VPR News

So far, the decision of whether to mandate masks to help slow the spread of COVID-19 has been up to local governments in towns and cities around Vermont. While recommended by the CDC and the Vermont Department of Health , Governor Phil Scott has so far held back from imposing a statewide mask mandate — though that could change soon .

One town’s weeklong debate over a mask mandate. Plus: utility bills, the potential for DNA evidence to solve a decades-old case, and turkeys — or baseball, take your pick.

John Klar is among five candidates running in the Aug. 11 Republican primary for governor, including incumbent Gov. Phil Scott. Klar is a political newcomer, but he’s a frequent commentator for conservative publications. He’s also an attorney and farmer, and a former pastor.

Scott Milne is president of Milne Travel. He was the Republican nominee for the U.S. senate in 2016 and the Republican nominee for governor in 2014. He is among five candidates seeking the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor.

David Zuckerman first arrived in Vermont 30 years ago, to attend the University of Vermont. Since then, he’s become one of the more prolific campaigners in state politics.

The long saga of Burlington’s mall redevelopment looks like it’s getting longer. Plus, a profile of David Zuckerman as he makes his bid for governor and the latest COVID-19 numbers.

Most of the major league sports are trying to resume playing after being on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This hour, we'll look at this issue. What are your thoughts? Do pro sports offer a needed distraction for many people during a difficult period? Or are they a waste of time?

This most unusual election year has an unusual primary campaign for the Republican nomination for governor. Four candidates are trying to unseat Gov. Phil Scott, a popular incumbent who has won bi-partisan acclaim for his administration’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As schools around the country struggle with whether and how to open for in-person learning in the fall, two pediatric infectious disease specialists at the UVM Medical Center have written a commentary on the issue in the medical journal Pediatrics .

A rundown of the Republican candidates for governor. Plus: COVID-19 numbers, limited reopening, and a possible mask mandate.

Join us Wednesday, July 22 for the final installment of the 2020 VPR/Vermont PBS Primary Debates series. We hear from each of the five candidates seeking the Republican gubernatorial nomination – Emily Peyton, John Klar, Bernard Peters, Douglas Cavett, and incumbent Phil Scott – and ask your questions.

A new Black Lives Matter mural in Rutland. Plus: COVID-19 numbers, an update on the Rutland police shooting, and voter registration.

Dana Colson Jr. is the owner of a welding supplies company in Tunbridge. He is among five candidates seeking the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor.

On Tuesday, July 21, Vermont's Democratic gubernatorial hopefuls take the Zoom stage as part of the 2020 VPR/Vermont PBS Debates series. We find out where candidates David Zuckerman, Rebecca Holcombe, Patrick Winburn, and Ralph Corbo stand on key issues, and ask your questions ahead of the Aug. 11 primary election.

The police killings of George Floyd and other Black men and women have sparked protests around the world and across Vermont . The killings have also sparked public art with new murals in Burlington and in Rutland.