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Vermont Officials Defend New COVID-19 Guidance for Schools

By Alison Novak Posted on January 11, 2022 at 10:49PM

But in the days since schools reopened after the holidays, many Vermont districts had given up on contact tracing because of the massive spike in cases. Others didn't have the staff on hand to carry out the time-consuming job.

Christina Nolan, Former U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont

Former U.S. Attorney Nolan Exploring Senate Run as Republican

By Derek Brouwer Posted on January 11, 2022 at 9:44PM

While U.S. attorney, Nolan aggressively pursued gun and drug crimes. Her office also investigated Purdue Pharma for its role in fueling the opioid crisis, leading to a $8.3 billion criminal and civil settlement.

Matthew Lyon's portrait in the Vermont Statehouse

Database Reveals Vermont Congressman Was a Slave Owner

By Kevin McCallum Posted on January 11, 2022 at 6:18PM

Post journalists undertook the enormous project to better understand the links between slavery and political power in early America — and how that history shapes debates about racial inequities today. The effort is a work in progress.

Senate Panel Takes Another Run at Adding to Unemployment Checks

By Anne Wallace Allen Posted on January 11, 2022 at 2:36PM

Committee member Sen. Randy Brock (R-Franklin) doesn’t support the measure either, partly because raising benefits permanently would increase the amount employers must pay into the trust fund. And he thinks raising benefits could discourage people from returning to work.

Rental Housing Bill to Return as Part of New, Larger Measure

By Anne Wallace Allen Posted on January 10, 2022 at 7:59PM

Property owners would pay a fee based on the number of units they rent out, and people who have just a few units at their own homes would be exempt. “I’m still perplexed,” said Carpenter, noting that the owners of short- and long-term rentals are already subject to inspection.

Political Newcomer Patricia Preston Announces Run for Lieutenant Governor

By Kevin McCallum Posted on January 10, 2022 at 5:12PM

Preston, 36, has run the Burlington-based Vermont Council on World Affairs for nearly a decade. The nonprofit organization seeks to foster international understanding through public forums and visitor exchanges. This is her first run for public office.

New Vermont Guidance Directs Schools to Stop Contact Tracing

By Alison Novak Posted on January 7, 2022 at 8:06PM

School nurses can test symptomatic students at school, but they must go home for the day, even if the test comes back negative. The education secretary said that the changes are being made "with the support of Vermont's infectious disease experts and pediatricians."

VPIRG Completes Probe of Burlington Councilor, But Withholds Results

By Courtney Lamdin Posted on January 7, 2022 at 3:46PM

Clarification, January 10, 2022: More context was added to better explain when and why VPIRG implemented some changes.

Schools Contend With Omicron Surge During First Week Back

By Alison Novak Posted on January 6, 2022 at 6:43PM

Hennessey said he would appreciate clear, detailed guidance from the Vermont Department of Health and Agency of Education about virus mitigation amid the Omicron surge. School districts "are all on our own," he said.

City Council President Max Tracy (P-Ward 2)

Burlington Council President Tracy Won't Run Again in March

By Courtney Lamdin Posted on January 6, 2022 at 5:37PM

In a text message Thursday evening, Hightower said she’s conflicted about seeking another term. She said her role as a “compromiser” is critical in policy debates, but the time commitment and “hate messages from across the country” are wearing her down.

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