But Vermont lawmakers routinely seek out bad information if it confirms their bias.
Roper: Bad information leads to bad policy
Timothy Page
LaMarche: Our city’s “Big Lie”
Will the truth be accepted? Or will there be a total, visceral rejection of it?
VT Headlines: Lawmakers propose delay in school budget votes
Bernie Sanders, Peter Welch split over border reform, foreign aid deal; Vermont’s biggest municipalities set March votes on nearly $60 million in capital projects
Despathy: BTW Vermonters -You are all a bunch of NIMBYs
Renewable Energy Vermont, Sen. White, and industry lawyers like Wilschek are determined to clear the path for their profit-driven renewable energy projects, including removing us “NIMBY” Vermonters.
CLG: Arrest Tucker Carlson? No way, Elon Musk says
U.S. ‘involved’ in deadly Ukrainian attack on Russian bakery; U.S. and UK bomb 36 targets in Yemen; Federal agencies refuse to cooperate with Florida grand jury investigating COVID-19 vaccines
Petition to remove State’s Attorney Sarah George passes 1,100 signatures
VDC reached out to George for a comment in response to this petition. There has not yet been a response.
Smith: Renewable power industry exploits poorest towns
Sen. White has turned this situation upside down. Aesthetics has nothing to do with it. Poor towns have been targeted because they are vulnerable to monetary promises.
Governor Scott addresses housing crisis, issues warning
Governor Phil Scott Wednesday reiterated the need to make it easier, less expensive, and faster to build the housing we desperately need; warns against some proposals under consideration
Gervais: Arlington selectboard needs a fresh voice
In Arlington, there has been much blame cast about following the issuing of property tax bills with a staggering increase in the town tax rate this past September.
Gun serialization bill won’t cut crime, will lead to confiscation: expert tells Legislature
Lott noted the stricter gun laws are not the reason for Canada’s lower crime rates, contrary to the assumption of Sen. Tanya Vyhovsky.
Loggers are backing a Vermont bill to crack down on timber thieves
If a business is culpable, H.614 allows police to seize any equipment it used for illegal activity.
Northern border continues to outpace southwest border on terrorist-connected apprehensions
They represent the greatest number recorded in U.S. history.
Baker: Someday this will be funny, hopefully
Biden administration deems its detractors, Conservatives “vulnerable to disinformation methods”.
Parents’ group promotes Essex-Westford parental rights petition
SPEAKVT believes EWSD must be reminded that parents do not abandon or relinquish their rights at the schoolhouse door.
Vermont-born TV series “Potwins” hits X platform
Buckle up as Kevin Sorbo, Barry Bostwick, Jon Lovitz and Emmanuelle Vaugier star in new comedy ‘Potwins’ TV Show on X Platform
VT Headlines: Jay Peak Resort fires five employees after antisemitic image posted on Instagram
Judge Rules Parish Can Demolish Burlington Cathedral; Opening date remains uncertain for long-awaited methadone clinic in Bennington; Essex Junction cannabis farmer visits the Statehouse
State Trooper Michelle Archer selected as finalist for prestigious national award
Trooper Michelle Archer has been selected as a finalist for the International Association of Chiefs of Police / Motorola Solutions Trooper of the Year Award.
Roper: “Solution” to high property taxes is… more higher taxes!
Dems looking at higher sales taxes, sweetened beverage tax, food & clothing tax, cloud tax…
LaMarche: On housing, Shannon fails
Plugging your nose to avoid a bad stench doesn’t work.
Rare bird died of natural causes
Rare bird that sparked excitement and concern died of natural causes according to new lab results.
VT Headlines: How to participate in 2024 primary elections
Jericho native picks up a Grammy; Vermont Kids Code pushes for internet safety; 117 lawmakers decry recent acts of homophobia in Vermont, cite ‘disturbing pattern’ nationwide
Man busted after falsely claiming to be Federal Agent, Marine
Brandon Anderson, 34, falsely claimed he was both a federal agent and former Marine was ordered jailed Monday after appearing in federal court on fraudulent impersonation charges, authorities say.
Bill creates more protection for endangered species
Bill would require more updates to endangered species list, restrict taking species from habitats.
Vermont judges don’t say much in financial disclosures
Of those who do, some report thousands in rental income streams.
One new fish record established in Vermont in 2023
New record set for Longnose Gar.
Bill in committee allows vax without parental notice or consent
Legislators that work for The People must be transparent. Any legislation on the oversight of minors must be presented as its own bill, not hidden within another bill.
