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Vermont's COVID-19 Cases Soar Amid Post-Holiday Omicron Surge

By Colin Flanders Posted on January 6, 2022 at 12:54PM

The surge of cases in Vermont mimics what the rest of the country is experiencing. The U.S. is now averaging more than 500,000 cases daily, far more than any other time during the pandemic, turning hotspot maps into a kaleidoscope of deep yellows, oranges and red.

Gov. Phil Scott delivering the State of the State

Scott Makes Vermont's Workforce His Priority for 2022

By Kevin McCallum Posted on January 5, 2022 at 8:11PM

Sen. Kesha Ram (D-Chittenden) released a statement saying Scott’s speech "did not address the true state of our State.” “He spoke to the need for more affordable housing and child care, and yet, he insisted on no new revenue.

Accused Drug Dealer in Rutland Is Focus of Sex Trafficking Investigation

By Sasha Goldstein Posted on January 5, 2022 at 7:37PM

In Wednesday’s filing, federal prosecutors argued that Jackson, who has a criminal record dating to 1989, should be held until he goes to trial. The sex trafficking and sexual assault allegations remain under investigation.

Senate Committee Backs Changes for Another Pandemic Town Meeting Day

By Anne Wallace Allen Posted on January 4, 2022 at 9:16PM

Traditional Town Meeting Day has passionate defenders. The informational meetings that towns hold before Australian balloting are nothing like the town meetings where items are amended on the floor, said Susan Clark, town moderator in Middlesex.

Woodstock Rep. Charlie Kimbell to Run for Lieutenant Governor

By Anne Wallace Allen Posted on January 3, 2022 at 10:00AM

David Zuckerman, who served two terms as lieutenant governor before making a bid for governor in 2020, said he’s thinking of running for Gray’s position, too. He’s not repeating his race for the top position because he expects Gov. Phil Scott to run again, and doesn’t think it would be possible for him to beat Scott.

Private Equity Group Drops Bid to Purchase Five Vermont Nursing Homes

By Derek Brouwer Posted on December 28, 2021 at 8:37PM

The ailing Genesis agreed to sell five of its nine Vermont homes to a group of private investors, including Gamzeh and Glatzer, in October 2020 amid a pandemic-fueled financial pinch. The deal was worth $46.6 million, according to a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission disclosure.

Mayor Miro Weinberger and acting Chief Jon Murad

Weinberger Says He'll Appoint a Police Chief, Despite Council Vote to Hire Search Firm

By Courtney Lamdin Posted on December 21, 2021 at 6:34PM

At the meeting, and again in his memo Tuesday, Weinberger said that the council's actions were "non-responsive" to his ultimatum. "This action does not give the Administration what it needs to successfully re-start the search process," the mayor said.

A sign at the CVS on Burlington's Church Street

COVID-19 Tests Are the Hot Holiday Item This Year in Vermont

By Colin Flanders Posted on December 21, 2021 at 5:28PM

The Scott administration will be offering free at-home rapid tests at various pop-up sites on December 23 and 30 in an attempt to supplement the pharmacy offerings. The state stockpile includes 10,000 LAMP tests — which work similarly to PCR tests but produce results in 30 minutes — for people who make appointments.