Rep. Headrick also has sponsored a bill requiring high-capacity, gender-neutral school bathrooms.
Bill: Can’t discriminate against criminals for housing, employment
Guy Page
Guy Page is the editor and publisher of the Vermont Daily Chronicle.
Freshman legislator yet another VT-Amelia Earhart connection
Flying explorer Amelia Earhart had many important personal connections to Vermont. Here’s one more….
Burlington lawmakers loom large in prostitution legalization bills
The bills would not create a legal, licensed framework for the prostitution industry, but would merely ban prostitution as a criminal act.
Ziz cult lived aboard tugboat in San Francisco Bay
The tugboat residents, known as the Zizians, became a problem for others and were described as “shabby” and “feral humans”.
Teacher drove to school drunk, police say
The state Police were called to assist the school resource officer.
Bennington-1 Republican: Legislature “progressing toward the total destruction of democracy”
“The election never should have been certified,” Busa said.
Woman, unborn child died wading river into U.S. – smuggler charged
Feds say Uribe-Tobar smuggled a pregnant woman, A.V.-F., from Canada for $2,500, by instructing her to wade through the frigid Great Chazy River in darkness.
Hyde Park defendant in 31-year-old Lamoille County homicide is dead
Peters, who was out on bail on the murder charge, was admitted to Copley Hospital about a week ago for unspecified medical issues, sources told Vermont News First.
Winter driving nightmare
Snow, wind, ice and a defroster not working the way the driver hoped it would combined to hurtle a Jeep Cherokee through a snowbank and, briefly, airborne.
Ingalls: VT needs Guest Worker program for immigrant farm laborers
Farmers fear what could happen in the blink of an eye to the workers they have now.
802 Ed talks Trump plans for DEI; school consolidation; free lunches and cellphones in school
The Department of Justice announced that it plans to work with the U.S. Department of Education to “pursue actions” against educational agencies, colleges, and universities engaging in “illegal DEI And DEIA discrimination.”
NEK radio stations sold to businessman/senator
Ingalls, owner of All Seasons Realty, and Green Mountain Broadcasters LLC have purchased Vermont Broadcast Associates from Bruce James.
Jay Peak to host David Maland benefit hockey game
Border Patrol vs. LEO!
Friday at Four: Freight train Trump, meet boulder Vermont
Vermont pushes back against Trump orders on sanctuary states and cities, border, tariffs, education.
Legislature asked to let ‘food stamp’ cardholders buy restaurant meals
People living in Vermont’s motels often lack the storage and cooking facilities to adequately prepare good meals, the committee was told.
Health Commissioner Levine retires
Dr. Levine, 71, of Shelburne was first appointed by Governor Scott in 2017 and is currently one of the Administration’s longest-tenured commissioners. He led his department through the COVID-19 pandemic and has served as a key advisor on public health matters.
Trump AG cuts DOJ funding to sanctuary states and cities – impact on Vermont?
The State of Vermont, municipalities and non-profits now receive $65.4 million in DOJ grant funding. Burlington alone has five grants totaling about $500,000.
Trashes Kerry’s Kwik Stop, hides in bedroom/ Pepper-spray & purse theft
Late-breaking police news from Burlington.
Meet Children’s Health Defense CEO Mary Holland this Saturday
The leader of a national vaccine freedom organization will be the guest of honor at a potluck in Townshend Saturday.
House hikes homeless housing spending by $1.3 million
The mid-year allocation extends funding through June, the end of the fiscal year.
Committee picks winner of Battle of Bennington-1
Hate crimes expansion and a recommended winner of a tight, disputed House race are on today’s House agenda.
Bradford cocaine dealer suspected in homicide of missing person
An investigation into a recent suspected homicide case in Orange County has led to federal gun charges against a three-time convicted felon from Bradford, officials said.
Repeal climate change laws, House GOP urges committee
“If we wanna do something to help in this area, start over with a new bill. Don’t try to amend an existing law and leave the infrastructure that was envisioned and set up as part of Act 18 in place,” Rep. Jim Harrison said.
Baker: Former teacher Balint should know better
Balint states that under the “cruel executive orders” from President Trump with the Constitution under attack, we are in an “urgent Constitutional” crisis.
Longtime activist Ehlers named Lt. Gov. Rodgers’ Chief of Staff
Ehlers has been nothing if not multifaceted in his more than two decades of Vermont political and policy involvement.
Aliens charged with human smuggling
The case highlights ongoing efforts by the U.S. Border Patrol to combat illegal immigration and human smuggling across the nation’s borders. The term “alien” refers to individuals who are not U.S. citizens or nationals, according to U.S. immigration laws.
