The State of Vermont wants bigger schoool districts. But legislators report widespread public resistance.
‘Alligator mouth’ of school budgets eats up tax dollars, hungers for more
VT Headlines: Dairy cooperative fined for violations at Middlebury facility
Should students have voting power on Vermont’s school boards?; Burlington mayor to outline police and fire tax increase; Records: Palmer left first police job after poor performance, policy violations; Vermont is getting less help from the feds to keep elections secure
Medicare change big affordability win for lower incomes – Rodgers
Because of this policy change, an estimated 14,322 additional Vermonters will become newly eligible for Medicare Savings Programs—allowing each of them to keep $2,435 more per year in their pockets and enjoy additional cost-saving benefits.
Bill relieves domestic abuse victims of coerced debt
Bill to include current use in land conservation goals may get hearing in House Environment Committee.
Votes to keep small schools open based on emotion, not math, Scott says
Reflecting at his Wednesday press conference on recent votes in towns like Calais and Worcester, where voters this week decided by about 2-1 to keep the small local schools open, Scott noted that the results were “not surprising,” despite the “unfortunate” reality of the schools’ situations. He specifically pointed to Calais, which is not anticipating having a kindergarten class next year due to low enrollment, calling it “indicative of the future” for many small Vermont towns.
No decommissioning for Morrisville’s historic dams
Green River Hydro gets 40-Year lifeline
Green Mountain Conservation Camp registration is open
The one-week camp programs are held at Lake Bomoseen in Castleton and Buck Lake in Woodbury. Campers participate in hands-on learning about fish and wildlife conservation, ecology, forestry, orienteering, safe firearm and archery techniques, swimming, canoeing, fishing and more. Natural resource professionals come to the camp to share information on their programs and take campers out for field activities.
Two men indicted in transnational human smuggling and money laundering scheme
According to court documents, Francisco Antonio Luna Rosado, 27, an illegal alien from the Dominican Republic, and Jesus Hernandez Ortiz, 37, of Puerto Rico, are charged with one count of conspiracy to illegally bring aliens to the United States and 12 counts of illegally bringing aliens to the United States for the purpose of private financial gain related to a Sept. 17, 2023, smuggling event. Luna Rosado is also charged with two counts of transactional money laundering for engaging in monetary transactions involving property derived from smuggling activities.
McClaughry: Rescue school choice now!
First published February 16, 2016. Note the similar problems and proposed solutions, 10 years later.
Page: Turn aging dams to AI powerhouses
Direct hydro for Vermont data farms: reliable, renewable, local
Man tries to talk child into car
The individual insisted on giving the student a ride to school and directed the student to get into their vehicle.
VT Headlines: Bill would mandate climate change education in Vermont schools
Health officials confirm first measles case of 2026 in Washington County; Scott hopes to use state money to help Northeast Kingdom towns flooded last year; Did misinformation lead to a spike in Beta’s stock price?; Agreement reached on Green River Dam after years of conflict
$1.1 million requested for Burlington’s ‘safe injection site’
Burlington wants another $1.1M for delayed overdose center.
Letters: Green on disturbing wealth tax
Also, Manley on the lack of explicit content in Bad Bunny performance, and Connelly on the disinviting of non-GOP governors from NGA White House meeting.
Klar: Event supports new Vermont chapter of Turning Point USA
Join us on February 20 (if you can)!
Fireovid: Support the SAVE Act for election integrity
The SAVE Act passed by the narrowest of margins in the House of Representatives, where only one Democrat (Rep. Henry Cuellar – TX), voted in favor of the bill. But it also needs to be passed by the Senate, where the vote will again be very close. Sen. John Fetterman (PA) is the only Democrat who said that he will vote for it. However, the two TDS-infested Republican Senators – Murkowski (AL) and Collins (ME) say that they will vote against it.
