Incidents involving use of force rise in Burlington, police report shows; Truck fire causes I-89 closure in South Burlington; Montpelier federal building, home of former post office, now up for auction; Lawmakers’ last minute scramble for a facility for those incompetent to stand trial; Vermont Gov. passes laws banning Paraquat, limiting cost of concert tickets
Lt. Gov. John Rodgers is not a fan of S.325, the Act 181 reform bill, as it emerged from the conference committee. That could spell trouble for the bill if the Senate is deadlocked on the bill today.
The Senate version of H.955 reflects a large shift from earlier proposals tied to last year’s Act 73 reforms in the wake of the 2024 property tax revolt. While earlier versions had included mandatory consolidation of school districts, Gov. Phil Scott and Democratic leaders have indicated that forced mergers were politically unviable. Instead, the bill encourages voluntary consolidation.
The law that required Governor Scott’s signature is narrower than the one then-Rep. Jim Harrison and 11 co-sponsors introduced — and it expires on July 1, 2028.
The right to educate must belong to the family. Of whom is it expected that a child will learn his or her first words? Of whom is it expected a child will learn to use the toilet and wash his or her hands? Of whom is it expected that a child will learn empathy, honesty, and right from wrong? It is from the family that a child first begins to learn, and it is the family which is most influential in a child’s educational development.
Meta researchers identified Vermont as a unique market — noting that at certain times more teens and young adults in Vermont used Instagram per capita than in any other state.
The girl had been reported as a runaway on Tuesday to Trooper Jacob Shores by her family, but there was no luck finding her overnight, police said.
Police said Brenton M. Beers turned himself in following publicity surrounding the incident at DG Bodyworks in Cavendish.
Hartford dedicates monument honoring Korean, Vietnam war veterans; Local restaurants, shops reflect on long weekend affecting sales; Teens from our region compete in National Spelling Bee; Colchester leaders recommend roundabout at problem intersection
When the search was complete, they had recovered approximately 34.9 grams of cocaine and crack cocaine, 2.4 grams of methamphetamine, 448.3 grams of suspected LSD, and a small amount of cash. The case is being handled by Cpl. Gaylord.
The long-awaited school reform bill emerged from a House and Senate conference and goes to the Senate floor today.
True Vermont discourse isn’t found in carefully managed press releases or media sound bites that paint everyday citizens as extremists. It happens when elected officials open their inboxes, answer their constituents, and listen to the people who actually have to live with the laws they pass.
A light at the end
You might be wondering what black bear literacy has to do with crossing over. Well, a record number of black bears have been hit and killed this year by motor vehicles on both I-89 and I-91. Reps. Cilley and Pidd believe that if bears were able to read the “Bear Crossing” signs, they would know where the safest places are to cross Vermont’s interstate highways instead of trying to cross over at random areas.
Detective Dambrackas has assisted the United States Attorney’s Office in securing convictions for over 65 defendants in federal court. Many of these defendants were armed with firearms, and many employed violence in Rutland, Addison, and Bennington Counties as part of their drug trafficking activities.
For four decades, Stuart Paton has brought taiko to Burlington
Students from elementary schools in Lowell, Jay/Westfield, Brighton, Newport City, Newport Town, Barton/Glover, Irasburg, Orleans, Coventry and Derby brought stuffed animals to the hospital for a hands-on experience designed to help children feel comfortable in a healthcare setting.
To truly fix healthcare, the U.S. must demand the same fair prices that other countries enjoy—and in doing so, force the world to rethink its dependence on American overpayments to sustain their systems.
Before the near fatal shooting outside Nectar’s on Main Street, Nashid had a lengthy criminal record, including eight prior felony convictions.
Burlington police seek public’s help after reported gunfire; Solar array gone awry: Vermont probes solar development owner about broken solar panels in Shaftsbury; Vermont, 24 other states sue Trump’s Education Department over loan caps; Vermont City Marathon draws thousands of people cheering on runners despite rainy conditions
Other important bills will hopefully benefit from balanced and open-minded negotiations as we wrap up the session this coming week
Notably, the Social Security Administration has not guaranteed future benefits to Americans who are currently paying into the system.
