Vermonters deserve an elections system that is convenient, but also secure and accurate. We have the former, but we do not at present have the latter. Moreover, multiple polls by a wide spectrum of pollsters such show around 80% of people support Voter ID. Passing H.670 should be a no-brainer.
For those who missed her charade, here it is: @IlhanMN refers to our great country as the “U.S. G*dd*mn States.” But without the asterisks. There is no circumstance in which she should refer to our country in this way. It is beyond disrespectful—it is appalling, disgusting, and sick. Shame on her!
Only 3 days of warning given for eviction, under the new proposed bill.
Multiple people, including minors, seriously injured after head-on crash in Monkton; Vermont State Police investigate Chittenden Regional inmate death; Crews Respond To Structure Fire In Swanton; Hinesburg and new police union agree to three-year contract
Vermont State Police said the bus, returning from a dance recital, left the roadway on the southbound Exit 3 off-ramp in wet, slushy conditions. The driver, Brittany Pontier, 26, of Bennington, was able to reenter the roadway, and the bus continued on its way.
Vermonters use less total energy than the residents of any other state in the nation and their total energy consumption per capita is among the lowest five states. About 11% of Vermonters heat with wood, the highest share of any state, according to the EIA.
Trump selling seats on Gaza ‘Board of Peace’ for $1B; U.S. opens missile facility in Qatar amid Iran tensions; U.S. freezes all visa processing for 75 countries, including Somalia, Afghanistan, and Iran
The Obama White House, the National Civil Rights Museum and Little Rock Central High School: all have hosted bronze statues of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as part of a local man’s public art project. Now, 15 years and 17 sculptures later, the last statue in the project has found its final home in Shelburne.
All permanent ground solar should require local town permitting complete with Notice and Public Comment, with certified letters including Notice and Public Comment opportunity to abutters.
A fourth generation Vermonter, Graeter’s focus is on a return to granular fiscal oversight rather than the broad policy analysis that has characterized the office exiting auditor Doug Hoffer’s tenure.
Also: Rowell on Mulvaney-Stanak & ICE
Two states, two outcomes, and a different model in New Hampshire shape the debate
A nationwide network failure left roughly one-quarter of Vermonters without cell service for ten hours on January 14, exposing critical vulnerabilities in the state’s communications infrastructure
Despite national headwinds and federal regulatory uncertainty, leading OPO coordinated organ donations from 640 deceased donors across the New England region that resulted in a record 1,692 life-saving organ transplants
Lowell Town Garage destroyed by fire, officials say; Monkton farm matches furry friends with seniors, veterans; Vermont organizations merge accessible recreation and conservation goals in ‘first-of-its-kind’ outdoor center in Rochester; Roadway in Randolph closed due to crash
Among its dense forests and rocky ledges, local folklore speaks of a terrifying cryptid known as “The Black Beast of Snake Mountain,” which allegedly terrorized the region during the 1920s and 1930s.
Just off court supervision for Central Vermont drug case
Members of the FSA state committee are appointed by Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and, in support of the Trump Administration’s Farmers First commitment, members of the FSA state committee are responsible for the oversight of farm programs and county committee operations, resolving program delivery appeals from the agriculture community, maintaining cooperative relations with industry stakeholders and keeping producers informed about current FSA programs.
The most discussed feature of H.594 is the Return Home Program, where the state would fund travel and relocation for unhoused individuals who wish to return to a state where they maintain legal reside
Our current legislature seems to have no problem in “raising revenue” by taxing Vermonters more each year to match spending increases. With a $9B budget, Vermont does not have a revenue problem. We have a COST problem. We have a SPENDING Problem.
But a new study shows it doesn’t have to be this way!
Lights, Camera, Safety!
House Bill H.545, introduced by Rep. Theresa Wood (D–Washington-Chittenden) and Rep. Alyssa Black (D–Chittenden-24), would shift the power to set immunization recommendations from federal agencies to the Vermont Department of Health. It would require all insurers to cover any immunization recommended by the commissioner with no copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles, and grant immunity from most civil and administrative liability to health professionals who administer those vaccines in accordance with state guidance.
