The Vermont State Police has arrested a suspect on murder and other charges in connection with the November fatal shooting in Rutland of Jonathan Naranjo, 26, of Brooklyn, New York. Investigation by VSP following the Nov. 7 homicide identified the shooter as Trayvon Kisling, 18, of Staten Island, New York. Police obtained an arrest warrant for Kisling, and investigators learned earlier this month that Kisling was likely in Vermont. Shortly after noon Wednesday, March 15, 2023, the state police conducted an operation to arrest Kisling. He was located inside a vehicle at a Shell gas station and convenience store in Brandon and taken into custody by members of the Vermont State Police’s Tactical Services Unit. The operation was supported by members of the Vermont Drug Task Force; VSP’s Criminal Field Force divisions, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. No one was injured.

Vermont Business Magazine The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, chaired by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), will hold a hearing next Wednesday, March 22 at 10 a.m. ET entitled, “Taxpayers Paid Billions For It: So Why Would Moderna Consider Quadrupling the Price of the COVID Vaccine?” Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel – who became a billionaire during the pandemic after U.S. taxpayers gave his company billions of dollars to research, develop, and distribute its COVID-19 vaccine – has agreed to appear, and a panel of experts will also give testimony. Following the invitation for Bancel to testify and urging by Sanders for Moderna to refrain from more than quadrupling the price of its COVID-19 vaccine – to as much as $130 while it costs just $2.85 to manufacture – Moderna announced a new “patient assistance program” to provide free vaccines to uninsured Americans.

Vermont Business Magazine Age Well announced that it is joining the 21st annual March for Meals – a month-long, nationwide celebration of Meal on Wheels and our aging neighbors who rely on the vital service to remain health and independent at home. “Age Well is a lifeline for older adults in Northwestern Vermont and the need is rapidly increasing,” said Sara Wool, Director of Development. "Without Meals on Wheels, thousands of older adults in the Northwestern Vermont who are homebound or otherwise unable to provide for themselves would be at risk of hunger and malnutrition," Wool says. “Together, we can keep our older neighbors healthy and at home, where they want to be. Age Well’s Meals on Wheels program relies on generous support from community members, local businesses, organizations, and volunteers to provide this important service.”

Vermont Business Magazine National Life Group has launched a new program to honor first responders who are making a difference in the communities they serve beyond their public safety duty. Through the Do Good Heroes program, National Life’s network of community-based agents will recognize and reward local police and fire-rescue departments and individual personnel making a positive impact through participation in community service activities. National Life agents across the country, with help from community members, will identify fire-rescue or police departments and personnel at the municipal, county or state level deserving of recognition and nominate them for a Do Good Heroes award.

All nominees receive a public profile on DoGoodHeroes.net, an awards presentation event, local press release and recognition on social media. Each month, one nominee will receive a $1000 award to be donated to a nonprofit organization of their choice, and up to four additional nominees will receive a $500 award to donate.