VT Headlines: The legislative moment for data privacy
Woman found in Westmore search and rescue; Vermont’s Noah Kahan nominated for Best New Artist Grammy; Act 127’s 5% Tax Cap Being Scrapped
Avocadoes: New bill decriminalizes shoplifting
Even the term “shoplifting” or “shoplifter” will be illegal to use because it’s considered a derogatory term of social profiling.
Fireovid: Act 250 reform bill gaslighting?
This bill—just like the emperor—has no clothes. It won’t do much to solve the housing problem, or to help the homeless or even most Vermonters. It’s corporate cronyism.
Keelan: Will Vermont continue to be a going concern?
Presently, significant matters must be dealt with within the State government simultaneously; each carries financial implications.
Roper: Legislature logic: Ban flavored tobacco, but not flavored pot, and legalize meth
Seriously, are these people high themselves?
Huff: Lipstick on a bloated pig
Vermont is rapidly becoming unaffordable for even the middle class. More spending and more subsidies is not the answer. If you find yourself trapped in the bottom of a deep hole, STOP DIGGING!
Klar: New ‘study’ extolling greenie redistribution unwittingly exposes toxic climate cult
The ugly head of eco-Marxism.
Hartford, CT woman jailed for dealing drugs in Lamoille County
Hassanah “Ma” Delia, 37, pleaded not guilty in federal court on Monday to a felony charge of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and fentanyl in Vermont and elsewhere in July and August 2023.
Letters: Rethinking ‘Safe Injection Sites’/ Phil Scott’s weak stand on Texas
Drug addicts need real help, not enabling. And with our country under invasion, why won’t Phil Scott protest?
VT Headlines: FCC warns rural VT households could lose affordable internet
Jericho structure fire leads to Rt. 15 closure; Report shows firefighter cancers underreported in Vermont; Windham Southeast closes sexual abuse investigation; Burlington Police swear-in new hires
‘Geoengineering Resistance’ group gathers
Following a number of unusual weather events here in Vermont in the past year, more and more people are questioning the “natural” causes of these disasters.
Bill promotes state loan forgiveness for Vermont Law School
A new bill would provide loan forgiveness to Vermont Law School graduates who pledge their services to the State.
CLG: Israel accepts ceasefire deal
U.S. set to strike Iraq and Syria over multiple days in response; U.S. has built up military stash for potential Taiwan war; Oregon Supreme Court stops 10 GOP lawmakers from running for re-election
Fired Woodstock Coach settles federal lawsuit
Terms will be announced later; doesn’t get job back
Klar: Shockwaves coming from the commercial real estate crisis
Taxes, inflation, vacancies, and shoplifting becoming too hard to bear.
VT Headlines: Catamount Ski Trail celebrates 40 years of cross-country skiing across Vermont
Sen. Peter Welch calls on tech CEOs to protect children online; Mass. driver dies in crash with train in Royalton, 1st Breeze Airways flight lands at Burlington airport
Bossange: The high cost of not developing low-income housing
We need to accept the reality that 71,500 Vermonters live in poverty, with too many now homelessness. All Vermonters need a place to call home. Either we pay now or we pay more later.
MacDonald: Democrats drove the Putney Paper Mill out of business
Every industry in the state except for the government is at risk; according to USA Facts, the government is the biggest business in Vermont and is only likely to get bigger.
McGuinness: Proposition 4 is reparations, Oprah-style
Victim mentality running amok.
Roper: The Mafia-style corruption in the Clean Heat Standard
Lawmakers to give cronies literal license to steal.
VT Headlines: VT maple producers told to look out for invasive beetle
City workers clear out Battery Street Encampment; Life without a post office leaves Montpelier area residents scrambling; Rutland Regional Medical Center expands mental health services
Get your Vermont Strong-Darn Tough bundle while it lasts
Get your Vermont Strong license plate and Darn Tough sock bundle to help support flood victims before the Legislature puts a stop to it
Vermont habitat stamp raises $656,000 for conservation in 2023
Matching funds for habitat projects sponsored by the stamp have come from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program.
Wilson: Chicken slaughter bill a bright spot
Not every bill in the Legislature is a bad idea…..
Fireovid: Legislature considers Defend the Guard Act
The Vermont Defend the Guard Act is part of a nationwide effort to return control of state militias to the states and to the U.S. Congress as specified in the U.S. Constitution
VT Headlines: Uncovered email of former Newport mayor raises ethical, legal concerns
VTSU announces 3.5% tuition hike; Anglers celebrate annual ice fishing festival; Forestry experts meet to discuss industry issues; Drone flying tournament takes place in Springfield
McCormick: Weatherization crews deserve our respect
The General Assembly (G.A.) cannot enforce us to abandon our cars or oil heaters.