School districts finalize budgets with varying property tax increases; Shelters crushed by costs of animal cruelty, advocates tell Vermont lawmakers; Burlington Electric can sell renewable energy credits to Maine
Bingham was selected as one of only seven finalists from across the state in an election that saw more than 1,000 Vermont fifth-graders cast their ballots. As a Cabinet member, she will serve alongside Vermont’s first-ever Kid Governor, Roslyn Fortin of Highgate, to address critical issues facing the state’s youth.
Energy Policy: Nuclear Returns to the Conversation; Telecommunications: Local Control Versus Statewide Infrastructure; Insurance Regulation: Technical Changes With Structural Importance; Transportation: Revenue Signals Raise Long-Term Questions; Human Services: Governance Updates Move Forward
A Vermont school district is under federal investigation amid allegations that its policies discriminate against girls by allowing biological males to compete in girls’ sports. “These policies jeopardize both the safety and the equal opportunities of women in educational programs and activities,” OCR said in a statement announcing the investigations.
Also, St. J cops arrest wanted man from Connecticut.
Governor Phil Scott’s office today announced a range of appointments made in the fourth quarter of 2025 – including former UVM police chief and public safety entrepreneur Gary Margolis of Shelburne to the State Police Advisory Commission.
The adorable Southern bog lemming, delicate small whorled pogonia orchid, mysterious lake sturgeon and humble wood turtle may not seem to have much in common. But, all four are classified as “Species of Greatest Conservation Need” (SGCN) in a newly-drafted update to Vermont’s Wildlife Action Plan, which is now available for public comment.
Confirmation process begins for Vermont Supreme Court nominees; Extended city attorney vacancy leads to overspending in Rutland; Waterbury Dam flood gates repaired as work continues; Vermont DMV launches online commercial permitting system
New Hampshire authorities will conduct a death investigation.
A new initiative in Bennington County signals a major shift in how Vermont enforces school bus passing laws, but the full legal framework won’t be in place until August 2026.
At two public meetings held a week apart, Council members and staff from the Climate Action Office walked through Vermont’s updated Climate Action Plan, introduced a list of “Top 10 Priority Actions,” and discussed next steps — even as the state has already missed its first statutory emissions benchmark and faces mounting costs to reach the next.
Vermont’s 2020 energy standards focused on basic quality and efficiency. In contrast, the 2024 standards are designed to support the state’s Global Warming Solutions Act.
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), joined by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), introduced legislation Tuesday Jan. 13 to prohibit sitting presidents from naming or renaming federal buildings, land, or other assets after themselves.
The proposed legislation would, for those involved, remove the risk of prison time if they come forward within a predetermined period and admit and cease their illegal activity.
The following is an open letter from Barre resident Larry McEnany to Treasurer Michael Pieciak.
The Global Warming Solutions Act money pit deepens!
BTV airport joins anti-human trafficking program; Judge denies bail in deadly vehicle chase despite report blaming Rutland police; Vermont National Guard members to deploy to Germany for training mission
Rep. Greg Burtt (R-Cabot) said he is developing a bill to repeal the so-called “Road Rule” included in Act 181, the sweeping Act 250 reform package passed by the Legislature’s 2024 Democratic supermajority. The provision places any development on a private road 800 feet or longer automatically under Act 250 jurisdiction, regardless of project size or environmental impact. It takes effect July 1 – hence Burtt’s effort to introduce a bill to rid Act 250 of what he believes is an onerous provision.
New legislation (S.171) sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Rebecca White (D-Windsor), would create a Clean Fuels Program aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation fuels.
Registry data reveals a significant disconnect between the perception of local hosts supplementing income and the reality of ownership patterns.
A significant source of friction in negotiations stems from wage comparisons with nurses at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington—the network’s flagship facility.
Also: Report: last school merger saved some $$ but VT still has #2 per-pupil spending AND $3000 scholarship applications accepted
A nonprofit that helps immigrants, regardless of legal status, get to health care appointments is asking Vermont lawmakers for $167,000 in state funding after losing support from the University of Vermont Extension Service.
Vermont Futures Project: right diagnosis, (mostly) wrong solutions.
UVM researchers designed a game to test agricultural policy but found something unexpected.
Two bills sit before the Vermont Senate that would undo the state’s unfolding climate policy disaster. S.110 would repeal the Global Warming Solutions Act’s citizen-suit provision and convert its mandates back to goals. S.68 would repeal the Affordable Heat Act.
