People lose trust when government becomes hard to understand. They lose trust when enforcement feels uneven. They lose trust when decisions seem distant from everyday life. And they lose trust when state agencies begin sounding like owners instead of caretakers.
When did our schools become so deeply involved in questions that used to be debated primarily in legislatures, courtrooms, town halls, and around kitchen tables?
H.727- Data Center Bill veto analysis
The death of a 13-year-old student has prompted an outpouring of grief in Barre, along with broader community conversations about youth mental health, bullying prevention, and support for LGBTQ+ young people.
Lamoille County Sheriff: child on bicycle hit by drunk driver; 80-hour weeks and drowning in debt: UVM Medical Center resident doctors rally for a new contract; Vermont Supreme Court: landowners not liable for injury to trespassers
Krowinski and Baruth leaving a disaster in their wake.
Even out of power, the Biden administration just keeps on giving.
Karen Paul was defeated in her 2024 Burlington mayoral bid.
As we gear up for the 2026 elections, all of our Republican incumbents can be proud of the work that was done and look ahead to doing even more if Vermonters once again grant our candidates their votes and support to keep making a difference the Vermont Way.
It is his turn and the next week will tell us whether he can be a senator
Federal authorities have arrested five out-of-state suspects as part of more than a $500,000 fraud perpetrated on banks and credit unions throughout Vermont and the Northeast.
Affordable housing complex opens in downtown Waterbury; District officials explain how state education bills will impact HUUSD; BETA Technologies opens doors to local and national media for the first time
Tunbridge school fire ruled accidental; Six people threatened by man in public place
The 4.99 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) will deliver backup power for four hours at peak output, according to a December, 2025 report to the Vermont Public Utilities Commission (PUC), the state’s regulatory and permitting body for most energy projects. The project, built by Lightshift Energy on private land, would expand battery storage capacity already present in nearby Panton.
Community organizer and campaign strategist Joanna Grossman and pediatrician Dr. Elizabeth Ann Hunt are running to bring new ideas to the district.
Vermonters gather at the Ann Story cabin in Salisbury to celebrate the Revolutionary War heroine.
Legislative wrap-up on parental rights
An award-winning now former Lamoille County deputy sheriff, who officials maintain helped cause a mistrial in a homicide case, has pleaded not guilty in Vermont Superior Court in Hyde Park to three felony counts, including two counts of obstruction of justice.
Sanity and legal protections prevail.
Pitre currently volunteers throughout Lamoille County and surrounding communities, including organizing and participating in local music programs for seniors, individuals with special needs, and community gatherings.
Vermonter train delayed after collision with pedestrian; Three seriously injured in Jericho crash; US Education Secretary tours Vermont schools with pushback from residents, students
State biologists urge boaters, anglers, and shoreline residents to respect two of Vermont’s most ecologically important — and often misunderstood — native species.
The week’s incidents are a reminder of the steady, often difficult work of keeping Vermont’s communities safe.
Those who support an unmasking bill need to take notice
After years of studies, hearings, delays, working groups, and repeated acknowledgment that Vermont has a dangerous forensic system gap, I am deeply grateful to finally see meaningful movement forward.
Vermont State Police Drug Task Force detectives and the Tactical Services Unit executed a search warrant at a Johnson residence on June 2, arresting James Mason, 47, and Danarius Davis, 23, on a slate of drug charges that includes fentanyl trafficking, cocaine sales, and conspiracy.
The DOT described the flight as a milestone in the development of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, or eVTOLs.
Attorney General Charity Clark has joined six other states in challenging the federal cancellation of an offshore wind lease off New York. The electricity at issue belongs to New York and was never bound for Vermont, so the outcome changes little for Vermont’s grid either way. Joining still commits some of Vermont’s legal resources.
Decades later, the BergCum Swim Club relives childhood memories.
A Richards campaign ad released last week shows her playing the Governor Mom role. Her kitchen – peanut butter jar and all – is her stage as she pitches Vermonters on why Scott was wrong to veto the data center bill.
