services will be automatically included with all new eligible 2025 National Life Group FlexLife Indexed Universal Life (IUL) policies at no additional cost to policyholders. 

Vermont Business Magazine Ledyard Bank, with a branch in Norwich, Vermont, is supporting the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund with a $20,000 donation made through the purchase of tax credits awarded to them by the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA). New Hampshire is currently facing a housing crisis, with an estimated need for nearly 60,000 new housing units by 2030. Of those, only 40,000 are projected to be available for purchase. 

Vermont Business Magazine With cooler weather settling in and the holidays draw near, Manchester retailers invite shoppers to get a head start on their holiday gift lists during the annual Shop Early & Save Weekend, happening November 7–9, 2025. This annual event encourages visitors and locals alike to shop early, save big, and reclaim their December — freeing up more time to relax, celebrate, and make memories with family and friends instead of stressing over last-minute shopping. Nestled in the heart of Southern Vermont, Manchester offers a charming mix of boutique shops, Vermont-made products, art and artisan galleries, and designer outlets, ensuring something special for everyone on your list—from cozy winter wear and handcrafted jewelry to gourmet foods and home décor. Throughout the weekend, participating retailers will feature special discounts of up to 60%, “buy more, save more” deals, spin-to-win experiences, and other exclusive in-store offers.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department issued 180 moose hunting permits this year, resulting in 68 moose harvested between the October 1-7 archery season and the October 18-23 regular season.  Moose hunting was only allowed in Wildlife Management Unit E, in northeastern Vermont. Moose management goals were informed by years of monitoring data and extensive research on moose and winter ticks from the northeastern U.S. and Canada. Vermont research has shown that chronic high winter tick loads have caused the health of moose in northeastern Vermont to be very poor.  Survival of adult moose remains relatively good, but birth rates are very low, and many calves do not survive their first winter.