Our Legislature’s leaders in recent years have bragged incessantly about “doing the work” when really they’re just been leading endless virtue parades.
The Legislature’s leaders must clean up their mess
Guy Page
Guy Page is the editor and publisher of the Vermont Daily Chronicle.
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.
Redistricting error revote could reverse Dem House win
Busa hopes the court rules that only the affected voters – somewhere between 40 and 75 – will be asked to cast ballots. But the Vermont Secretary of State wants the entire district to revote.
Vermont and most other states not requiring voter ID voted for Kamala
Vermont requires some ID to register to vote, but not to cast a ballot.
Roper: Voters tell Legislature to scrap Clean Heat Standard and cut property taxes!
Vermont Republicans should say as loudly as they can, “GOT IT!,” put forward a full repeal of the Clean Heat Standard, and dare the Democrats to blow it off or vote no.
Harrison: Clean Heat Standard approval less likely with defeat of Bray
The Clean Heat Standard is slated to return to the legislature in January for another approval, which is now less likely. The original sponsor of the measure, Senator Chris Bray, D-Addison, was one of the lawmakers to lose re-election last week.
VT Headlines: Pulitzer Prize winning editor says VT Dems ‘have work to do’
“At the micro level on Wednesday morning it seemed as if a dark cloud had settled over the state. People were reaching out to friends and family by phone, text and email. There were tears and stoicism and bewilderment.”
Citizen-only voting passes in eight states
Vermont is one of four states allowing non-citizen voting in local elections.
Election Day Tsunami started at Town Meeting in March
To their credit, Supermajority leaders felt the electoral earthquake tremors even before Election Day. To their debit, they failed to respond in time with the sandbag equivalent of spending cuts and tax relief.
Repeat offender dragged Burlington victim by the neck
Drug dealer gets 5 years. Repeat criminal drags victim by neck in domestic assault. NEK drug bust.
LGBTQ non-profit head faces lewd conduct charge
The victim was a man in his 20’s, Norwich police say.
FEMA workers ordered to skip houses with Trump signs
Pass on by, FEMA workers in Lake Placid, Florida were told of houses with Trump signs.
Police seek Pokemon thief, possible UVM rapist
Crime and fatal accidents.
Thurston: We’re in a global sweet spot right now
We should make peace with the climate, and each other
Career armed robber busted again
After serving a lengthy stretch in the federal pen, a convicted armed robber is arrested again – for armed robbery.
57 Republicans, friendly independents, and a few Blue Dogs give House more balance
Complete listing of elected members of Vermont House of Representatives.
VT #1 for youth sports
Rural states show higher participation in youth sports than urban states.
Democrats abuse of supermajority power led to downfall, GOP chair says
Paul Dame explains why and how the red tsunami seemingly came out of nowhere and obliterated the Legislature’s veto-proof blue supermajority.
In D.C., GOP on track to control House and Senate
Republicans have a 97% chance of winning control of the House.
VT Headlines: Gas line ruptures in Winooski
Local governments cope with costly wastewater treatment.
Man tossed nails and screws onto Main Street
Police saw James Denman, 54, throwing screws and nails onto the roadway and under a parked Bradford Police cruiser.
Montpelier bike path safety concern grows as harrassment increases
“What I’ve heard and documented are fairly consistent experiences of girls, aged 11–16, being sexually harassed by men gathered on the bike path. In several cases, girls have been followed and pursued.”
Citizen, non-citizen voters hand Burlington police oversight to new panel, away from chief
By almost 2-1, Queen City voters chose to give an outside body the final power over police officer discipline.
Tucker Carlson mocks Kamala win in Vermont
Remarkably, two of the 59 Vermont Trump Towns are college towns.
Doc pleads guilty to drug distribution
A supposed substance abuse treatment clinic was actually dealing drugs illegally.
VT Headlines: well-paid OneCare Vermont to shut down
The UVM Health Network subsidiary is an ‘accountable care organization’ run by very well-paid executives.
After yesterday, Vermont is a purple state
Gov. Phil Scott re-elected. Kamala wins big in the Green Mountain State. Voters turned thumbs down on the Democrat supermajority in the Legislature.
Trump wins, GOP takes U.S. Senate
Trump will be the first president to serve two nonconsecutive terms since Grover Cleveland in 1892.
Rodgers beats Zuckerman by almost 6,000 votes to win lieutenant governor seat
Whatever the reasons for or impact of the Diamondstone turnout, Rodgers’ victory was spurred mostly by widespread taxpayer discontent and the opinion that Chittenden County Democrats have been ignoring the housing, transportation, and energy needs of rural Vermonters.
Who is Steve Heffernan?
A powerful Senate chair got sent to the electoral Hurt Locker Tuesday by a veteran who was a bomb disposal tech in Afghanistan.
Republicans swamp Dem Senate supermajority
The political axiom that ‘you can’t beat an incumbent senator’ didn’t hold true.
House Supermajority dead
Most of the new GOP House members won by a wide margin.
All eyes on Vermont lieutenant governor, State Senate voting results
In a race pitting one farmer against another, former Democrat Rodgers hopes to topple incumbent and former Progressive David Zuckerman.
Non-citizens to vote on more police oversight in Burlington today
If approved, the referendum will add “a stated intent for the police commission to include representation from the diverse nature of the city’s constituents.”
23 years behind bars, child sex offender leaves prison tomorrow
“It is worth noting that the convictions stem from crimes that were (21) years apart and Mr. Ziesemer has currently been incarcerated for (23) years,” Burlington police said.
Wondering who’s running and who to vote for?
A complete list of all candidates on all Vemont ballots.
42% of Vermont voters return ballots
Suburban, affluent, deep-Blue Charlotte leads all cities and towns with a 58% return rate of mailed ballots.
VT Headlines: Parties make final push
Decision Day began at 7 AM this morning across Vermont.
Friday at Four in review: Why did Peter Shumlin endorse John Rodgers?
Why would a former true Blue Democrat governor endorse a Republican challenging an incumbent Democrat for lieutenant governor?
