A controversial clause gives the self-perceived victim of the graffiti – whether an individual or a group of people – the right to sue for damages in court.
Burlington Council ponders lawsuits, snitchline to combat graffiti
Guy Page
Guy Page is the editor and publisher of the Vermont Daily Chronicle.
VT Headlines: Burlington council grapples with graffiti, hate speech lawsuit ordinance
Better reporting and enforcement of graffiti AND a controversial provision to sue for ‘hate speech’ are on the City Council agenda tonight.
Unique circumstances in fatal self-inflicted gunshot
The two men would dry-fire their handguns at each other.
CORRECTION/UPDATE: Burlington cop oversight board called “dynamic shift of power” to “unelected board”
“That is a dynamic shift in power to take an unelected board and give it the authority over the mayor who is an elected person,” Neri said.
Woman and her dog die in Swanton fire
Sanders outraged over pending disposal of Montpelier federal building.
VT Headlines: In Barre, a church for addicts
Hallelujah for Seven Days’ feature story on a Barre church ministering directly to drug addicts.
Woman charged with shaking baby after winning VT child safety award
The criminal charges against Lindsay E. Johnson, 32, stem from an alleged “Shaken Baby Syndrome” with a 6-week-old boy while she was serving as his night nanny for a couple.
Vermont National Guard trio to be awarded Purple Heart
Despite their injuries, they were able to provide immediate live-saving care and medical evacuation for a critically injured soldier.
BPD: Recruitment progress “has not extended into 2024”
‘We are now working to rebuild, but unfortunately the progress we achieved in 2023 has not extended into 2024.”
Woman stole dead brother’s social security
Court records show that Manning continued to fraudulently collect her brother’s SSA benefits by withdrawing money from his accounts until February 2024.
VT Headlines: Layoffs at immigration center begin
Parting shot from Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas; laying off immigration workers.
Don’t cut hours at border crossings, VT congress delegation urges feds
Reduced hours harm local economies, public safety, and cross-border workers in towns like Alburgh, Canaan, Derby Line, North Troy, and West Berkshire, Vermont’s three members of Congress said.
Krowinski declines debate with Speaker challenger
Not gonna happen.
Two people, three horses die in separate crashes
The three horses died after being struck by a pickup truck, whose operator fled the scene.
VT Headlines: New bridge connects to NH
Just like its namesake hero of the Battle of Bennington, the General Stark bridge crosses the Connecticut River for the benefit of both states.
Legislative committee OKs state minimum wage for farm workers, including migrants
The committee hasn’t decided – yet – to recommend extending the state minimum wage to illegal immigrant farm workers as well.
Projected 5.9% property tax too high, Scott, Speaker, State House GOP leaders agree
With this projected increase, Vermonters will have seen a 33% increase in education property taxes in the last three years,” Scott said.
VT Headlines: BHS grad Maher to play rugby in UK
Fresh from performing on Dancing With The Stars, the BHS standout athlete has signed to play professional rugby in England.
Fatal crash/ Cited for 130 MPH in Subie Outback
Sunday morning fatal crash in Dummerston. Also, a NH man was cited for going double the Interstate 91 speed limit in Vermont’s ‘state car.’
Burlington police get two new officers, cocaine dealer arrested
Two new hires at BPD.
Welch seeks more fed $$ to add 24,000 acres to Conte refuge
“This unmet need underscores our call for robust funding to support critical projects in this region,” Welch and other senators wrote.
Don Turner Jr. dies after long career
He was honored when the town of Milton named its new $6.5 million public works garage after him when it was unveiled in October. He helped the town save $3 million on the project.
VT Headlines: Wild game processed by game wardens, donated to needy
The iconic Elmore Store has new owners and a new life.
Klar: Talking globalist food control with Mel K
If this sounds like a conspiratorial claim, I invite listeners to learn what Mel and I have been digging up from the WEF, UN, and WHO — their own documents tell us what they plan to do to “save” humanity from itself by controlling all food, land, water, and money.
Investment firm powerhouse One Day In July grows by tracking the market
This fall, One Day In July surpassed $1 billion in assets under management. In May, One Day In July was ranked among the top 30 firms in the nation.
In time of our deepest polarity – Thanksgiving
Several weeks after the battle of Gettysburg on July 1st of 1863, in which more than 7,500 Americans died and scores more were wounded, Abraham Lincoln set forth a Thanksgiving Day proclamation.
Letter: Thankful for election results, drink lots of water
One frequent VDC letter writer and former legislator says what he’s thankful for today. How about you?
