The Privacy Paradox – Part 2
The data broker industry represents a massive and growing surveillance economy, valued at $270.40 billion in 2024 and expected to reach $473.35 billion by 2032.
The data broker surveillance economy and the path forward
Timothy Page
Because It’s Friday: Vermont’s lingering mysteries continue to bewilder and bemuse
A trio of videos on Vermont’s spooky critters, ghastly tales, and haunting mysteries.
Satel and Huddle: Medical school has gotten too political
Over the past decade, we’ve grown ever more concerned about dubious strains of social-justice advocacy infiltrating medicine. Following the death of George Floyd in 2020, doctors’ pursuit of social reform coalesced, almost overnight, into a mission.
VT Headlines: Unoccupied truck crashes into Burke Mountain Hotel
Since the historic floods of 2023, few Vermont residents have buyout money in hand; Advocates say they helped prevent 3 ICE detainees from being flown out of Vermont; More than a dozen ‘Good Trouble’ protests happening in Vermont, Northern New York
BLOTTER: Suspect arrested in July 4 Lake Willoughby assault case
Lyndonville police seek person in connection with Memorial Drive retail theft; Woman arrested on domestic assault charge in St. Johnsbury; Driver arrested on Interstate 91 for second DUI offense in Lyndon
Despathy: The failure of Vermont leaders in opposing trans-exploitation
Part 4 in 4-part series, ‘Mutilation or Healthcare?’
The privacy paradox – Part 1
How America banned TikTok for data collection while leaving data brokers untouched
Vermont among states suing Trump administration over education funding freeze
These states are calling this freeze unconstitutional, unlawful and an arbitrary decision.
Soulia: Trump, Biden, and the DOJ
Is this payback or just doing their job?
Roper: A third party or a Constitutional Convention?
Whither goes Elon next?
Vermont’s continuing hunger gap
Why food demand in Vermont remained high post-COVID as funding vanished
The art of herding geese — and why Vermont does it every year at Dead Creek
When Canada geese molt their flying feathers in the summer, scientists see a key window to study and track them.
Shelburne Farms tour offers a nitty-gritty closeup of cheddar-making
Watching the cheddar cheese–making process is the centerpoint of Shelburne Farms’ “Sun to Cheese” tour, which opened May 10 and runs into October.
Orleans County Fairgrounds to host first NEK Equine Expo August 2-3
The two-day expo will feature educational clinics, interactive demonstrations and performances from top-tier experts including veterinarians, farriers and trainers. Attendees can browse vendors offering tack, apparel, specialized services and products for equine enthusiasts.
VT Headlines: Welch calls on Homeland Security Secretary Noem to resign
EB-5 scandal fallout racks up another $1 million in fees; Sutton residents assess damage after violent summer storm; Vermonters invited to share experiences of exclusion, harm
Following Lafayette’s footsteps
The Lafayette Trail is an organization (Sponsored by the The William G. Pomeroy Foundation) that commemorates Lafayette’s grand tour. 2024 marked the 200th anniversary of his visit, and over the course of his return, he stopped by a number of locations in Vermont.
Page: When the undocumented go missing
Every year, thousands of people disappear while attempting to cross borders or while living without legal documentation in the United States. These disappearances represent more than statistics—they are families torn apart, communities left searching for answers, and lives lost to a system that often fails to protect the most vulnerable.
Ruffaner: DEI isn’t dead—it’s just changing its name
Across campuses and corporations, DEI is retreating into rebranded titles and euphemistic jargon, but its ideology remains intact.
Roper: Unions looking to exploit coming mega-school districts
This move from local to regional control is supposed to be more streamlined and efficient. But let’s think about this…
Soulia: Life after deaf for old dogs?
Can dogs hear beyond deafness? A Vermont farmer-coder thinks so—and he’s asking for your help.
Despathy: A mother’s plea for her daughter
Part 3 in 4-part series, ‘Mutilation or Healthcare?’
Thousands of Haitian asylum-seekers may be headed for Vermont
Montreal expects over 21,000 Haitians to seek asylum from U.S. – officials anticipate some heading to Vermont
POW: “Traditions” may mask violation of wild animals’ rights
These outdated trapping and hunting policies do not reflect the majority of the people. Protect Our Wildlife focuses on securing stronger protections for individual wild animals, recognizing that they feel happiness, pain, fear, sadness, and so much more.
