U.S. will ‘take over’ Gaza; New virus discovered in Alabama raises pandemic fears; Biden spent billions promoting illegal immigration – Musk
CLG: Sen. Rand Paul comes out swinging against Trump’s Gaza plan
Timothy Page
Creemee Cast UPDATE: Geologist says carbon emissions are GOOD for us
Saying “carbon is actually good” is about as contrarian as it gets in the mainstream environmental community.
MacDonald: Vermont at war with its own ‘reproductive freedom’ rights
Reproductive freedom has nothing to do with reproduction, but it could.
Soulia: Manipulated crime data
The deceptive national push for “smart justice”
California man sentenced in Vermont in FDA drug fraud case
Jeremy Brown, 55, sold unauthorized versions of prescription medications incl. Ozempic, Wegovy, and erectile dysfunction drugs sourced primarily from China.
VT Headlines: Vermont doesn’t track homeless deaths, so we did
State Police investigate suspicious missing-persons case in Orange County; Rutland police warn residents of growing cryptocurrency scams
Soulia: Vermont’s “temporary” hotel voucher program
Originally designed to provide shelter during severe weather, the program’s cost has skyrocketed to tens of millions of dollars annually.
Klar: Do public school students have a right to decline COVID-19 vaccines?
6-year-old Leo Politella was forcibly administered an experimental COVID-19 shot in 2021 at a clinic at his VT public school despite vocal protests, assurances.
Lt. Allen Fortin, Vermont highway traffic safety spokesman, has died
Veteran VT police officer Allan A. Fortin, who became the leading voice and face for highway traffic safety in the state, died at his Hinesburg home Sun. at 61.
GOP carbon policy “wishlist” bills introduced
Getting hearings so early represents progress compared to how the issues raised by these bills were downplayed or ignored last session under the Supermajority.
VT Headlines: Aaliyah Johnson, accused of fatal Church Street shooting due back in court today
We know the need is high’: Food shelves across Vermont seeing shortages; Police seek suspects in Petco dog food theft
Lawmakers give 25-district counter-proposal to Governor’s 5-district model
Sponsors are Rep. Matthew Birong, D-Vergennes, and Rep. Edye Graning, D-Jericho. It was first introduced on the House floor last week.
McClaughry: One big school system
Originally released Tuesday, January 1, 2002. Although specific statistics are, by their nature, two decades out of date, the principles remain firm.
Stack: Vermont’s days of federal “Wine and Roses” are coming to an end
Vermont bet big on the wrong horse, and unfortunately the horse that won is keen on loyalty.
Bananas: Colonel Sanders and RFK
Colonel Sanders donned his now famous mask and mittens to protect against transmission of the latest virus tearing through the capitol – the truth.
KVS: Burlington Police handle 180 incidents over weekend
Burlington Police responded to a staggering 180 incidents, including arrests, crashes, trespassing, and one fatality.
‘Shock value’: Proposed school district size baffles local education officials statewide
To ensure a degree of local input, Scott is calling for creation of local school advisory councils, to “promote high levels of community engagement.”
Deportation blitz could strain state prisons, officials say
Usually up to 20 detainees from Immigration and Customs Enforcement are held in state prisons on a given day, sometimes more.
New school construction bill prioritizes schools with “excessive reliance on fossil fuels”
The State of Vermont is looking to start a dedicated fund for school construction, something the state has lacked for decades.
VT Headlines: Vermonters could see tariff impact starting tomorrow
Third suspect in Border Patrol agent death had Coventry home searched in 2023; Developer breaks ground on dozens of affordable homes, apartments in Middlebury
Warner: Hartford school supe fears for children and blames Trump
An email was sent out recently by the Hartford Interim Superintendent Caty Sutton, raising questions about the safety of Hartford area students at school.
Roper: VT Dems’ “Green” agenda is driving the housing crisis
Climate mandates account for $30-$40K additional cost per unit, are chasing away construction workers.
Soulia: How Vermont’s bail reform led to a crime surge (and the ACLU won’t admit it)
Reform advocates remain silent, dismissing the concerns of law-abiding citizens who are forced to deal with the consequences of these misguided policies.
Vermont revealed the state with the richest homeowners
In the Vermont county of Chittenden, where the median listing price is $576,600, a staggering 91.7% of homeowners are considered equity-rich.