Valentine bummer
Based on promises that Wormely would repay her, and the victim’s belief that Wormely’s romantic intentions and business opportunities were legitimate, the victim transferred over $100,000 to Wormely.
Right to Life announces essay contest winners
“My brother’s life means much to me in another, entirely different way – he has been hospitalized for the serious mental illness of schizophrenia since June. To some people this may suggest that his life would be better left unlived. However, it has only encouraged my appreciation for Mathew’s life all the more.”
Scott promises ‘disciplined, measured’ approach to Trump edicts
‘We need to stay focused on Vermont and remain disciplined as we distinguish between what is fact and what is rhetoric before we react to any change in federal policy or law,” Scott said.
Tariff suspension has fuel dealers breathing easier/ New editor at Digger
A corresponding 10% tariff from Canada would have added about 25 cents per gallon on home heating fuel.
Legislature to executive branch: Do what the laws tell you to do
In recent years, for example, House Democrats have bemoaned the State’s failure to complete a flood control dam safety checklist as required by state law.
Three die in fatal crashes
On the east and west side of the state, recent fatal accidents have claimed three lives.
Trump tariff to increase Vermont energy prices?
“A 10% tariff on Canadian energy is a concern for Vermont’s energy sector, and this could impact energy rates in Vermont,” Vermont Fuel said.
Friday at Four: Twisted Geniuses
Connecting the dots between a bizarre cult of computer geniuses with the slaying of Border Patrol agent David Maland.
‘Transfeminine’ Border Patrol shooting suspect had ties to Ziz group, friend says
But something changed in mid-2023, Taylor said. Bauckholt began having “anxious, secretive phone calls” that summer and cut off contact with previous friends by year’s end. Taylor believes this period coincided with Bauckholt’s deepening involvement with the “Zizians,” a fringe group that originated in California but has spread across the country.
Feds: Fleeing illegal alien hits 3 cop cars in Williston
As he drove, cocaine base and cocaine were discarded from Moreno’s vehicle, police say.
Noem pledges basic equipment for Border Patrol in VT, including snow tires
“It was 4 degrees & snowing during my recent trip to the US-Canada border. I was shocked to hear that some of our border patrol agents don’t even have snow tires – due to the failures of the Biden Administration,” Noem later posted on social media.
Bradley: firearms ban in municipal buildings report ‘tragically flawed’
Such laws are unconstitutional, they are against the public welfare, they are prejudicial and increase danger to the public – especially in “sensitive places” – by depriving those who are subject to sudden acts of evil from the basic right of self-defense.
GOP holds Victory Celebration Feb. 6 in Montpelier
“In the decade I’ve been involved in Republican politics we’ve never had a better reason to celebrate not only our wins from November, but also the incredible momentum we have with us looking ahead to 2026,” GOP state Chair Paul Dame says.
The Best and Worst States for Truck Drivers
Whether you are an experienced CDL driver, purchase driver, or owner-operator in this article you will get more information on which states are currently providing the best opportunities for you and which are the worst in order to plan your job and life in the best possible way for 2025.
Orleans woman, published scientist suspected of selling guns used to slay Border Patrol agent
“ATF is asking for your assistance in identifying any firearms purchases made by Michelle Jacqueline Zajko, a person of interest in the shooting of a Customs and Border Protection Officer,” the agency said in a bulletin to gun dealers.
Breaking: Kristi Noem visits Northeast Kingdom
…..And FBI confirms Youngblut connection to two homicides in Pennsylvania and California.
Count carbon-eating trees for emission reduction, Scott admin says
Vermont is 75% forest (4.46 million acres.) In fact, trees consume half of Vermont’s total C02 emissions,
VT Headlines: Burlington flights to DC airport cancelled after crash
Legionnaires’ kills VT senior. Big housing project in Shelburne.
Border Patrol shooting suspect used LSD, her journal says
Snyder and Youngblut had both attended the swanky, private Lakeside School in Seattle and were interested in computer science.
Bufka: Be your own lobbyist
About those State House lobbyists….
Scott says no new taxes and fees in $9 billion budget
“Taxpayers also made it clear they want us to fix broken systems not just fund them,” Scott said.
Ban guns in municipal buildings, Secretary of State report recommends
The report also suggests that municipalities should have the option to opt out of the ban via a vote at their annual meeting.
Jim Douglas calls 911 on health care costs
Will Medicaid for immigrants and transgender treatment imperil federal Medicaid funding for Vermont? Candidate Bruce Busa weighs in on the Battle of Bennington-1.
Vermont risks losing federal funds if “gender-affirming care” bill passes
This bill is in the House Health Care Committee while the Trump Administration on Tuesday issued an executive order banning federal funds for healthcare facilities that continue with such procedures.
