Funding government with a Unified Consumption Tax
Thayer: Vermont’s path to tax simplicity
Timothy Page
CLG: Air Force F-16 fighters intercept aircraft invading Mar-a-Lago airspace
Secret Service shoots man in ‘armed confrontation’ overnight near White House, agency says; Trump to revoke legal status for 240,000 Ukrainians.
Police: Death threats made by man accused of crack cocaine sales in Bennington County
Anthony “Ace” Alonso-Alomar, 19, appeared in Fed. Court this week on charges that he aided and abetted the sale of crack cocaine as well, as selling it himself.
Soulia: Residents consider recount and revote after school budget passes by one vote
Otter Valley Unified Union School District residents are weighing their options after the district’s proposed $28 million budget was approved by just one vote.
DHS ends collective bargaining for TSA’s Transportation Security Officers
Enhancing safety, efficiency and organizational agility
Watson: Thetford vote ignores ‘death to Israel’ pledge
If Hamas stopped fighting, there would be no war. If Israel stopped fighting, there would be no Israel.
Mush!
Admiral Byrd’s Dog Team Model: now on display at the Vermont History Museum
Roper: Attorney General fiddles while Vermont burns
State’s Attorneys trying to push back the rising tide of crime with a broom.
Plainfield greenlights reserve fund for future housing
Residents voted 130-30 to pass Article 13, which proposed a reserve fund dedicated to expanding the community.
Beck: The canaries are getting loud
The work is very difficult and at times overwhelming, but it is what every elected official signed up for when they asked Vermonters for their vote.
Vermonters still at risk due to America’s largest SSN exposure
Understanding the ongoing challenge facing Americans, including Green Mountain State residents, due to the National Public Data Breach.
Klar: Fixing public schools by returning to core learning
The ideological brainwashing is over!
Thayer: Pro-Vance rally organizer ‘disgusted’ by tactics of the left
It’s time for the Left to stop the nasty behavior and work together with all Vermonters. Stop taking your orders from the Bernies of our great little state.
VT Headlines: Four Vermont communities reject cannabis retail proposals
National Weather Service issues flood warning for Mad River at Moretown; Trump Administration looks to sell off 4 federal properties in Vermont
Lawmakers look for more time on broadband bills
Two House bills would bar service providers from deceptive business practices and require them to offer cheap broadband plans.
MacDonald: VT wants to put more women in harms way
Lawmakers claim that they are making prostitution “not illegal” while pretending they are also protecting sex workers from human trafficking.
CLG: CIA confirms suspension of intelligence sharing with Ukraine
22nd Indiana farm hit with avian influenza in 2025; over 6.9M birds dead so far; Rubio signs declaration to expedite delivery of $4B in military aid to Israel
Klar: Morristown student punished for “there are only two genders” shirt
Even though the school had relented, the student was threatened with discipline yet again by a teacher when M.P. next wore the shirt to school the next week.
State takes abuse survivor, ‘protected’ address substitution online
Participants can vote, obtain a driver’s license, get married, register births, and receive their mail without fear that those publicly available records will put them at risk.
Sponsored: Repeal the Clean Heat Standard
Rally at the State House, Wed., March 12, Noon-1PM in the Cedar Creek Room
Letter: An English take on Trump, Vance
Briton: Trump, Vance ignorant of history
Trump speaks and Bernie answers
Sanders: “Notwithstanding some of their rhetoric, this is a government that could care less about the working families of this country.”
Welch, 22 Dem senators rebuke Trump in profane, copy-pasted speeches
The speech, part of the so-called “S–t That Ain’t True” campaign, primarily attacked the president on economic policy, citing the rising cost of eggs.
Federal indictment in Vermont charges 25 Canadians with $21 million Grandparent Scam
“In total, the Grandparent Scam defrauded hundreds of elderly victims across the United States out of millions of dollars per year,” the indictment said.
Five undiscovered adventures in New England
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat in nature or an exceptional adventure, these off-the-beaten path destinations offer truly something special.
Surviving head-on collision offers business owner second chance at life
In June of 2022, Seymour was driving along route 116 in Hinesburg, when a large pickup truck with a fully loaded trailer came around a blind corner in her lane.