Klar: An object lesson in coddling insane murderers
The victim’s family may object strenuously, but Connecticut law does not grant them anything more than a symbolic voice of protest.
Bill seeks to further restrict advertising by resource pregnancy centers
The new bill states that in some scenarios, a nurse or doctor associated with the center could be disciplined or lose his/her license.
Education Secretary Saunders responds to poor report card on students’ reading and math
The test results are in and Vermont students are lagging in performance in math and reading, and the momentum is going in the wrong direction.
Grenade launcher found in Bethel drug bust
A drug bust Thursday night in Bethel where nine people were arrested yielded a “grenade launcher” among numerous other firearms and hard drugs.
VT Headlines: Police name victim in Hartford shooting
The woman charged in a Vermont border patrol officer’s death has been ordered held without bail; YMCAs of Burlington and Plattsburgh receive large donations
The environmental cost of COVID-19 face masks: A hidden pandemic
Staggeringly, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP, 2020) reported that this translates to roughly 3 million masks being disposed of every minute.
Soulia: Selective accountability: Why is VT only targeting law enforcement?
While accountability is essential, Act 124 unfairly singles out law enforcement officers while ignoring judges, attorneys, and legislators.
Beck: Fix low-performing State programs, repeal those that don’t work
Governor Scott noted the importance in not just funding existing programs by throwing money at those that don’t function properly, but actually fixing programs.
North Country Science and Engineering Fair inspires young innovators
Final preparations are underway for the third annual Grade 5–8 North Country Science and Engineering Fair (NCSEF).
Bipartisan lawmakers seek to reign in health insurance premiums
Their data showed that a higher percentage of healthcare costs in Vermont go to administrative costs compared to similar providers in other states.
CLG: Trump announces 30,000 criminal illegal immigrants will be sent to Gitmo
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. confronts ‘chuckling’ Democrats during hearing; Mexican cartels plant explosive devices near U.S. Border
Letters: Pierce on hydro cars, Smith on tolerance
If the author’s daughter had been driving a hydrogen fuel cell powered Toyota Mirai, one five minute fueling in Boston would have taken her to Northern VT with sufficient fuel left over to drive around home a bit and then drive back to Boston.
New data shows tourism is $4B industry in Vermont
Economic impact report estimates 15.8 million visitors came to Vermont in 2023
New Senate majority leader: ‘We need to be listening to everyone’
Ram Hinsdale will serve as Vermont Senate majority leader starting Jan. 8, after beating incumbent Majority Leader Alison Clarkson, D-Windsor, in a close contest.
Shorts: Norwich cadet receives national leadership award
VT AoE recognizes 2025 Presidential Scholars; Green Mountain Conservation Camp registration is open
Record prisoner counts and fewer places to keep them
The Sen. Institutions Committee reviews major changes to Vermont’s overstretched corrections infrastructure.
Roper on Battle for Bennington-1: So much for “saving democracy”!
House Democrats poised to disenfranchise Bennington 1 voters?
Bossange: The Hypocritical world of MAGA Christianity
Showing mercy is an act of compassion and forgiveness. “But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matt. 6:15 NIV
Devine: A great day for UVM and downtown
This weekend Church Street is hosting the Sweet Stroll and Mother of All Sales, next weekend Burlington is host to the Penguin Plunge.
VT Headlines: Twinfield Union School, Cabot School cancel classes due to illness
VT’s ‘Raise the Age’ initiative hits a roadblock; VT nonprofit working to see what funds are available after fed. judge blocks WH pause on loans and grants
Shorts: Derby Line teen awarded adventure scholarship for snowboarding
Slow Down and Move Over; Brownington man arrested after burglaries, stolen vehicle crash in Coventry
Not the final chapter for Braintree author
The Hislop family gives posthumous life to their mother’s work.
Cabot task force ready for flood-protection upgrades
Engineers’ recommendations revolve largely around the construction of two new bridges on Main Street across tributaries of the Winooski River.
Klar: A Vermont political celebration?
Yes, and you are invited!
Hegseth confirmed despite No votes from Welch, Sanders
All 45 Democrats and the two independents, Sens. Angus King of Maine and Bernie Sanders of Vermont, caucusing with them opposed the nomination.