It would accelerate Vermont’s trend toward having One Big School System. That’s a transformation we don’t need, don’t want, and ultimately can’t afford.
BPD did not violate city’s Fair and Impartial Policing Policy during ICE operation, report finds; Former Rutland County school superintendent, husband deny underage drinking charges in teen’s death; Thousands celebrate Girls on the Run 5K in Essex Junction; New law allows Windham County sheriff to experiment with regional police coverage
Greensboro and other communities debate herbicide use on invasives.
Fights are on to replace Grismore and Palmer
A co-branded four-pack at Good Measure sends 10% of every sale to dam-removal work in the Winooski watershed. Here’s what that work actually does for a river — and why it matters.
First missing scientist is found dead a year after vanishing as bizarre circumstances of her death are revealed; Iran stops negotiations with U.S., vows to ‘completely’ block Strait of Hormuz; EU at risk from Ukrainian strikes on nuclear plant – Rosatom CEO
The House will certainly be a very different body next year — a perfect opportunity to bring more balance to Vermont.
If the tent of democracy is meant to be a shelter for all viewpoints, there must be civility, listening, compromise, and a retreat from hiding behind the veil of social media.
How the Hermit Thrush became Vermont’s official bird, June 1, 1941
Officials investigating suspicious fire at home in Bennington; With deadline looming, 6 school districts still don’t have a budget in place for next year; Vermont Lake Monsters win 2026 home opener; Annual Essex Pride Festival brought hundreds out celebrating community
Highlights include a foundation funding formula that targets reducing the cost per student by about half the current price. One thing this bill does not do is force the consolidation of school districts. If the bill becomes law, it would take two years to begin implementation.
“I can’t really tell you how amazing it is to find people who are lost,” Daniel Lampignano said.
The 2026 Vermont legislative session ran past its expected close, and the reason wasn’t a mystery. The three biggest issues, education reform, the statewide property tax rate and the FY27 budget all needed to be untangled.
Lone state’s attorney’s race is in Chittenden County with George and Kranichfeld
If Vermont’s climate policies cannot measurably affect the climate, and if the worst-case scenarios used to justify urgency are no longer considered plausible, why should Vermonters keep paying for the Global Warming Solutions Act and Clean Heat Standard?
A major new federal health report shows progress in some areas of senior health across the United States — but warns that mental health struggles, food insecurity, and drug-related deaths are rising at alarming rates among older adults.
How Vermont’s governing class is destroying the State it claims to serve
Fugitive from justice arrested for multiple alleged NH sex crimes; Jury rules Daniel Banyai not guilty of assault on law enforcement officer; University of Vermont to get $12M in state funding for new athletic venue; Newcomer looks to shake up race for Chittenden County sheriff; Vermont Senate passes bill that sets path for healthcare cost reduction
…After a session of spending, regulation, and last-minute policy movement
While the Governor acknowledged concerns raised by many Vermonters about the strain large-scale data centers can place on energy systems and infrastructure, Scott argued the bill’s implications would extend beyond the technology sector.
$160 a day: Three homeless people discuss how much money they can make
We all want the same basic things: a society where people have real opportunity, dignity, security, and a genuine sense of belonging. The deepest paradox in modern politics is that the path to that humane, abundant society runs through free markets — not despite them.
The housing expansions in the package — a new village-center exemption and a longer timeline for the exemptions already in law — were deleted before the bill reached the Governor
Keeping a small flock of chickens at home to provide eggs and meat has become increasingly popular, but many small-scale poultry farmers are discovering that several species of wildlife like the taste of chicken as much as we do.
Vermont lands at No. 7 nationally — sandwiched between Alabama (5.63) and Hawaii (5.13), a tight cluster where differences between states are razor-thin.
The bill pushes back the deadline to complete testing, creates a fund to assist with testing and remediation, and adds a new PCB testing requirement tied to future school construction aid.