Harrison: Budget and barb
In his Budget address, Gov. Scott called for cooperation and urged the Legislature to recognize the budget pressures in a year after record spending and with pandemic aid drying up.
Roper: Clean Heat Standard exploding on the launch pad
A perfect storm of legislative incompetence and bureaucratic bumbling.
Warner: At Hartford selectboard, views exchanged over Drag Story Hour
Several Hartford residents chided Selectboard Member Lannie Collins for his statement made regarding Drag Queen Story Hour.
Illegal immigrant smuggler suspect earned $1,000 per person
Garcia-Flores reported it was his fourth time recently guiding illegal immigrants into the United States. He had brought nine undocumented aliens during the three earlier operations. He said he is paid $1,000 per illegal immigrant.
VT Headlines: Statehouse honors Holocaust Remembrance Day
Sen. Sanders to meet with first responders, hoping for federal support; Schools adopt new suicide prevention guidelines; Vermont College of Fine Arts Is Looking for a Buyer
Student praises school choice to Legislature
“I think there’s a misconception that private schools are just for rich, privileged kids,” the eighth grader said.
CLG: U.S. to redeploy nuclear weapons in UK
Sky News apologizes over IDF ‘Nazi’ comparison; Record 302,000 migrants crossed the border in December – including 19 on FBI terror watchlist; RFK Jr. signals he’s open to running Libertarian in 2024
McEnany: In memory of Martin Luther King Jr.
His work is a stark contrast to what we see today in the U.S., with any and every excuse given to divide us. We seem to have turned to violence and destruction with very little regard for humanity.
Bananas: Journalism lay-off pandemic sweeps across America to Vermont
Investigative journalists are dropping like a congressional aide’s pants across the U.S. as main stream media lays-off thousands.
Feds charge Hardwick man in joyride
A well-traveled man has been ordered jailed after authorities said he stole a U.S. Forest Service vehicle in Manchester, took it on a joy ride throughout Vermont and the Northeast.
Fernandez: October 7, or what’s behind Israel’s 9/11?
October 7th was about Arabs taking Palestine back by force and moving it back into the House of Islam, or Dar Al Islam.
Lawmakers considering having Vermont taxpayers pay for slavery
One point emphasized by Legislative Counsel Tucker Anderson was that the task force can only make recommendations, the power to set policy remains with elected legislators.
Brennan: It’s time for Vermont lawmakers to put flavor bans to rest
Legislators would be well served to consider policies that would bolster education and training practices that continue to meet the objective, drive down youth tobacco use.
Roper: Get ready for $800 million in higher electric costs, just cuz
More ideological virtue signaling with other people’s money.
VT Headlines: Library pays century-old debt to help with flood recovery
House advances ‘life raft’ budget adjustment to help flood-affected municipalities; Proposed agreement to expand UVM student housing moves forward
Vermont prosecutor arrested for DUI
Addison County State’s Attorney Eva Vekos was arrested for suspicion of driving while under the influence Thursday evening after she showed up at the scene of a suspicious death in Bridport.
Klar: A tale of two billionaire farmers
What Mark Zuckerberg’s cows tell us.
Green: Crime and Concerns in Morristown
Morristown held its second community Crime and Concerns meeting at the People’s Academy auditorium this past Monday night.
Despathy: Moving past the covid hysteria, settling back into the science
As the censorship stranglehold loosens, risks, impacts and new findings related to covid injections are surfacing.
Accused drug dealer ‘Stop Sign’ faces 20 years
About 85 grams of suspected cocaine base, 25 grams of suspected fentanyl, and multiple digital scales were found.
Feds, banks colluded to snoop on religious, gun-owning Americans without warrant
If the FBI’s and FinCEN’s collusion with banks is any indication, the Left plan to “extinguish all bigoted beliefs” involves extinguishing one constitutionally guaranteed freedom at a time.
VT Headlines: Burlington authorities try to clear Battery Street homeless encampment
Implementation of Vt. nursing licensure compact proves costly; Bristol woman pleads guilty to plotting with son to kill her husband in Hinesburg; Vt. health officials tell lawmakers to reject cannabis potency proposal
Gorman: Energy industry bill disenfranchises Vermonters
Rather than replace wild living trees with industrial dead solar panels, rather than surrender the Biosphere and the Ethnosphere to the Technosphere, we need to start saving every wild acre left.
