Don’t look now but repeal of Act 181, the 2024 Act 250 expansion bill enacted over Gov. Phil Scott’s veto in 2024, isn’t the only ongoing citizen rebellion.
Property tax rebellion growing nationwide, not just in Vermont
With rodenticide bill dead in the water, experts say Vermont wildlife will bear the brunt
H.326 was supposed to regulate the state’s usage of pellet poison
At South Burlington’s first International Food Festival, Vermonters come together to celebrate food and culture
The sold-out event featured dishes from Liberia, India, Democratic Republic of Congo and others.
Vermont risks reducing revenue by raising taxes
What Is the Laffer Curve? And how does it spell doom for Dem tax plans?
Galfetti: Bait and switch
Climate change is indeed very real; however, initiatives proposed in the GWSA were never going to have any measurable effect on the problem of carbon emissions.
Two St. Albans area teens nabbed at 100 mph in unrelated cases
Two Franklin County teens are facing court action after they were clocked driving 100 miles per hour or more on Interstate 89 in unrelated incidents on Sunday, Vermont State Police said.
Degree: Out of touch and out of time
Does anyone seriously believe a 7% property tax increase—in a state that already carries one of the highest property tax burdens in the country—amounts to “relief” for Vermonters? Vermont’s House Majority Leader Lori Houghton (D-Essex) says it does.
DUI #6 suspect flees into woods/ juvies driving bad/ threats at factory, college
A Lyndonville man faces multiple charges, including his sixth DUI, after police say he fled on foot from officers responding to a report of erratic driving Saturday night.
VT Headlines: Bomb threat at Weidmann Electrical Technology in St. Johnsbury under investigation
Strong to severe storms possible Tuesday afternoon; Bennington police search for armed robbery suspect; Colchester Police wrap up search at Malletts Creek Wildlife Management; Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark announces plan to run for reelection
State House Spotlight: Health care, data privacy, and skyrocketing taxes
Vermont’s legislative week of reckoning
Beck: 49% spending increase goes beyond ‘essential’
Comparing Vermont’s spending before the pandemic with today shows just how dramatic the growth has been. In FY21, Vermont budgeted $6.1 billion. Seven years later, we’re at $9.1 billion—an increase of 49%. Inflation during the same period was 28%.
VPIRG, VT Chamber tussle over data privacy bill
Everyone agrees on the need for consumer data privacy. How far should it go? Also, details on the Legislature’s loosening grip on the local option tax (LOT).
Did you stay at Basin Harbor? Your Social Security Number may have been stolen.
A ransomware attack last fall exposed the Social Security numbers and financial data of 1,757 Vermont residents who stayed at or worked for the Vergennes resort.
Kinsley: A busy week at the State House
The tax-and-health care nexus, housing production, and education reform.
Bones, booze, and a Burton snowboard: Green-Up Day 2026’s strangest finds
For some lucky volunteers, it literally pays to help clean up Vermont each May.
Ellis: Tucker Carlson agrees with Bernie!
They both support a tax hike on the rich, defunding Israel and more. What happened?
Bills keep students safe from technology misuse
Two bills could change the way electronics are used in schools
Attempted murder suspect told to stay at mom’s condo
Charged with trying to kill Grand Isle County deputy sheriff
“Gas station heroin” hitting stores near you?
What Is Tianeptine and why is it showing up in U.S. stores?
A Vermont kid who lived to ski — and died doing it
Bernie Rosow grew up in Williamsville, a small village in Windham County, and his parents put him on skis at age two. He never really got off them.
Correction: Turn VT Red location
Turn Vermont Red event today at Terra’s
Stannard: The Interview
Being interviewed by my grandson about my life was a first.
Car fire on highway
The affected road/wooded area was been temporarily closed for safety reasons.
Wealth tax fails. 181 repeal passes committee. Property tax showdown looms. $9.4 bil budget clears committee.
The Senate advanced H.9 voted down a floor amendment to H.933 that would have attached a high-income earner and investments tax proposal.