Burlington residential ‘impact fees’ may jump $1-3K per unit
The Burlington City Council January 13 covered police department concerns, proposed changes to impact fees, and a land use agreement with UVMMC.
Five DUI arrests over the weekend highlight the ongoing dangers of drunk driving
Over the weekend, Vermont State Police arrested five individuals for driving under the influence in separate incidents across the state.
Hartford man indicted for fentanyl possession and distribution
Christopher Stephens, 38, of Hartford CT is facing federal charges relating to alleged distribution of fentanyl in the Burlington area.
Newport City Councilor Rick Ufford-Chase launches mayoral campaign
Ufford-Chase also serves as executive director of Newport Downtown Development. Current Mayor, Linda Joy Sullivan, will not be seeking a second term.
Keelan: Is Vermont still producing Jimmy Fishers?
Vermont has many young men and women who, in every way, will emulate Jimmy Fisher’s kindness, dedication, and sacrifice.
Shorts: Vermont Habitat Stamp raises $415,000 for conservation in 2024
CVMC Board of Trustees welcomes new member; Vermont’s 2025 Teacher of the Year: Caitlin MacLeod-Bluver; Northern Border Regional Commission Grants
In 1994 aggravated murder sentence, judge justified life sentence without parole
In 1994, a judge ruled the man who brutally strangled his wife should be imprisoned for the rest of his life, without parole. He’s now out on furlough.
Roper: Replacing the “It’s Not a Carbon Tax” with a Carbon Tax
CHS may have flatlined, but we’re still stuck with the GWSA mandates.
Soulia: Bureaucracy gone wild
VT legislators propose local zoning Board of Appeals
Vermont risks lost federal funds, prosecution over immigration pushback
In light of Trump’s executive order on Jan. 20, VT AG Charity Clark’s pushback may lead to loss of Fed. funds and open the state up to Fed. prosecution.
Vermont has history of farming cooperatively, not corporately
Three dozen corporations now exert overwhelming control over agricultural input manufacturing and food distribution. ‘Twas not always so.
Soulia: Act 250: A barrier to Vermont’s economic future
Over the decades, Act 250 has grown into a broad regulatory framework that has hindered development while providing questionable benefits.
Page: Sin and carbon: The economics of absolution
A reflection on our age of carbon indulgences
Shorts: Norwich U. receives $2M STEM grant
Also: Vermonters encouraged to support threatened, endangered species recovery with Nongame Tax Checkoff; Waterfowl blinds must be removed
Automotive mandates within the Global Warming Solutions Act will hurt local auto dealers
The mandate controls what cars are available, but not which cars consumers actually will buy. By 2035 the only cars available in VT would be EVs.
Education secretary proposes overhaul with five large school districts
The idea is to reconnect voters with the impacts of their votes and reign in runaway property taxes, Secretary of Education Zoie Saunders said today.
Roper: Poorly conceived, ineptly written, Act 18 requires full repeal
Part 3: PUC report lays bare why Clean Heat Standard is totally unworkable.
State House Spotlight: Senate bill requires ‘synthetic media in elections’ warning label
The seven sponsors of S.23 include Republicans, Democrats, and Progressives, and four of the five members of Senate Gov Ops.
Fight domestic homicide with enhanced compliance on gun surrender orders, AG asks Legislature
Legislation recommended by Clark and the Commission, if introduced, would likely go to the House Judiciary or Senate Judiciary committees.
VT Headlines: New sculpture on I-89
Vermont Supreme Court hears challenge to education secretary’s interim appointment; Vermont Afghan Group Condemns Trump Refugee Order
Woman admits using elder’s money to buy Barton home in fraud scheme
A Barre woman pleaded guilty Thursday to using more than $84,000 in stolen funds to purchase a home in Barton and a new vehicle
Soulia: VT’s S.8 proposal expands Dr. Dynasaur to adults under 26
Critics question its financial viability given Vermont’s ongoing economic struggles.
Davis: Tougher penalties, tough debate
Scott on crime and recidivism
State House Spotlight: New House GOP members support vax freedom bill
PFA crackdown; Bill would include ‘current use’ land in 30 x 30, 50 x 50 conservation plan; Battle of Bennington-1 continues
Vermont among states suing to stop Trump’s birthright citizenship order
The lawsuit argues that Trump’s order violates the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees birthright citizenship.