And they double down GWSA’s “right to sue” provision.
Students’ families shouldn’t have to fight for what they already have a right to: an educational experience that promotes both academic success and health. Yet this basic truth is being actively ignored in schools statewide as parents get pushback from teachers, principals and superintendents for trying to opt their kids out of being put at a setback…this being receiving a personal laptop, or in the case of kindergarteners, a tablet.
It is a time for remembering, for pausing to recall that the freedom which makes this holiday possible came at a steep price. And over the decades, many Vermonters made the ultimate sacrifice in fulfilling that payment.
Sanchez was not wearing a seat belt.
Enduring deprivation, exposure, malnutrition and disease, Cook nonetheless committed himself to providing inspiration for his fellow prisoners to endure and survive.
A pathetic attempt to look like you’re doing something when actually doing nothing.
A state judge jailed a St. Albans woman on Thursday for several hours as she continued her refusal to turn over the passcode to her cellphone that she was using the day of a fatal motor vehicle crash with two motorcyclists on Father’s Day last year.
Cause of death: gunshot wound.
Troopers believe Daley had sexually assaulted the underaged victim on more than one occasion.
Vermonters are asking what they are getting in return for an extension that multiple reports estimate is costing taxpayers $300,000 each week.
Vermont’s average cost of gas is a hair above the national average at $4.56 per gallon.
“The gambit is: let’s repeal the CHS and put it into something the governor doesn’t like,” Cota said. “I think most Vermonters can see through that.”
With the help of dozens of Republicans and with the grudging acceptance of progressive Democrats, S.208. the House Thursday removed ICE from the mandatory police masking bill.
Suspect in deadly Father’s Day crash found in contempt after not handing over phone passcode; Legislative committee: Scott’s order on housing is unlawful; VT National Guard’s Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony; Police department’s social media tactics lead to arrests — and criticism
On Thursday, the Vermont Senate approved legislation to extend the state’s streamlined telecommunications permitting law for another three years. The reporter of the bill argued that the extension is necessary to comply with federal deadlines, avoid litigation, and avoid delays in expanding wireless service. This will be the seventh time that the sunset has been extended.
An animal spotted in Rutland County is drawing attention from Vermont wildlife observers after a photograph of it was shared publicly this week on social media by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.
Donald Batting begin his radio career in Rutland, Vermont, later becoming a legend at WBZ in Boston.
Vermont DCF details next steps for temporarily closed ONE Arts daycare in Burlington; Authorities bust illegal Essex Junction gambling operation; Champlain Valley School District scraps middle school merger plan; Pharmacy closure leaves Woodstock without place to fill prescriptions;
What is a tax on wealth? Basically, a taxpayer would file a new schedule, a balance sheet, with their annual tax return. A balance sheet, also known as a statement of financial position, lists all of the taxpayers’ assets, less any outstanding debt. The difference is a sum, net worth, or net equity. That sum would then become the basis for the tax rate to be applied, resulting in the tax due.
Forty-two judges, 1,600 entries, 139 categories. By Friday, Vermont finds out whether it repeats last year’s 49-ribbon haul.
Tuktu, an app designed to connect seniors with local care providers, launched in Vermont earlier this year.
The bill passed out of the committee 3-2 with the Democratic committee chair siding with the committee’s two Republicans against members of her own party. The bill now moves to the floor for a vote of the full Senate.
S.325 in second day of conference committee talks
The EAB is a beetle introduced from Asia that attacks all native ash trees (trees in the Fraxinus group). If trees are not treated, this insect is expected to kill nearly 99% of Vermont’s ash trees.
Criminals will still carry, and that’s the truth, but this is Burlington, where the truth is what they say it is, and the excuse they came up with to ask for a ban in bars was a shooting that wasn’t in a bar.