Recovery Day at the State House
Advocates for substance abuse recovery, and Vermonters in recovery themselves, traveled to Montpelier and met with legislators to promote pro-recovery legislation and funding for Vermont’s recovery residences. “Recovery Residences” are a step above regulated rehabilitation treatment facilities which stabilize individuals, usually for around two weeks. On the other hand, stays at recovery residences last six to eighteen months, and they boast a high success rate.
TNC in Vermont awards $500,000 to 7 new conservation projects
The Vermont Biodiversity Protection Fund will support the protection of 1,460 acres of critical habitat across the state
Smugglers Notch resort sold to Burke Mountain owner
Smugglers’ Notch has been owned and operated for the past 29 years by William “Bill” Stritzler. Under the new ownership structure, the Stritzler family will retain an ownership stake, and Stritzler’s daughter, Lisa Howe, will serve as an advisor on the future of the mountain.
Coalition urges legislature to extend Act 181 timelines to avoid confusion, housing delays, and local disruption
Speakers warned that Act 181 is moving faster than the maps and rules needed to implement it clearly and fairly, creating uncertainty for towns, housing projects, and working landowners across Vermont. The coalition is urging legislative leaders to take up H.730 to extend timelines and prevent further misalignment.
Mott: Making rights real, one virtue at a time
Rights are surprisingly fragile things. Declared “unalienable” in the Declaration and billed as constitutional in state and the federal constitutions, their power is largely dependent on the character of the people. When the people are virtuous, our rights are secure. But if we are bull-headed, then we tend to smash them in some fit of pique.
VT Headlines: Multiple crews from Chittenden, Addison counties respond to house fire in Charlotte
FEMA denies Vermont’s appeal for aid in 2025 flooding; Smugglers’ Notch Resort to be sold to Bear Den Partners; ‘Challenging to track’: Officials consider solutions to spiraling IT deficit; Lake Champlain poised to freeze over for first time since 2019
How can we cut Vermont government spending? Let’s talk – today
Today on Hot Off The Press at 11:05 AM on WDEV, we’ll be talking about cutting spending in Vermont State Government. Not just me talking – I want a conversation with you. I know you care about this. About your tax bills. About out of control spending. I will be attending the governor’s press conference at noon today and I want your questions. Your ideas. Please call in at 802-244-1777.
Burglary suspect nabbed after emptying stolen coins into supermarket machine
In a news release, BPD said it responded to the burglary on Feb. 4. Among the items stolen was a large amount of loose change. BPD received a tip that Thomasina Howard was at Hannaford emptying a large amount of coins from a backpack into a coin exchange machine. When police arrived, they found she had exchanged nearly $450.
Two men charged in connection with juvenile sex assault
Both men were cited for sexual assault and released.
BREAKING: Kidnapping, extortion, torture in Springfield drug case
Six people have been arrested in Windsor County on various criminal charges involving multiple kidnapping counts, aggravated assault and heroin trafficking as part of a brutal abduction that crossed state lines and included burning the victim repeatedly with a heated knife and using hydrogen peroxide to waterboard her, court records show.
Senate ponders volunteer protection bill
How often do you volunteer, and should you be sued for it? The Vermont Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Tuesday for S.151, a bill introduced in 2025 by Senator Allison Clarkson (D-Windsor) that aims to protect volunteers from frivolous lawsuits and increase volunteerism.
CLG: Disturbing redacted emails in Epstein Files as fury grows over why names are hidden
FIFA president added to Ukraine’s state-linked ‘kill list’; Zelensky hints at staying in power; Iran floats nuclear enrichment compromise; Former FBI assistant director questions whether Nancy Guthrie case is ‘kidnapping’; Verizon must face FCC probe for turning over GOP lawmaker phone records; Daughter of GOP Minnesota governor candidate found stabbed to death in her apartment – his focus was on fraud in state
Galfetti: Boondoggles, vacations and wasted time
We must do better in Montpelier and be laser-focused on the affordability crisis Vermonters sent us here to address, not set tax dollars on fire trying to light the way for foolhardy initiatives.
Vermont gets $100 Million for universal broadband buildout
BEAD, a $42.45 billion federal grant program authorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, sets the goal of connecting every American to high-speed internet by funding partnerships within states to build infrastructure.
