WTSA News For Your Friday, February 5th:
Vermont reported two deaths and 165 new cases statewide on Thursday. Windham County reported 1 death and two new cases. New Hampshire reported 9 new deaths, and 433 cases statewide. Cheshire County reported 11 new positive tests. Massachusetts reported 74 new deaths, and 2,602 new cases statewide. Franklin County reported 11 new cases.
The Vermont Health Department is worried that super Sunday could also be a super spreader. The Health Department is asking people to celebrate with the people you live with. Alternative suggestions include hosting a virtual watch party or starting a text group with other fans to chat while you watch. Gathering with people from outside your own household increases the chances of spreading of COVID-19, especially if you’re indoors, close together, and eating or drinking without masks. Many cases and several outbreaks started with get togethers.
The State of Vermont will receive 1 and a half million dollars, and New Hampshire 3 point 3 million dollars, as part of a multi-state settlement with McKinsey & Company, one of the world’s largest consulting firms, for it’s role in the opioid epidemic. The settlement resolves investigations into the company’s work for opioid companies, helping those companies to promote their drugs and profit from the opioid epidemic. Vermont Attorney General T J Donovan was a member of a committee that led the investigation and the settlement negotiations that resulted in this settlement joined by attorneys general from 47 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories. This is the first multi-state opioid settlement to result in payment to the states to address the epidemic.
An employee of a consulting firm has been fired, after the witness during a virtual committee meeting was heard saying racial slurs. Senate President Becca Balint, of Brattleboro, said it happened during a pause in the Senate Transportation Committee hearing Wednesday. Balint called the language abhorrent and will not be tolerated. Then in a statement, Balint also said the legislature must be a venue that welcomes and supports the participation of all, and language that traumatizes people of color cannot stand. The consulting company assured the Vermont Agency of Transportation the worker had been fired.
The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation is offering cities towns and solid waste districts the opportunity to apply for grants of up to $100,000. The money would be geared toward equipment and infrastructure that will improve the safe and efficient collection and management of household hazardous waste, food scraps, and/or mandatory recyclables. Grantees will be required to provide match of at least 40% of the total project cost for hazardous waste infrastructure projects and at least 60% for food scrap and/or recycling infrastructure projects.
Green Mountain Power is helping business customers install electric vehicle chargers for the public and their employees. A new turnkey package includes the Level 2 charger, software, installation, project management, maintenance and financing. The cost could be as low as $35 per month for a single charger. GMP partnered with the Vermont Economic Development Authority to offer low-interest, flexible financing for businesses and municipalities in the program, and a utility energy advisor will work closely with customers to streamline the entire process.
LOTTERY NUMBERS:
TRI STATE PICK 3 5-9-0
TRI STATE PICK 4 6-7-6-1
LUCKY FOR LIFE 3-9-13-24-40 LUCKY BALL 16
MASS CASH 3-11-19-30-35
WTSA SPORTS:
Locally, in Girl’s High School Basketball action, Hinsdale beat Mascenic 57-31. Delaney Wilcox scored 25 points for the Lady Pacers.
Professionally, the Celtics visit the Clippers tonight, tip-off is at 10pm.
The Bruins visit the Flyers this evening, puck drops at 7pm.