Economists bullish about Vermont’s economy
Brushing aside previous concerns about a mild recession, Vermont’s economists told panel members that the economy and the state’s revenues are strengthening.
What’s a mobile home park? A Vermont House bill could change the definition
The bill, H.618, aims to expand the legal definition of mobile home parks to include communities of mobile home owners who own their own lots.
Walgreens in Vermont fined for Covid-era ‘vaccination errors’
Covid-era labor shortages and high demand for vaccines led to poor working conditions and medication/vaccination errors at Vermont’s largest drug store chain.
Stack: Vermont’s education-budget sausage grinding continues
The Act 127 & 173 Follies!
Goddard College closes campus, uninhabited residence halls remain
On Tuesday Goddard College in Plainfield formally shut down on-campus programs in favor of an online-only model which is anticipated to last at least a year.
Scott budgets for psychiatric youth facility, housing and disaster relief – but no new taxes and fees
“Our communities and all those looking for, or struggling to afford, a decent home – they don’t have the lobbyists, the money, or the time to push back on the campaigns we’ve already started to see, to keep you from taking action,” Scott told legislators.
VT Headlines: Bennington Man charged with possession of a bomb
Vermont woman admits to planning husband’s death; Slate Ridge case now before the Vermont Supreme Court; GlobalFoundries donates high-tech equipment to local high school
Proposed constitutional amendment enhances equality – but not for religion
A previous version of Proposition 4 from 2019 included “religion” between “sex” and “disability.” No more. Some demand to know why.
CLG: Trump cruises in New Hampshire primary election, Haley vows to fight on
Biden wins write-in vote in New Hampshire; U.S. launches new round of airstrikes in Iraq; U.S., Allies Conduct New Strikes Against 8 Houthi Targets in Yemen; Ocean freight rates skyrocketing
Keelan: Requirements to become a town treasurer: not much
Your local licensed barber has far greater required qualifications.
Lawmakers will tackle carbon reductions, slavery reparations, library book controversies and more
These bills will be reviewed in legislative committees this week. For more information, including times and agenda, see weekly schedule.
After Netanyahu rejects two-state solution, Bernie calls for funding cuts
Netanyahu says a Palestinian state would become a launching ground for further attacks against Israel.
VT Headlines: Vermont public transit system faces funding crisis
21 skiers and snowboarders rescued from Killington’s backcountry Saturday; Northfield woman receives nearly 170 gallons of free fuel from nonprofit; Vt. Organic Farming Association receives $1 million
Roper: The last Democrat pay raise bill was greedy. This one’s also corrupt.
“Poverty for thee, but not for me!”
Mary Fletcher Hospital opened 145 years ago today
Pioneering medical education in Vermont: January 22, 1879
VT Headlines: Mayor Miro Weinberger proposes increase of public safety tax
VTSU offers free tuition for some in-state students; More Vermont police departments eyeing EVs; Stolen car damages South Burlington Police cruisers
CLG: Florida Gov. DeSantis drops out, endorses Trump
WHO director calls for world pandemic treaty to prepare for Disease X; UN condemns Ukrainian attack that killed 27 civilians in Russian city; U.S. preparing for ‘sustained’ Yemen bombing campaign
MacDonald: NH seeks to ban cloud seeding and other atmospheric geoengineering
If we lack any sense of transparency, limits, or regulation, we might find ourselves subject to man-caused atmospheric effects without knowledge of recourse.
Paul: Lessons from the Great Covid Cover-up
We the American people must not allow bureaucratic “experts” to endanger our lives, lie to us, or curtail our constitutional rights. Never again.
Ryan: Socrates and the failure of democracy
Basically, Democracy means we can rule on anything we like, as long as 50% of people say we can. That is about as dangerous a rule as I’ve ever heard.
Bananas: CBS to air ‘Survivor: Burlington’
As they scoured the world looking for the best urban challenge they were shocked to find Burlington has a D- crime, in the top 10% least safe cities in the United States.
Woodstock Foundation seeks six-month delay in lawsuit
The plaintiffs will fight any effort to sidetrack the case, their primary local lawyer Michael F. Hanley of Plante & Hanley in White River Junction said this week.
LaMarche: The new digital highwaymen
Supposedly ‘equity’ minded lawmakers want to cover Vermont highways with traffic cameras that elsewhere have led to ‘disproportionate’ traffic ticketing for minorities.
VT Headlines: Stowe Winter Carnival underway
Closing of Putney Paper Mill a shock, local lawmaker says; Sen. Peter Welch calls for Federal standard of reproductive rights; Shelters expanding hours, staffing ahead of strong wind chills Saturday
