But if AI becomes simply the newest tool for satire, parody and political commentary, banning it outright could collide with the First Amendment.
Balint calls for law restricting AI in campaigning after satirical YouTube video airs
VT Headlines: Stowe Police charge pair after man dies of accidental drug overdose
Vermont Green FC plays Canada’s national soccer team in World Cup tuneup; New animal cruelty law to take effect in Vermont next month; From players to family: The lasting Impact of the Lake Monsters Host Program
Big layoffs announced in dairy processing, hospital network
99 dairy products processing jobs and 142 health care positions are being eliminated in two unrelated layoffs announced this week.
Vermont offers schools and towns grants for modern wood heat
Back to the woodstove? Not quite…
Ryan: Media gatekeeping and the Vermonters who don’t exist
Vermont Public, VT Digger, and Seven Days have done their legislative session wrap-ups. In the year rural Vermonters found their voices, these outlets are mostly disinterested in rural perspectives.
Bernie celebrates Platner’s Maine victory as Maine Democrat Governor refuses To concede crushing U.S. Senate primary loss
Platner, 41, an ex-Marine whose Nazi tattoo, misogynistic behavior and anti-establishment rhetoric have raised questions over his fitness for public office, nonetheless trounced Maine Gov. Janet Mills by winning roughly 70 percent of Tuesday’s vote.
BREAKING: 4 arrested in Newport drug raid
Four people, including a career criminal, were arrested during a drug raid at 501 Pleasant Street in Newport City on Tuesday, police said.
Gray: Building the housing Vermont needs
Whether we live in Swanton, Guilford, Pownal, or anywhere in between, Vermonters take pride in our self-sufficiency and resilience. When we see a problem, we fix it, whether it’s a broken fence or a broken economy. The next two years of the Trump administration will almost certainly see Washington punishing so-called “blue states” like Vermont with less federal help than ever. No one is coming to save us, so it’s up to us to invest in ourselves, and our communities.
Who decides what Vermonters need? A $250k project hands part of the answer to an AI tool
A federal-grant project led by UVM Extension will map what Vermonters need to thrive, drawing in part on Local Minutes, an AI tool that searches municipal meeting records. The tool’s own disclaimer says it should not be the sole basis for important decisions.
Longmore on black crime, Hornblas on masks in school
An Open Letter to the Cabot School Board, June 8th, 2026
Klar: Moral decline in America?
Study shows Republicans and Democrats can agree on something.
Breaking: Driver wants North Hero manslaughter case dropped or trial site changed
Ellen E. Willson, 39, of Federal Street has pleaded not guilty in Vermont Superior Court in North Hero to charges of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of gross negligent operation: one with death resulting and one with serious bodily injury, all from the June 15, 2025 crash.
Sanders, Trump ‘aren’t that far apart’ on government stake in AI ownership
“President Donald Trump also embraces giving the public a stake in AI’s growth,” reports the Brattleboro Reformer.
VTGOP Chair becomes weekly host of “Vermont Viewpoint” on WDEV
VTGOP Chairman Paul Dame has joined the weekly rotation of hosts on WDEV’s “Vermont Viewpoint” program from 9am to 11am. The station has already given a platform to Vermont Democrat Chair Lachlan Francis for several weeks, and Dame is being added to the weekly rotation for the foreseeable future.
VT Headlines: Car drives over edge of small cliff in Colchester parking lot
Man arrested after reported arson at Rutland rec center; Meal program remains in Burlington park despite mayor’s concerns; Riders on the Storm Drains: Barre Turns to ‘Adopt-a-Drain’ to Reduce Flooding; Montpelier’s former post office is up for auction this month. Its lead contender has doubts about the property’s condition; Franklin County Field Days cancelled again
In praise of Community College
“I think we’re all coming around to the fact that some take a different route and heading to college right off may not be the best path for everyone,” Scott said.
Police raid ‘problem’ home
Springfield Police, assisted by the heavily armed Vermont State Police SWAT Team, conducted an early morning drug raid at 26 Litchfield St. on Friday.