New study sets regional housing production targets for 2030 and 2050
The new study sets regional housing production targets for 2030 and 2050
Scott plan SPARCs new home construction
Governor Phil Scott’s housing plan includes expanding Act 250 exemptions into more towns and creating a small town housing financing program he calls ‘SPARC.’
VT Headlines: Vermonters who work from home tend to earn more, data shows
Appeals and permitting process highlight Gov. Scott’s housing package; School Funding Proposal Would Change How Vermont Pays for Education
Moore: Yes, NEA, we ARE overspending on education
At $26,970 per student, Vermont is well above the national average (less than $20k)
Tri-partisan bill reduces carbon mandates to goals
Reps. Jim Harrison (R-Chittenden), Jed Lipsky (I-Stowe), and Kristi Morris (D-Springfield) cosponsored the bill, H.52
Abandoned Rottweiler Hank finds new home
Potters Angels thanked the efforts of Vermonters Against Animal Cruelty and Abandonment, an organization dedicated to finding loving homes for animals in need.
Rodgers drops puck at Norwich – Castleton hockey game
The Lieutenant Governor was welcomed to campus by LtGen John Broadmeadow, USMC (Ret), 25th President of Norwich University, prior to the ceremonial puck drop.
VT to review drug testing in child protection cases
The reason for the temporary pause is a concern about the frequency of false “negative” test results.
Page: The price of “free” healthcare
The wait times, quality issues, and hidden costs that should give pause to advocates of similar systems in other nations, not to mention our own State.
Galfetti: Legislature full speed ahead
Controlling property taxes is going to take a whole system overhaul.
Slain Border Agent Maland honored by moment of silence
Sen. Russ Ingalls: “I just want to put a name to the face of the officer that was killed yesterday. His name is David Maland.”
Roper: Governor Scott wants to lower property taxes and reform public education
Despite the Vermont Teacher’s Union’s assertion, Vermont now spends more per pupil — $27,000 on average – than any other state but one.
BPD Report: City “lost progress” in retaining officers since 2020 exodus
While progress was made in 2023 towards replenishing their ranks after a 2020 defunding, it has largely been lost in 2024.
Bananas: D.C. & Burlingtonians protest democracy
Several hundred Burlingtonians braved severe climate change in order to carry hand-made handmaiden signs in a show of strong delusion.
Beck: Connecting the dots
Both Left and Right are suing Vermont due to Global Warming Solutions Act (Act 153). This has to end.
VT Headlines: Frigid forecast prompts Barre, Burlington to open emergency shelters
Colchester asylum-seeker fears deportation as feds order him to report the day after Donald Trump takes office; VT schools wonder: What if ICE comes knocking?
CLG: Donald Trump sworn in as 47th president of the United States
ICE officers prepping for ‘big [bleep]ing operation’ across sanctuary cities; Biden announces blanket pardon for his brother James
Payroll tax would fund proposed Medicaid expansion
Under S 1, if the federal government won’t pay for Medicaid, Vermonters will foot the bill.
Despathy: ‘Avian flu’ actually toxicity and poisoning?
There are records of suspected avian bird flu cases in which further investigation revealed toxicity and poisoning, especially in wild bird populations.
Fire kills Marshfield resident/ Hartford man dies of gunshot wound
On Jan. 19, the Hartford PD and Hartford Fire Department responded to reports of a shooting. They found a man with an apparent gunshot wound to the head.
Gov. Scott announces DMV, Public Service leadership appointments
Matt Rousseau as deputy commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Brittney Wilson as deputy commissioner of the Department of Public Service.
Dog rescue was a way of life for Hinesburg woman
VT Dog Rescue continues its work after founder’s death.
BREAKING: Norwich University student dies while training
The student was identified as cadet Daniel Bermudez by Norwich President John J. Broadmeadow in an email to the community on Thursday.
School funding overhaul called for by administration
Saunders said while other states clarify the amount of funds they have to work with before they discuss spending, Vermont’s system works the other way around.
State to spend $62 mil on low-income solar
Set to launch in late 2025, the initiative aims to lower electricity costs by 20% for many low-income and underserved Vermonters through solar.
Welch grills Trump AG nominee over prosecuting ‘enemies’
Bondi to Welch During Senate Confirmation Hearing: “No one will be prosecuted, investigated because they are a political opponent.”