Unprecedented traveling and snowy weather set for ‘nonpolitical’ Thanksgiving
Don’t eat raccoon.
Rutland burglary suspect sought
Burlington police arrested a frequent arrestee on a fugitive from justice charge.
Governor reappoints Zoie Saunders as Education Secretary
The same day she was voted down, Scott made her interim Secretary of Education. The action prompted a lawsuit by two State Senators, but a court dropped the case in September.
No charges in St. J. home invasion stabbing, shooting deaths
A homeless man broke into the home and stabbed a young man to death before he was shot to death.
VT Headlines: Restore patient services cuts, UVMMC urged
Some state workers ordered back to the office. The union’s not happy.
Remembering a U-32 grad who reinvented ‘Batman’
Miller’s reputation was still lingering in the halls of U-32 as students and teachers who knew his work spoke admiringly of him for years to follow.
Firearms dealer faces rare State gun charges
Williams told Vermont News First on Tuesday it was a simple mishap with his paperwork.
Vermont report blames “history of racist and exploitative laws” for high % of homeless blacks
“And, because of our country’s long history of racist and exploitative laws and policies, many of which continue today, Black Vermonters are unhoused at a staggering rate compared to white Vermonters,” the report states.
Burglaries in Addison County believed connected
Safe burglary in Richford. String of burglaries in Addison County.
NH man lucky to be facing Vermont justice, VT judge says
“Had you been across the river in New Hampshire, if you keep committing crime, allegedly, after you’re out on conditions of release, they can just revoke bail, even on misdemeanors,” Kainen reportedly said. “Here, we don’t have the ability to do that, and so we keep letting you go.”
The Legislature’s leaders must clean up their mess
Our Legislature’s leaders in recent years have bragged incessantly about “doing the work” when really they’re just been leading endless virtue parades.
Soulia: Peter Welch’s energy bill under scrutiny
This isn’t Welch’s first attempt at such legislation. A similar version introduced in 2021 failed to gain traction in Congress.
In downtown Burlington, victim beaten severely while many witnesses pass by
The assault is believed to have taken place over several minutes, with many potential witnesses passing by on foot and by vehicle in the area between South Winooski Avenue and South Union Street.
Vermont axed Columbus Day. Is Thanksgiving next?
“The history is inaccurate and has generated numerous counter-observances over the years to honor the Indigenous people who were the ancestral stewards in the North American land before European contact and the genocide that resulted from it,” the state-funded VORE says.
Alice A. “Miglis” Bennett
When her high heels clicked down the marble-tiled administration building hall at Castleton College, a vision in a belted and buttoned cotton shirtwaist halting just above amazing ankles, they stopped one of the older students, an Air Force veteran and Rutland Herald reporter. He stared. He was enchanted.
Man with drug dealing rap sheet charged with sex assault, cruelty to 14-year-old girl
Police say the relationship lasted for nearly two years where Stevens allegedly sexually assaulted and was cruel to the child.
VT Headlines: Thanksgiving storms loom
I-91 stretch to reopen. Man tries to run over, police say. Violence at hospital. Trump tariff impact on VT.
Liberal journalist opposes Israel’s protective wall
There was no mention by Hass of the more than 250,000 Israelis displaced from their homes since October 7th.
Sorority, fraternity members charged in student drowning death
A hazing incident led to the death of a Dartmouth College student.
Clean Heat Standard harms the vulnerable, critics tell Public Utilities Commission
“The Clean Heat Standard is an experiment on Vermonters, and those who can least afford it will suffer the most. Do not proceed with this,” says one commenter to the Public Utilities Commission.
VT Headlines: Outstanding educators, dialysis concerns, unhappy cops
Burlington police are deeply unhappy. With a new police oversight board coming and a police Chief leaving, that’s no surprise for the Queen City.
School funding woes have deep roots
The roots of the school over-spending tree stump go very deep indeed, branch off in many directions. A blast of legislative Round-Up won’t get the job done. We’re talking backhoe, maybe dynamite.
Legislature suspended school construction fund in 2007. Now the $6 billion bill’s come due
“There is no obvious, magic way to miraculously raise $300 million per year without very difficult choices,” a state official said.
Land conservation continues in NEK
Vermont moves 6.7 acres closer to the goal of 50% total land area conservation as required by state law. $5 mil from feds for ‘digital equity.’ A big solar array at the Vermont Air Guard. Sen. Welch wants a federal renewable energy standard.
