Sarah George on retail theft restitution: “It may ultimately come out of taxes, or something.”
Sarah George: let taxpayers reimburse shoplifting losses
Water Cooler: Gray tops in $$
Molly Gray has out-fundraised competitor Becca Balint in their race for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. House seat.
Keelan: In God We Trust – not Ernst & Young. Not anymore
For many investors in public and private companies, Ernst & Young was one of the last bastions of trust.
LaMarche: Faux progressives are wrong on crime
In Burlington, so-called progressive reforms have sprung up only to backfire on neighbors and harm the most vulnerable in our community.
Ask Johnny Bananas: can anyone watch too much Jordan Peterson?
It started when I refused to use the preferred pronouns of my second grade teacher.
Benning denounces ‘fascist iconography,’ claims Thayer involved in “insurrection”
One Republican candidate for lieutenant governor is charging another with “involvement in the insurrection of January 6th.”
Dame: It’s the economy, everybody – inflation hits 9.1%
No secret why media and Democrats aren’t talking about the economy this year.
Overdose prompts drug bust of Massachusetts men and others in Bennington
A gun with no serial number, cocaine, and fentanyl were found in the Bennington drug raid.
Brake failure, deer crossing cause fiery crashes over weekend
Brakes failed on a UPS truck, causing a fiery collision.
Bolt e-bike ride-sharing bolts from Burlington
A national e-bike ridesharing service has pulled out of Vermont. Too much regulation, too little, or something else?
Watercooler: Three-year-old Vermonter survives seven minutes underwater
NBC5 reports that a Newport toddler survived seven minutes underwater in a swimming pool.
Hartford CT teen busted for fentanyl dealing after fleeing cops at 120 MPH
Raquan Knight was arrested for fentanyl trafficking and other offenses Wednesday after he fled state police in Newport at speeds of over 120 MPH.
State law requires zero-emissions new cars by 2035 – because California says so
A Vermont law passed in 2006 requires state regulators to adopt California emissions standards. And California wants zero-emissions new car sales by 2035.
UVMMC, nurses agree to 20% pay hike over 20 months – plus retention bonus
In addition to base wage increases totaling 20% over 20 months, the new contract includes ratification and retention bonuses, increased on-call pay and differential pay, and other important measures.
Winter is coming, and green energy can’t keep Europe warm
Winter 2022 is coming, and these children of the green energy summer are not prepared.
Old Grange finds new role in Charlotte
Today, Grange president Mike Walker still wants Charlotters to honor the hall’s history, but he also wants them to see the organization in a new light: As a place for the whole community, not just farmers.
Man arrested for setting fire to home occupied by eight children
A Barton man was arrested for setting fire to a home occupied by eight children and one adult.
McClaughry: Biden says “we” must control Supreme Court
My big problem is Biden’s declaration that “we can’t allow an out of control Supreme Court….” Oh? Who is this “we”?
Babylon Bee: Warren condemns Underground Railroad for tricking slaves into escaping
“The anti-choice Underground Railroad didn’t know what’s best for them like we Democrats do,” Sen. Warren said. “We should have shut this down across the country.”
Motorcylist fined $817 for ‘egregious’ speeding
94 MPH in a 50 MPH qualifies as egregious and gets you a big fine, too, as a Fair Haven man learned early this morning.
State trooper charged with lying to police
LaMere identified himself as a state trooper and said he was distracted by an email on his cellphone dispatching him to investigate a fatal crash.
Scott: cut off drug-related violence at its source
“It’s not the the selling or the buying of drugs on the street that is the issue. It’s how the system is working – where is it coming from, and how do we cut off that source,” Gov. Phil Scott said.
Slain Burlington man had athletic success, crime record for theft, dealing crack
Hussein Mubarak was a new American who found success on Burlington’s athletic fields and crime and death on her streets.
Few VT parents vax young children for Covid – yet
Less than one child in 12 ages six months – 5 years has been vaxxed for Covid-19, Commissioner Mark Levine said yesterday.
Held for attempted murder
A man police say is a prohibited from possessing guns was arrested for attempted murder with a firearm in connection with a domestic incident in Orwell Sunday.
Biden admin will transport illegal immigrants out of state for abortions at taxpayer expense
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will transfer pregnant migrant women across state lines for abortions when they are detained in states where abortion is illegal.