Inventor Dean Kamen recuses himself from Beta Technologies over Epstein Files
There are 702 entries in the DOJ Epstein files when ‘Dean Kamen’ is searched.
In committee this week: Gender equity in Olympic skiing, getting tough on court no-shows
Data center restrictions/ Arrest warrant for court no-shows/ Chronic student absenteeism/ Eliminating “women’s” sports
VT Headlines: FEMA denies VT appeal for 2025 flood funding
FEMA denies Vermont’s appeal for federal funding in response to July 2025 flooding; Proposed repeal of Vermont-Ireland Trade Commission stokes pushback in Montpelier; Caffeinated coffee and tea tied to lower dementia risk
Letters: An inconvenient study?
The Wheelers on selective compassion. Casey on Rutland Police removing cancer patient.
Former Trump Chief of Staff to speak at Norwich
Kelly is a retired four-star Marine general who later served as U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security and White House chief of staff. Since leaving government service in 2019, he has worked as an advisor, mentor, and educator with organizations including the Department of Defense, Marine Corps War College, National Defense University, and federal law enforcement agencies.
Vermonters push back: Petition surge demands crackdown on out-of-state drug traffickers
Frustrated residents say state’s focus on treatment has failed to stop supply of drugs devastating communities, where dealers are using short-term rentals as drug houses.
F&W: For the sake of the cats, pump the brakes on reintroduction
A campaign is underway to bring mountain lions to Vermont, led by the nonprofit Mighty Earth. As the state agency that would be responsible for these cats if Mighty Earth succeeds, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is asking mountain lion advocates to slow down.
North: “This Land Is Your Land…”
The land that you think is “your land” might well become “my land” in the State’s eyes. The time is NOW for you to find out how the State’s Act 181 may impact your use of your own land.
Keelan: Lincoln retreat Hildene bought from Christian Scientist Church
The Town of Manchester, Vermont, Municipal leaders were bewildered by what they read on the front page of the Wall Street Journal’s July 29, 1976, edition. It was unwelcome news. They were still contemplating the fate of the 412-acre, 24-room Georgian Revival ancestral home of Robert Todd Lincoln (1843-1926). A year had passed since Abraham Lincoln’s great-granddaughter, Mary (Peg) Lincoln Beckwith’s Hildene home became vacant after an illness took her life at a Rutland hospital.
Hancock shooting victim identified
According to WCAX, family members said Howard Doyle came to the home of his son’s girlfriend on Sunday to help smooth over tensions.
Donoghue: Why are Vermont police hiding a kidnapping and extortion case?
Why is the department keeping Springfield taxpayers in the dark about such a dangerous and serious case?
Update: Williston anti-ICE trespass arrestees identified
Troopers repeatedly warned the demonstrators that they were trespassing and issued a dispersal order. When the group continued to occupy the building’s atrium, police began making arrests.
Stranded young hikers rescued on frigid night on Camel’s Hump
Rescuers reached the hikers at about 11:20 p.m. and found both suffering from hypothermia.
Suspicious death reported/ busy DUI weekend
A juvenile passenger in the Dodge and a 66-year-old passenger in the Cadillac were airlifted to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center with severe injuries.
Hospitals promise big savings
Hospitals are taking big steps towards cutting operational costs to save nearly $400,000,000 over the next few years.
Covered bridge bill would help towns
Covered bridges are valuable cultural heritages worthy of state $$ – or not?
VT Headlines: Vermont State Police investigating suspicious death in Hancock
In Morristown, an industrial park proposal gets a rocky reception; Vermont State Police investigating suspicious death in Hancock; Orleans County town fights industrial solar project
Despathy: Shields up, rights down: VT vaccine overhaul
These are several of the currently unanswered questions related to H.545, which have raised constitutionality concerns as well as consumer protection issues for Vermonters. A lawsuit has been filed against a key supporter for H.545, the American Academy of Pediatrics. The lawsuit alleges “Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”), against the American Academy of Pediatrics for its central role in an enterprise that has defrauded American families about the safety of the childhood vaccine schedule for several decades.”
