Stowe student running for governor is first teen to get on Vermont’s general election ballot; Swanton issues health alert after toxic insulation found at fire site; Structure fire shuts down Main Street in Fairfax
VT Headlines: Slate Ridge owner Daniel Banyai excused from release condition he was accused of violating
The DHS shutdown is ending, but the damage to Vermont’s airport isn’t
The Senate voted overnight to fund TSA. But nearly 500 officers quit nationally, BTV ran a food pantry to keep its checkpoint open, and the workforce won’t recover quickly.
Feedback Friday at 11:05 AM – Call in 802-244-1777
House Majority says no to tax credit, yes to Wealth Tax vote, and takes $1.7 million in local revenue for property tax reappraisal.
House Dems reject school choice tax credit, back wealth tax vote, route local revenue to reappraisal
The Vermont House gave preliminary approval Thursday to H.949, the education finance Yield Bill and its proposed 7% property tax increase, but not before three Republican amendments to cut taxes failed.
Legislature: Pre-K a “right”, but funding unclear
House Human Services advances pre-K framework while deferring cost decisions
House may adopt new policy to address crime and court backlogs
The amendment, sponsored by Rep. Eric Maguire (R-Rutland 5), aims to reduce case backlog by creating structure for an existing court model that integrates mental health and other services into the courtroom setting and could move from county to county.
Burlington officer cited in connection with August 2025 police shooting
Jeffrey Baur, 34, of St. Albans is due for arraignment Friday in Vermont Superior Court in Burlington, state police said.
Lincoln: Vermont can’t conserve working lands by undermining them
Vermont’s forest economy businesses must compete and innovate and grow just to stay viable. But too often, our regulatory system makes that harder instead of easier.
Houghton: House Dems defend ‘sustainable’ 7% property tax bill
Yesterday, many excuses were used by Republicans as to why we are in the position we are today, but there was no mention of the ten years of a Republican administration’s failure to solve the problems we’re still facing today.
Planet Hank: VT’s AG Charity Clark has filed or joined 46 lawsuits against the Feds
Charity Clark’s obsession with the Trump administration
Feds arrest Migrant Justice leader on 9 felony counts
Feds say he Migrant Justice leader they call Nacho smuggled people across international borders and fraudulently obtained Vermont identification documents for people living outside Vermont.
Dems praise House bills passed, GOP slams 7% property tax increase
Pay attention to THIS, House Dems say. No, pay attention to THAT, GOP says.
VT Headlines: Police searching for missing 14-y.o. girl
Woman pleads not guilty to animal cruelty charges in abandoned dog case; Group seeks to put pressure on ICE to leave Williston office; Report questions safety of Waitsfield Covered Bridge
Former VT town official dies of suicide
Nicholas Nadeau was hired less than a year ago after he served as Blue Hill’s town administrator. He previously served as interim town manager for his hometown of Fairfax, Vermont.
Letters: Manley on being politically punch-drunk, and election integrity fundamentals
Also, Mittica on the Act 181 rally.
Soulia: VT farms, migrant workers, and the visa problem
Behind the headlines, protests, and growing anxiety is a more basic question: how does Vermont’s dairy industry rely on migrant labor in the first place — and why doesn’t federal visa law actually fit the job?
Senate may get tough on tobacco, softer on pot, freeze ban on dyed foods
It’s Legal Consumption week in the Vermont Senate.
Grandparent scam suspect pleads innocent
Jimmy “Coop” Ylimaki, 36, fled to Nicaragua, where he was eventually captured and was recently removed to the United States to face his indictment, officials said.
Newton: Act 250 planners should save Castleton University instead
Hold press conferences and take a stand. If you don’t, it could be all over for a great institution founded over 200 years ago.
ATM heist wave hits Middlebury
Three stores targeted in weeks
Why Vermont’s electric school buses are being replaced by diesel — at least for now
In 2021, Vermont became one of the first states to put electric school buses on the road. The results were mixed from the start.