Bananas: It takes a lot of ball room
Donald Trump is quickly eclipsing his record of the most assassinated Presidents of all-time. Surviving what is now an unreachable forty-seventh attempt on this life the President was as resolute as ever as he sat behind his desk of the same name casually looking over his shoulder in hopes to pad his stats.
Roper: You are going to pay more for a failing public school system
The problem is a too-powerful teachers union and their political allies.
Breaking: Son of daycare operator charged with child cruelty
Pasquale willfully assaulted, unlawfully restrained, and ill-treated at least seven children — ages 12 to 24 months, CUSI said.
LC Chamber: 2026 Legislature, seen from 10,000 feet
As the era of abundant pandemic-era federal funding ends, the state is grappling with a $9.3 billion budget and shrinking revenues, as federal cuts and an aging tax base create immense mounting pressure.
Fireovid: Link between teachers’ unions and May Day protests
Not coincidentally, May Day is the High Holy Day of Communists everywhere. How did public school teachers get involved with communism? It starts with the teachers’ unions.
VT Headlines: Jury returns not guilty verdict in 2022 murder-for-hire case
Judge approves release plan for man accused of dragging Grand Isle Sheriff’s deputy; Prosecutors seek access to locked phone in investigation of crash that killed 20-year-old; VSP identifies individual responsible for threats to Vermont State University campus; Jason Eaton’s defense continues to argue for insanity plea ahead of trial
Brother of deputy sheriff attempted murder case faces serious road rage charges
Brother of a Fletcher man facing an attempted murder charge this week for critically injuring a Franklin County deputy sheriff is now facing his own criminal charges including aggravated assault and leaving the scene of an accident for an unrelated incident.
Casinos, Tobacco $$, low birth rate among topics on Feedback Friday
We’ll discuss news in today’s Vermont Daily Chronicle – plus the Seven Days story by Colin Flanders asking why Vermont has such a low birth rate.
Green Up Day is tomorrow
Green Up Day, Saturday May 2, is a statewide effort in the US state of Vermont to clean up roadside trash.
Casino planned across state line near St. Johnsbury
A New Hampshire casino company plans to build a new casino and entertainment venue just across the Connecticut River from Vermont in Littleton, NH.
Vermont just got another $22 million from big tobacco. Almost none of it goes to help Vermonters quit smoking.
The American Lung Association gives Vermont an “F” for tobacco prevention funding. The Legislature has received $840 million from Big Tobacco and spent 86 cents of every dollar on Medicaid instead.
Tiemann: Are Vermont schools training economic revolutionaries?
Instead of disparaging our nation’s free enterprise (e.g., capitalist) system, the schools should be giving children the skills so they can earn the prosperity which only that system can provide.
VT Headlines: Vermont eagle live cam named #1 on “The Good List” by The New York Times
Dragon Brook fire in Middlebury-Ripton area 100% contained, officials say; Vermont Green Up Day happening on Saturday; Vermont and Quebec ramp up rabies vaccination efforts with cases rising among wildlife; VDHP holds public meeting in Bennington to discuss future of Bennington Battle Monument
Lithium in them thar Vermont hills
The USGS assessment found that a region covering the entirety of Maine, New Hampshire, and eastern Vermont is “the most prospective area for undiscovered lithium pegmatite deposits.”
Big bills, real people in the People’s House today
Beverage redemption, voting by phone, as well as youth flying and youth fishing.
Data privacy bill may face Scott veto
Critics say bill makes Vermont less competitive
French-Canadian Vermonters may become Canadian citizens
New Canadian law offers ‘lost Canadians’ full voting, travel rights
South Burlington pediatrician Elizabeth Hunt announces Senate candidacy
Chittenden County candidates gear up for crowded race ahead of August primary.
VPA to pay $556,000 to Mid Vermont Christian
The Vermont Principals’ Association and its executive director Jay Nichols have agreed to pay $566,000 in damages and attorneys’ fees to partially settle a religious discrimination civil lawsuit brought by the Mid Vermont Christian School.