‘Enough is enough’ of repeat crooks ‘walking free’ gets Scott standing O from lawmakers
“There are far too many people with hundreds of law enforcement encounters, dozens of arrests and many active criminal court cases. Yet they’re still walking free,” Scott told the Legislature.
Three suspects in connected killings had prestigious academic backgrounds
Snyder was an award-winning data science student. Bauckholt won national math competitions in Germany and collegiate math competitions in Canada.
Murder suspect arrested in California; linked to Border Patrol shooter in Vermont
The Seattle Times reported both graduated from the Lakeside School: Snyder in 2020 and Youngblut in 2022. Snyder went on to Oxford where he studied computer science and philosophy.
House Dem anti-crime plan seeks more $$ for courts
Less recidivism through swifter court action – but not necessarily more jail time.
VT Headlines: School cancels classes due to illness
Pushback against tariffs, psych unit shutdown, suspension of refugee funding.
Woman in fatal Border Patrol shootout in Vermont may be linked to suspect in three out-of-state homicides
When the hearing ended, Carla Youngblut attempted to make hand signals to her daughter, but she had no reaction.
VT Headlines: Vermont plans for U.S.A 250th birthday party
Vermonters played a significant role in the colonists’ assertion for independence from Great Britain, from the Green Mountain Boys successful assault at Fort Ticonderoga to the Battle of Hubbardton, and to the Battle of Bennington where Vermont troops helped defeat a British force to set up the victories that turned the war in favor of the new Americans.
Ed plan sees just five school districts/ No income tax on Social Security, military pension bills intro’d
Under the Saunders plan, every district receives the same funding per student, adjusted for certain items such as non-English learners.
Friday at Four: Latest on Border Patrol shooting
Details about the killing and the two suspects.
Border Patrol shooting suspect in ‘controlling relationship,’ parents say
The police report indicated her parents believed Youngblut was being forced to cut off contact with her family and friends due to the personal relationship she had entered, the Seattle Times reports.
McClaughry: Perils of school consolidation
The 17 year locusts of school consolidation is back – again.
Cole: U.S. must protect legal immigrants from illegals who endanger them
A former federal inspector general living in Vermont says enforcement must be done to protect our friends, family, and neighbors who followed the rules and fled from the people entering illegally who can and do harass them and recruit their children into the criminal theft, extortion, robbery, and drug gangs they fled in hope for a new life here.
Second suspect in deadly shootout with Border Patrol Agent in Vermont is charged with two felonies; Suspects had tactical gear and body armor, two-way radios
Youngblut is charged with intentional use of a deadly weapon while forcibly assaulting a federal law enforcement and with discharging a firearm during an assault with deadly weapon, records show.
School choice bill introduced, term limits bill coming soon
A bill introduced today would allow all Vermont students to attend the school of the student’s choice, paid for by a School Choice Grant issued by the Agency of Education.
Barre man busted for assault and drugs
Police also seized approximately 31.62 grams of cocaine in 36 individually wrapped baggies, 0.17 grams of crack cocaine, items to suggest drug sales, and $280 in cash.
Hundreds of brother police officers follow body of slain Border Patrol Agent to funeral home
Maland is believed to be the first federal law enforcement officer to be killed in the line of duty in Vermont since a few deaths in the Prohibition era.
VT Headlines: Hospital brass get $3 million in bonus pay amid deficits, cuts
Shiffrin healed, ready to race. Pot dealer sues over advertising restrictions. More opioid settlement $$.
Ellis: Fear and hatred
Trump has defeated the media, the Democratic party, the Clintons, the Obamas, the Bushes, the Bidens, and the American Dream.
Suspect shot and killed in Vermont Border Patrol encounter was German national math/computer whiz: source
His computer/math skills were so highly prized by the finance industry that the German national was working in the U.S. on a visa type given only to immigrants with “extraordinary ability.”
Feds indict Hoodstar Gzz gang for ST. J shootings, drug crime
The gang’s activities, which include murder, gun and drug trafficking, arson, and extortion, have been part of an extensive RICO conspiracy.
VT Headlines: ‘Yorkie Werewolf’ strikes terrier into viewers’ hearts
Ski resorts look ahead to the holiday weekend.
Working the angles on the housing crisis/ Vermonters drinking less? It’s true/ Safe injection site repeal bill
“The younger demographic is choosing not to drink, not to drink as much. And so those are some trends that are impacting the consumption and the sale of alcohol.”
Rodgers talks school consolidation, exporting pain, and ‘something dead’ on the office wall
In your car or while you’re making dinner, listen to an in-depth podcast interview with Vermont’s highly quotable new lieutenant governor.
State of Vermont accused of forcing involuntary C-section on mentally ill woman
The suit names Copley Hospital and Lund, an agency that operates a home for mothers in crisis. The lawsuit says the state’s action violates the 2022 constitutional amendment protecting reproductive freedom.