Former superintendent, husband indicted in teen’s alcohol-related death; Embattled Windsor County Sheriff not seeking reelection; Vermont landlord-tenant bill falls apart in surprise Senate tiebreaker; Vermont inmates face charges for assaulting corrections officers; Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board rejects bear baiting proposals
In case you missed it: $1.5 million of YOUR tax dollars have been allocated to disperse funds to state-sanctioned historically marginalized groups. And S.278 cannabis bill, 2026, had originally intended to appropriate much more.
Act 955, the public-school transformation bill, as amended promises “substantial equity…delivered at a cost that parents, voters and taxpayers will value.” Just what will the “transformation” be?
Property taxes, student outcomes, demographics, labor force…
A field ranking of the bugs that bite you between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Designed for young or novice anglers and families, this exciting event offers a variety of activities to participate in — including basic fishing instruction, fish biology and ID, crafts and lure making, and more. It also includes a chance for participants to catch big trout in a hatchery pond.
Incidents involving use of force rise in Burlington, police report shows; Truck fire causes I-89 closure in South Burlington; Montpelier federal building, home of former post office, now up for auction; Lawmakers’ last minute scramble for a facility for those incompetent to stand trial; Vermont Gov. passes laws banning Paraquat, limiting cost of concert tickets
Lt. Gov. John Rodgers is not a fan of S.325, the Act 181 reform bill, as it emerged from the conference committee. That could spell trouble for the bill if the Senate is deadlocked on the bill today.
The Senate version of H.955 reflects a large shift from earlier proposals tied to last year’s Act 73 reforms in the wake of the 2024 property tax revolt. While earlier versions had included mandatory consolidation of school districts, Gov. Phil Scott and Democratic leaders have indicated that forced mergers were politically unviable. Instead, the bill encourages voluntary consolidation.
The law that required Governor Scott’s signature is narrower than the one then-Rep. Jim Harrison and 11 co-sponsors introduced — and it expires on July 1, 2028.
Meta researchers identified Vermont as a unique market — noting that at certain times more teens and young adults in Vermont used Instagram per capita than in any other state.
Hartford dedicates monument honoring Korean, Vietnam war veterans; Local restaurants, shops reflect on long weekend affecting sales; Teens from our region compete in National Spelling Bee; Colchester leaders recommend roundabout at problem intersection
When the search was complete, they had recovered approximately 34.9 grams of cocaine and crack cocaine, 2.4 grams of methamphetamine, 448.3 grams of suspected LSD, and a small amount of cash. The case is being handled by Cpl. Gaylord.
The long-awaited school reform bill emerged from a House and Senate conference and goes to the Senate floor today.
True Vermont discourse isn’t found in carefully managed press releases or media sound bites that paint everyday citizens as extremists. It happens when elected officials open their inboxes, answer their constituents, and listen to the people who actually have to live with the laws they pass.
A light at the end
You might be wondering what black bear literacy has to do with crossing over. Well, a record number of black bears have been hit and killed this year by motor vehicles on both I-89 and I-91. Reps. Cilley and Pidd believe that if bears were able to read the “Bear Crossing” signs, they would know where the safest places are to cross Vermont’s interstate highways instead of trying to cross over at random areas.
Detective Dambrackas has assisted the United States Attorney’s Office in securing convictions for over 65 defendants in federal court. Many of these defendants were armed with firearms, and many employed violence in Rutland, Addison, and Bennington Counties as part of their drug trafficking activities.
For four decades, Stuart Paton has brought taiko to Burlington
Students from elementary schools in Lowell, Jay/Westfield, Brighton, Newport City, Newport Town, Barton/Glover, Irasburg, Orleans, Coventry and Derby brought stuffed animals to the hospital for a hands-on experience designed to help children feel comfortable in a healthcare setting.
To truly fix healthcare, the U.S. must demand the same fair prices that other countries enjoy—and in doing so, force the world to rethink its dependence on American overpayments to sustain their systems.