Roper: “Let them eat cake!” literally, say lawmakers
Leading VT Democrats advocate for letting SNAP beneficiaries waste over $25 million a year on junk food.
Steidler: How Sen. Sanders can serve Vermonters on AI
This Wednesday evening, April 29, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) will hold a controversial forum, “The Existential Threat of AI.” As an added draw to the doom and gloom, he has recruited two AI experts affiliated with China’s government, incurred the wrath of U.S. Treasury Scott Bessent, and received much other attention for the event.
Rodgers, Wright guests at May 3 GOP dinner
Also scheduled to speak are Senate candidates Bruce Roy and Javen Sears.
Breaking: Former House member to challenge three incumbent Washington County senators
LaClair served as a Barre Town representative in the Vermont House from 2014-2022.
Vermont firefighters battle wildfires
According to the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, preparedness levels remain moderate, but local fire wardens are enforcing burn restrictions in many towns.
VT Headlines: Colchester School District says airsoft pellet gun led to student threat investigation
Burlington Police conclude investigation into March 11 excessive force complaints; Vermont Brewers Festival returning to Burlington waterfront; Miss Vermont and Miss Vermont Teen crowned
Despathy: Could renewable degradation be Vermont’s worst hypocrisy?
While property taxes go up every year, the pittance paid by renewable power projects is fixed for the life of the project. Feel free to scream or maybe cry.
Lenz/Zakov: After 181 repeal, what gets rebuilt?
The repeal of the “Road Rule” and Tier 3 was the easier decision, once the political math moved. What the Legislature builds in their place, and how it builds it, is the harder one. That work has just begun.
Breaking: Vermont case helps spark over $5 billion fine for Purdue Pharma
Opioid manufacturer Purdue Pharma LP (Purdue) was sentenced Tuesday in federal court in Newark, New Jersey, and ordered to pay criminal penalties of over $5 billion for its role in fueling the opioid epidemic in a case that was uncovered partially by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Vermont more than six years ago.
Coester seeks to oust Balint, again
In a telephone interview with VDC Monday, Coester said he hopes to improve on his first run, when he earned the most second-place votes since 2006.
Deputy critically wounded after being dragged by suspect’s truck
Cpl. Jeffery Barriger, 42, of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department remains in critical but stable condition at the intensive care unit at the University of Vermont Medical Center. A spokesman said he sustained serious head, brain and bodily injuries when he landed on the road after being dragged. Court records also show he has a right eye fracture, blood in both ears, a fracture behind one ear, was vomiting blood and had an epidermal hematoma – a critical pooling of blood by the skull.
Dame: GOP needs candidates appealing to disaffected Democrats
If Republicans continue to focus on delivering on the affordability agenda while Democrats look for new taxes and to take away land rights voters may continue to move because Democrats seem to be particularly unresponsive to the voice of the people.
VT Headlines: Burlington Square project faces new delays
New Vermont law will allow suing federal officials in state court; Colchester sewer project faces expensive delay; Woman who brought gun into Northwest Medical Center in court; Federal government demands renewal for every healthcare provider that receives Medicaid
We’ve looked at lake pollution from farms and sewage systems. What about all those camps on the water?
Vermont has approximately 51,474 seasonal and vacation homes. A meaningful but unknown share of those structures sit on or near Vermont’s roughly 800 lakes and ponds.
Fix ethics system capacity, don’t scapegoat staff, ethics watchdog group says
The recent dispute involving the Secretary of State, the Ethics Commission, and the Chair of the VT-GOP erupted over how candidate financial disclosure forms are handled and when and where they would be available to candidates.
State House Spotlight: Why has the number of homeless youths doubled?
Scott allows anti-ICE lawsuit bill to become law
Olympic Medalist skier Ben Ogden ’22 to speak at UVM commencement Saturday
Two-time Olympic medalist cross-country skier Ben Ogden will deliver a special guest address at the ceremony. A fourth-generation Vermonter, Ogden grew up in Landgrove, Vt. He graduated from UVM in 2022 with a degree in mechanical engineering. Ogden will be introduced by Interim Provost Linda Schadler, who was his academic advisor and dean of the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences during his time as a student at UVM.