After years of coping with rampant drug use, vandalism, littering, unsanitary conditions, crime and panhandling that downtown business owners say drives away customers, the town selectboard on January 6 resolved – almost – to remove encampments – a policy first proposed three years ago.
Killer will remain on state probation after for life after prison
For years, the City of Burlington has pursued its ‘salesman’s foot in the door’ strategy to begin broader gun bans in the city. Gun-banning Bolsheviks will try anything to get that ball rolling. Get one local, isolated ban, and then work on it until you have made it almost impossible to exercise your right to self-defense.
Continued action by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials has raised important questions about constitutional due process. The Fifth Amendment is clear: “no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law”. Senate Republicans believe that any discussion on this issue must begin with a commitment to due process for all individuals, including non-citizens.
As for solutions ….. Sanders called for a more progressive tax system and a significant increase in the construction of affordable housing. In other words, Sanders said Vermont should solve the problem by increasing taxes on the income (and likely other assets) of the upper middle class and wealthy, allowing for the reduction or at least stabilization of property taxes , and building more affordable housing.
Barre Vigil Honors Minneapolis Woman Killed by Federal Agent Jan. 6; Rep. Casey Toof to resign from Vermont House of Representatives; Montpelier mayor not running for re-election, Marc Gwinn running for seat
Harley Breer Jr., 56, who public safety officials consider “one of the most dangerous criminals in the state,” was denied release from prison by the Vermont Parole Board on Thursday. His adult criminal record, which began when he was 18, includes 25 felony arrests with 14 convictions, parole board records show. Breer also has 47 misdemeanor arrests with 11 convictions, they noted.
The Vermont Senate opened the 2026 legislative session with a significant influx of new legislation on January 6. Lawmakers introduced a wide array of proposals ranging from sweeping public safety reforms and climate initiatives to critical updates in health care governance and technology regulation.
Vermont has been awarded more than $195 million in federal funding to support rural health system innovation, though state officials cautioned lawmakers the money cannot be used to replace or stabilize existing programs.
The U.S. Attorney for Vermont said Brattleboro Memorial Hospital failed to effectively communicate with patients who are deaf or hard of hearing, in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. A settlement has been reached.
As Beta Technology’s wealth converts to cash over the coming year, money will flow back to the state through multiple distinct channels—including three Vermont-based investment funds with substantial local ownership and hundreds of millions in potential capital gains taxes.
State Treasurer and legislative leaders push program that could save hundreds of dollars monthly—but critical details about insurance deductibles and pharmacy participation remain unclear
Editor’s note: the White House released this commentary January 8.
When Pittsford pushed back on the Rutland Regional Planning Commission’s draft Future Land Use (FLU) map, it sounded like a local fight: one town objecting to being painted dark-green “Rural Conservation” on a new set of regional maps.
It is inappropriate for a non-partisan school board to express solidarity on a purely political stance established by another district.
Vermont Health officials reaffirm existing childhood vaccine schedule in light of federal changes; U.S. House approves funding for Trudeau Institute, Lake Champlain patrol boat; Burlington Telecom announces new president; Waitsfield will move ahead with flood plain reconnection study
Vermont now mails over half a million absentee ballots to every person on the voter checklist (unless formally challenged) for general elections without request, creating a large pool of unclaimed, unwanted, and misdirected “live” absentee ballots that can be abused to impact the outcome of local elections.
Reasonable but mistaken, individualization, and lack of reflection
Anti-Israel coalition asks for resignations, ethics probe
Employers must register through the Vermont Saves portal, provide employee census information, and facilitate payroll deductions at their own cost.
As Vermont works toward a goal of 40,000 new housing units by 2030, lawmakers this year face a central question: will recently enacted tax reforms and infrastructure tools finally translate into shovels in the ground?
Security to heighten at Vermont’s statehouse after spike in threats to lawmakers; 5,200 enrolled in Vermont Saves, says treasurer; Rutland City Police Department responds to multiple snow-related crashes
While a large portion of the country is moving toward restricting choices, Vermont has chosen a distinct path.
This is the kind of bipartisanship we’re talking about!
Maduro attorney once represented WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange; CIA ‘carries out drone strike’ on Venezuelan drug port in first U.S. land attack inside the country; FBI disrupts alleged ISIS-inspired New Year’s Eve attack plot targeting NC grocery store, fast food restaurant; House GOP bill could trigger self-deportation for Somali refugees amid Minnesota fraud probe
Vermont can no longer admire the problem. It must act, guided by data, employers, and long-term planning.