Galfetti game for Barre House run
Barre businesswoman Gina Galfetti is running to fill the House seat now held by Rob LaClair, who is not seeking re-election.
Water Cooler: VT fruit harvest down due to shortage of pollinators
There aren’t as many bees buzzing around Vermont fruit trees this year, and that means less fruit, farmers say. That story and others from today’s headlines.
Opinion: Mermel satellite plan offers better internet for Vermont
Senate candidate Myers Mermel’s plan for satellite-based internet will deliver connectivity sooner and cheaper than laying fiber-optic cable.
Vermont inflation in June bad, but not 9.1% bad
Inflation in Vermont was bad last month – but even worse nationwide.
Tour de Slate: bike ride to end addiction
“Tour de Slate will change lives,” said event coordinator Stan Achey. “100% of this fundraiser’s net proceeds go directly to cover the expenses of men, women and teens ready to turn their lives around and break the chains of addiction at Teen Challenge Vermont.”
Houston has Hartford hopeful about housing homeless
Similarly encumbered by cost of living and housing availability, coupled with the mentally ill and addiction addled finding succor among the good people of the Upper Valley, the Twin Pines housing group sees the Houston model as hopeful.
Algae blooms will continue due to ‘Legacy’ phosphorus in Lake Champlain
Those hugely expensive phosphorus run-off regs and programs won’t be enough to stop the algae blooms in Lake Champlain, UVM scientists warn.
“Support Vermont’s only online daily news publisher” – now wait a darn minute, Digger
I thought to myself, “Self, that is awfully nice of those good folks at Digger to ask people to pitch a few pennies in the direction of Vermont Daily Chronicle.”
Vax freedom news: condolences to Kitzmiller family / school mask lawsuit update / RFK group starts New England chapter
The family of a Lowell girl forced to wear a mask in school needs support, says a leader in Health Choice Vermont and a new chapter of Children’s Health Defense, a vaccine freedom organization founded by Robert Kennedy Jr..
Vermont adopts 988 phone number for mental health support and crisis
Beginning July 16, people can access the Lifeline by calling 9-8-8. It is free, available 24/7, and confidential.
Pandemic Generation in mental health crisis – call 988
Vermont’s Pandemic Generation is in the midst of a mental health crisis.
Vermont Daily Water Cooler for Tue, Jul 12
Dem VT journalist Graff sees parallel with Watergate, Jan. 6 – this headline and others from today’s Vermont news media.
Redistricted NEK lawmakers face off in Republican primary
Two sitting Republican legislators from the Northeast Kingdom will face each other in a primary, as a result of population-sensitive redistricting that occurs every 10 years.
More stolen catalytic converters
The theft of catalytic converters is sweeping the nation, and Vermont is no exception.
McClaughry: 2022 Legislature spent fed $$, reformed pension funding, began state control of contractors – and lost big on climate bill
Big wins and big losses for the ambitious agenda drivers of the 2022 Vermont Legislature.
Trump border wall construction $$ earmarked for “environmental remediation”
The Biden administration is spending Trump administration southern border wall construction appropriations on ‘environmental remediation.’
Housing homeless in Hartford: hard task
Like many Vermont communities, Hartford – AKA White River Junction – has a growing and highly visible problem with homelessness.
Boy demands cellphones, attacks woman with baseball bat
A 14-year-old Essex boy was cited and released after striking a woman with a baseball bat for not surrendering her cellphone and passcode.
Trains stop for two hours due to grenade threat
An apparent hand grenade stopped train traffic in Charlotte for two hours Monday July 11.
Cheap deer whistle for cars can save deer’s life – and yours
For about $10 you can buy self-attaching stick on deer whistles that stop deer in their tracks, Steve Merrill says.
Dame: Blame people, or blame policies
There isn’t some group of mysterious boogeymen with waxed mustaches plotting our demise.
Rather than pay tuition to religious schools, Dem senators would end all independent school tuition
It’s no secret that many legislators in the majority party are openly hostile to Vermont’s independent schools and are resentful that many do a better job of educating children for less money than their public school counterparts.
Prog business group calls for 4 PM July 13 walkout over abortion ruling
We must be a brave, little state, because as public health and human rights are trampled here and elsewhere, others are studying our example as they perhaps never have before,” says the head of VBSR.