Nova Scotia, the almost-Fourteenth Colony
The forgotten potential fourteenth colony and its relation to the Fourteenth Star
VT Headlines: Air quality alerts issued for VT today due to wildfire smoke
Vermont Supreme Court resolves case between attorney general and state auditor; Burlington City Council discusses ‘City Circle’ safety program to combat repeat offenders; Education program hopes to boost Vermont’s medical workforce
Vermont among 20 states suing to keep Medicaid data away from ICE
The coalition is suing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security over HHS’s June decision to provide ICE access to Medicaid data, which the agency wants “to ensure that Medicaid benefits are reserved for individuals who are lawfully entitled to receive them.”
Vermont rated the 5th worst State for religious liberty
The annual report, Religious Liberty in the States, measures legal safeguards for religious liberty in the US. The report says the Sunshine State protects 75% of the legal safeguards that it measures and uses to compare states.
Orleans County Conservation District secures $600,000 for local projects
This year, over 40 community members and 11 partner organizations participated in Local Working Groups to identify the top three funding priorities. Each priority will receive $200,000 through separate Local Fund Pools.
Livingston: The illusion of the Third Path
America doesn’t need a third political party.
It needs a controlled demolition.
Leaving the dog in a hot car can lead to a $2000 fine
With the summer heat on the rise, the Berlin Police Department is urging the public to avoid leaving pets—particularly dogs—unattended in parked vehicles, warning that the practice is not only dangerous but may also lead to criminal charges under Vermont law.
Klar: The birthright backlash begins
New Hampshire ruling kicks the issue back to the Supremes.
New cottage food law keeps Vermont products in home kitchens
A food-start up bill exempts home based food producers from requiring state food safety permits if they keep their sales under $30,000.
Despathy: Community Health Centers are hub of experimentation
This ‘healthcare’ business may be a welcome revenue stream for health clinics often struggling and seeking financial assistance. ‘Gender affirming care’ is quite possibly a golden ticket as the number of youth and young adults seeking ‘treatment’ has increased.
Homeless Hotel/Motel program is still active
Vermont’s General Assistance (GA) Emergency Housing Program, commonly known as the “hotel/motel program,” remains operational with no termination date, despite confusion among some residents, and cost Vermont taxpayers $33 million dollars last year.
Soulia: Vermont’s À La Carte Constitution
A statute can only stand if it fits within the Constitution. If it doesn’t, it must either be overturned in court, or the Constitution must be amended first. That is the proper process for changing how a government operates.
Bernie Sanders warns of AI’s dangers
From job losses to doomsday scenarios, not all risks are created equal
Two-vehicle crash on Route 128 results in DUI arrest
According to police, 38-year-old Jennifer Lee of Winooski was driving north on Route 128 in a 2023 Toyota RAV4 when her vehicle crossed the center line into the southbound lane. Lee’s vehicle then struck a 2013 Hyundai Tucson driven by 58-year-old Gretchen Woerner of Milton, who was traveling south.
The phantom on Vermont maps
For the Vermont place called Satans Kingdom, the devil lays only in the details.
VT Headlines: Missing kayaker found alive and well in northern Vermont
Vermonters turn to forests for therapy; Cell-phone use affects parent-child interactions, even when adults aren’t online; Inmate who escaped New Hampshire correctional facility caught in Connecticut; Nicole Miller: The freeze of federal funding for after-school programs and its impact in Vermont
Attorney General Clark blocks ‘machine gun conversion’ devices in Vermont
The action comes after Clark and attorneys general from 15 other jurisdictions sued the Trump Administration and gun component manufacturer Rare Breed Triggers over plans to return and distribute thousands of FRTs—devices the AG says increase a firearm’s rate of fire and have been linked to violent crimes and mass shootings.
Dawson: Helping Vermont tackle the tourist season
While that’s great news for business, it isn’t so great for locals or the environment, which can withstand the impact of overcrowding, pollution, and traffic during peak months.
Despathy: Trans activists fill cult-like void in youths’ lives
With coupons for testosterone, minds molded by heavily monetized influencers, a false sense of belonging and support from online chatrooms dominated by questionable facilitators, impressionable, vulnerable youth sacrifice their minds and bodies for mutilation falsely labeled as healthcare.
