Empty school bus catches fire at rest area off I-89; East Montpelier man dies in snowmobile crash; Gov. Phil Scott says he will not meet with President Trump without Democrats; Vermont athletes balance military service with biathlon training
VT Headlines: 2 arrested in deadly beating at Newmont Slate Quarry
Senators curious about Ticklenaked Pond
Most believe the unusual name is derived from “tickeneket,” the Algonquin word for “place of little beavers.”
12 schools added to low performer list
Twelve Vermont schools have been newly identified among the state’s lowest-performing and added to the Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) list, according to the latest accountability report released by the Vermont Agency of Education.
Dave Allaire joins Rutland mayoral write-in shocker
A risk with so many of Rutland’s big-name politicians running on a write-in ballot on March 3 was laid out by Ray LaMoria, a retired Rutland police detective, on Facebook in response to Allaire’s decision. “I’m concerned that there (are) so many good candidates including yourself for Mayor that it is going to split the vote and provide the opportunity (for) someone who shouldn’t be mayor (to) get elected. Too bad you guys couldn’t coalesce around one candidate with the same values for this one-year position.” A reported 13 candidates will also be on the ballot for five open Board of Aldermen seats.
VT Legislature presses DCF on $11M housing money
At issue is approximately $11.1 million in General Assistance (GA) emergency housing funds originally appropriated in State Fiscal Year 2025 and carried forward into FY2026. According to testimony and internal communications reviewed by the House Human Services Committee, DCF expected at least a $5.5 million underspend in the GA emergency housing line.
Scott admin pushes for diverse tourists & newcomers
A Vermont House Committee heard testimony on Wednesday about the Scott administration’s efforts on tourism and marketing the Vermont brand. Heather Pelham, the Commissioner of the Department of Tourism and Marketing, testified in front of the House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development about the department’s successes and new programs that they’ve developed.
CLG: Trump ‘identifies date for strike on Iran’
Full list of hundreds of celebrities and politicians in Pam Bondi’s Epstein files letter; Trump’s Board of Peace rallies ‘thousands’ of troops for Gaza deployment; Tucker Carlson ‘detained’ in Israel: Journalist ‘dragged into interrogation room’ after interview with Trump’s ambassador; Israel approves major land grab in West Bank; Kiev on the brink of catastrophe – mayor
Old First Church in Bennington awarded $500,000 save America’s treasures grant
In 1935, the Vermont legislature designated Old First Church as Vermont’s Colonial Shrine. The church stands at the heart of Bennington’s historic district and occupies land central to the founding of Vermont. Constructed in 1805, the church has long served as a place of worship, civic gathering, and remembrance, and is a central institution in the Revolutionary-era history and early leadership of the state. The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Today, it continues to welcome visitors from across the nation and around the world who come to engage with Vermont’s rich cultural and civic heritage.
Senator proposes school choice within one statewide school district
The parental choice mechanism would be Vermont Education Accounts for every student age 5-18. Parents could allocate funds to any qualifying school.
Judge ends Mahdawi deportation case, DHS vows to continue
According to Fox News and other media reports, a federal immigration judge, Nina Froes, terminated the government’s deportation case against Mahdawi on procedural grounds, finding that federal attorneys failed to properly authenticate a key piece of evidence they submitted in the proceedings.
VT Headlines: Vermonters Mikaela Shiffrin and Mac Forehand win medals
Vermonters to hold rally to urge Peter Welch to change vote on Fix Our Forests Act; Immigration judge dismisses deportation case against Mohsen Mahdawi; Burlington work on tax charter change to resume
Shooting victim poured gasoline around his house, murder suspect claims
February 8 shooting lands in court yesterday.
McGuinness: Proposed constitutional amendment expands protections for limited groups
Prop 4 states equal treatment under the law cannot be denied on account of a person’s, “race, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or national origin.”
Corinth Valentine’s Day shooting victim ID’ed
Vermont State Police have identified the victim of a fatal Valentine’s Day shooting during what was initially reported as an apparent domestic dispute in the town of Corinth in Orange County.
Police warn about porch pirates
Police say thieves often follow delivery trucks or target homes where packages are left unattended for long periods.
Thayer: America is not “stolen land”
History is not a children’s morality tale. It is a record of power, conflict, negotiation, and survival.
Vermont eyes retail delivery fee
Although framed as a transportation-related revenue concept, the proposal enters a wider national conversation about how governments handle the economics of app-based delivery services and low-margin convenience markets.
VT Headlines: Pro-Fatherhood Burlington nonprofit burglarized; $3K in electronics stolen
How Jesse Jackson influenced Bernie Sanders’ progressive prominence; Water main break leaves many across St. Johnsbury without running water; Thousands of Vermonters could lose food assistance as new work requirements take effect next month; VTSU Johnson campus to house seniors and families in dorm conversion; Hotel in Lincoln damaged in early-morning fire
Today: who is YOUR favorite president?
