Climate Council remains an expensive, incompetent, very bad joke.
Roper: Climate Action Plan 2.0: Still not a plan!
Son of immigrant Coester says, ‘Vermont first’
My father, at ten years old, met brave, kind, and generous American soldiers at the end of World War II during the U.S. occupation of West Germany.
Dawson: The role of AI in the office
Implications for Vermont’s public agencies and private businesses
Gervais: Vermont’s fiscal mess
Per the Joint Fiscal Office 2025 report, Vermont has the sixth highest per capita spending, at $15,426, yet when we look at results: Johnny can’t read, and our roads are crumbling. Let’s slash bloat and restore sanity
Mott: How to give due process its due
Everyone says they want due process, but most of us only want it when it thwarts the ambitions of the other side, not when it constrains our side. But that’s not how due process works.
Klar: The battle over lab-grown meat heats up
Texas ban raises stakes for fake-steak makers.
Murray: A call to honor the Stars and Stripes
Let’s make a statement this summer. If you fly one flag, let it be the American flag. Let it fly high above our homes, our farms, and towns. Let it be a symbol of pride—an unwavering commitment to the liberties so many fought and died to preserve.
Samets and Feldman: Gaza is a humanitarian tragedy—but one orchestrated by Hamas
The canary died on October 7. Are you listening now?
Roper: Vermont has a $9.1 BILLION budget
Ronald Reagan once quipped that government is like a baby, an endless appetite on one end, and no discipline on the other. No place lives up to – or down to as the case may be — that analogy more so than Vermont.
Keelan: three out-of-control engines heading full speed to collision and disaster
The driverless engines of State
Ellis: The Biden trauma and tragedy
Democrats’ hubris gave us Trump. And we are living with the consequences of that disastrous decision.
Soulia: Same law, different outrage: The politics of deportation
Immigration enforcement is one of the most divisive issues in American politics, but when it comes to deportation numbers, the facts are clear: President Barack Obama deported more illegal aliens than any president in U.S. history.
Dame: VTGOP condemns Rep. Balint’s “wiping” comment as demeaning towards immigrants
Last week, Vermont’s sole Congresswoman, Rep. Becca Balint, held a town hall where she stated that if we don’t increase immigration, “we’re not gonna have anyone around to wipe our asses.”
Roper: PUC thumbs nose at legislators over Clean Heat Standard
Refuses to enforce stupid, unworkable law.
McCallum: Should I stay, or should I go?
Most of the people who go to college in Vermont — 57 percent — leave the state after graduation. That’s more than any other state.
Hornblas: Life, death, and a new Vermont Health Commissioner
The increase in deaths is only the tip of the iceberg. We are also failing in all of our health outcomes, across the board. Schools and businesses have struggled to find enough staff who are healthy and able to work, and health facilities are flooded with patients.
Roper: Democrats go full partisan on education reform
Kill bipartisan bill in favor of special interests.
Klar: Vermont’s Middlebury College should not receive Federal funding
DEI, CRT, and anti-Semitism must go!
Samets and Feldman: Vermont legislators have a chance to save Jewish lives—now
Vermont is the only state in New England without any Holocaust education standards, despite bills being introduced seeking this change since 2017. By equipping Vermont’s educational institutions to confront this hatred directly, H.310 not only offers protection but also affirms the dignity and identity of Jewish Vermonters.
Soulia: S.124: A decade of drowning in Vermont’s water policy
Ten years and over $200 million later, Vermont is right back where it started—struggling to comply with the Clean Water Act, while farmers, taxpayers, and lawmakers all try to catch their breath.
Klar: What’s controversial about the MAHA commission report?
Conflicting reactions suggest it hit the sweet spot.
Fernandez: Behind Hamas, you will find BLM
Shalomyah Bowers, a leading administrator with BLM Global Network Foundation, was sued by the organization for “siphoning millions “from the group into his own “personal piggy bank.”
Harrison: Sausage-makers grinding out housing, school funding bills
The legislative process is sometimes likened to sausage making, not pretty to watch. That was certainly true last week at the State House with education reform and a major housing bill being considered.
Despathy: VT media’s climate propaganda strikes again
Vermont Public’s propaganda superficially simplifies a complex issue into ‘the Democrats want climate policy and the Republicans are pushing back’.
Deal: On guard, and for our Guard, on Memorial Day
Let us today never forget what such a memorial means for our freedoms, and for those we love. Let us never stop striving to do better for those who have given everything imaginable to us all.
Roper: Unless it lowers taxes, vote NO on the education “reform” bill
Don’t just do something for the sake of doing something.
Jesses: Young people need civics
Upon graduation, our students need to be aware of how steeped our country is in values that recognize both the uniqueness of our form of government and how exceptional our country is in offering Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness to all without regard to religion, race, sex, ethnicity, or other demographic factors.