Burlington man arrested for three robberies at Jake’s ONE Market
The robberies occurred on May 19th at 8:23 AM, June 11th at 8:38 AM, and July 6th at 7:51 AM. All three incidents took place at Jake’s ONE Market located at 242 N Winooski Ave in Burlington.
Wrong way driver on I-89 for 20 miles
Dezhong Jiang, 58, of Flushing, N.Y. was driving south in the northbound lane and nearly caused at least one head-on crash before state police got him stopped in Royalton near the exit 3 interchange about 2 a.m. Sunday, police said.
Becca Balint calls for the Epstein files to be released
In a post on X late Thursday, Rep. Balint accused the Trump administration of attempting to bury the issue, sharing vintage photos of Trump alongside Epstein and others, including Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former associate now serving a prison sentence.
Driver flees after stolen vehicle crashes into Fair Haven Police cruiser
While turning onto the westbound on-ramp for U.S. 4 at the exit 2 interchange, the unidentified driver lost control of the Silverado and collided at a slow speed with the black police cruiser with a full blue light package, Acting State Police Lt. Todd Wilkins said.
CLG: Trump denies cover-up in Jeffrey Epstein case
Tucker Carlson: Gov’t is ‘covering up’ Epstein files to protect U.S., Israeli intelligence services; Secret Service officials were aware of ‘classified threat’ 10 days before Butler assassination attempt, failed to tell agents guarding Trump; Pediatrician fired for vile post suggesting Texas flood victims were Trump supporters who got ‘what they voted for’
VT Headlines: Colchester police investigate reported hit-and-run
Renovations to Kellog-Hubbard Library in Montpelier nearly complete after suffering flood damage; Burlington kicks off wastewater plant upgrade
Bossange: Trump’s violation of our Bill of Rights
Using hateful, divisive, dehumanizing, and revenge-laced language like “dumb,” “animals,” “people with bad genes,” “rapists,” “criminals,” and “left-wing Marxists” to describe Democrats, citizens and non-citizens who oppose the President’s actions, inciting anger and giving MAGA supporters license to attack Americans with differing opinions.
Soulia: VT ends telework for some ESD staff, highlighting oversight gaps in government remote work
Vermont’s decision to end telework for roughly 100 employees in its Economic Services Division (ESD) has reignited a broader national debate over remote work in government—and the lack of systems to measure whether it’s working.
Governor Scott reflects on 2023 and 2024 floods
“In the last two years, more than 150 cities, towns, and villages across Vermont felt the impacts of flooding, which caused over a billion dollars in damage.
But instead of throwing up our hands, Vermonters rolled up their sleeves and got to work.”
Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas leads international trip to Taiwan
Several secretaries of state journeyed as part of a National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) delegation to Taiwan. The trip included meetings with government officials, universities, business and agriculture leaders.
Flynn and Moore: Learning to build for climate extremes
Our ancestors built covered bridges and stone foundations that lasted centuries. Today’s challenge is no different – to ensure the infrastructure we are currently building lasts, we must build for the climate we’re inheriting, not the one we’ve lost.
Tactical squad arrests man for aggravated assault
Vermont State Police arrested Erik Fulton, 37, of Royalton, on charges of domestic violence after an incident that started Wednesday night, and ended early Thursday, when police’s special tactical team was called in.
Klar: Supreme Court decision on parental rights goes beyond education
It’s a matter of choice.
Racing waiters, baking bread and a visit from Lafayette fill Vermont’s French Heritage Day
Winooski has French bread and Quebecois roots — and now the taste of chicken banh mi from Vietnam, colorful weave-work crafted by Nepalese hands and Kenyan folk music.
VT Headlines: Howard Center announces service cuts and layoffs to fill $2.5M hole
Vermont towns try to move, or fortify, their flood-prone buildings; Rutland’s karate kid is only Vermonter picked for world championships
Scott names new fish & wildlife, conservation, health care leaders
Governor Phil Scott July 9 announced a trio of high-level appointments to key leadership positions within Vermont state government, naming Sara Teachout to the Green Mountain Care Board, Jason Batchelder as Commissioner of the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Misty Sinsigalli as Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation.