Water Cooler: $4 mil raised for Long Trail
Vermont’s footpath in the wilderness continues to be well-cared for by its creator and benefactor, the Green Mountain Club.
Busted for climbing through Taco Bell drive-through window
A Proctor man blocked drive-through traffic behind him as he tried to climb through the customer-service window of a Rutland Taco Bell, police say.
During pandemic, Walgreens failed to perform scheduled Covid vax and testing, closed unexpectedly, State of VT says
A national pharmacy chain with 32 Vermont stores failed to deliver scheduled Covid-19 vaccinations and testing due to staffing problems, Vermont regulators say.
Longtime Montpelier lawmaker dies
A genial Montpelier lawmaker known for founding a coat drive in his late wife’s honor has died.
Slain Burlington man was convicted drug dealer
At least six – possibly seven – people shot to death in Vermont in the last six months had a known involvement with drug crime.
Unattended drop boxes illegal, state Supreme Court rules
I can’t see why using a mailbox rather than a drop box causes a hardship to any would-be voter, especially in urban areas.
Stolen car crashes into house
A Morrisville man alleged stole a car from a Newport city driveway, left at a high rate of speed, and a short time later drove it into a home in Lowell.
Weekend crashes blamed on deer crossing
Separate accidents involving deer sent two Vermont drivers to the hospital this weekend.
McClaughry: Farm report avoids phosphorus, biz model problems
Proposed initiatives to produce a healthy, diverse, and resilient agricultural ecosystem will require $90 million over five years.
Watercooler: Sheriff accused of sex assault grills witnesses
VT Digger covers the trial of an Addison County sheriff accused of sex assault.
Man killed by gunshots to head at close range – Burlington’s 16th gunfire incident
A young man is dead after being shot in the head at close range last night in Burlington’s Old North End.
St. J attempted murder a drug deal gone bad, court records say
A “disrespected” drug dealer from Massachusetts shot a former customer in St. Johnsbury July 5, court records say.
Meyers: Vermont media ignores Democrat male candidate for Congress
A Democratic candidate for Congress says he’s been ignored by the Vermont media because he’s a man.
Glorious Northern Lights seen over Malletts Bay last night
One of Vermont’s foremost photographers captured the Northern Lights over Malletts Bay last night.
Bailey seeks Lamoille GOP House seat
“I intend to work cooperatively with Governor Scott on his stated agenda,” Lamoille House candidate Richard Bailey said.
Dem guv candidate, lawmakers push Vermont as destination for abortion ‘refugees’
The Democratic gubernatorial candidate wants to make Vermont a taxpayer-funded haven for abortion refugees from illegal abortion states.
Legislatures gunning for body armor ban
In response to recent mass shootings, legislators in New York and in several other states have turned their attention to a new target: civilian body armor.
Bananas: how to know you’re a useful idiot
If you’re dumb enough to think Jeffrey Epstein killed himself but smart enough to keep your mouth shut lest you get Arkancided, you have a serious future as a useful idiot.
Krauss: Hey Montpelier! It’s Barre’s turn to have a state senator
The possibility of two former Montpelier mayors representing Washington County as state senators while Barre has none strikes me as fundamentally unfair and wrong.
Barre native, Navy vet Judd runs for House
“I believe in peace and prosperity through law and order,” House candidate Brian Judd of Barre City said.
Kauffman: Independence, Roe V. Wade, Article 22, and the usurpation of parents
Parents are being kicked out of the village regarding their children’s reproductive values and experiences.
Biden ships “strategic reserve” oil overseas
The Strategic Petroleum Reserve meant to protect U.S. citizens from a catastrophic fuel shortage is being sent overseas.
Water Cooler: VT trucking company laying off truckers
With a national shortage of truck drivers, why is a Vermont trucking company reportedly laying off drivers? WCAX reports
MA man arrested for attempted murder-2 in St. J
A parking lot encounter between people who knew each other turned into a shooting Tuesday, July 5 in St. Johnsbury.
Letter: Confiscate trucks stuck in Notch
A Montpelier resident lets his imagination run free on solutions for the ongoing problem of semi drivers getting their rigs stuck in scenic, tortuous Smugglers’ Notch.
Sen. John Rodgers legislative style ‘reaped what it sowed,’ former colleague says
I would like to set a few things straight about John’s little letter writing temper tantrum,” former senate colleague David Deen says.
