Current News

Vermont Business Magazine A range of new and strengthened services will make getting help easier as the Department of Mental Health (DMH) provides $4.6 million in federal funds to local mental health and other service agencies across the state. These funds are available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021.

Vermont Business Magazine What can any of us, especially college students, do to make an impact on climate change—a worldwide issue that grows more intense with every new hurricane and fire? "Radical Implications: Facing a Planetary Emergency," the 2021 Clifford Symposium at Middlebury College from September 23 to 25, will bring together a host of climate experts, as well as faculty and students, who will offer their perspectives on what roles we can take in the crisis that makes our planet increasingly turbulent. Events will include talks, panel discussions, a 350.org reunion, and other activities.

Vermont Business Magazine The President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site hosts singer and historian Linda Radtke on Saturday September 18 at 1:30 PM. Radtke, producer of the VPR Choral Hour on Vermont Public Radio, will present “From the Parlor to the Polling Place: Stories and Songs from the Suffragists.” Linda Radtke, in period garb and “Votes for Women” sash, celebrates the centennial of the passage of the 19th Amendment, highlighting the decades-long persistence of Vermonters, both women and men.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Art Council announces the 23 recipients of its most sought-after award, the Creation Grant, which supports Vermont artists in creating new work. Among this year’s winning proposals are works that span visual arts, literary arts, dance, music, film, and multidisciplinary fields, including a music video exploring unjust land ownership for African Americans; a nonfiction book tracing five generations beginning in Iran and ending in Vermont; a tintype photography series capturing Vermont women and aging; and several works exploring social justice themes.

Vermont Business Magazine In its annual college guide and rankings, Washington Monthly ranked Castleton University No. 28 in its list of "2021 Bachelor's Colleges." In its national list of bachelor's colleges, Washington Monthly ranks liberal arts colleges - four-year institutions that award almost exclusively bachelor's degrees - based on their contribution to the public good in three broad categories: social mobility, research, and promoting public service. Castleton is the 10th ranked public college on the list and the only Vermont college or university recognized in that category out of 244 public and private colleges across the country.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health is reporting 101 new cases of COVID-19 and another death, which now stand at 283 statewide. There are 30 people hospitalized and 7 in the ICU. Hospitalizations have remained relatively high but steady the last few weeks. The ICU numbers have dropped in recent days.

​Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott, the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, the City of Newport and the Northern Vermont Development Authority today announced the availability of Newport Development Fund (NDF) grant opportunities for projects, businesses, and organizations within the City of Newport. The NDF was established with the proceeds from the 2018 settlement agreement with Ariel Quiros, Sr to the State of Vermont.

Vermont Business Magazine Attorney General Donovan has joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general filing an amicus brief in Planned Parenthood South Atlantic v. Wilson arguing that South Carolina’s “fetal heartbeat” abortion regulations harm women’s healthcare as a whole, and that a lower court’s ruling blocking the law should be upheld. The coalition also argues that the impact of numerous states across the country enacting restrictive abortion laws, or eliminating access to abortions, harms healthcare nationwide.

Vermont Business Magazine Today, Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger, along with local leaders, merchants, and commissioners of the Church Street Marketplace, gathered in the Church Street Marketplace outside City Hall to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Marketplace and to announce upcoming festivities happening on Church Street. Festivities begin Friday, September 17, and include live performances, a movie night, activities for kids and families, and giveaways.

Vermont Business Magazine Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, along with Ranking Member Thom Tillis (R-NC), Thursday asked the Patent Office to address an issue that is a significant cause of soaring drug prices for Vermonters and all Americans. Drug companies sometimes try to artificially extend their monopolies on existing drugs by seeking a new patent for slight modifications of the drug, claiming to the Patent Office that these minor modifications are “inventions.”

Vermont Business Magazine US Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the department is investing $464 million to build or improve renewable energy infrastructure and to help rural communities, agricultural producers and businesses lower energy costs in 48 states and Puerto Rico. Five Vermont solar projects will get a total of $70,000.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets is releasing a new round of funding through the Capital Equipment Assistance Program for phosphorus removal equipment or technology and for general conservation equipment to be used on farms. The Capital Equipment Assistance Program is available for equipment that will aid in the reduction of surface runoff of agricultural wastes to state waters, improve water quality, reduce odors from manure application, separate phosphorus from manure, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce costs to farmers when they apply manure or implement a Nutrient Management Plan.