Trump administration releases education funds to Vermont
The funds will reimburse schools for activities including summer and afterschool programs, school renovations, teacher training, literacy and math coaches, and mental health programs.
Vermonter pleads guilty to two drug killings
Avoids death penalty; gets 3 life sentences
Massachusetts mom waives extradition in Vermont court
Charged with strangulation deaths of her two children, ages 6 & 7
Klar: Why we must listen to the vaccine injured
Covid-19 has waned, but the shot-pushers double down.
Car fire damages McDonald’s restaurant
A vehicle waiting in the drive-through caught fire, but the operator was able to get out before the car became fully engulfed in flames.
Woman rescues children strapped into burning car – thanks God
Authorities said that at the time the fire started, two children — ages 4 and 7 — were strapped into child safety seats inside the vehicle.
VT Headlines: Tractor crash, truck fire on freeway
Man charged after crashing into highway sign and electric pole with tractor; Vermont colleges are cautiously welcoming AI to campus; Truck fire closes portion of I-93 in Waterford; Cabot resident’s hope for reliable internet runs thin Even as Federal funding arrives
Roper: “Come down to Montpelier” song – sing along!
Inspired by Brian Dubie, I thought I’d try my hand at songwriting. Thanks to my AI bandmates for for writing the music.
Vermont is New England’s dairy powerhouse
Nearly half of New England’s dairy farms are in Vermont.
We know what Vermont farms contribute to lake pollution. What about the sewers?
Compass Vermont reported on farmers’ impact on lake conditions. Readers wanted to know about the impact of sewer systems. It’s a fair question.
Letters: Smith on lifetime tobacco buying ban/ Fernandez on anti-Israel protesters/ Pearl on editor’s failure
Parliament ponders a lifetime ban on smoking.
Soulia: Three ounces of deadly radiation and our open border
Three ounces destroyed a Brazilian neighborhood. The people who study this threat for a living don’t lose sleep over a missile from Tehran. They lose sleep over a shielded canister the size of a thermos that nobody screened.
North: Act 181 mountain being moved
It did seem that the Act 181 Road Rule and Tier 3 that threatened so many rural Vermonters was an unshakable mountain that could not be moved. But, by the small faith of many, working together, hearts and minds were changed, and that mountain is being moved.
2023 flood devastation funds released
Governor Phil Scott and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) last week announced the second round of Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) grant awards totaling $10,218,236.
Legislature deciding who pays income taxes, and how much
Climbing expenses and fewer taxpayers requires tax increases, Legislature thinks – but for whom?
Smith: Throwing people into the telecom siting volcano
Be aware, rural Vermonters. With the push to build more towers, Vermonters in rural areas can expect they, too, will be thrown into the volcano, without compensation and with the potential for your property to lose value and your health to be harmed. That is our state’s and our country’s policy.
BREAKING: Patient helps disarm out-of-control woman with gun at St. Albans hospital
She was overpowered by a male patient in the waiting room.
CLG: Gunman opens fire at White House Correspondents’ Dinner as Trump and Melania rushed out, guests dive under tables for cover
Secret Service agent shot by gunman at White House Correspondents’ Dinner, expected to be okay; EU approves $105 billion for Ukraine; No time frame’ for ending Iran war – Trump
Breaking: Distraught mom slashed throat, charged with killing her two children ages 6 & 7
The two children were found dead inside the residence, police said.
Deputy sheriff dragged by pickup truck critically injured
The deputy approached the vehicle and ordered Seagroves to shut off the engine and exit, but Seagroves instead drove south on Route 104 while the deputy was holding onto the truck’s door, police said.