Shorts: Enosburg wins Vocab Bowl
Phil Scott still most popular Gov./ Remove fishing shanties
Anti-ICE action widespread in Vermont
“As I understand it, a hotel employee quickly alerted a neighbor, triggering a town-wide phone tree. By midday, residents at risk had relocated to pre-established safe houses, and procedures were in place to meet children near their schools.”
Soulia: Lawsuits yes, IDs no in election bill
Vermont Democrats have introduced yet another sweeping elections bill — and once again, it comes with a familiar progressive feature: more lawsuits, more enforcement power, and more ways for municipalities to get dragged into court.
BREAKING: Two Chittenden County towns name permanent police chiefs
Two Chittenden County communities – Hinesburg and Shelburne — have new permanent police chiefs.
Roper: Sibilia spills the beans: Enacting Clean Heat Standard still a “high priority”
Well, Rep. Laura Sibilia (I-Dover), the Ranking Member on James’ committee and perhaps the biggest booster of the Clean Heat Standard, spilled the beans, let the cat out of the bag, dropped the dime on the real agenda in an interview for Climate Dispatch.
Thurston: Cold snap reveals need for natural gas pipeline
Gas was prioritized for home heating, forcing power plants to burn expensive oil instead and to import Liquified Natural Gas from foreign countries in container ships at 3-5 times the normal, unconstrained cost of Marcellus Shale gas. Wholesale electricity prices (called LMPs) spiked dramatically, with peaks over $660/MWh on January 27 and averages far higher than normal during the event. For comparison, the most recently reported average annual wholesale cost of ISO-NE electricity was $40/MWh for 2024.
Former teacher charged in student sexual assault
The student was 14 when the sexual assaults began.
Holt: Let Vermonters be heard on term limits, spending, and J.R.H.1
Across the political spectrum, Americans agree on very little. But there is one reform that draws rare, overwhelming consensus: term limits for members of Congress.
Out of this world
Moon rocks from VHS’s object collection are now on display at the Vermont History Museum in Montpelier!
Leaking dog repellent triggers hazmat response
The driver of the delivery truck, which was parked outside the post office, was treated and released after reporting moderate ill effects from exposure to an unknown liquid.
Sources: Sheriff Palmer admitted to hospital
The move came as Palmer is under fire on several fronts recently, including in Vermont Superior Court, where he denied seven criminal charges last week.
Bernie meets China’s ambassador to U.S.
Sanders website as of Feb. 5 had no press release on the Feb. 2 meeting. Xie is China’s top government representative in the U.S.
From Vermont to Virginia: King Arthur Baking expands to historic Old Town Alexandria
The centerpiece of the expansion is a professional baking school, only the second company-owned hybrid location of its kind.
VT Headlines: Bill about election interference passes Vermont House
Vigil planned in Saint Albans for detained UVM medical worker; Scott dismisses idea of nationalizing running of elections; Seven Vt conservation projects will protect 1,460 acres of land
House Speaker gobsmacked by 50 x 50 conservation end-around
Vermont is committed by law to having 50% of total land area conserved by 2050, thanks to a bill introduced and shepherded into law several years ago by House Environment Chair Amy Sheldon. The law closely follows a U.N. based 50 x 50 initiative.
Roper: Democrats’ hatred of school choice takes aim at VT ski academies
H.777 would gut Vermont’s ski schools — and highlights the hypocrisy of the Left.
LG candidate Gray wants state-paid universal food benefits
Should all Vermonters receive food assistance benefits? This idea was voiced Thursday in the House Committee on Human Services by Molly Gray, the executive director of the Vermont Afghan Alliance, former Vermont Lieutenant Governor, and 2026 Democratic candidate for Vermont Lieutenant Governor. Gray was joined by Drukhshan Farhad, the Program Officer of the Vermont Afghan Alliance, for testimony on updates to noncitizen eligibility of 3SquaresVT, which is Vermont’s version of SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).