Burlington police seek public’s help after reported gunfire; Solar array gone awry: Vermont probes solar development owner about broken solar panels in Shaftsbury; Vermont, 24 other states sue Trump’s Education Department over loan caps; Vermont City Marathon draws thousands of people cheering on runners despite rainy conditions
Other important bills will hopefully benefit from balanced and open-minded negotiations as we wrap up the session this coming week
Notably, the Social Security Administration has not guaranteed future benefits to Americans who are currently paying into the system.
And they double down GWSA’s “right to sue” provision.
Students’ families shouldn’t have to fight for what they already have a right to: an educational experience that promotes both academic success and health. Yet this basic truth is being actively ignored in schools statewide as parents get pushback from teachers, principals and superintendents for trying to opt their kids out of being put at a setback…this being receiving a personal laptop, or in the case of kindergarteners, a tablet.
It is a time for remembering, for pausing to recall that the freedom which makes this holiday possible came at a steep price. And over the decades, many Vermonters made the ultimate sacrifice in fulfilling that payment.
A pathetic attempt to look like you’re doing something when actually doing nothing.
A state judge jailed a St. Albans woman on Thursday for several hours as she continued her refusal to turn over the passcode to her cellphone that she was using the day of a fatal motor vehicle crash with two motorcyclists on Father’s Day last year.
With the help of dozens of Republicans and with the grudging acceptance of progressive Democrats, S.208. the House Thursday removed ICE from the mandatory police masking bill.
Suspect in deadly Father’s Day crash found in contempt after not handing over phone passcode; Legislative committee: Scott’s order on housing is unlawful; VT National Guard’s Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony; Police department’s social media tactics lead to arrests — and criticism
On Thursday, the Vermont Senate approved legislation to extend the state’s streamlined telecommunications permitting law for another three years. The reporter of the bill argued that the extension is necessary to comply with federal deadlines, avoid litigation, and avoid delays in expanding wireless service. This will be the seventh time that the sunset has been extended.
An animal spotted in Rutland County is drawing attention from Vermont wildlife observers after a photograph of it was shared publicly this week on social media by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.
Donald Batting begin his radio career in Rutland, Vermont, later becoming a legend at WBZ in Boston.
Vermont DCF details next steps for temporarily closed ONE Arts daycare in Burlington; Authorities bust illegal Essex Junction gambling operation; Champlain Valley School District scraps middle school merger plan; Pharmacy closure leaves Woodstock without place to fill prescriptions;
What is a tax on wealth? Basically, a taxpayer would file a new schedule, a balance sheet, with their annual tax return. A balance sheet, also known as a statement of financial position, lists all of the taxpayers’ assets, less any outstanding debt. The difference is a sum, net worth, or net equity. That sum would then become the basis for the tax rate to be applied, resulting in the tax due.
Forty-two judges, 1,600 entries, 139 categories. By Friday, Vermont finds out whether it repeats last year’s 49-ribbon haul.
Tuktu, an app designed to connect seniors with local care providers, launched in Vermont earlier this year.
The bill passed out of the committee 3-2 with the Democratic committee chair siding with the committee’s two Republicans against members of her own party. The bill now moves to the floor for a vote of the full Senate.
S.325 in second day of conference committee talks
The EAB is a beetle introduced from Asia that attacks all native ash trees (trees in the Fraxinus group). If trees are not treated, this insect is expected to kill nearly 99% of Vermont’s ash trees.
Criminals will still carry, and that’s the truth, but this is Burlington, where the truth is what they say it is, and the excuse they came up with to ask for a ban in bars was a shooting that wasn’t in a bar.
As Vermont lawmakers continue debating immigration enforcement, public safety, bail reform, school policy, and state authority, a deeper constitutional question increasingly sits underneath the arguments: What legal obligation does government actually owe individual citizens when foreseeable harm occurs?
Democrat senator from Addison County makes false claim about Republican senator from Addison County.
