Current News

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Vermont weekly unemployment claims for the week ending June 14, 2025, fell back close to 300, to a level similar to much of the spring. New claims this week were 305, down 45 claims from the week before and up 49 from last year at this time. Claims, which are lowest in the summer, were 181 at the end of September 2024. For the week, Vermont total unemployment insurance claims were 2,736 (down 32 for the week and up 456 from this time last year). The Vermont Unemployment Trust Fund is well capitalized. As of the most recent data, there was $325.6 million in the Trust Fund, up about $35 million from the previous week. The pre-pandemic Trust Fund balance on March 1, 2020, was $506.2 million.

Vermont Business Magazine The bill, Act 68 (S.126), proposes to enact certain health care payment and delivery system reforms to achieve transformation of and structural changes to Vermont’s health care system. The bill would appropriate $4.2 million to the Agency of Human Services (AHS) and $1.2 million to the Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB). The bill would also: • Direct GMCB to implement reference-based pricing for hospitals; • Allow GMCB to implement reference-based pricing for services delivered outside a hospital; • Allow GMCB to review and evaluate the structure of a hospital network, investigate the financial operations of a hospital network, and recommend corrective actions it deems necessary

Vermont Business Magazine Attorney General Charity Clark today filed an amicus brief along with 21 other attorneys general in support of two lawsuits brought by National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) that seek to block proposed funding cuts to their organizations and local affiliates. At issue in the case is an executive order signed by President Trump on May 1 directing the board of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and executive branch agencies to end federal funding for NPR and PBS. On May 27, NPR and three Colorado public radio stations—Colorado Public Radio, Aspen Public Radio, and tribal-serving KSUT in southwestern Colorado—sued to block the proposed cuts. PBS and a Minnesota-based affiliate filed a separate lawsuit on May 30. 

Vermont Business Magazine With temperatures expected to rise above 90 degrees Fahrenheit on Sunday 6/22, Monday 6/23, Tuesday 6/24, the heat index will meet the threshold for cooling centers to be activated by the City of Burlington.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont River Conservancy (VRC), in partnership with the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), have successfully closed the LeBlanc River Corridor Easement and the Gilman River Corridor Easement. Closing the LeBlanc River Corridor Easement in Troy is a significant achievement and ensures the permanent protection of land along the Missisquoi River, the VRC and DEC said in a statement. Meanwhile, closing the Gilman River Corridor Easement ensures the permanent protection of 22.5 acres of critical river corridor along Millers Run in Sheffield, Vermont. 

Vermont Business Magazine Kinney Drugs announced today that the Rite Aid drugstores in Brattleboro and Springfield will become part of the Kinney family the first full week in August. Kinney stated that its goal is to minimize any disruption to patient care and customer service during the transition. Rite Aid announced in May that it was closing all of its stores nationwide, including its last five in Vermont. With the additions of the locations at 49 Canal Street in Brattleboro and 55 Springfield Plaza Road in Springfield,  they will have 23 drugstores in the Green Mountain State.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) is encouraging members to conserve electricity on Monday evening June 23 as demand for electricity across New England is expected to spike because of high temperatures. Specifically, VEC asks members to conserve between 5-10 pm. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Afghan Alliance released the following statement from Executive Director Molly Gray, in recognition of World Refugee Day: “Today, June 20, 2025, marks World Refugee Day. Today, all of us at the Vermont Afghan Alliance recognize the strength and courage of those who have been forced to flee their home country because of conflict or persecution. Across Vermont, hundreds of resettled refugees contribute to Vermont’s economy, workforce and vibrancy. In particular, we want to recognize the more than 600 Afghan refugees across Vermont who had to flee Afghanistan because of their support for U.S. military and diplomatic missions."

Vermont Business Magazine Unseasonably hot temperatures are expected next week, with high temperatures forecast to rise over the weekend, reaching the upper 80s to mid 90s by Monday and Tuesday. High heat can increase the risk for dehydration, muscle cramps, headache, nausea, fainting, or even heat stroke, especially before our bodies are used to the change. In states with relatively cool climates like Vermont, older adults, people with disabilities and people managing chronic health conditions are often at the highest risk for severe heat illnesses, said Jared Ulmer, Climate and Health Program Manager with the Department of Health.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) is now accepting grant applications for the FY 2026 Mobility and Transportation Innovation (MTI) Grant Program. The program is designed to support innovative strategies and projects that improve mobility and access to services for transit-dependent Vermonters, reduce the use of single-occupancy vehicles, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to funds provided through the authorization of the Transportation Bill, this year’s program includes funding from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Carbon Reduction Program (CRP). These additional CRP funds will specifically support the expansion of travel demand management projects that encourage less carbon-intensive means of travel. 

The Vermont State Police is investigating a suspicious death in the Washington County town of Woodbury. The investigation began at about 3:30 p.m. Thursday, June 19, 2025, when police received a report that a body had been found at a roadside pull-off along Route 14. First responders arrived and confirmed the individual, a woman, was deceased. Investigators are treating the death as suspicious. No one is currently in custody. This investigation is in its preliminary phase and involves members of the Vermont State Police Major Crime Unit, Bureau of Criminal Investigations, Crime Scene Search Team, Field Force Division and Victim Services Unit.

Vermont Business Magazine The 2025 edition of Chambers USA, a leading directory of American lawyers and law firms, recognized eight Dinse attorneys in their practice areas. The new guide, released June 5, 2025, also recognizes the firm as among Vermont’s best in every category of practice. The firm’s Labor & Employment group was described as “distinguished.” One source states “The team is phenomenal, and I consider myself lucky to be working with them. They have up-to-date knowledge and are well connected.” The firm’s Litigation group received the highest possible ranking.