Planet Hank: Man arrested three times in one week and is still released
Vermont’s revolving door is out of control.
School transportation costs rising, bus drivers scarce
Within a new governance structure of fewer, larger districts, the state might contemplate statewide requirement for districts to provide transportation to all students who live one mile from the school (elementary) and two miles from the school (secondary).
Craftsbury library awarded $25k in honor of 1975 Boston Red Sox
These days, he and his wife Diana can be found at the white clapboard building off Craftsbury Common at least several times a week.
VT Headlines: 3 ATMs stolen from Middlebury stores in recent weeks
Gov. Scott signs bill to allow Vermont to make its own vaccine recommendations: In visit to Vermont Statehouse, Japanese diplomats talk business and baseball; ICE agents chased the wrong man into a South Burlington home, court filings say; Brattleboro nurses union approves potential strike; Rutland community and city leaders weigh in on plans for new Walmart Supercenter in Rutland town
Post rally, Senate ponders road rule repeal vs. extension
House to consider $9.3 billion state budget, 7% property tax hike.
Armed robbers hit Enosburgh Stewarts, again
Second time in three days.
Road rage suspect waived gun out car window
Following an investigation, troopers arrested Malik O. Hardy, 25, of Bennington, on charges including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking with a deadly weapon, reckless endangerment, grossly negligent operation, criminal threatening, and disorderly conduct.
Roper: House Democrats vote for “Clean Heat Standard 2.0”
“Foundational” first step toward Cap & Invest Carbon Tax passes on a near party line vote after Republican fight.
House bills change hunting laws, create peer mental health support, pay inmates minimum wage
Get tough on youthful offenders, ban paraquat, address truancy and recidivism
CLG: Trump ‘seeking one-month ceasefire in Iran’ as U.S. submits 15-point peace plan
Pentagon expected to send thousands of soldiers from U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division to Middle East; Emergency playbook for worldwide crises quietly released: ‘Get ready for lockdown 2.0’; Pentagon asks White House for $200Billion as Trump considers deployment of thousands of troops for next phase in war with Iran
Dobrovich: Find out how Act 181 will impact your land
Some worry that an overemphasis on environmental protection will violate existing property owners’ rights and force everyone into dense, restricted living situations—sometimes described as “concentrated animal feeding operations” (CAFO), a term usually reserved for large agricultural facilities.
Klar: Colorado struggles with prostitution law
The push to legalize the world’s oldest profession fizzles (for now).
VT Headlines: BTV’s Frog & Toad childcare center closed amid abuse investigation
Six taken to hospital after Arlington, Vermont bus crash; Burlington Police Department receives 121 complaints following ICE operation on Dorset Street; Former Northeast Kingdom Human Services employee sues agency over alleged Medicaid fraud; Vermont sues U.S. Department of Agriculture
Shrinking fentanyl supply making drug weaker, fewer overdoses
Since their peak less than three years ago, opioid overdose deaths dropped nearly by half as of October, according to a Stateline analysis.
Before big Act 181 reform rally, key Democrat senator supports road rule repeal
Some senators want to repeal the road rule. Others seek to delay implementation until 2030.
VT blocks Federal scholarship tax credit amid rising education costs
Lawmakers on the House Ways and Means Committee have moved to block participation in a new federal tax credit program that could direct private donations toward student scholarships.
Wrongful-death suit at Rutland hospital
The estate of a local man, who claims he died from mistreatment at the Rutland Regional Medical Center in February 2025 has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the hospital.
Keelan: To close our school is not only about money
The cost of operating public schools in Vermont has been “a runaway train,” and no one seems to be able to get on board to control it. However, cost also comes in other forms that are not necessarily quantifiable in dollars and cents.
Supreme Court rules for state trooper over State House protestor
After warning her, Zorn used a “rear wristlock” technique—placing her arm behind her back and applying pressure—to lift her to her feet.
Masked man threatens clerk, demands cash
The incident occurred shortly after midnight when a masked man entered the store, displayed a weapon, threatened the clerk and demanded money.
