Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Hospital-based laboratories and doctors at the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic might soon add artificial intelligence to their testing toolkit. A recent study conducted with collaborators from the University of Vermont and Cedars-Sinai describes the performance of Biocogniv’s new AI-COVID software. The team found high accuracy in predicting the probability of COVID-19 infection using routine blood tests, which can help hospitals reduce the number of patients referred for scarce PCR testing.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott and the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has announced over $2.9 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awards to 10 communities in seven different counties and $243,853 in CDBG CARES Act funding (CDBG-CV) awards to eight communities throughout the state. DHCD awards approximately $7 million annually in competitive grants to Vermont cities and towns. Funding is targeted to address the needs of lower income Vermonters and represents a true partnership between the federal, state and local government.

Vermont Business Magazine Ben & Jerry's is proud to honor Colin Kaepernick, one of the most prominent social activists today, with his very own flavor: "Change the Whirled." This flavor celebrates Kaepernick's courageous work to confront systemic oppression and to stop police violence against Black and Brown people. As an aspiring social justice company, Ben & Jerry's believes Kaepernick represents the very best of us, willing to use his power and platform in the pursuit of equity and justice rooted in a commitment to love and resistance. The ice cream maker aims to honor Kaepernick, sweetening the long struggle for justice, and making his vision a reality to Change the Whirled.

Vermont Business Magazine “As always, this list represents the most compelling spirits we’ve had the opportunity to review this year. We could all use a little comfort this year, and whether you’re looking for yourself or as a gift, this selection of spirits is sure to deliver some much-needed joy.” — Kara Newman, Wine Enthusiast

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today issued the following statement for the first night of Hanukkah: “This evening marks the first night of Hanukkah, and as many Vermonters light that first candle on the menorah, many will also reflect on the blessings and struggles of this past year."

Vermont Business Magazine By early August, VHCB had committed most of the funding—$30 million—to Vermont’s network of non-profit housing developers and to shelters statewide. In early October, the balance of the funds were committed. Work is currently underway or complete at 26 different sites, including the purchase of five motels that will be converted to create new homes with support services for people transitioning to permanent housing.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health reported today 119 new cases of COVID-19 (5,413 total), with three more deaths for 89. Case counts are up in every county but have swung back largely to Chittenden County, with 54 new cases reported today and 446 and 10 deaths in the last two weeks. As Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD said earlier this week, we are in the very first stages of vaccine production and distribution to the states, and there will likely be a limited supply of vaccine early on. Meanwhile, cases of COVID-19 continue to increase in Vermont.

Vermont Business Magazine This week, Vermont PBS and VPR received the regulatory approvals needed to proceed with the intended merger announced in September. The FCC has granted permission for the license transfer, and the IRS has granted tax-exempt status, clearing the way for the new organization to launch in July. They will continue to operate independently until then.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos will be holding the meeting of Vermont’s three Electors of the President and Vice President on Monday, December 14th at 10 am in the State House. On Monday the Electors will take their oaths of allegiance and oaths of office, cast official ballots for the President and Vice President of the United States, and complete a Certificate of Vote.

Vermont Business Magazine Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) stated today on the Senate floor that given the enormity of the current economic crisis, the Senate must pass a $1,200 direct payment for working class adults and $500 for their children as part of any COVID-19 relief package. He is filing an amendment today to the one-week Continuing Resolution to do just that. Sanders said that it would be unacceptable for Congress to adjourn for the holidays while turning its back on the economic desperation facing tens of millions of Americans.

Vermont Business Magazine Global Campuses Foundation (GCF) recently received a $30,000 grant from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. The grant will help further GCF’s mission of providing a network of campuses fostering advanced learning opportunities for adults who experience disability by supporting its operational and strategic programming.GCF is the pioneer organization in Vermont and western New Hampshire providing post-secondary opportunities for 200 adults, ages 17 – 70+, most of whom experience developmental and intellectual disabilities.

Vermont Business Magazine Milder winter weather will contribute to abundant electricity in the region. ISO New England Inc, operator of the region’s power grid, expects to have sufficient supplies to meet New England’s electric needs this winter under both normal and short durations of extreme temperatures for the region’s coldest months, spanning December 2020 through February 2021. ISONE anticipates demand for electricity will peak at 20,166 megawatts under normal weather conditions. This is 310 MW (1.5%) lower than the 2019-20 forecast, and reflects a long-term trend of declining peak winter energy use.