Anticipating Holiday Travel, Some Vermont Schools to Go Remote

by Alison Novak Posted on November 12, 2020 at 2:31PM

Vermont Records 109 New COVID-19 Cases as Surge Continues

by Colin Flanders Posted on November 12, 2020 at 1:25PM

The New York Times reported this week that more than a third of U.S. governors have now issued public appeals to take coronavirus prevention measures more seriously. That includes Gov. Phil Scott, who has repeatedly urged Vermonters to recommit themselves to best health practices so they can bend the pandemic's curve as they did in the spring.

Vermont Reports Record-High 72 New Coronavirus Cases

by Colin Flanders Posted on November 11, 2020 at 3:35PM

Nineteen of Wednesday's new cases were in Washington County, while  Chittenden and Rutland counties each had 11, according to health department data. The rest were sprinkled across the state.

Waterbury Selectboard Chair Who Suggested 'Segregated' Policing Steps Down

by Kevin McCallum Posted on November 10, 2020 at 4:16PM

In October, Viens made the suggestion for “segregated police” during a candidate forum aired on WDEV. At the time he was running for a seat in the Vermont House of Representatives, a race he would lose.

Vermont Tightens Travel Rules Amid Surge in COVID Cases

by Colin Flanders Posted on November 10, 2020 at 4:09PM

Public health experts have warned that it may become harder to tamp down outbreaks in the winter months as more people congregate indoors. As of Tuesday, the Vermont Department of Health was responding to or monitoring 20 "outbreaks."

Burlington Candidates Seek Open Council Seat in North District

by Courtney Lamdin Posted on November 10, 2020 at 10:33AM

"It just seemed like a political decision and not what you'd expect from a body whose job it is to make sure the city functions efficiently and properly," Barlow said. He also questions whether proposals to ban no-cause evictions and reinstate ranked-choice voting were properly vetted.

Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger Will Run for Reelection

by Courtney Lamdin Posted on November 10, 2020 at 9:55AM

No other Democrat has thrown their hat in the ring, but at least one independent has: Patrick White, 29, a South End resident and insurance policy writer who is focused on affordability. There are plenty of rumors about other possible contenders, including City Councilor Ali Dieng (I-Ward 7), who has strongly hinted that he plans to run.

Pine, Tracy to Seek Progressive Nomination for Burlington Mayor

by Courtney Lamdin Posted on November 9, 2020 at 7:50PM

No other Democratic challengers have emerged for the top post at City Hall, nor have any Republicans. Patrick White, a 29-year-old South End resident, told Seven Days last week he intends to run as an independent and will not seek either party's nomination.

Vermont Officials Urge Vigilance As Coronavirus Case Counts Climb

by Colin Flanders Posted on November 9, 2020 at 6:21PM

There is no way to tell how many people may have the virus based on those results, since experts estimate that anywhere from 40 to 80 percent of people shed markers in their stool, according to Brian Lowe, Burlington's chief innovation officer. But Lowe said wastewater readings can nevertheless be a useful early indicator of the virus' prevalence in a community, with results sometimes proceeding clinical testing by up to seven days.

Kimbell to Seek Speakership, Pledging to Represent Rural Vermont

by Paul Heintz Posted on November 9, 2020 at 1:37PM

Kimbell has charted a more centrist course in the House than Krowinski or Copeland Hanzas. In a May 2017 interview with Seven Days, he said,"Within the Democratic Party, I'm probably one of the most conservative."