VT Headlines: Third migrant detained by ICE in South Burlington ordered released
Middlesex man seriously injured in I-89 crash; Norwich University women’s hockey clinches Frozen Four berth; When Vermont’s treatment landscape shifts, community providers step up; Old North End Restaurant Week,’ Connecting people and businesses through food
Letters: Smith on reparations for slavery
Also, Mittica on Act 181.
Ryan: VNRC put out a silly piece of propaganda today.
VNRC isn’t listening to Vermont. They’re doubling down.
Planet Hank video: McDonald’s employee overdoses, gets Narcaned, gets back to work
Explicit language warning on Brattleboro News/Planet Hank report about fast food workers overdosing.
Hartford CT fugitive from justice busted in prison
Ayala, 34, of Hartford had an extraditable arrest warrant out of the state of Connecticut for a parole violation.
New wetlands map covers 45% of VT – how about your town?
The wetlands updates are required by the Flood Safety Act, Act 121, passed in 2024.
Ryan: Senator, we’re waiting for YOU to lead
Senator Hinsdale: the invitation to join us is genuine. But joining us means asserting your leadership to get results—not publishing a commentary explaining why delay is the response we needed.
AMAC: Mamdani stripping the dying of their assets
Under Mamdani’s expropriating death tax plan, once an estate hits $750,000 in value, the confiscatory 50% rate applies to all assets, not just the amount above that figure.
Ram Hinsdale: Where 100% of Vermonters agree
This isn’t about urban versus rural. Every part of Vermont depends on working lands, housing, open space, and economic opportunity.
Repeal Act 181 protest noon Tuesday
Act 181 opponents home to fill the State House lawn Tuesday at noon.
Elderly driver dies in collision during spring blizzard
The impact caused catastrophic damage to Pellerin’s vehicle, with the cab separating from the frame.
Pay Act boosts state salaries – guv to earn $243,520
Salary increases for Vermont’s statewide elected officials are moving forward as part of a broader biennial bill that adjusts state employee wages based on collective bargaining agreements (CBAs).
Soulia: Pre-K changes could ripple across Vermont childcare
At issue is Vermont’s Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) system, which currently guarantees up to 10 hours per week of publicly funded preschool for most 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds. The program, fully implemented in 2016, operates through a mix of public schools and private childcare providers.
Roper: VT Democrats have a rural voter problem. Clinging to Act 181 won’t help
The ‘Cave Dwellers’ are catching on.
Pass Save America Act – call senators NOW!
Call your senators and Sens. Thune and Fetterman – phone numbers provided.
Health care bill that may violate constitutional rights passes House
The constitutional rights of faith-based organizations operating in Vermont may be under attack with the passage of a bill on Thursday.
$82 million homeless care bill passes committee straw poll
Act 181 reform goes to floor next week/ School reform now ‘Act 46 2.0’?/ Local highway $$ redirected to statewide reappraisal
VT Headlines: 3 women say former Dem. Rep. Bob Hooper’s pattern of behavior included unwanted touches
Migrant detained by ICE in South Burlington granted bond; Second person charged with burglary in Tractor Supply Company thefts; High-energy dance party group for 30+ crowd grows legs in Vermont
The public safety bills nobody’s talking about — and why they matter to you
In Vermont, a person could be convicted of ten separate offenses in a year, receive short sentences or probation on each one, and none of it would register as recidivism in the state’s data.
Electric planes over Lake Champlain this summer?
The FAA–BETA “Other Terms Agreements,” setting safety rules, limits, and reporting for Vermont airspace remain unsigned—and are key to everything that follows.
Victim of Brownington homicide identified
An autopsy of a homicide in the Northeast Kingdom town of Brownington was completed Thursday, March 19 at the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington. The Vermont State Police is able to identify the victim as Alton Wheeler, 79, of Brownington.
