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Vermont Business Magazine Access to adequate mental health support and food will result in a healthier, more resilient Vermont. A 2021 study found hunger is associated with 257% higher risk of anxiety and a 253% higher risk of depression. Life during COVID-19 has only exacerbated these issues and made them even harder to manage. Since the pandemic began, 1 in 3 people have experienced hunger, and many also face unemployment and financial hardship. Hunger Free Vermont and COVID Support VT want you to know that there are a number of free resources available to help you put food on the table — and support your mental health.

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Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health is reporting today that COVID-19 cases fell to nearly half what they were yesterday, from 265 Sunday to 140 today. Cases spiked last Thursday to their fourth highest number on record. The four worst days for cases have all come since mid-September, as the Delta variant has taken over since early July. There has also been some uneven reporting of cases, resulting in peaks and troughs. However, there have been no COVID-related deaths reported since last Thursday.

by Mike Donoghue, Correspondent, Vermont Business Magazine The State of Vermont continues to battle with lawyers representing either EB-5 investors or criminal defendants over whether authorities were immediately transparent to the general public after learning about the multi-million fraud perpetuated in the Northeast Kingdom by Ariel Quiros, William Stenger and friends. Financial Regulation Commissioner Michael Pieciak said he rejects the separate feet-dragging claims made recently by Stenger’s criminal defense team and by a Stowe law firm that has filed a couple of civil lawsuits on behalf of defrauded investors.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Cannabis Equity Coalition has recently submitted its sweeping recommendations to the Cannabis Control Board (CCB) for its public rulemaking process, and in support of a cannabis economy in Vermont which is racially just, economically equitable, agriculturally accessible, and environmentally sound. They hope the CCB prioritizes the voices of Black, Brown and poor communities, individuals and communities disproportionately impacted by the criminalization of cannabis, as well as small businesses, legacy growers and cultivators, patients, nurses, caregivers, and small farmers.

Vermont Business Magazine October 28th is national Lights on Afterschool day. Launched in October 2000, Lights On Afterschool is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their vital role in the lives of children, youth, families, and communities. On October 29th, Governor Phil Scott will announce important steps the State of Vermont is taking to “turn the lights on” for universal afterschool in Vermont.

Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food & Markets In addition to apple picking, cider donuts and foliage tours, fall is prime time for food and agriculture conferences. Several important regional conferences are just around the corner, and with all of them being held virtually, they're more accessible than ever.

by Joyce Marcel, Vermont Business Magazine There's a natural tendency for people to want to get together, whether it's for business or play or family. That's why it's not surprising that of all the economic sectors badly hammered by COVID, the travel and hospitality industries took the worst hit. Business travel — including corporate, group and government — is the hotel industry’s largest source of revenue. And according to a report issued last month by the American Hotel & Lodging Association and Kalibri Labs, “The hotel industry is projected to end 2021 down more than $59 billion in business travel revenue compared to 2019... That comes after losing nearly $49 billion in business travel revenue in 2020.”

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health is reporting today that COVID-19 cases were largely unchanged from the last few days, with 265 cases (up 13). They remain at a relatively high level. Cases spiked last Thursday to their fourth highest number on record after four straight days in which cases fell. The VDH also today reported no additional deaths, holding at 351 statewide. There are 41 people hospitalized (down one) with 10 in the ICU (down two). Hospitalizations are high but have been stable.

Vermont Business Magazine BHAKTA Spirits, the luxury spirits brand founded by visionary entrepreneur Raj Peter Bhakta—progenitor of the renowned rye whiskey brand WhistlePig—has announced the results of a head-turning auction sale of a rare and exquisite collection of twelve of its globally-sought-after, single vintage BHAKTA Armagnacs. The final hammer price tripled the expected valuation, causing such excitement that the auctioneer asked Mr. Bhakta himself to address the audience.

Vermont Business Magazine Eight Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) F-35 jets will arrive at the 158th Fighter Wing on Monday, October 25 and depart on Wednesday, October 27.

Vermont Business Magazine NASA has awarded $28 million to fund the next five years of research infrastructure development across 28 jurisdictions. The Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), a part of NASA's Office of Stem Engagement and based out of the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, supports science and technology research and development at colleges and universities while also funding studies in Earth science, aeronautics, and human and robotic deep space exploration – all of which are disciplines critical to the NASA mission. The EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Development award further strengthens long-term research capabilities by pledging $200,000 a year to each of the 28 jurisdictions for the next half decade.