Pure white whistle pig sighted in Vermont
Its pure white fur could be due to one of two conditions: albinism or leucism.
Vermont Climate Superfund lawsuits pile up as advocacy groups join defense
The Vermont Climate Superfund Law aimed at holding oil companies financially responsible for flooding and other damages caused by climate change is facing a flurry of litigation that Gov. Phil Scott anticipated when he declined to endorse the measure last year.
Vermont Climate Plan update recognizes federal climate $$ is “abruptly ending”
The adoption of the new Climate Action Plan comes at a time when the federal government is pulling back on key policies, such as support for electrification of vehicles and deployment of renewable energy, and curtailing funding.
Migrant Justice leader from Milton remains jailed in Border Patrol case
Migrant Justice has claimed Heidi “Fabi” Perez Alfaro, 18, a recent Milton High graduate, and her stepfather, Jose Ignacio “Nacho” De La Cruz, 29, had been delivering meals to farm workers in Richford when they were stopped about noon Saturday June 14 by a U.S. Border Patrol Agent.
Livingston: Cut it out—before it spreads
That’s us—America—riddled with ideological trench lines and carpet-bombed by generations of political theater.
Today’s the birthday of Vermont’s pioneering Jewish community
The July 9, 1888 incorporation of Congregation Benai Israel in Poultney
VT Headlines: Wrong prisoner is brought to Court, derailing a hearing
Funeral procession for Shelburne police chief Wednesday morning; New Shelter To Open in Montpelier; VINS to Host Incredible Insect Festival this Saturday in Quechee
Roper: Civil Unions was “Jim Crow” for same-sex couples
Why celebrate this “separate but equal” policy?
America’s gun violence story isn’t what you think
Lumping together high-crime metro areas with low-crime rural states may make for easy national statistics, but it doesn’t help us understand the problem. Worse, it leads to policy debates that treat Vermont like Chicago or Montana like Baltimore — even though the lived reality is worlds apart.
Soulia: School libraries and movie ratings
A growing discrepancy over content standards
What the One Big Beautiful Bill for Vermonters
What changes and what doesn’t
Federal school choice program launches
Will Vermont get on board?
BREAKING: Jiron who helped in double homicide pleads guilty
The defendant, the nephew of state judge Justin Jiron, admitted he conspired with Theodore “Theo” Bland, 29, of Burlington, who gunned down two people and then concealed evidence about the double homicide in Lowell on Oct. 12, 2023.
These two lawmakers blocked popular Veterans’ Bill for eight years
With two chairs who didn’t consider a tax exemption for veterans important enough, the bill was never brought up for a vote.
Letter: Chinese consulate responds to VDC readers’ comments
China continues to prioritize environmental protection and the transition to a green economy, a consulate press officer tells VDC.
Mott: Want to end political violence? Try friendship.
With an increase in political violence across the nation, one worries what could happen in Vermont. Do our legislators need more security? Are our public officials at risk of attack? Support for political violence has recently surged amongst Democrats.
BREAKING: Burlington Mayor pulls plug on free overnight parking for homeless
Even before it started, the City of Burlington has pulled the plug on a controversial plan to allow up to a dozen homeless families park overnight on the shores of Lake Champlain.
Koch: Brainless law allows anyone to sue the state
It is no surprise, then, that the Conservation Law Foundation, which is proficient in bringing lawsuits, has taken the state up on its offer.
CLG: Tucker Carlson interviews the president of Iran
Marjorie Taylor Greene says her bill would make the release of “weather-altering chemicals” a felony offense; At least 51 dead in Texas floods, with dozens still missing from summer camp; FBI blocked probe into alleged Chinese 2020 election meddling to protect Wray, documents show
VT Headlines: Search team recovers body from Kennedy Pond in Windsor
Swimmer rescued from Dog River in Berlin; Senator Welch to introduce bill aiming to improve FEMA’s long-term disaster recovery
ATF agents bust illegal immigrant for attempted murder at South Burlington bookstore
Michael A. Wilson, 24, of Burlington was wanted on a state charge of attempted second-degree murder for the shooting outside the Barnes & Noble at 102 Dorset Street, South Burlington Police said.