Two bills sponsored by Vermont Democrat and Progressive legislators continue to push the Transgender Ideology Agenda at the potential expense of Vermont taxpayers and female prison inmates. H.576 intends to establish an “Affirming Health Care Trust Fund,” while H.550 intends to allow transgender incarcerated persons to choose their prison and their cellmate based upon their gender identity.
Act 181 does not change who owns the land. It does change who draws the lines that matter — and who has the final say when those lines do not match what towns and landowners thought their future would look like.
State’s attorney says all 2022 Burlington gunfire cases resolved – except one; New report shows a 25% nationwide drop in deaths of on-duty law enforcement officers in 2025
As Vermont enters another legislative session, lawmakers are once again proposing housing legislation they believe will protect tenants from eviction and homelessness. While the intent may be laudable, the reality on the ground is far messier — and the consequences are increasingly harmful not only to landlords, but also to responsible tenants and to Vermont’s already strained housing supply.
Free service gives journalists instant, searchable access to committee hearings—with video verification and shareable SmartClips
The study, conducted by researchers at the Texas-based Barber Law Firm, examined data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to determine where truck drivers face the lowest risks on the road.
Former U.S. Attorney Christina E. Nolan, 46, of Burlington and current First Assistant Michael P. Drescher, 60, of Hinesburg will need to be confirmed by the Vermont Senate.
An illegal immigrant from Venezuela, who federal officials claim led four other undocumented aliens over the international border into Vermont during Christmas week, will remain in custody while his federal criminal case is resolved in court in Burlington.
Structure fire put out in Chester Sunday; Authorities seeking info on reported Grand Isle theft; Corinth studio offers a window into an artist’s life; UVM men’s hockey snaps home game losing streak
Vermont police say that the likelihood of DUI crashes is twice as likely when the driver is under the influence of drugs, compared to alcohol.
Governor Scott proposed a sweeping education reform bill, and many of us went out on a limb to give it a shot. What has happened thus far is that the special committee comprised of a mix of legislators and non-legislators that was tasked with drawing new districts over the summer refused to do their assigned task, with Democrat members that are in the majority refusing to do it.
We voted for this. And until the Democrats or someone else can articulate a better vision for the country, this is what we have.
An illegal immigrant, who has been deported twice previously due to rejected claims that his life was in jeopardy from a Canadian street gang, has been busted again in Derby Line, federal court records show.
On the White House executive order targeting state AI laws.
An illegal immigrant from Mexico, found unlawfully in the United States for a third time in just over a year, has been arrested in Vermont by Immigration and Customs Enforcement as part of an unrelated criminal investigation, records show.
But back in Vermont, state policy allows schools to keep two separate records on your child, one of which parents cannot see!
Road reopens in Montpelier after water freezes over during main break; Burlington opens cold weather shelter in preparation for negative temps; Only Cannoli partners with King Street Laundry to offer free lunch
As you set your 2026 goals, reading lists, and New Year’s resolutions, The Daily Signal is proud to offer you some of our favorite reads from 2025.
While fewer Vermonters are dying from overdoses, supply of illicit drugs remains robust, high prices incentivize trafficking, and the infrastructure supplying Vermont’s drug market has hardened.
Childcare Center US claims there are 687 childcare centers in New Hampshire, over 2100 in Massachusetts, and over 1300 childcare centers in Vermont. We should check them all, but who, besides me, thinks the Vermont number looks a little high?
Earlier this year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced its first set of Medicare-negotiated “maximum fair prices” for 10 selected drugs, with negotiated prices ranging from 38% to 79% below their list prices. A drug’s list price is the manufacturer’s sticker price, though it is rarely what insurers or patients actually pay and is mainly used as a starting point for negotiations.
Valley Vista has opened 27 new residential treatment beds at its Vergennes facility.
It may be home to Ben & Jerry’s Factory Store, but Waterbury’s last three dairy farms were driven out of business. Their former owners struggle to let go.
U.S. Border Patrol apprehended seven people who unlawfully crossed the Canadian border in North Troy and Derby Line between December 23 and December 25, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont announced.
A family in Pownal have spent a year dealing with the tortuous telecom siting process called Section 248a, trying to relocate a proposed cell tower away from their children and home in the woods of Vermont.