Naked man on bridge now suspected of back stabbing – and he’s on the lam
According to Vermont State Police, Brandon Lackie stabbed John Faucette multiple times in the back before stealing the victim’s truck on Monday night.
‘Not so fast,’ Scott says of GWSA CO2 reduction timelines
“We have a lot of crises we’re facing at the same time and our climate is one of them.”
VT Headlines: Zero-interest, forgivable housing loans for ‘marginalized communities’
Refugees from Afghanistan are accessing a “homeownership equity program, which provides a $25,000 interest-free, forgivable loan to help homebuyers from marginalized communities access permanently affordable housing.”
VDC now offers Premium Advertising
We’ve beefed up our advertising offer even as our readership numbers approach 2 million this year. As you support news you can trust, our readers will support you.
Dangerous inmates at St. Albans prison treated at hospital for drug overdoses
Two high-profile and dangerous inmates were seriously overcome and had to be rushed by AmCare Ambulances and correctional guards to Northwest Medical Center in St. Albans.
Suspect from San Diego assaults nurse and flees
The nurse was treated for facial injuries.
Chief Jon Murad has had enough
The posted date on the resignation letter is one day before Burlington residents voted to get more control over the discipline imposed in misconduct cases by city police officers.
Parents of 6-year-old vaxxed by school without permission go to U.S. Supreme Court
A U.S. law governing vaccination in a public emergency protected the school district, even though the parents explicitly prohibited the vaccination, and even after the student himself said, ‘Dad said no.’
VT Headlines: Police using drones more
Stealing a 15-year-old dog’s wheelchair – how low can you go?
VT Senate bill proposes state-funded health insurance ‘regardless of immigration status’
A bill introduced in January providing state-funded health care benefits to adults ‘regardless of immigration status’ could be re-introduced in 2025.
Bennett: After brutal election, staying put in Verbeque
Distraught about the election and thinking about moving to another country? No worries! Another country is coming to you.
Parents allegedly murdered by son identified
The victims are identified as Jerry Gomes, 77, and Mary Gomes, 60. They are the parents of suspect Matthew Gomes.
Burlington Council bans guns in bars
If the city voters approve this initiative in March, Vermont’s new ‘purple’ legislature, with more Republican representation in both the House and Senate, will ultimately decide along with the governor if this will become law.
Donahue, et. al: Block inpatient psychiatric unit closure
The inpatient psychiatric unit closure includes no viable alternative to access care and is scheduled for a date certain in a matter of weeks; it will rapidly be irreversible because of staff departures.
Study: 80% carbon cuts in New England means doubling electricity rates, rolling blackouts
“Wind and solar are simply not affordable and reliable options. With over 170,000 households relying on electricity to power their furnaces, “Vermont can ill afford to double down on a failing electricity generation strategy that places thousands at risk of losing electricity during the cold winter months,” Flemming said.
Imagine Vermont without VDC…..
Allow me to describe what a Vermont without VDC Sustaining Subscribers contributing $108/year, or $9/month, would look like…..
Deer season off to strong start
While western Vermont valleys offer more deer, the mountains and the Northeast Kingdom have fewer but bigger game, state biologists say.
VT Headlines: Bi-lingual news about Trump plan to deport farmworkers
Plan de deportación de Trump despierta pedidos de protección para trabajadores agrícolas de Vermont.
Connecticut man sentenced for distributing fentanyl in NEK
“TJ” now stands for “To Jail.”
Boycott anti-semitic Middlebury, Jewish advocacy group urges parents
Middlebury College enables antisemitic radicals, so concerned parents and students should spend their tuition money elsewhere.
Former Montpelier, semi-pro football player charged with slaying parents
The former MHS and Castleton athlete suffered a 2022 head injury that a relative says led to deteriorating mental and physical health.
VT Headlines: SoBu nixes noncitizen voting
Montpelier lights up seven bridges for the holidays. Rutland cuts red tape to build housing.
Citizen journalist covers growing crime in Brattleboro
His latest video shows a new police officer and a citizen gazing at blood stains and a needle cap on a sidewalk. “The police officer did not seem to be too fazed by it,” Poitras notes on camera.
FAF today: Changes in Legislative leadership? Election consequences for Clean Heat Standard, property taxes, illegal immigrants
The first Friday at Four since Election Night will feature in-depth discussion about its consequences to the Legislature, home owners, property tax payers, and illegal immigrants.