Car strikes horse on Willoughby Lake Road in Brownington, animal euthanized
The horses’ owners arrived and told responders the animals had broken out of a containment fence.
Vermont Senator fearing his Maine guy may be toast
Platner, wounded by yet another allegation of questionable behavior, avowed he’s not being pressured to drop out.
Pols, social media respond to The Vermont Party
Ingalls confirmed to VDC today that he is starting a platform, and that he never said he was starting a party.
VT Headlines: Front Porch Forum could become employee-owned when its founders retire
Vermont man dies from injuries sustained in May single-car crash; One UVM lab’s surprise discovery led to flu science breakthrough; Play it again, Sam: A Vermont picture palace reels in new money with old movies; Skatepark becomes stage during Burlington Discover Jazz Festival
Shorts: Bennington County school closes, Kurt Wright back on Morning Drive
Kurt Wright returns to AM talk radio; Speaking of graduation; Civics Bee today in Stowe
Vermont has the highest rate of anti-Black hate crimes in the nation
In any given year, roughly 1 in every 430 Black Vermonters is directly targeted in a bias-motivated crime. In a small, close-knit community, that’s not a distant statistic — it’s a neighbor, a coworker, a family member.
Roper: Want to save rural schools? Go independent.
And dump the VTNEA!
Why Community College of Vermont Is growing as college costs climb
As the state’s four-year campuses cut programs and ran deficits, CCV grew. The reasons are structural — and they’re reshaping the choices facing Vermont families.
Buying a used EV in Vermont? What you save depends on who powers your house.
We bring the data. You form the opinions.
Soulia: Who owns the land In Vermont?
People lose trust when government becomes hard to understand. They lose trust when enforcement feels uneven. They lose trust when decisions seem distant from everyday life. And they lose trust when state agencies begin sounding like owners instead of caretakers.
Kastner: Are Vermont schools preparing students for Vermont or for America?
When did our schools become so deeply involved in questions that used to be debated primarily in legislatures, courtrooms, town halls, and around kitchen tables?
DUI driver sends teen biker to hospital/Victim in May crash succumbs
The juvenile was transported to Copley Hospital for treatment.
State budget up 2.9% – here’s what’s in it
This budget reflects a period of relative fiscal discipline as the state navigates the end of “abundant” pandemic-era federal funding.
Vermonters saved lives, led troops under fire at Normandy Beach
Albert Sponheimer, of East Rygate, was there that day, and was awarded the Silver Star for his heroic work as a medic…. He saved countless lives while exposing himself to heavy enemy fire on the shores of Omaha Beach.
Despathy: Extortion and pollution killed the data center bill
H.727- Data Center Bill veto analysis
Signs of support spread across Barre following student’s death
The death of a 13-year-old student has prompted an outpouring of grief in Barre, along with broader community conversations about youth mental health, bullying prevention, and support for LGBTQ+ young people.
VT Headlines: Trial set for former animal control officer accused of animal cruelty
Lamoille County Sheriff: child on bicycle hit by drunk driver; 80-hour weeks and drowning in debt: UVM Medical Center resident doctors rally for a new contract; Vermont Supreme Court: landowners not liable for injury to trespassers
Roper: The devastating legacy of Democrat leadership
Krowinski and Baruth leaving a disaster in their wake.
Klar: Biden pardoned a drug-dealer, who quickly got back to work
Even out of power, the Biden administration just keeps on giving.
Cohen: Failed mayor candidate files for Vermont House
Karen Paul was defeated in her 2024 Burlington mayoral bid.
Caregiver convicted of L&L with disabled child
At the time of the offense in September 2021, Fox was working for a social services agency serving as a caretaker.
Three days before leaving office, Biden commuted sentences of 23 Vermont drug dealers
To date, most of President Donald Trump ‘47’s pardons and small handful of commutations have been for people convicted of fraud, other financial crimes, and obstructing access to abortion clinics. A few have been drug-crime related. None are from Vermont.
Dame: America’s most effective minority delivers affordability, reform and freedom
As we gear up for the 2026 elections, all of our Republican incumbents can be proud of the work that was done and look ahead to doing even more if Vermonters once again grant our candidates their votes and support to keep making a difference the Vermont Way.