Thayer: ‘Keep ICE out of Rutland’ wrong, misleading
Open letter to Rutland and other municipalities looking to adopt resolutions or policies prohibiting or limiting federal ICE Enforcement activities.
Soulia: VT emergency housing reform bill scrapped for a bill nobody has seen
The bill creates a five-tier continuum of care ranging from high-barrier shelters with mandatory case management to permanent supportive housing, including repurposed hotels and motels.
Savannah Guthrie’s missing mom’s son, veteran ‘Green Mountain Boy,’ issues plea for her safe return
Camron Guthrie, a retired Vermont Air National Guard pilot, joined their sisters pleading for their mother’s return.
Roper: The Vermont climate agenda is sooooo toxic!
How toxic is it?? It’s been a very bad week for Vermont’s climate warriors.
Stone: Mass migration is not an accident — it is an ideological project
How post-national governance is quietly redefining borders, sovereignty, and political legitimacy
Phil Scott gives non-endorsement of property tax freeze
Knowing that 20 lawmakers and Lt. Gov. John Rodgers support (in concept anyway) a three year property tax freeze, VDC asked Gov. Phil Scott at his press conference what he thinks. Answer: eh, not so much. But he likes the idea of a spending cap.
VT Headlines: Windsor County Sheriff Ryan Palmer’s law enforcement certification suspended amid sexual misconduct allegations
Officials call for Sheriff Ryan Palmer to step down; Will Vermonters be able to get their cars inspected every other year?; New Brattleboro action plan improves public safety downtown; Health care costs are breaking Vermont schools
AMA, plastic surgeons say youth gender surgery too risky
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Medical Association have recommended against gender transition surgeries for youths, becoming the first major medical associations in the U.S. to narrow its guidance on pediatric gender care.
Goose-farming internet personality testifies on hunting-posting bill
Sportsmen may soon have a new system of land posting to learn before deer season this fall.
Senator blames Trump for need for taxpayer-funded news media
Vermont Sen. Andy Perchlik defends the State paying “independent” news media, blames Trump.
Federal vax policy doesn’t restrict states, Children’s Health Defense prez testifies
All of the hullabaloo about new federal vaccine guidelines miss the fact that they don’t restrict states from adopting their own guidelines.
Provato: Voting no against school budget higher than cost-of-living
We need strong incentives or disincentives to change the status quo. We need to make the school systems feel a little more financial pressure from the taxpayers.
VT Headlines: Rutland’s hospital called police to kick out a cancer patient. He died two hours later.
Body cam footage shows events leading up to fatal shooting James Crary; Rutland City prepares for rare write-in election after mayor resigned; Vermont nurses raise alarms about proposed federal loan limits; Family displaced after attic fire in Rutland City
Drescher and Nolan approved for Vermont Supreme Court
“Voting should be based on the character, integrity, and capabilities of the nominees, and the integrity and independence of our judicial branch, rather than the chaotic time we happen to be living in,” Gov. Scott said.
Tax dollars for ICE protestors
Should Vermont tax dollars be used to quell civil unrest in Burlington? During discussion of the Senate Committee on Appropriations on Tuesday, Senate Pro Tempore, Philip Baruth (D/P-Chittenden Central) proposed policy language to expand H.790 to allow the allocation of up to around $39 million of taxpayer funds to reimburse anticipated public safety costs in some of Vermont’s most populous municipalities in the event of increased federal immigration enforcement operations.
Rodgers backs new nuclear, ‘open’ to property tax freeze
“I’m certainly open to any kind of property tax freeze,” Rodgers said.
Crash victim’s mother tells judge driver’s sentence isn’t justice
Prosecutors said the quick resolution was driven by concerns that Dudas, because of his age, could have sought youthful offender status, potentially moving the case to family court.
Another Cochran leads UVM contingent at Winter Olympics
Nine current or former students from the University of Vermont are set to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics, which will take place in Northern Italy with competition starting Thursday, February 5 and running through February 22.