State-mandated candidate finance disclosure form in limbo
This seems to reveal the heart of the issue: a fundamental disagreement between the Ethics Commission and the Secretary of State’s office over who should post the disclosure for candidates, with both offices either unwilling or understaffed to answer questions about the form for prospective candidates.
Opt-out for Smart Meters, new opt-in for school tax credit considered
Opt-in to the federal school contribution tax credit, opt-out of smart meters talk of the Legislature today.
White supremacist bites U.S. Marshal, bail $100,000: police, media reports
Palermo’s record includes child sex assault and cocaine trafficking.
House draft bill creates new tax on investment income
This new 4% VIP surtax would target investment income, such as capital gains and dividends, for individuals with total income over specific thresholds,
Permanent Burlington diversity office becomes law
Also: Former rep, special educator named to State Board of Education, and State revenues higher than expected
VT Headlines: Brattleboro teen arrested after reports of shots fired
Gov. Scott signals veto for road salt runoff reduction bill; Potential bill could change who is authorized prescribing; Federal reclassification of marijuana could ‘turbocharge’ Vermont’s medical market; Cyberattacks on water plants are on the rise. Can the state do anything to stop them?
You set the agenda for Feedback Friday at 11:05 AM….
….but we have a few conversation starters culled from the headlines and a startling suggestion by a HOTP caller.
VT weekend guide
St. Albans is the obvious anchor this weekend, but the rest of Vermont isn’t sitting still — get out there and find your corner of it.
Soulia: Becca, Bernie, Musk, & math
The policy argument is straightforward. The picture of what that wealth actually is bears closer examination.
Small Dog Electronics to close retail store, end repair services April 28
The company is not shutting down. “Small Dog isn’t going away,” the spokesperson said. “Just the retail side of the operation is going away.” Sales will continue online, by phone, and by email, with continued computer shipping and consulting services. The spokesperson said the business is shifting toward a business-to-business focus. Repair services, however, will be discontinued entirely. Customers whose devices are currently in for service have until April 28 to pick them up.
Roper: Act 181 isn’t the only attack on rural Vermonters
It’s a multi-front war on multiple issues.
Vermont raised DMV fees to match inflation, but fewer showed up to pay them
Road costs are rising at 10% a year. Revenue is rising at 1.33%. The extra $15 on your registration hits a budget that is losing ground every year against the actual price of asphalt.
Suspected pickpocket of 80-year-old man arrested
Police say he went into Market 32 in Rutland and pickpocketed an 80 year old victim and stole their wallet while they were shopping.
Dame: Fire the Ethics Commission Executive Director
Suspend the financial disclosure provision of state law for just this election? what gives? Ii seems like there is a more severe dysfunction at work, Paul Dame says.
VT Headlines: Vermont Maple Festival starting in St. Albans tomorrow
Brush fire in Shelburne spreads after homeowner burns field without permit; Lawmakers venture to the Springfield prison; Vermont State House briefly evacuated after fire alarm goes off
Planet Hank: Police dog helps investigate drive-by shootings
Several bullet holes confirmed in building located in densely populated residential neighborhood.
Dean criticizes nuclear, data centers in Vermont energy debate
Former Vermont governor Howard Dean is warning that proposals to expand nuclear power and attract large-scale data centers risk creating long-term environmental and economic problems for the state.
Another woman killed by someone the State knew was a threat, and still there is no secure facility
Since 2021, lawmakers have studied, debated, passed, stripped, reintroduced, and delayed a bill to close the gap that keeps producing these deaths. Kelly Carroll has watched every round.
Southern Poverty Law Center, which put VT parents’ group on ‘hate map,’ indicted for bankrolling the Ku Klux Klan
The SPLC had a field source who was a member of the online leadership chat group that planned the 2017 “Unite the Right” event in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Bills on land posting and sextortion head to Governor’s desk
Two bills reported on by Vermont Daily Chronicle earlier this year are on their way to the Governor after being passed on Tuesday, one from each chamber of the legislature. One makes clarifications to Vermont’s land posting laws and the other criminalizes blackmail for extortion using explicit images
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