Robbed at gunpoint, store clerk charged with aggravated assault
A decision to issue Ali-Koarti a court citation was made because the initial gun threat by the teen had ended and the robbers had fled the store, police said.
Drag Queen Story Hour Saturday in ST. J – censored oppo group creates new media platform
The community is responding both in support and opposition, and the opposition alleges censorship by the petition website Change.org.
Gov. Scott: Trump plan to deport 17 million illegal immigrants is “unrealistic”
Scott said of Trump: “I don’t see that what he has proposed is realistic and I would have to think that those who are coming into power with him would understand.”
Is Drag Queen Story Hour like blackface? the Pro argument
“Why is it socially acceptable – as a form of entertainment – for men to put on dresses, make up and high heels and act out every offensive stereotype of women (bitchy, catty, dumb, slutty, etc.) – but it is not socially acceptable – as a form of entertainment – for a white person to put on blackface and act out offensive stereotypes of African Americans?”
Is Drag Queen Story Hour like blackface? The Con argument
The comparison between drag shows and blackface is clearly nothing more than an excuse to be both racist and homophobic at the same time.
VT Headlines: Norwich linebacker wins national gridiron award
A New Jersey native, Leddy is the top defensive football player from one of the United States military academies, senior military colleges or top ROTC programs.
UVMMC to reduce hospital beds, shift dialysis to other hospitals
Cuts include asking local hospitals to assume operation of money-losing kidney dialysis centers in Rutland, Newport and St. Albans.
ACLU suing Northeast Kingdom sheriff for records of him talking with ICE
“Colby said he would likely call immigration authorities after a traffic stop if he thought the people in the car were undocumented….Colby estimated his department had relayed about 20 cases to immigration authorities in the last year, not a particularly high figure in his mind,” the news story said.
Two Dem senators thumbs down on Clean Heat Standard progress
Even Democrat senators with a track record of forwarding aggressive carbon reduction legislation are publicly panning the chances of success for the Clean Heat Standard.
Tax credits boost downtown projects
Graduation Day at Vermont Police Academy.
Favorite Comment of the Day: ‘the great American watering hole’
In the online Marketplace of Ideas, there is no more stimulating Vermont food-for-thought stand.
VT Headlines: Movie theater to close
School bus hit by FedEx truck. ACLU takes on sheriff on illegal immigration stance.
Chamber: Elections favor balance of power in Montpelier
Democrats lost two Committee Chairs, an Assistant Majority Leader, and a Vice-Chair of the only committee chaired by a Republican.
Trump’s total control creates uncertainty for Vermont
Less federal aid, negative impact of tariffs, fewer foreign worker visas projected.
Restorative Justice advocates want regular public funding
Restorative justice programs allow convicts to reduce or avoid incarceration by using local support groups that help with job searching, finding a home, and re-establishing relationships.
VT Headlines: Sheriff loses decertification appeal
State shelters & staffing to cost $3 mil. Lawmakers feeling the heat on school spending.
New retail theft law cracks down on serial shoplifters
Up to 10 years in prison for fourth offense of theft more than $250.
Venezuelan man charged after heavily armed illegal border crossing in Derby Line
A search of the motorcycle revealed a loaded Walther P22 pistol, multiple magazines containing approximately 80 rounds of ammunition, a suspected suppressor, handcuff keys, knives, a collapsible baton, zip ties, and cell phones, authorities said.
The Supermajority is history – what now?
So, what’s next? Listen and call in at 11 AM today on Common Sense Radio.
Zuckerman nixes legislative end-run around voters
A third-party run by a socialist garnered 13,671 votes, perhaps enough to leave the final decision about the 204 lieutenant governor’s race to the Legislature.
Bicyclist dies in collision with cop
The Vermont Dept. of Forest, Parks and Recreation says most of Vermont is under a high risk of fire danger. A ban on burning debris is in effect in the southernmost counties of Windham, Windsor, Rutland and Bennington counties.
VT Headlines: Invasive golden clam discovered in Lake Champlain
Post-election harrassment in schools. Burlington graffiti policy.
Bananas: Trump wins record third presidency amidst Rapture of Democrats
In man-splaining terms, that means Democrats produced nearly 15 million more votes for the old white male instead of the colored lady. Weird.
House, Senate election results compare former and new senators and representatives
Who replaced who in both House and Senate ….. so far.
Dages recalls his time in the Mekong Delta, burning his fatigues and wet feet
He and his fellow platoon members spent long weeks during the rainy season trying to interdict enemy troops throughout the Mekong Delta, conducting sweeps during the day and night.