Bill from Morrisville chimed in on Thomas Jefferson’s support for Congressman Matthew Lyon, who was charged by the Adams administration for publishing allegedly seditious statements, convicted and fined $1500 and jailed in Vergennes.
Nathaniel Boone, Montford Pt. Marine: a national and Vermont treasure
Later a distinguished Vermont attorney, in 1946 Nate Boone rode in the back of the bus to a segregrated training area for black Marine boots: Montford Point.
Will Vermont’s proposed $20 fast-food wage help workers or hurt local businesses?
The proposed legislation would create a nearly 40% wage differential between employees at covered national chains and those working at restaurants that don’t meet the 60-location threshold.
Shorts: Vermont ranked top in health care availability and as winter sports destination
State wants input on threatened/endangered wildlife plan; Bob Dylan Wannabe Contest March 28
Taxpayers funded $716K upgrade — but Cabot’s Middlebury plant still earns $60K wastewater fine
Public investment preceded years of permit violations
Roper: VT politicians funneling taxpayer dollars to the media that covers them is bad
I now know from personal experience.
BREAKING: South Hero man busted second time on mail theft charges
The Grand Isle County Sheriff’s Department said local, state and federal investigators raided the home of Kevin Manning, 42, of Lake Drive on Friday evening and seized stolen property.
Walmart flasher sought
A female employee reported that a male customer allegedly exposed himself in one of the aisles before leaving the store.
Anti-ICE bills slide thru Senate, face tougher sledding in House
Both bills now move over to the Vermont House and the lower-chamber’s Judiciary Committee, which at present is split 5-5 Democrat/Republican.
More than year after Border Patrol shooting, Zizians still in court
A year after border agent’s killing, 7 Zizians fight criminal charges in 3 states/ Did you feel Sunday night’s earthquake?/ Montpelier Restaurant Week encourages local community to dine out
‘Bengineer’ Ben Ogden: Knitter, backflipper, and the man who broke a 50-year U.S. Olympic drought
Ogden’s multifaceted approach suggests that success in elite skiing doesn’t require single-minded focus on the sport alone, but rather the integration of diverse skills and interests.
Ryan: Act 181 is ending small Vermont farms — and most Vermonters don’t even know it
An open letter to Vermont legislators and citizens
Vermont mandates AI labels on election deepfakes—but research shows they might backfire
A nearly identical law in California has already been struck down by a federal court as unconstitutional and the federal government is actively working to preempt state-level AI rules.
Vermont has the most childcare regulations out of the 50 states
State policies and regulations considered in Archbridge’s index include “child-to-staff ratio requirements by age, maximum group sizes by age, required annual training hours for staff, and minimum educational requirements for center directors and lead teachers.”
Vermont EV buses prove unreliable for transportation this winter
Electric buses are proving unreliable this winter for Vermont’s Green Mountain Transit, as it needs to be over 41 degrees for the buses to charge, but due to a battery recall the buses are a fire hazard and can’t be charged in a garage. Spokesman for energy workers advocacy group Power the Future Larry Behrens told the Center Square: “Taxpayers were sold an $8 million ‘solution’ that can’t operate in cold weather when the home for these buses is in New England.”
Yoga while your e-car charges? Pilot $$ proposed
Lawmaker introduces transportation bill to incentivise gas stations to install electric vehicle chargers to foster community building and socializing.
Hitman arrested on warrant
Suspects in Willoughby Lake Store burglary arrested.
Adjusted budget spends more on nursing homes, prisons, police overtime
Vermont lawmakers are moving forward with a mid-year adjustment to the state’s fiscal year 2026 budget, adding tens of millions in updated spending and revenue changes while reserving nearly $75 million for next year amid uncertainty around federal funding and property tax pressures.
Hospital to pay $1.4 million for testicular cancer malpractice
The Tunbridge man received an invasive medical procedure to remove his left testicle.
Shooting, snowmobile crash deaths reported
Police say the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute involving people who knew each other.
Democrat goat farmer launches Senate campaign
Sessions is the daughter of federal court judge William Sessions.
Vermont diners pull back on takeout as restaurant costs outpace grocery prices
More than 9 in 10 restaurant operators cite labor, insurance, energy, and payment processing fees as significant challenges to profitability.
Testimony spotlights hurdles — and hope — in Vermont’s high-risk pretrial program
The House Committee on Judiciary on Thursday discussed pretrial supervision as a way to reduce criminal court backlogs, recidivism, and catch and release policies.
Tax committee chair nixes Trump private school scholarship credit
Beginning in 2027, any individual can contribute up to $1,700 per year to a “Scholarship Granting Organization” (SGO) and receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit.
‘Alligator mouth’ school spending gobbles property tax, hungers for more
The State of Vermont wants bigger school districts. But legislators report widespread public resistance.
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.
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