VT Headlines: Gov. Phil Scott kicks off maple sugaring season
Vermont voters weigh in on important water infrastructure bonds; Alcohol and guns do not mix’: Burlington to vote on gun ban charter change
Scott: Getting to quality, affordable education for all
Vermonters made it clear that we need to make major changes to a system that no longer meets the needs of our students, educators or taxpayers.
Roper: Senate Democrats block vote to repeal Clean Heat Standard
Vermonters expected quick action in 2025 to wipe Act 18 (the Clean Heat Standard law) from the books. That has not happened.
KVS: Newport man arrested for selling and possessing cocaine
Brandon Cote, 34, of Newport, was arrested for two counts of selling cocaine, possession of cocaine, and possession of a regulated drug.
Bananas: Vance treated to Vermont-style welcome
Vermonters came out to protest the Vice President after he took Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over his knee and spanked him on live television.
Soulia: VT lawmakers target farmers instead of pushing back against the Feds
If lawmakers truly want to stand up for Vermont’s future, they need to stop caving to EPA pressure and start holding Washington accountable.
Bossange: The real goal of DOGE
The President, Musk and their MAGA advisors need to realize the rest of us are on to their game. It’s time they feel the sledgehammer of our resistance.
Sheriff dies from rare cancer
Hemond had been with the department for more than 19 years. He earlier served as a patrol officer with both St. Johnsbury and Lyndonville Police Departments.
VT Headlines: Mount Mansfield reports highest summit snow depth in nearly six years
Kids Code’ bill advances in Vermont Senate as lawmakers again look to rein in big tech; Voters pass resolution to resist ‘federal overreach’ in Vermont
CLG: More governments pledge to join UK and France in sending troops to Ukraine
Zelensky not ready for peace – Trump; Vance family moved to ‘undisclosed location’ after hundreds of pro-Ukraine protesters swarm ski resort ahead of vacation
GOP Senate, House leaders tell Town Meeting voters they’re working on Clean Heat repeal, lower taxes
Senate, House GOP leaders pledge tax reform, Clean Heat repeal
Principal tells Senators 15-18 students the “magic number” for class size
Rutland’s Sarah Tetzlaff touched on some of the disadvantages of going too small.
Bipartisan bill would allow purchase of medical debts with public funds
Similar efforts to buy out student loans at the national level have gotten stalled in federal courts.
Charlotte keeps traditional Town Meeting, but more towns adopt secret ballot
Rejected proposals would have put budget, town issues to voters by secret ballot
Governor’s office puts out education “transformation proposal” to mixed response
The governor’s office has put forth a comprehensive education overhaul plan that would uproot both the economics and governance of public schools.
Fatal head-on collision in Waterbury under investigation
At approximately 1:32 p.m. on February 28, 2025, troopers from the Berlin Barracks responded to reports of a crash in front of Billings Mobile.
McClaughry: Where Gov. Scott’s education transformation leads
When it came to education financing, however, the governor proposed what he called “incredibly strong measures” that vaulted him well into high-risk territory.
Posley: A plea on behalf of marginalized and underrepresented people
Posley: ‘With each bill I beg you to ask yourself, “How will this impact the lives of underrepresented people?”’
Klar: Rural Vermont attacks Trump policies for federal workers
Helping farmers, or federal bureaucrats?
In one day, Healthcare Committee sees 18 bills on healthcare rights, vaccines, more
Each bill was given about 5-10 minutes per presenter in the marathon committee session. To see all 18 bills, look at their Feb. 21 (Friday) agenda.
CLG: FBI withheld ‘thousands’ of Epstein docs – U.S. Attorney General
USAID spent millions of dollars of taxpayer-funded grants were funneled into Ukrainian confectionery, fashion and pet companies
Roper: Destroying school choice in Vermont
Governor’s education plan “fixes” too many things that don’t need fixing
Soulia: Lawmakers propose 32-hour workweek
The bill does not require businesses to maintain a 40-hour pay structure for a 32-hour schedule, leaving the door open for less hours rather than increased pay.
