In this role, Harvey will help lead the Party’s fundraising strategy and donor engagement efforts
Rep. Zachary Harvey appointed as VTGOP Finance Chair
Timothy Page
Q&A with 104-year-old Kenneth Hart
Kenneth Hart is 104 years old and currently resides in The Pines nursing home in Rutland.
After Covid population influx, too few moving to VT to offset the dying
Thinktank: “Policymakers should proceed with caution” concerning migration trends
Lawrence: What’s wrong with a little “Communism”?
Communism and DEI are identical in philosophy and execution.
State Senate advances health insurance bills, picks the judge pickers
Raising Minimum Wage (S.67) to deal with higher livable wage and inflation also introduced.
Klar: Defending free speech in America
The First Amendment seemed forgotten under the Biden Administration, but it’s back.
Guv’s school reform plan gives “additional consideration to school choice”
The governor’s top education official spoke to lawmakers on Wednesday on their new five-district school governance proposal.
KVS: Coventry man arrested after alleged crime spree
Justin Kirby, 39, was arrested on multiple felony charges in late January after a string of alleged crimes in Coventry, including burglary and car theft.
Woman suspect in fatal Border Patrol shooting moved out-of-state
Teresa Youngblut, 21, is now at the Merrimack County Department of Corrections near Concord, NH, due to bed shortage for Fed. detainees in VT jails.
The VT Saves Program starts July 2025
If you’re an employer or an employee, this will affect your paycheck and business operations starting in July 2025.
Soulia: DOGE constitutional? Legal? And who’s cutting what?
Is DOGE constitutional? Legal? And who’s actually cutting what?
Bossange: Trump’s own MAGA Deep State
After a month in office, it is clear that the President and his MAGA leadership team and a new group of “elites,” are quickly establishing their own Deep State.
CLG: Pentagon, Trump rule out Ukraine joining NATO
Judge orders HHS, CDC, and FDA to restore deleted webpages with ‘health’ information; Kiev plotting series of false flags to drag NATO into war – Moscow
Vermont would take ‘first logical step’ with new AI bill, says Secretary of State
“I don’t think it’s a partisan issue,” Copeland Hanzas said. “It’s really just to make sure that elections are honest and accurate and fair.”
The ancient origins of the Ziz
Providing context for the now-maligned name, and it’s co-option by those who oppose its true meaning.
Krowinski: Education transformation will take all of us
One challenge for Vermont has risen above all others: the state of our public education system.
With just three investigators, Human Rights Commission seeks relief from legislators
“It’s a really gut-wrenching situation for all the parties involved,” said the commission’s executive director.
VT Headlines: “Extremely dangerous” Vermont man wanted, 2 others arrested in Irasburg
Musical Chairs In Hartland: Three Candidates, Two Seats; Feds Pause Killington’s $25m RAISE Grant; Tupper Lake firefighters hit with two fires in 24 hours
Health Commissioner: “Climate change” and “globalization” will lead to new animal-to-human viruses
CDC: “While the current public health risk is low, CDC is watching the situation carefully and working with states to monitor people with animal exposures.”
After unexplained delay, Bauckholt death certificate released
German national’s body cremated, document says.
Keelan: The beginning of the end of Vermont’s rurality
During the last forty years, events have been taking place that have forever changed our rural character.
Page: Mind, mindset, and political identity
Why we literally think differently about politics
Bill limits road salt to curb chloride pollution
The goal is to reduce the environmental impact of road salt while also aiming to save money for municipalities and contractors by optimizing salt usage.
Roper: Pucker up for kissing your sister
Thoughts on Education and Property Tax Reform, Part 1
VT Headlines: Egg prices up due to bird flu
Sandy Baird, Fierce Advocate and Lawyer, Dies at 84; Funeral procession held for Lt. Al Fortin in Hinesburg, VT
CLG: AG Pam Bondi orders DOJ to pause all funding for sanctuary cities
Hospital blocks young girl from life-saving transplant over vaccination status; Nevada confirms state’s first human case of bird flu in a dairy worker
Whitworth: Punching myself in the face
“I’m gonna flap my arms and fly over the Statehouse dome. And if I should fail, I will punch myself in the face.” That is the essence of Vermont’s Global Warming Solutions Act.
Eshelman: A wolf in sheep’s clothing
In response to “Gov. Phil Scott’s education plan would create an optional school choice lottery in every district” (VT Digger, 2/6/25)
McGuinness: Discriminatory indoctrination required course for kindergarteners
If the books in question remain in the curriculum, it will be a violation of ACSD’s policies by excluding religious and traditional Western points-of-view
For Bennington historic site, a monumental funding challenge
Bennington Battle Monument is saturated with water and in urgent need of $40 million restoration.
Trump orders/Vermont ed policies clash over DEI
Vermont state policies and White House executive orders present potential showdowns concerning social justice, climate policies, and more.
Steidler: U.S. is the global AI leader
J.D. Vance must tell EU to not mess with us.
Perlin: Who needs the Electoral College? Vermont.
When Peter Welch, or anyone, calls for abolishing the electoral college, ask them how this would help Vermont.
Two arrested in Bradford on drug and fugitive charges
Following a drug investigation, Bradford Police arrested two individuals on February 3 in the parking lot of Bradford Mini Mart.
Swenson: Bernie Sanders’ Vermont
For Vermont’s most famous politico, the answer is always the same: blame billionaires, blame capitalism, blame everyone except the people actually in charge.
Thayer: A continued call to action
Vermont needs genuine people with real vision; with fight and courage to make Vermont the best place to live, work, and play.
VT Headlines: Black Hawk helicopters to be used to patrol US-Canada border
Police Arrest Suspect in Hoax Stabbing Call; Police Arrest Montpelier Woman for Allegedly Selling Crack
VT Headlines: School bus carrying 10 students flips on its side during whiteout conditions in Enosburg
Standoff with Burlington police ends with peaceful surrender; Car crashes into snowplow during snowy afternoon commute, police say
Stephens: ‘Make War Great Again’?
You are burning with desire, and have not your desire, so you put men to death -James 4:1-2 BBE
Flannery: VT Democrats should heed grim Mike Bloomberg warning on education
Vermont, already burdened with some of the country’s highest taxes and biggest per-student spending, is studying reforms at the state legislature this session.
Green & Sheets: Trump ‘the Great Architect’
At this point in history, America does not need a statesman. And we certainly do not need a politician. Frankly, we do not need a peacemaker.
Fernandez: The disintegration and decay of the West
The Left resembles medieval Christianity, promoting dogmatic beliefs that are deemed unchallengeable and regarding all who dissent as heretics to be destroyed.
The Manogemassak: Shadow giants and living heritage of the Abenaki
As integral figures in Western Abenaki traditional beliefs, they represent one of the ways the Abenaki have wisdom for the modern day.
Fed up with Vermont’s “Supermajority,” Paul Clifford fights taxes, crime from Rutland
“People cannot sustain continued tax increases, especially in the light of an upcoming city-wide reappraisal” of real estate valuations that could lead to yet higher taxes, according to a Clifford campaign statement this month.
25-school district proposal targets class size of 18
There can be exceptions to these numbers when concerning for example students who fall into special education categories that require more attention and resources.
VT Headlines: Methane fire injures 3 during ice fishing trip in Vermont
Bradford man arrested on gun charges, may be connected to missing person; Senate bill would regulate use of ‘deepfakes’ in leadup to Vermont elections
CLG: Sen. Rand Paul comes out swinging against Trump’s Gaza plan
U.S. will ‘take over’ Gaza; New virus discovered in Alabama raises pandemic fears; Biden spent billions promoting illegal immigration – Musk
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.