Ellis: Graham Platner is in the barrel
It is his turn and the next week will tell us whether he can be a senator
Vermont banks hit by bank and wire fraud
Federal authorities have arrested five out-of-state suspects as part of more than a $500,000 fraud perpetrated on banks and credit unions throughout Vermont and the Northeast.
State senator Ingalls plans new political party
Shortly after Ingalls made his post, sources closely familiar with the discussions told VDC that conversations about forming a new political party have been taking place for some time among Ingalls and others involved with the Rural Vermont Rising community.
VT Headlines: Burlington celebrates installation of ‘Lake Bone’ sculpture downtown
Affordable housing complex opens in downtown Waterbury; District officials explain how state education bills will impact HUUSD; BETA Technologies opens doors to local and national media for the first time
Trump education secretary foes, friends demonstrate during visit
The larger protest group included members of labor organizations, education advocates, socialist organizations and transgender rights supporters.
Biker in critical condition after Burlington crash
Tunbridge school fire ruled accidental; Six people threatened by man in public place
Grid-scale battery storage skeptics show up at Vergennes meeting
The 4.99 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) will deliver backup power for four hours at peak output, according to a December, 2025 report to the Vermont Public Utilities Commission (PUC), the state’s regulatory and permitting body for most energy projects. The project, built by Lightshift Energy on private land, would expand battery storage capacity already present in nearby Panton.
Challengers contest incumbents in Chittenden Democrat primary
Community organizer and campaign strategist Joanna Grossman and pediatrician Dr. Elizabeth Ann Hunt are running to bring new ideas to the district.
New roadside marker celebrates Ann Story, ‘Mother of the Green Mountain Boys’
Vermonters gather at the Ann Story cabin in Salisbury to celebrate the Revolutionary War heroine.
McGuinness: Anti-parental rights bills pass the legislature in 2026
Legislative wrap-up on parental rights
BREAKING: Former Lamoille County Deputy Sheriff denies 3 felonies
An award-winning now former Lamoille County deputy sheriff, who officials maintain helped cause a mistrial in a homicide case, has pleaded not guilty in Vermont Superior Court in Hyde Park to three felony counts, including two counts of obstruction of justice.
Klar: Washington legal settlement protects Christian foster parents
Sanity and legal protections prevail.
Juvenile detention center planned for South Burlington
Secure facility would be open in 2028.
Waterville woman seeks Lamoille House seat
Pitre currently volunteers throughout Lamoille County and surrounding communities, including organizing and participating in local music programs for seniors, individuals with special needs, and community gatherings.
VT Headlines: Several VT schools received bomb threats Wed. morning
Vermonter train delayed after collision with pedestrian; Three seriously injured in Jericho crash; US Education Secretary tours Vermont schools with pushback from residents, students
House avoids ICE anti-mask law now in force in New Jersey
If S.208 had become law, Vermont anti-ICE demonstrators and the government officials in active or tacit support of them would have another weapon at their disposal – as seen in New Jersey.
Protect Vermont’s native wildlife this summer: Give loons and sea lamprey their space
State biologists urge boaters, anglers, and shoreline residents to respect two of Vermont’s most ecologically important — and often misunderstood — native species.
Vermont crime this week
The week’s incidents are a reminder of the steady, often difficult work of keeping Vermont’s communities safe.
VIDEO: Protester makes DEATH THREAT towards unmasked ICE agent outside NJ facility
Those who support an unmasking bill need to take notice
Carroll: As mother of slain woman, thankful for S.193
After years of studies, hearings, delays, working groups, and repeated acknowledgment that Vermont has a dangerous forensic system gap, I am deeply grateful to finally see meaningful movement forward.
Two men arrested in Lamoille County drug bust after months-long investigation
Vermont State Police Drug Task Force detectives and the Tactical Services Unit executed a search warrant at a Johnson residence on June 2, arresting James Mason, 47, and Danarius Davis, 23, on a slate of drug charges that includes fentanyl trafficking, cocaine sales, and conspiracy.