Judge rejects Colchester eminent domain bid, calls taking “bad faith, pretextual”
Supreme Court rejects Town appeal
21-year-old man found dead following crash in Pittsford
Adams was found unresponsive inside the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Ice skaters rescued after ice breaks on Lake Champlain
Vermont State Police and multiple partner agencies established an incident command post at the beach and launched a coordinated ice rescue operation.
Herron: Recognizing ALL of the Declaration
As America’s 250th anniversary approaches, the Declaration of Independence will take center stage with celebrations all over the country. Many Americans still recognize parts of the document, such as All men are Created Equal, and Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. However, what about the first paragraph? Can the same be said about the terms “one People” and “the Laws of Nature and of Natures God?”
Local option fuel tax proposed
Bills of note in committees this week, ranging from taxes to Legislative health benefits.
BREAKING: Drescher approved as Supreme Court Justice as Lt. Gov. casts tiebreaker
Several Democrat senators said the Trump administration’s immigration policy is so harmful that Vermont should signal its opposition by rejecting the nomination of the prosecutor who argued the DOJ position in last year’s civil detention lawsuits of two anti-Israel activists.
VT Headlines: Vermont Treasurer announces $30M for second round of housing investments
Murder suspect gets 10 years for Vermont drug operation; Calais, Worcester residents will vote next week on whether to close their small elementary schools; Vermont woman appears in court after leading police on high-speed chase; Northeast Kingdom snowmobile club decries trail vandalism; Anonymous $1 million donation will go to financial aid at St. Michael’s; Amid outcry, Montpelier council scraps proposal to gain veto power over citizen petitions
Environmental court rules Coventry landfill needs amended permit for leachate system
Don’t Undermine Memphremagog’s Purity Inc., known as DUMP, had requested the Jurisdictional Opinion, which the commission coordinator agreed with, stating that NEWSVT’s leachate pretreatment system would require an amended permit if the company sought to convert the experimental system to a permanent installation.
Soulia: H.767: A moratorium on mandates Vermonters can’t afford
The bill targets the Global Warming Solutions Act, the Clean Heat Standard, the Renewable Energy Standard, Act 59 (the 30×30 and 50×50 conservation goals), and Act 181 (the Land Use Review Board and future land use mapping overhaul). If passed, all five would be frozen in place for eight years while a comprehensive study evaluates their cumulative impacts on housing, energy costs, and property rights.
Bill would exempt seniors from property taxes
The bill proposes to exempt from the homestead property tax long-term residents who are 65 years of age or older. It would phase in the exemption over a four-year period, with eligible persons fully exempt from the homestead property tax beginning fiscal year 2030.
Who’s at fault? Skier vs. snowboarder crash and confrontation at Vermont’s Killington Resort
Mountain safety often exists in a grey area where speed, visibility, and spatial awareness intersect.
Former UVM student smong seven dead in sunken Massachusetts fishing boat
Jada Samitt, 22, was working as a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fisheries observer aboard a dragger that sank off Gloucester, Massachusetts on Friday.
Wolk resigns as judge in Rutland
Plans to run for Vermont Senate
Vermont rejects police chase limits: Letting suspects escape could be more dangerous
The Council’s deliberations occurred against a backdrop of deteriorating roadway safety conditions as speed-related fatalities increased 50% between 2023 and 2024.
Despite opposition, teen kicks off Turning Point USA chapter Feb. 20
“I started the chapter in December of last year,” Fewer said. “I was always a fan of watching Charlie Kirk debating people. I knew Vermont was one of — if not the most — liberal states in the U.S., and there really wasn’t anything like TPUSA around.”
Drugs found in Barre Airbnb
About two hours later, the host contacted police again to report that the renter had returned to reclaim property. Officers responded and took the woman into custody.
VT Headlines: Noah Kahan documentary lands at Netflix
Recent UVM grad on board missing fishing vessel; Vermont woman shares her father’s work desegregating Boston schools; Partial government shutdown over immigration underway. How long will it last?
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