Current News

by Congressman Peter Welch One year ago, on January 6, the US Capitol – the symbol of the democracy we all cherish – was attacked by a mob intent on overturning the decision of American voters to elect Joseph Biden as our 46th President. The mob came within seconds of capturing Vice President Mike Pence to stop him from doing his constitutional duty of certifying election results. It invaded the US Senate and desecrated symbols of American democracy. The mob then attacked the House Chamber, shattered windows, and attempted to batter down the barricaded doors.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today reported 887 new cases of COVID-19 for Tuesday, while this is half of the record, it is still historically high. The record of 1,727 cases of COVID-19 was set on Monday. The VDH also today reported two more COVID-related fatalities for 482 statewide. With case counts now elevated, the positivity rate has increased to a record high 12.6 percent.

Vermont Business Magazine Join the Vermont Department of Labor on Thursday, January 6 at noon for a discussion on unemployment insurance and the impact of employer COVID-19 vaccine mandates on eligibility for workers.

​Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Corrections detected four new incarcerated cases of COVID-19 during intake quarantine at four different facilities: Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility (MVRCF) in Rutland, Northwest State Correctional Facility (NWSCF) in St. Albans, Northern State Correctional Facility (NSCF) in Newport, and Southern State Correctional Facility (SSCF) in Springfield.

by Andrew Garland Vermont is proposing to expand enrollment of health insurance to allow low-income Vermonters’ access to new plans year-round. Blue Cross supports expanding the special enrollment period to support low-income families and reach more definitively toward health equity.

Vermont Business Magazine Former champion quarterback Drew Brees—now a studio analyst for NBC Sports and prolific businessman and investor—shares his insights about leadership and success in this episode of 21st Century Business Forum.

During his athletic career, he amassed an unprecedented collection of records, milestones and accolades—both on and off the field—during a 20-year NFL career as quarterback with the New Orleans Saints and San Diego Chargers. He led the Saints to victory in Super Bowl XLIV and was named the game’s MVP.

Vermont Business Magazine Today, House Speaker Jill Krowinski gaveled in the start of the second year of the biennium and issued the following statement on the priorities for the legislative session: “Today, we gaveled in to start the 2022 legislative session and continue the work after last year’s momentous session. Unfortunately, with COVID case counts at record highs, we are beginning legislative work remotely, which I know is disappointing to many. We will continue to monitor the spread of COVID-19 in Vermont, and hear from health and science experts on how we can best return to the State House safely. However, that will not deter us from doing the important work that Vermonters in all 14 counties are counting on in order to recover from this pandemic and build more resilient, equitable communities across the state."

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today reported another new record of 1,727 cases of COVID-19 on Monday. The record for cases was broken three times last week. However, there were no new COVID-related fatalities Monday, which held at 480 statewide. The VDH is urging eligible Vermonters to get vaccinated and boosted to reduce the chances of a serious health outcome.

Vermont Department of Economic Development Join the Vermont Department of Labor on Thursday, January 6 at noon for a discussion on unemployment insurance and the impact of employer COVID-19 vaccine mandates on eligibility for workers. Also, the Vermont Department of Health (VDH) recently adopted updated COVID-19 guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control including shorter isolation and quarantine periods.

Vermont Business Magazine According to a National Center for Health Statistics report released the last week of 2021 using official annual mortality data, 91,799 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2020 (to 28.3 per 100,000 people). This is an astounding 31 percent increase over the 2019 rate and the largest year-over-year rate increase on record. Vermont fatalities increased by 38 percent from 133 in 2019 to 190 in 2020 (32.9 per 100,000 people). Additional data suggests that 2021 drug overdose deaths continued to increase, underscoring the negative impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the health and well-being of Americans.

Vermont Business Magazine The Special Needs Support Center (SNSC), based in White river Junction, has received a $10,000 grant from Doug Flutie Jr Foundation for Autism. The grant will help SNSC continue to create a community where people with special needs, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, can live their best lives.

​Gifford Health Care By now, we’re made our 2022 New Year’s Resolutions and there’s a pretty good chance improving fitness or losing weight is on that list. According to a YouGov poll, 98% of people made improving fitness or losing weight a resolution heading into 2021. But those resolutions don’t always stick throughout the year. Gifford Physical Therapist, Troy Stratton says there’s a couple of reasons that come into play when talking about the longevity of resolutions.