Vermont Lawmakers Send Retail Cannabis Bill to Governor

by Kevin McCallum Posted on September 22, 2020 at 12:54PM

Scott has consistently raised concerns about legal marijuana’s effect on Vermont's youths and traffic safety, as well as towns' ability to control cannabis businesses. But last week, Scott signaled possible support when he noted the bill had “come a long ways” from where it started.

Burlington Council Approves Buyout for Cop Accused of Excessive Force

by Courtney Lamdin Posted on September 22, 2020 at 12:37AM

Monday night, the council agreed to not invite members of the public into executive session "unless the Council knows ahead of time that they have information that cannot be publicly shared or they are directly involved in the matter being discussed." Councilors also agreed to be more specific in explaining why they need to deliberate in private.

Burlington-Area Sex Trafficker Sentenced to 22 Years in Prison

by Derek Brouwer Posted on September 21, 2020 at 5:35PM

He faced at least 15 years and up to life in prison. U.S. District Court Judge William K. Sessions III sentenced Folks to a prison term of 22 years and six months, followed by 10 years of supervision, the U.S. Attorney's Office said in a press release.

Bucking Democratic Party, Ingram Endorses Milne for LG

by Colin Flanders Posted on September 21, 2020 at 3:07PM

In a statement emailed to Seven Days, Gray's campaign manager, Samantha Sheehan, did not address Ingram's endorsement directly. Instead, Sheehan wrote that her candidate's legal training and work in public policy "uniquely qualify her" for the primary responsibility of the LG position: presiding over the Senate. 

Mail-In Voting Is Officially Under Way in Vermont

by Kevin McCallum Posted on September 21, 2020 at 2:50PM

Leahy, Sanders and Scott: Ginsburg Should Not Be Replaced Until Inauguration

by Paul Heintz Posted on September 18, 2020 at 11:06PM

In a written statement, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) quoted several Republican colleagues who had previously expressed reservations about confirming a nominee immediately before an election. “The right thing to do here is clear,” Sanders said.

Scott Lifts Booking Limits for Lodging, Opens Bar Counters

by Derek Brouwer Posted on September 18, 2020 at 3:15PM

In Burlington, city councilors recently extended an 11 p.m. cutoff for alcohol sales that they put in place last month as college classes began. The restriction will remain in effect through at least October 5. 

Vermont Senate Advances $7.2 Billion State Budget

by Kevin McCallum Posted on September 17, 2020 at 9:14PM

The Senate version would also set aside $1 million for plug-in electric vehicle incentives. The House version had $500,000 for a high-efficiency vehicle incentive program.

Vermont House Votes to Override Scott's Veto of Climate Bill

by Kevin McCallum Posted on September 17, 2020 at 6:04PM

Critics of the bill recounted a litany of objections that they and the governor have expressed about it. Chief among them is a provision that gives residents the right to sue if the state misses its emissions targets.

Hazardous Air Forces Burlington High School to Close for Entire Semester

by Courtney Lamdin Posted on September 16, 2020 at 10:32PM

Correction, September 17, 2020: A previous version misreported when the consultants first tested the air quality in the buildings.