VT Headlines: Neurodivergent VTers launch fund to assist as Medicaid cuts loom
Vermont’s Fed-qualified health centers are struggling; Long View project’s funding request struck down, will not be moving forward
Middlebury makes noise protesting campus debate on gender-affirming care
Protesters described the event as anti-trans and the speakers as unqualified.
Page: Booker T. Washington’s shining example
Booker T. Washington believed in the ability of blacks to succeed by their own merits, despite the obstacles they faced.
West Rutland to vote on $2.3M wastewater treatment facility upgrades
Officials say that the facility requires replacing control systems, mechanical and electrical components, and making structural repairs and improvements.
Soulia: H.298: Bad-faith bill that shields illegal aliens while pretending to follow the law
H.298 will classify Vermont as a full-fledged sanctuary state, potentially costing it millions in federal law enforcement funding.
ANR: “No significant change” in fuel consumption despite “hundreds of millions” invested in green tech
Sales of gasoline and diesel fuel for transportation may have actually increased, a state report says.
VT Headlines: Fairfax to decide whether to nix town manager position
Vermont Congressional Delegation holds virtual statewide town hall; Vermont lawmakers look to eliminate military pension tax
Waterbury woman accused of fraudulently obtaining $40,000 from local aid organizations
Police say the suspect sought help for overdue rent payments from the Mad River Valley Community Fund, the Mad River Valley Interfaith Council, and the Community Action Service Team.
Iadarola: On the FY26 Slate Valley Unified Union school district budget vote
The current model of education funding is inefficient and unsustainable. There are clear areas for significant saving that will make VT more affordable for all.
VT Headlines: Plane crash in Manchester
No injuries after train hits car in Milton; Green Mountain Transit says ridership increased after fares returned, service reductions still coming
Montpelier’s Post Office is struggling — and residents are feeling it
Montpelier’s post office has been unreliable, and the problem isn’t going away. Postal employees aren’t talking, but frustrated residents missing mail are.
BLOTTER: Two arrested after firearm discharged in domestic dispute in Lyndonville
Driver crashes into pole on Scott Highway in Groton
UVM Libraries announce the availability of the first part of Senator Leahy’s papers
The senator’s travel and campaign materials are the first wave of his vast collection to be available for public research
How ‘Gucci Flip Flops’ and good vibes brought back Harwood Union girls hockey
Staying positive helped this team break a losing streak lasting more than two years.
Roper: GWSA transportation mandates will cost more than $177M per year
Tax on gas & diesel could start at 26 cents per gallon.
Keelan: Let’s stop talking and start building
To develop housing in Vermont, the hurdles have increased and are much higher, making the housing crisis all the more dire.
Klar: HHS cuts CDC ‘disease detectives’
Where were they during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Some cliff tops and overlooks are closed to protect nesting Peregrines
Hikers and climbers can help nesting peregrine falcons by avoiding several Vermont cliff areas this spring and early summer.
VT Headlines: Police: Mom arrested after child brings bag with cocaine residue to day care
Local wastewater issues my put hold on new housing; Vermont teacher pleads not guilty to DUI charge; Essex Westford’s budget proposes closing elementary school
Thayer: Advocating for parents’ rights in Vermont’s public schools
A call for parent-school collaboration and transparency.
Soulia: 10 acres for $1. $12M in debt. And a quiet vote.
A proposal to build a $12.1M Valley Community Center (VCC) is moving forward across multiple towns, with funding to come primarily from taxpayer-backed bonds.
North Country Hospital dialysis services saved by regulatory decision
The regulatory board voted to increase UVM Medical Center’s revenue cap to cover losses from operating dialysis centers in Newport, St. Albans and Rutland.
Ira Allen’s legacy in Winooski explored at recent book talk
“Without him, your picture of the history of Vermont is massively incomplete,” said J. Kevin Graffagnino, author of “Ira Allen: A Biography.”
VT Headlines: $1M Powerball ticket sold in Newport Center, VT Lottery announces
Wagon signs in Charlotte spur billboard scrutiny; Vermonters to hold vigil in Montpelier on three-year anniversary of war in Ukraine
Gunned down Veteran Border Patrol Agent from VT laid to rest with military honors
Besides his federal co-workers from the Green Mountain State, Maland also was honored with a delegation of troopers from the Vermont State Police led by Lt. Andy Jenson, commander at the Derby barracks.