As Vermont lawmakers continue debating immigration enforcement, public safety, bail reform, school policy, and state authority, a deeper constitutional question increasingly sits underneath the arguments: What legal obligation does government actually owe individual citizens when foreseeable harm occurs?
Democrat senator from Addison County makes false claim about Republican senator from Addison County.
The owner of DG Bodyworks is is an outspoken supporter of Israel and critic of anti-Israel Town Meeting resolutions.
Gov. Phil Scott has said the Legislature cannot approve a state budget and go home until it first passes a school organization and funding bill.
Don’t count your chickens until you know they’re chickens
Rutland officials appoint new city attorney; $13.9 million Williston library renovation project fails at second vote; Revised school budget passes after second vote in Milton; A new body will recommend how state government and Vermont businesses could adopt AI
Ann Story was a strong young widow and a mother of five children who earned the honorific “mother of the Green Mountain Boys.”
To combat pressures on local media outlets, state leaders awarded taxpayer funding to sixteen media outlets that demonstrated strong “civic journalism.” The awards ranged from $5,000 to $10,000. While intended to address the challenges facing local news, the efforts raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, legality, and questions surrounding which media outlets are winning these awards.
And they double down GWSA’s “right to sue” provision.
A recent New Yorker column named the trend Compass Vermont has been watching for months.
Combat veteran. Mountain warfare trainer. Saint Albans brewer. UVM professor. Steve Gagner has had four careers in one.
Israeli tech company aiming to cool the Earth with masses of tiny particles; Outrage as cancer-linked chemicals are sprayed in skies over multiple U.S. states under controversial government program; CDC restricts travel after Americans are exposed to Ebola virus that kills half of those infected
The Town of Northfield announced May 19 that it has hired Montpelier Police Chief Eric Nordenson as Northfield’s new chief of police and Kevin Moulton as deputy chief of police.
Get ready for an action-packed day of speed, skill, grit, and western excitement as the Vermont High School Rodeo Association (VTHSRA) State Finals takes over Millbrook Horse Farm in Wells Saturday, May 30.
The comments Deb heard for voting NO were “not a hill worth dying on” and “hope this doesn’t bite you in November”.
Raised in a family of dairy farmers, Bartley graduated feom CVU and UVM.
Burlington daycare center ONE Arts hopes to reopen after state report details alleged violations; Vermont’s highest pond stocked with trout by chairlift; South Burlington: $16.4 million needed for wastewater upgrades; Burlington City Councilors discuss mayor’s FY2027 Budget, reject Chief Greylock statue
Chapter II, Section 20 of the Vermont Constitution says the Governor does — “correspond with other states, [and] transact business with officers of government, civil and military.”
Vermont has studied the need for a forensic system for years. We are now approaching another moment of déjà vu, as in 2023 when forensic facility language was removed.
“AI is the first technology in a generation that gives small Vermont employers the same tools the biggest companies use,” said Lunderville. “New technology often widens the gap between big and small. This one can close it.”
Adjournment won’t happen until conference committees can connect on the tax (H933), budget (H951) and homestead property tax (H949).
It’s been a busy week in the State House, yet as for Education Reform, Taxes, and the Budget… nothing.
A new report sheds light on AFT and NEA spending tens of millions of dollars on electing Democratic political candidates, and prioritizing politicking over the needs and interests of their union members. The study found that of the NEA’s $450 million annual disbursement budget from fiscal year 2025, less than $46 million, or 10 percent, was spent on activities directly representing the union’s constituents.
A new study finds that driver behavior — not terrain, traffic, or infrastructure — explains the state’s disproportionately high fatal crash rate.
It is a moral error to imagine Hamas as “freedom fighters” since freedom fighters do not gang rape women and mutilate their corpses and laugh about it. Nor do they sexually torture teens at music festivals, burn families alive, and livestream it online.
$$ from Chinese fraudsters, Newport defense firm, Winooski pornster, Rutland embezzler goes to victims
Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Ryan McLaren on Monday, May 18 unveiled his “Yes In My Back Yard Tax Credit” plan to provide municipalities with $25,000 in education property tax relief for every new home fully permitted this year.