Transportation secretary flies BETA aircraft as VT firm is selected for seven of eight Federal pilot projects
The DOT described the flight as a milestone in the development of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, or eVTOLs.
Vermont joins its 51st suit against the Trump administration. But does Vermont have a stake?
Attorney General Charity Clark has joined six other states in challenging the federal cancellation of an offshore wind lease off New York. The electricity at issue belongs to New York and was never bound for Vermont, so the outcome changes little for Vermont’s grid either way. Joining still commits some of Vermont’s legal resources.
Two longtime friends are swimming every lake and pond in Vermont together
Decades later, the BergCum Swim Club relives childhood memories.
Guv candidate going after the mom vote
A Richards campaign ad released last week shows her playing the Governor Mom role. Her kitchen – peanut butter jar and all – is her stage as she pitches Vermonters on why Scott was wrong to veto the data center bill.
McClaughry redux: Where Gov. Scott’s education transformation leads
It would accelerate Vermont’s trend toward having One Big School System. That’s a transformation we don’t need, don’t want, and ultimately can’t afford.
VT Headlines: Vermont saw a sharp increase in cyberscams last year
BPD did not violate city’s Fair and Impartial Policing Policy during ICE operation, report finds; Former Rutland County school superintendent, husband deny underage drinking charges in teen’s death; Thousands celebrate Girls on the Run 5K in Essex Junction; New law allows Windham County sheriff to experiment with regional police coverage
To spray or not to spray
Greensboro and other communities debate herbicide use on invasives.
Man accused of anti-Israel graffiti seeks, receives forgiveness
“I truly believe that in order for us, as a people, to unify, we need to forgive, sit down and talk, try and figure it out, and come to solutions instead of making the hate continue spiraling downward,” Gebroe said.
At least seven sheriffs have races this year
Fights are on to replace Grismore and Palmer
Free to flow: A Northfield beer, a Global River Day, and Vermont’s 1,000 dams
A co-branded four-pack at Good Measure sends 10% of every sale to dam-removal work in the Winooski watershed. Here’s what that work actually does for a river — and why it matters.
CLG: Congress quietly moves to integrate U.S. and Israeli militaries
First missing scientist is found dead a year after vanishing as bizarre circumstances of her death are revealed; Iran stops negotiations with U.S., vows to ‘completely’ block Strait of Hormuz; EU at risk from Ukrainian strikes on nuclear plant – Rosatom CEO
North: 3…2…1…Score!
The House will certainly be a very different body next year — a perfect opportunity to bring more balance to Vermont.
Keelan: Democracy demands debate and dialogue
If the tent of democracy is meant to be a shelter for all viewpoints, there must be civility, listening, compromise, and a retreat from hiding behind the veil of social media.
BREAKING:U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon in Vermont for 2 days
She’s headed to a tech center in Essex and the Vermont State University campus in Williston.
The song that won a state
How the Hermit Thrush became Vermont’s official bird, June 1, 1941
VT Headlines: Fentanyl, cocaine seized after search warrant in Orange County
Officials investigating suspicious fire at home in Bennington; With deadline looming, 6 school districts still don’t have a budget in place for next year; Vermont Lake Monsters win 2026 home opener; Annual Essex Pride Festival brought hundreds out celebrating community
Lawmaker says new education bill “kicking the can down the road”
Highlights include a foundation funding formula that targets reducing the cost per student by about half the current price. One thing this bill does not do is force the consolidation of school districts. If the bill becomes law, it would take two years to begin implementation.
Search and rescue dogs show skills at Philo Ridge Farm
“I can’t really tell you how amazing it is to find people who are lost,” Daniel Lampignano said.
Lenz and Zakov: Boots on the ground: The final bow
The 2026 Vermont legislative session ran past its expected close, and the reason wasn’t a mystery. The three biggest issues, education reform, the statewide property tax rate and the FY27 budget all needed to be untangled.
Sheldon, four other House chairs not listed as primary candidates
Both the Speaker of the House (Jill Krowinski) and the Senate Pro Tem (Phil Baruth), both of Burlington, have announced they are not seeking re-election. Less known were likely changes at the committee chair level.