Vermont State Police, Game Wardens urge Vermonters to boat safely this Fourth of July weekend
The Vermont Warden Service, Vermont State Police and other local law enforcement agencies will be partnering with the National Association of Boating Law Administrators and the U.S. Coast Guard by participating in the Operation Dry Water heightened awareness and enforcement weekend, which takes place July 4-6, 2025.
Soulia: Student privacy vs. parental rights
What schools must disclose in 2025 (and why Vermont isn’t all there yet)
Burlington sets up free overnight parking for homeless on the waterfront
Households meeting homeless criteria will be able to park up to 12 vehicles overnight on the shores of Lake Champlain under a new pilot project by the city of Burlington. There are rules, but no indication as to who, if anyone, will enforce them.
Letters: Prison pastor called to mercy, media AWOL on rabbi’s departure
Prison can be a rescue shelter for God’s children who have wandered away and find themselves lost.
Roper: State will deduct 5% of some workers’ wages unless they opt out of VT Saves
Employees can opt-out of the program but have to actively do so after being forcibly enrolled.
Idaho quadruple killer studied Vermonster Ted Bundy
Killer Bryan Kohberger reportedly researched Burlington, Vermont native Ted Bundy’s killing style
Keelan: Public schools’ uncertainty
The crisis facing Vermont’s education had its genesis, not 30 years ago but 50-plus years ago.
The untold history of genetic modification
The artificial split between “genetically modified” and “natural” foods obscures reality: all domesticated species result from human-directed genetic change. The choice isn’t between “natural” and “artificial” foods, but between different methods of genetic modification.
Klar: Genetically engineered trees, coming soon to a grove near you
Controversial GE chestnut tree under review for USDA approval.
Breaking: Shelburne Police Chief Mike Thomas dies
Thomas had fought a couple of courageous battles with cancer off-and-on for several years, but succumbed on Monday evening, officials said. Thomas had spent two dozen years in law enforcement, including three years as police chief in Shelburne.
Marlene Tromp starts as UVM President
Tromp comes to UVM after serving six years as president of Boise State University. The UVM Board of Trustees announced her selection on March 20, 2025, following a search that examined over 100 candidates.
Cohen: Fired Vermont rabbi made “inappropriate comments”
Ohavi Zedek Synagogue officials have a new cover story for ousting Aaron Philmus
VT Headlines: New VT laws for July 1 affect library books, bake sales and job ads
Grand Isle bake shop becomes an unexpected destination on Route 2 in Vermont; The Skinny Pancake, Einstein’s Tap House team to bring free Grateful Dead series to Burlington
Soulia: New tuition rules take effect July 1
Families have until Monday to lock in funding for independent schools
Honduran fugitive wanted for trafficking weapons detained on immigrant charge
An illegal immigrant listed as a wanted international fugitive for a weapons trafficking charge in Honduras has been ordered jailed in Vermont by a federal judge. Yubert Yasiel Lopez-Lopez, 31, of Burlington appears to have been living in Vermont for at least two years despite having been ordered removed from the United States four times over the past 11 years, federal court records show.
CLG: Multiple dead as snipers ambush firefighters and police in Coeur d’Alene, ID, after ‘blaze set as bait’
Africa peace deal brokered by Trump tied to U.S. resource push; Kash Patel claims he has proof former FBI bosses buried evidence that China interfered in 2020 election; Iranian nuclear scientist and his family killed in Israeli attack;
Swanton Sector Border Patrol reports 300+ apprehensions from 45 nations
Fire displaces 10; Sledgehammer assault in St. J; Child beating
Roper: Climate action plan demands spend, spend, spend!
But no clue where the money will come from?
New historical marker recognizes early same-sex couple
“Sylvia Drake and Charity Bryant lived together in Weybridge from 1807 until Charity’s death in 1851 as one of the most well-documented same-sex couples in early America,” according to a Middlebury College website.
Deal: Balint “vigilante” comment incites sedition
Balint owes the family of slain Vermonter and Border Patrol agent David Maland an apology.
Cohen: Top Vermont lawyer goes nat’l defending “socialism s—“
“If we don’t plow the streets and fix the roads, the people aren’t going to put up with this socialism s—.” – John Franco, ex-aide to socialist Bernie Sanders
