Current News

by Jules Older Much — so much — has been published, televised, blogged and podcast about artificial intelligence, universally known as AI. Much of that deluge has focused on AI and the future of work. I've occasionally added to this downpour, e.g. my thoughts on AI and psychotherapy and illustration. The bulk of prognostication has focused on two themes: Will jobs be lost to AI and if so, which jobs? Will jobs be created by AI and if so, which jobs? 

Vermont Business Magazine An organization that traces its roots back to first lady Eleanor Roosevelt and her efforts to boost observances of Mother’s Day has honored a University of Vermont Medical Center nurse whose impact as a caregiver, mother and advocate embody the support, inspiration and mentorship of mothers nationwide. The recognition highlights Kathleen Lynch’s decades of community service, advocacy and efforts in support of inclusion and awareness around Down syndrome. She also received a commendation from the Vermont General Assembly, which in May passed House Concurrent Resolution 93 recognizing her decades of service to both her profession and her community. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Labor (VDOL) and the Vermont National Guard (VTNG) have formalized a new partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) under the PRIME Program, a statewide initiative designed to connect VTNG Service members and their families with meaningful civilian employment opportunities. The PRIME Program (Partnered Recruiting Initiative for Military and Employers) aims to improve recruitment and retention for the Vermont National Guard while simultaneously helping Vermont employers, including VDOL, fill critical workforce vacancies with qualified candidates.

Vermont Business Magazine U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vermont) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) this week introduced the bicameral 340B Pharmaceutical Access To Invest in Essential, Needed Treatments & Support (PATIENTS) Act, legislation that would protect the 340B drug pricing program and ensure patients—especially those in lower income and rural communities—can continue care with providers who utilize the program. U.S. Representative Doris Matsui (D-CA-07) has led companion legislation in the House of Representatives. 

Vermont Business Magazine Thanks to generous funding from Burlington law firm Paul Frank + Collins, United Way of Northwest Vermont’s Working Bridges program has launched a $10,000 Bridge Fund for Housing to support working Vermonters in finding and keeping housing in the Burlington area. United Way’s Working Bridges is an innovative program designed to improve job retention, stability and advancement by supporting employees with community resources. Using the workplace to connect with employees directly, Working Bridges resource coordinators help employees navigate life challenges impacting their ability to succeed at work.   

Vermont Business Magazine The who's who of Vermont's ski and snowboarding world will gather at Killington’s K1 Lodge on Saturday, October 18th to celebrate the Induction of the class of 2025 into the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame. The event, hosted by the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum, will also honor the recipients of the Paul Robbins Journalism Award, First Tracks Award, and the Bill McCollom Community Award. One of the highlights of the event will be the premier of short biographical films created for each inductee shown before their acceptance speeches.

Vermont Business Magazine U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont) this week introduced the Waste and Illegal Property Eradication (WIPE) Act and the Health Records Enhancement Act, bipartisan, bicameral bills that would improve, expand, and enhance protections for veterans under the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act in addition to eliminating burn pits to help prevent future toxic exposure cases. U.S. Representatives Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12) introduced companion legislation for both bills in the House. U.S. Representative Claudia Tenney (R-NY-24) is a cosponsor of the Health Records Enhancement Act in the House.  

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Construction Academy (VCA) officially launched its first Carpentry Boot Camp in July at its new training facility in Winooski. Led by Academy Manager and Instructor Ross Lavoie, the 25-day program offers hands-on training for students ages 17 and older who are ready to gain real-world skills and explore a future in the trades. This boot camp is the first of two 25-day programs planned for this year. Students not only gain essential carpentry experience but also earn valuable industry-recognized credentials. Graduates of the program will complete OSHA 10 and Lead RRP certifications and have the opportunity to earn NCCER Core credentials—foundational for careers in construction.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health reported last week that the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations remain under 5 cases statewide, after a spike last winter. Overall COVID trends are declining in Vermont and across the US. The Vermont COVID-19 pandemic death total stands at 1,300 as of July 12, 2025, with 0 reported death from the previous week. Wastewater testing indicates that COVID-19 virus levels in Vermont also fell to very low levels after they had spiked in January. 

Vermont Business Magazine This year’s National Life Group Do Good Fest welcomed a sold-out crowd to its Montpelier campus on Saturday, July 12, raising more than $214,400 to support the Vermont Foodbank in its mission to end childhood hunger. With an estimated 2 in 5 Vermonters facing food insecurity, the need for support is urgent. Thanks to the Foodbank’s efficiency, every dollar raised translates into four times its value in food and resources—bringing the total impact of this year’s event to over $840,000 in community support.

Vermont Business Magazine Rutland Regional Medical Center (RRMC) is the Region 2 Vermont Prevention Lead Organization (VPLO) and has announced the selection of the third-year grant awardees for VPLO funding. The Region 2 service area includes Addison and Rutland Counties. These sub-grants will enhance and expand prevention efforts throughout the region, in all substances and populations, from July 2025 to June 2026. 

Vermont Business Magazine A new treatment hub for opioid use disorder is now open in Bennington, marking a significant expansion to the state's network of services for people recovering from substance misuse. The site is operated by BayMark Health Services – known as BAART Programs in Vermont – which is North America’s largest provider of medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders. BAART Bennington began providing services in June and will celebrate a grand opening on July 23.