BREAKING: No nominating petitions filed by State’s Attorney Vekos for re-election
Lone state’s attorney’s race is in Chittenden County with George and Kranichfeld
VT’s GWSA doomsday scenario gets quiet rewrite
If Vermont’s climate policies cannot measurably affect the climate, and if the worst-case scenarios used to justify urgency are no longer considered plausible, why should Vermonters keep paying for the Global Warming Solutions Act and Clean Heat Standard?
New report ranks Vermont #1 in senior health
A major new federal health report shows progress in some areas of senior health across the United States — but warns that mental health struggles, food insecurity, and drug-related deaths are rising at alarming rates among older adults.
Swenson: Progressive apartheid
How Vermont’s governing class is destroying the State it claims to serve
VT Headlines: Gov. Phil Scott to run for a 6th term
Fugitive from justice arrested for multiple alleged NH sex crimes; Jury rules Daniel Banyai not guilty of assault on law enforcement officer; University of Vermont to get $12M in state funding for new athletic venue; Newcomer looks to shake up race for Chittenden County sheriff; Vermont Senate passes bill that sets path for healthcare cost reduction
Soulia: VT Legislature nears adjournment as taxpayers wait for the bill
…After a session of spending, regulation, and last-minute policy movement
Governor vetoes bill that takes aim at data center development
While the Governor acknowledged concerns raised by many Vermonters about the strain large-scale data centers can place on energy systems and infrastructure, Scott argued the bill’s implications would extend beyond the technology sector.
VIDEO: Panhandling for a fix
$160 a day: Three homeless people discuss how much money they can make
Eshelman: Free markets: The most advanced form of governance
We all want the same basic things: a society where people have real opportunity, dignity, security, and a genuine sense of belonging. The deepest paradox in modern politics is that the path to that humane, abundant society runs through free markets — not despite them.
Vermont’s Act 181 rollback deleted the Senate’s own housing expansions — and the Senate voted 28–2 to pass it
The housing expansions in the package — a new village-center exemption and a longer timeline for the exemptions already in law — were deleted before the bill reached the Governor
Electric fencing protects chickens – but remember the peanut butter
Keeping a small flock of chickens at home to provide eggs and meat has become increasingly popular, but many small-scale poultry farmers are discovering that several species of wildlife like the taste of chicken as much as we do.
Vermont’s passing problem
Vermont lands at No. 7 nationally — sandwiched between Alabama (5.63) and Hawaii (5.13), a tight cluster where differences between states are razor-thin.
Anti-ICE protester charged with driving car at cops
Investigators allege Anania drove into the closed area and at one point steered toward police and protesters standing in the median, causing state troopers to fear they could be struck by the vehicle.
House Speaker Krowinski won’t seek re-election
We focused on building a brighter future for Vermont families and businesses
The Case of the Missing Corvette
Car loaned to friend. Friend dies. Where is the car?
Legislature approves pushing back PCB testing deadline
The bill pushes back the deadline to complete testing, creates a fund to assist with testing and remediation, and adds a new PCB testing requirement tied to future school construction aid.
VT Headlines: Partial repeal of Vermont’s land-use law Act 181 heads to Gov. Phil Scott’s desk
Former superintendent, husband indicted in teen’s alcohol-related death; Embattled Windsor County Sheriff not seeking reelection; Vermont landlord-tenant bill falls apart in surprise Senate tiebreaker; Vermont inmates face charges for assaulting corrections officers; Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board rejects bear baiting proposals
McGuinness: Prop 4: Cannabis licensing a higher priority for historically marginalized groups
In case you missed it: $1.5 million of YOUR tax dollars have been allocated to disperse funds to state-sanctioned historically marginalized groups. And S.278 cannabis bill, 2026, had originally intended to appropriate much more.
Benedict: Act 955 kicks school funding can down the road, again
Act 955, the public-school transformation bill, as amended promises “substantial equity…delivered at a cost that parents, voters and taxpayers will value.” Just what will the “transformation” be?
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