Tagliavia: Property tax freeze bill needs attention
Vermont is one of only three states with no safety-valve restrictions on how much a property tax bill can increase in a given year. In the months ahead, the Legislature should examine how the other 47 states manage this issue, identify policies that could work here, and adapt them to Vermont’s unique circumstances. Property taxpayers deserve both immediate relief and long-term predictability.
House passes land posting, manufactured home, AI legislation
In the week after the Crossover deadline, the Vermont House has been busy passing bills. Below are all of the bills passed in the House and sent to the Senate this week.
Drag Queen Story Hour canceled due to security concerns
Beeman Elementary has canceled the entire DEI unit due to alleged communications that threaten the safety of students and staff.
VT Headlines: Vermont AG’s office to prosecute Addison County criminal cases amid state’s attorney controversy
Police to testify in joint hearing following South Burlington ICE activity; South Burlington School Board to meet after ICE protest near schools, safety concerns take center stage; Legislative panel votes against keeping southern Vermont judge on the bench; Fight over Middlebury College chapel name argued before Vt. Supreme Court
Massage shops under scrutiny
Reports and online reviews raise concerns about illicit activity
Drought caused big farm production losses
Three respondents from Corinth reported 670 acres were affected by drought, causing $325,000 in losses.
Newport woman charged with murder
Ariana Rodger, 43, was taken into custody late March 18 in connection with the death of a man found at a residence on Willoughby Lake Road. She has been charged with second-degree murder, first-degree aggravated domestic assault, and violation of conditions of release.
Letters: Learning from the death and destruction of perpetual war
The U.S. has spent $8 trillion on post-9/11 wars, including at least $2.2 trillion in obligations to care for veterans over the coming decades.
Klar: ICE turns its attention to Sanctuary State Vermont
The Green Mountain State favors criminals above public safety.
Top cop defends state police protecting ICE, Vermonters
Peaceful protesters don’t mind being directed by police. Agitators do – and suckerpunch the cops, Morrison said.
Vergennes man pleads innocent to human trafficking
Memoli has a sex crime record going back as far as 2008.
VT Headlines: Mohsen Mahdawi faces deportation again after Trump administration appeal
Five arrested by Border Patrol in Plattsburgh on human smuggling charges; Federal judge orders man detained by ICE in South Burlington to remain in custody; ICE Tours VT hosts guided tour to multiple DHS facilities across Chittenden County; Vermont police investigate death in Brownington
House tax committee kills federal tax credit for independent schools
One Big Beautiful Bill gives scholarship donors $1700 federal tax credit – but Dem majority doesn’t want it
Resigned Rep. Hooper: “the environment of the House has changed significantly”
Burlington Democrat Rep. Bob Hooper’s statement of resignation from the Vermont House published in the Tuesday, March 17 House Journal underscores several points he made in his Monday, March 16 interview with the Vermont Daily Chronicle.
As revenue shrinks, Vermont’s public access stations are navigating an uncertain future
Public access television is looking to the state government for additional funding to preserve programming.
Reviving Randolph’s history museum
Forrest MacGregor takes care of the community and hundreds of years of Randolph history.
Stevenson: Who really benefits from VT’s Fish and Wildlife laws?
The fundamental mission of state wildlife agencies is not animal welfare—it is resource management for human use and profit.
CLG: Iran bombards Israel, Baghdad as projectile hits Bushehr nuclear plant
Trump’s top counterintelligence official quits in protest over Iran as he issues blistering statement claiming Israel dragged U.S. into war; Trump says he’s ‘not afraid’ of Vietnam-style ground combat in Iran; Trump calls Zelensky the ‘last person we need help from’
A last-minute addition to Act 181 could block family homes on rural land
A family who has lived on their land for 100 years and wants to give their child a piece of that land to build a road and home may not be able to afford these new cost burdens.
Meet Rutland’s new go-getter first lady Gayle Donahue
Rutland’s write-in mayoral election was already a week over, and a triumphant Tom Donahue joined a business chamber mixer last Tuesday to press the flesh and thank voters. No surprise: his wife Gayle, a frequent campaign partner and prolific social media supporter of her husband, was by his side. “I wouldn’t be anywhere without her,” the incoming mayor frequently said during the campaign.