State of Vermont spending $500 million on climate change this year
The federally funded ‘all-solar’ initiative (more on that in an upcoming story by Paul Bean) comprises about 10% of that figure.
Scott proposes crime-fighting bills
Government must both protect civil liberties and promote public safety, and “we are clearly not striking the right balance,” Scott said. “The safety of the public comes first.”
Burlington man attacks cop with meat cleaver in police lobby
Without comment, and with a demeanor described by the sergeant as “affectless”, Jones held up a meat cleaver and pointed it towards the sergeant and raised it over his head.
Complex telecommunications plan, Clean Heat Standard ahead for new House energy committee
Vermonters will be keeping a close eye on this EDI committee as they work through the Telecommunications Plan, the Clean Heat Standard report from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and the mandate for emission reductions as mapped out in the currently enacted Global Warming Solutions Act.
California backs off fossil-fueled truck ban
California has withdrawn one zero emissions truck proposal, but the other – which Vermont is connected to – is still in force.
Tom Salmon – governor, UVM president, nuclear power advocate – dies at 92
He told the longtime Vermont Yankee operators to take solace in the words of St. Paul: “I have fought the good fight, I have run the race.”
VT Headlines: Purple Heart vet spreads hope
Police staffing (or lack of it) front and center of Burlington City Council meeting.
Every Vermont House member listed by town, district, party, committee and email address
Use this sortable list to contact your Representative and committees working on bills of interest to you.
Clean Heat Standard recommendations due this week
“Affordability is about getting by,” Sen. Rebecca White said in her nominating tribute to Sen. Phil Baruth.
Burlington man bet he could cross the country in 90 days in 1903 – and won
Radio station owner and history-making car enthusiast…..sounds a little like Ken Squier.
VT Headlines: New warming shelter, smaller wastewater bond in Burlington
Nicotine pouch use up. So are egg prices – bird flu? Native American Commission leader steps down.
Air Guard, F-35’s off to Japan for Indo-Pacific exercise
It’s part of a planned deployment, not a reaction to current events. And the temporary transfer of some Lightnings to an airbase in Japan will mean fewer flights over Vermont skies.
Rape, stalking suspect turns himself in
Wanted on six felony charges stemming from a December rape.
In first full week, committees meet the folks they oversee
In a scenario that will play out across the Legislature’s committees, the administration leaders will offer a brief education on their agencies and departments under committee jurisdiction. Lawmakers will listen and ask questions. Both will put names to faces and build rapport, the better to get their work done.
Davis: What to do with the Commission on the Future of Public Education?
The Commission on the Future of Public Education issued its interim report ahead of the holidays with very little to show, and now everyone is rethinking their existence.
Williamstown postmaster charged for child porn
Also part of the early morning raid at the mobile home on West Hill Road were officers from Randolph and Burlington Police.
Burlington goes dark: Latest police news release lacking basic info
It is unclear why the press release is missing the standard information for a somewhat routine case. Is it due to poor drafting by BPD’s Public Information Officer? Or was the news release slashed by the red editing pen wielded by the Mayor?
Donkeys run loose in Montpelier
Market 32 crash caper culprit caught. And a Windham County woman arrested for failing to secure toddler in car seat.
Bananas: In LA, big win for equity hiring
The shocking news of yet another fire in California has been overshadowing the Cinderella story of the City of Angels slowly turning into the Isle of Lesbos.
VT Headlines: Airport evacuated after alarm
Volunteers from a venerable social club deliver 25,000 meals.
New leader, new look for pivotal Senate Natural Resources & Energy Committee
Teacher, Army officer, Emerge Vermont director, Navy pilot, and Lincoln homestead director comprise the backgrounds of members of a key Senate committee.
Harrison: We took a wrong turn. Now we’re getting back on course
The new Republican vice-chair of the budget-building House Appropriations Committee quotes Gov. Phil Scott: “We’re not here to worry about egos. We’re here to do what Vermonters need.”
Rape, stalking suspect on the lam
Wanted on six felony charges stemming from a December rape.
Friday at Four: our news staff talks up Legislature Week #1, Burlington mayor gag order on cops
Week #1 in the Legislature. Progressive mayor issues gag order on her cops. What the LA fires mean to Vermont. Please share on your social media.
BREAKING: Burlington Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak may speak – to some – media today on her gag order
Vermont News First was among those left off the invitation list.
LG’s office wall won’t have transgender book ban poster, but ‘somethin’ dead is going up on that wall’
After presiding over the Governor’s swearing-in as well as the Secretary of State, Treasurer, and Attorney General, Rodgers remarked that “I haven’t heard this much swearin’ since I was back on the farm.”
