According to the Department of Health’s Annual Fatal Overdose Report, opioid overdose death rates in Vermont decreased by 5% in 2023 compared to the previous year. In 2023, 231 Vermonters died from opioid-related overdoses, down from 244 in 2022. Fentanyl remains the primary substance involved in opioid fatalities, accounting for 95% of deaths. Xylazine was involved in 32% of fatal overdoses in 2023, an increase from 28% in 2022. Cocaine involvement in deaths significantly rose from 48% to 61% and remains the second most common drug in fatal overdoses. These findings emphasize the critical importance of knowing how to respond to an overdose, particularly when non-opioid drugs like Xylazine are involved.
A New Hampshire man acquitted in the deaths of seven motorcyclists appeared in court to request the reinstatement of his driver’s license. Volodymyr Zhukovskyy, who was accused of being under the influence during the crash, was acquitted two years ago. However, his license was suspended after the incident. Additionally, he was ordered to be deported to Ukraine, but this has been delayed due to the ongoing war in the country.
Vermont Senator Peter Welch, along with fellow lawmakers, is criticizing pharmaceutical companies for prioritizing profits over patients. According to a recent report by Protect Our Care, these companies made almost $29 billion in profits and rewarded shareholders with over $28 billion in the first quarter of 2024. Additionally, they are opposing the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes measures to make prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.
A new program called the Vermont Transfer Guarantee will make it easier for students with an associate’s degree from CCV to transfer to bachelor’s degree programs at Vermont State University, Norwich University, Champlain College, and St. Michael’s College. CCV graduates who meet the required GPA will be guaranteed admission to their chosen school without an application fee or personal essay requirement, and may also be eligible for grants and scholarships.
A bill allowing overdose prevention centers in Vermont, starting with one in Burlington, was approved by the Vermont House of Representatives. The bill, H.72, includes safe places for substance abusers to seek help and resources. Despite doubts from some lawmakers, advocates emphasized the need to provide support for Vermonters in need.
An increasing number of Vermont businesses are going cashless, a trend that caught on during the pandemic. However, this trend has mixed feelings. Vt. lawmakers have introduced a bill that would prohibit retail businesses from refusing cash, except for transactions over $1,000. The bill, H.527, is currently in committee and is unlikely to progress this session. According to a Gallup survey, 64% of Americans believe that all payments will eventually become electronic.
WTSA SPORTS FOR THURSDAY MAY 9th 2024
THE CELTICS AND THE CAVALIERS PLAY GAME 2 OF THE CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS TONIGHT AT 7PM
THE PANTHERS BEAT THE BRUINS LAST NIGHT 5 – 1 IN GAME 2, GAME 3 IS FRIDAY AT 7PM . THE SERIES IS TIED AT A GAME A PIECE.
THE BRAVES BEAT THE REDSOX YESTERDAY 5 – ZIP , REDSOX START A 3 GAME SERIES WITH THE NATIONALS ON FRIDAY NIGHT AT 7:10PM FIRST PITCH.
THE YANKEES BEAT THE ASTROS YESTERDAY 9 – 4 THE YANKEES WILL TRY AND SWEEP THE ASTROS THIS AFTERNOON, AT 5:05 FIRST PITCH