State officials and local residents respond to ongoing PFAS contamination concerns in Bennington County; Vermont motorcycle ride raises awareness for men’s health; Welch, Balint talk election integrity with town clerks
Vermont State Police say they have new evidence that a Rutland County man arrested on a misdemeanor stalking charge, also was illegally pursuing a separate victim under the age of 16.
The new monument will be placed just north of the Vietnam War memorial in the park.
A pickup truck crashed the Colchester Burger King Sunday morning.
Senator Steven Heffernan asked Senator Tanya Vyhovsky on the Senate Floor Friday whether persons that identify as animals would be exempt from Vermont’s bestiality laws.
Also: A mailbox, a driveway, and a fourth DUI.
A first-term legislator is seeking solutions to a long-ignored consent problem inside ANR’s wastewater permitting. Party leadership told him to back down. He’s not backing down.
The agreement is called the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact (NPVIC), a multi-state pact designed to ensure that the winner of the national popular vote becomes president of the United States. Under the compact, participating states agree to award all of their electoral votes to the national popular vote winner, regardless of how their own state voted.
“Villainous Vermont” contains 32 true accounts of murder, homicide and unresolved deaths in the Green Mountain State.
Vermont Daily Chronicle follows state’s favorite PGA player
After reading the language and reviewing the testimony, I do not believe this amendment is written correctly nor do I believe it delivers on the promise of equal rights for all. That is important because this is not just some law that can be undone. There is a four-year process to make a constitutional amendment. It should be difficult and should be done correctly.
On Thursday this week in an uncommon move, the Vermont Senate reversed one of their previous votes and struck down an amendment to a bill that the same Senators had approved by high margins the day prior.
BPD releases body camera footage from March 11 Dorset Street ICE operation; Burlington daycare center ONE Arts temporarily closed; Brattleboro hospital and its support staff avert strike by signing first contract; Barre city manager stepping down to take deputy role in South Burlington
Long before the U.S.-Mexico border dominated American conversations about immigration enforcement, a cold lake in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom had already been the site of one of the country’s longest-running and least-told human smuggling histories.
Vermont lawmakers are considering a bill that would require schools to adopt immigration protocols restricting when school officials may cooperate with federal immigration enforcement and when law enforcement officers may access nonpublic areas of school buildings.
Democrat leaders refuse to fund a proven literacy program in Vermont.
While these callers may possess some of the recipient’s personal information, it has been gathered from public records — they have no access to law enforcement databases or warrant systems. UVM Police emphasize that they will never call to request money, payment information, photographs, or to warn of an ongoing investigation or open warrant.
After electing Joe Biden and then Donald Trump for a second time the American people are being questioned by the international community about their ability to form a coherent thought.
Peter Booth, 58, the vice chairman of the Jericho selectboard, Henry Prensky, 79, of Burlington, Aiden Balentine, 39, of Montpelier and Casey Seem, 20, of Oakham, Mass. They are due in state criminal court in Burlington on June 30. For Booth and Prensky it was the second time arrested for a similar blockade at a building containing a support office for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, state police said.
A federal judge has ruled federal prosecutors failed to prove a Windham County man, who cut down about 300 trees, did it in an area designated for protection as part of the Green Mountain National Forest.
Geno has served in law enforcement since 1976, first with the Rutland City Police Department and, most recently, with the Rutland County Sheriff’s Department following his retirement as commander of the Rutland City Police Department.
Gaysville and the Great Flood of 1927
State police said investigators continued to pursue the case after Olson’s release.
Pledges tax caps and full Act 181 reform to protect working families and rural Vermonters
Marie Tiemann of SpeakVT addressed the subject Tuesday night on the prime time Rob Finnerty Show on Newsmax, reportedly the #4 cable news network after Fox, MSNBC, and CNN.
The four individuals identified above refused to comply with arrest procedures and required physical police intervention and separation tactics.
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