Jesses: DEI is Detrimental to Essex Instruction
DEI is inculcated into the lives of our EWSD students day in and day out, but show little to no academic benefits.
CLG: Trump announces Dan Bongino will be deputy director of the FBI
Elon Musk ‘uncovers’ 20M in Social Security database over age 100; Trump brands Zelensky ‘dictator without elections’; Putin-Trump dialogue ‘promising’
Winooski school tax to drop
“Making some compromises to keep the spending increase in check”
Louvenia Bright: first black woman lawmaker in Vermont
Not until the close of the 20th century did a black woman sit in the Vermont Legislature.
Phil Scott to meet President Trump today
Governor Phil Scott will attend the National Governors Association Winter meeting in Washington, D.C. this week, where he is expected to meet President Trump.
Roper: VT Democrats need to fish or cut bait on climate policies
Either pass laws that will meet GWSA mandates or repeal the mandates.
Soulia: VT’s PILOT Program: What it is and how it affects taxpayers
Vermont’s rural taxpayers are subsidizing PILOT payments that disproportionately go to larger municipalities, despite their own financial challenges.
Bill could ban food dyes linked to unappetizing effects from school meals
The bill is modeled after California’s 2024 School Food Safety Act.
Officials outline Waterbury Dam facelift amid flood fears
Starting in 2027, builders will replace the floodgates with thicker, sturdier ones and swap out the bridge above the spillway.
$40M hotel and apartment complex to transform downtown Rutland
The City has provided incentives, including approx. $4.6M in reduction of future taxes over the first 12 years, and around $750,000 in waived permit fees.
Letter: Mazur on Biden’s folly
Treason is defined as a betrayal of trust. We need to uncover and prosecute those responsible because if the last four years go unpunished, it will happen again.
VT Headlines: To keep tax increases at bay, many school districts will cut staff
Plan afoot to relocate Windsor Diner to alternate Main Street lot; Norwich University criminologist weighs in on impact of social media on cult following
Man arrested for Assault and Robbery on Church Street
A Williston man was arrested Tuesday morning following an alleged assault and robbery on Church Street, according to the Burlington Police Department.
McCann: The dire cost of getting well
Increasing healthcare and hospital costs pose a greater challenge than education
McGuinness: Statewide Healthcare bill introduced
The Senate Committee on Health & Welfare discussed a bill to advance a statewide health care delivery system on February 11
Bill aims to restrict tuition costs for public elementary schools
School tuition has been a hot-button issue for the Green Mountain State. The average public elementary school tuition in Vermont is $19,400.
Crispe: The future of Vermont education reimagined
We can achieve new educational heights without draining our pocketbooks.
Galfetti: Snail’s pace
It would appear that House Democrats and Republicans have gotten off on the wrong foot. The Budget Adjustment Act passed recently was contentious for good reason.
Soulia: The Rutland Forward enigma
A PAC with missing money, unfiled reports, and unanswered questions
New bill seeks “fair standards and fair process” for school closures
A new bill seeks to formalize the always-controversial process of closing a community’s public elementary school.
Klar: Bernie Sanders’s ‘onesies’ rant displayed his animosity for free speech
Demanding Bobby Kennedy cancels others’ messaging is absurd!
Update: Vermonter suspected of providing two guns in Border Patrol Agent slaying arrested in Maryland
The case has so many twists and turns that scorecards are helpful in trying to keep all the players straight.
KVS: Orange man arrested for DUI and assault on law enforcement
Also: Couple pulls up to scene of a crash, leave in cuffs; Two found dead in parked car, no foul play suspected
Gervais: Can the feds save Vermont’s power grid?
Vermont’s legislature continues the race to the precipice.
Bigger districts mean more student opportunity, Ed Secretary says
Education Secretary Zoie Saunders told VDC on Friday that having larger districts would enable more equal distribution of resources.
Town cries foul on road salt exemption for VTrans
A Senate bill to control road salt pollution notably exempts VTrans from the bill’s requirements while asking municipalities and private businesses to comply.
