Vermont Business Magazine The members of the Vermont State Police and Department of Public Safety Commissioner Michael Schirling said in a statement Friday afternoon that they unequivocally condemn the actions of police officers in Minneapolis that led to the death of George Floyd.

Vermont Business Magazine The following members of the Vermont State Police Fair and Impartial Policing Committee are joining agency and state leadership in condemning the atrocity in Minneapolis. In addition, the committee members, who have worked closely with the Vermont State Police for more than a decade to strengthen relationships between police and numerous communities throughout the state, believe the ongoing partnerships can set an example at home and beyond our borders for necessary structural change.

by The Board Of Directors Of The Northeast Kingdom Collaborative For generations, NVU’s two campuses have been educational, cultural, and economic drivers for our region. As leaders from many different walks of life in the Kingdom, each and every one of us has seen the impact that NVU has had on our communities, our economy and our culture. NVU’s contribution to the Kingdom is invaluable. We know change is here and we embrace it. But for the successful future of the NEK that change has to include the continued existence of NVU. We implore our elected officials – from members of the Legislature to the Governor – to look closely at the immense impact that NVU has on the northern tier of Vermont and fund NVU appropriately.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today reported that there were three more cases of COVID-19 for 971 total and one more death from the novel coronavirus for a statewide total of 55. This is only the second death from the virus in three weeks. There currently is no one hospitalized for COVID-19. VDH says that if Vermonters continue to follow good hygiene practices, wear facial coverings, and keep up physical distancing — and the state continues its strong testing and contact tracing capabilities — the outlook is good to control the spread of the virus.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine As Governor Scott continues to open up the economy, the weekly unemployment insurance claims have continued to subside. Initial and ongoing claims have now decreased every week since the peak in early April. The weekly claims report indicates that for the week ending May 23, 2020, the Department processed 1,552 Initial Claims, down 647 from the previous week but 1,122 more than the same time last year. Total new and continuing claims are 51,837, a decrease of 5,465 from the previous week and 48,204 more than the same time last year.