Glory Days Barbecue for Vermont GOP
In 2022, it’s hard to remember when Republicans actually had the political ascendancy, however fleeting.
“Striking implement” broke State House windows
A hammer-like device, and not concrete as referenced by a shadowy group of violent pro-abortion protesters, was used to break seven windows at the Vermont State House June 25.
Gray slams “foolish” SCOTUS decision to reign in federal climate bureaucracy
A “foolish” action by a “radical court.” Gov. and Democratic candidate for Congress Molly Gray last week called the SCOTUS decision preventing the EPA from making climate-change policy.
Bernie backs Balint
Becca Balint will challenge the status quo and combat the existential threat of climate change, Bernie Sanders said.
Defend your chickens, food scraps against hungry bears and other wild animals
The food scrap ban and the growth of backyard poultry raising has delighted Vermont’s hungry black bear population.
Stuck (again) in Smugglers Notch / St. J shooting / Hamburgler strikes
Another T/T hung up in the Notch. Another shooting. Two burglaries.
Students, parents describe bullying in Montpelier-area schools
The Montpelier community newspaper describes accounts of bullying in the local public schools.
‘Jane’s Revenge’ in Burlington urges arson, rock-throwing against local pro-life clinic
“Gather your friends and collect heavy rocks,” Jane’s Revenge urges opponents of the SCOTUS decision overturning Roe V. Wade. “Learn the skill of accelerant bartending. Decentralize your actions – go into the night and be feral with joy!”
Vermont parents aren’t vaxxing toddlers – media explains why
It’s not that parents don’t want to give their toddlers a possibly harmful shot that doesn’t work very well for a disease that poses little harm – no, it’s just tired parents suffering from “Covid fatigue,” a Vermont newspaper explains.
DMV adds Air Medal, Bronze star to veteran license plate selection
Many of us notice license plates as we drive around town and throughout the state, and these two additional license plates for our decorated veterans will enable them to be further recognized by their neighbors, community members, and others.
Teachers union to vote on mandatory masking and vaccination, support of abortion rights
Decisions made about mandatory masking and vaccination at the NEA annual meeting this week in Chicago matter to Vermont because during the pandemic, it became clear that what teachers wanted, they often got.
Wilton: As long as Vermont’s ruling class maintains school monopoly, children will suffer
Children who are different are often bullied, ignored, or punished in government schools.
Tarrant: trending towards Lord of the Flies
As it turns out, we’re not as free as we thought we were.
Power Camp for young athletes in July 18-22
The Power Camp provides young athletes ages 8-12, boys and girls, the opportunity to reach their God-given potential by offering comprehensive athletic and spiritual training in a fun camp environment.
Hoffer: Supreme Court ruling a “dark day” for Vermont taxpayers
A Vermont Supreme Court ruling enshrouds health care spending decisions and cost increases in government-protected secrecy, the state auditor says.
Son of legendary Army band director picks up dad’s baton
A member of Vermont’s military band royal family performed Monday night, July 4 in Jeffersonville.
Prison staff protest 12 hour shifts
The state employees’ union has called for a Day of Action to protest brutal 12 hours a day, five days a week shifts at a state prison.
Rare donkey celebrates first birthday, and you’re invited
A rare Beaudon du Poiteau donkey named Hamilton who lives in the Northeast Kingdom town of Brownington is about to celebrate his first birthday, and the public is invited to stop in to say hello.
Meth user enters homes, attacks sleeping man with bat
A meth user swinging a baseball bat invaded two Bristol homes after 2 AM Saturday, police say.
Davis: What SCOTUS decision means to Vermont gun laws
The SCOTUS decision to overturn a New York gun control law is encouraging for Vermont gun rights supporters – but the devil is in the details.
Convicted coke dealer arrested for 15th Burlington ‘gun incident’ of 2022
The alleged shooter in Burlington’s 15th gunfire incident has a lengthy drug distribution and shooting history, police say.
Derby man dies in fiery motorcycle crash
A Derby man became the sixth motorcylist to die on Vermont highways this year.
Keelan: ‘gun control’ no longer possible
The number of semi-auto rifles (like the AR-15 and others acquired since 1994 has increased from 400,000 to 20 million.
Shepard: Reaching again toward America’s mission
We as neighbors can finally work together to address the tragedy of unwanted pregnancies in a humane, and more effective, way.
