Erin Petenko, Author at VTDigger

A low, brown building labeled "George D. Aiken Forestry Sciences Laboratory" stands among leafless trees and shrubs under a cloudy sky.

US Forest Service cuts research positions at local lab

by Erin Petenko April 3, 2026, 3:26 pmApril 3, 2026, 3:26 pm

A weathered, ice-covered Customs and Excise sign stands in a snowy, rural field with a white farmhouse and barns in the background.

International migration to Chittenden County plummeted last year, new data shows

by Erin Petenko and Auditi Guha April 2, 2026, 7:55 am

Yellow arrow-shaped sign reading "House for Sale" on grass points toward houses on a suburban street lined with trees and parked cars.

After a Covid-19 boom, Vermont is once again losing residents. What changed?

by Erin Petenko March 8, 2026, 6:00 am

A woman with wavy brown hair stands indoors, her face partially lit by sunlight filtered through window blinds, casting shadow stripes across her face.

Six years in, long Covid is still with many Vermonters — and they say the system is failing them

by Erin Petenko February 22, 2026, 7:00 am

Jesse Jackson speaks at a podium on a stage with large campaign signs reading "JESSE JACKSON THE TIME IS NOW" and "REGISTER & VOTE 1984." Audience and campaign posters visible.

Government & Politics

How the Rev. Jesse Jackson helped shape Vermont’s progressive moment

by Erin Petenko February 18, 2026, 6:04 pmFebruary 19, 2026, 11:56 am

Four people in yellow and black suits pull a red inflatable boat across a frozen lake, with others and distant mountains in the background.

Lake Champlain ice is all it’s cracked up to be

by Erin Petenko February 7, 2026, 6:55 am

A road leading up to a collection of houses.

Vermont is overhauling Act 250. Here’s what the development maps look like so far

by Carly Berlin and Erin Petenko February 5, 2026, 3:16 pmFebruary 6, 2026, 8:00 pm

A large group of people at a protest hold signs and banners with messages related to climate change and anti-colonialism. Many are dressed in winter clothing.

Government & Politics

‘ICE Out’ national event leads to protests, small business closures across Vermont

by Erin Petenko and Charlotte Oliver January 30, 2026, 1:24 pmJanuary 30, 2026, 8:41 pm

A person interacts with an employee at a parcel pick-up counter. A sign reads "Parcel Pick Up Here.

Even more mail delays, explained: How two quiet USPS changes are reshaping delivery in Vermont

by Erin Petenko January 26, 2026, 6:55 amJanuary 26, 2026, 9:00 am

A middle-aged woman in military dress poses for a photo.

Norwich University appoints new provost

by Erin Petenko January 21, 2026, 12:34 pmJanuary 21, 2026, 2:19 pm

A man walks past rows of locked mailboxes in a post office.

Signed, sealed, delayed: Montpelier Post Office struggles with long wait times — again

by Erin Petenko January 13, 2026, 7:25 pmJanuary 13, 2026, 7:25 pm

A woman stands holding a mug in a cozy, cluttered living room with patterned wallpaper, a wood stove, bookshelves, a TV, and a small decorated Christmas tree.

Vermont’s pagans find comfort and creativity in new surge of interest in witchcraft

by Erin Petenko January 9, 2026, 4:13 pmJanuary 12, 2026, 11:09 am

A bird feeder hangs from a tree branch in a snowy yard near a green house with Adirondack chairs and other outdoor decorations visible.

It’s bird feeder season in Vermont. Here’s what to know about owning one.

by Erin Petenko December 28, 2025, 6:52 am

Side-by-side images show a wetland area before restoration, filled with water and vegetation, and after restoration, with a narrow stream and exposed soil.

Nine Vermont dams were removed in 2025. There are many more to go.

by Erin Petenko December 21, 2025, 6:55 amJanuary 8, 2026, 4:53 pm