Double murderer from Vermont may get new trial over cell phone snafu
Logan Clegg was convicted of killing Steven and Wendy Reid in April 2022. Police searched for months for the killer before Clegg was arrested in Vermont in October 2022 after authorities tracked him down in a Burlington public library. Clegg is a former employee of a Burlington grocery store, according to other news reports.
Smuggler’s Notch crackdown and kei trucks headline transport, economy bills in Senate
S.326, a miscellaneous bill introduced by the Senate Transportation Committee, makes a number of technical and minor changes to Vermont’s transportation laws. These include increasing the amount towing companies may charge and requiring life preservers during cold-weather months. Another provision would raise the penalty for getting stuck in Smuggler’s Notch from $1,000 to $10,000 for a first offense.
Cops take down barricaded assault suspect with non-lethal munitions
Belmore threw a liquefied petroleum gas cylinder at police then advanced on them with a blunt metal object.
VT Headlines: Addison County State’s Attorney Eva Vekos fires back against bid to suspend her law license
Vermont Green FC getting ready to host first round of US Open Cup 2026; Woman detained by ICE agents in South Burlington ordered released; Bennington agency settles with the state over service failures for adults with developmental disabilities; Brattleboro prepares for mud season road impacts
Vermont a school choice destination? Press conference today
Rep. Mike Tagliavia (R-Corinth) will promote H.89, the statewide school choice bill he introduced last year, at a press conference at 1 PM today, Tuesday March 17 in the Cedar Creek Room.
Reestablishing psych facility moves forward
With crossover week fully behind us, lawmakers begin the work of finalizing the bills that passed successfully from policy committees by the deadline.
McGuinness: State custody of children advances in House
Many legislators believe the bills will help children and adolescents that are uncomfortable talking to their parents about their mental health issues, and help children that are homeless and without guardians, but both bills cast a much wider net.
Farmers push back on municipal control of livestock
A proposal discussed this week in the House Environment Committee could change how Vermont regulates small livestock operations, raising questions among farm groups about enforcement authority, water quality oversight, and the role of municipal zoning.
Sciortino: We need more classroom instruction time!
If you had Exxon, Shell, Occidental, BP sitting on one side of the negotiating table, people would be up in arms! Why not the same for the heavy handed teachers’ unions. We also need to identify all legislators who have received political donations from these same unions and call them out on their voting records.
50 huskies rescued
Malnourished huskies rescued in raid on Hyde Park barn.
Hooper: Photo of legislator rolling around committee room floor led to resignation
To illustrate the rug/dress color coordination, Hooper said, the member got down on the floor of the committee room and rolled around.
Lawmaker to resign over sexual harassment finding
All but three House Democrats signed a letter calling on Hooper, a Vietnam veteran and lawmaker representing North Burlington since 2019, to resign his seat in the Legislature
VT Headlines: Addison County crash leaves one dead, another seriously injured
Josh’s House celebrates five years of supporting veterans; Vermont lawmakers narrowly advance bill increasing gun restrictions and crimes; Strong wind Monday could lead to scattered power outages
Oil truck catches fire in Waterbury
Smoke and fire pouring out of the truck greeted I-89 exit 10 traffic – including this reporter.
Senator defends state funding of news media
Digger, VDC ‘not going to cover Vermont high school basketball game,’ Perchlik says
Tell your Covid-19 mandate story at State House Wednesday, March 25
Six years after Covid-19 began, it’s time to be heard.
Gray, McLaren neck-and-neck in fundraising for Dem LG race
The two top Dem fundraisers challenging John Rodgers for lieutenant governor both have received $$ from backers of U.S. senators past and present.
Nutmeg State drug, indecent exposure suspects arrested
CT teenager charged with felony drug possession after raid on drug house jailed – for now.
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