Klar: The vindication of Dr. Bhattacharya
Banished by the medical establishment for resisting Covid policies, he now runs the agency that made them
Sims: Trans anger at our protest of biological male Levine’s address to Smith College grads
They call us the haters and the unkind people but they always show their true colors. We did not have to do anything. The proof is in the video.
Soulia: Is 600,000 too small to count?
In a recently released open letter to Governor Phil Scott, health educator and Vermont Stands Up director Amy Hornblass raises a stark question: why has Vermont’s Department of Health not investigated the state’s persistent surge in excess deaths since the onset of COVID-19 restrictions?
Chittenden: School funding reform must balance freedom and unity
This bill would drastically shift the balance in our education system away from Freedom (local control) towards Unity (centralized state oversight) in ways I fundamentally do not support.
Bean: Mad River devastation and the growing geoengineering dilemma
In conversation over the weekend many Vermonters pointed out that it seems to be rainy every single Saturday! While this may seem like a classic complaint during mid-May, this recent flood in the Mad River Valley certainly triggers memories of floods in Vermont in recent years.
Mills: A new IEA report and the Iberian Blackout end dreams of an ‘energy transition’
Systems that can deliver reliable power at the scales necessary for robust growth remain anchored in precisely the fuels the transitionists want to abandon.
McGuinness: S.28 legalizes modern-day equivalent of coat hanger abortions
Vermonters were told passage of Article 22 would keep abortion rare, safe, and legal, yet this new law opens the floodgates to unsupervised chemical abortions, making them common and dangerous, yet still legal.
Roper: Unpaid Leave Bill comes with a cost
Another unnecessary hit to small businesses.
Keelan: A college education — How it has changed
What has happened in the last two or three decades that has put college operations on the front page?
Livingston: Government corruption is educating future generations
Forget textbooks. The actual civics lesson kids are absorbing is that accountability is for the weak. That truth is optional. That the loudest person wins. This isn’t some abstract worry—it’s cultural conditioning.
Bossange: Speak out before it’s too late
Trump’s MAGA Party took over the entire Republican Party and enforced internal party discipline by using political threats and intimidation to stamp out all dissent
Kinsley: YIMBY, not NIMBY
We have become better at stopping things from being built than actually building them. Klein contrasted this with China, a country that seems to have an insatiable appetite for building things and the political will to make it happen.
Fireovid: HHS says puberty blockers high-risk, low benefit
This comprehensive review prioritizes evidence-based medicine and questions the treatment of minors with irreversible medical interventions such as puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries.
Rodgers: Tilting at windmills won’t get the hay in the barn
It’s time we refocus our efforts on the issues that matter most to Vermonters. Let’s prioritize practical solutions over costly legal battles. Humility and hard work, not hubris and fantasy. The farmer’s way. The Vermont way.
Roper: From ‘Net Zero’ to just zero
Cause of death in every case: a lethal collision with reality.
Soulia: Why won’t DCF disclose who’s using the system?
Department refuses to release even anonymized data about where recipients came from — or if they’re from Vermont at all.
Klar: Native Americans take on Wokism
The public battle over the name “Massapequa Chiefs”
Deal: Vermont National Security Consortium needed
Maybe it takes a flatlander like me to say: you may not always feel it, but Vermont is one of the best examples of such values and bipartisanship in the nation.
Thayer: Trump ’47 makes progress on education, energy, tax/tariff
Trump is doing everything that he and his Vice President JD Vance campaigned on to win back the White House from the disastrous former President, Joe Biden. He is knocking down Biden’s policies and getting rid of the deep state and lack of due diligence from the five prior Presidents.
Livingston: Trump’s tariff chess
A game-theory breakdown for the NDD (Narrative Dependency Disorder–Points to reliance on media narratives as a substitute for analysis) afflicted
Klar: Catholic funding by government in the political crosshairs
If funding Catholic charities that harbor illegal immigrants is acceptable, funding Catholic schools that prepare citizens for success should be a no-brainer.
Gassett: Vermont’s law violations and overspending have consequences
As AG Clark and her Vermont lawyer followers publicly rallied to protest, they showed their opposition to Vermont’s responsibility to adhere to our US Constitution. This action by a US State Attorney General and more than 300 licensed lawyers defies logic, and common sense.
Soulia: H.91: The homelessness overhaul no one is sure about
In theory, it’s about moving decision-making closer to the ground. In practice, it’s raising serious questions — from whether local agencies are ready, to whether the state is gambling with programs that are already working.
Fireovid: Exposing Vermont educators
Incl. is a clip from a Zoom meeting where Vermont educators are encouraged to hire based on race and gender, rather than merit.
Roper: Bernie and the privileged political class
A teachable moment (for others, not Bernie, who will never learn).
Klar: Public school gaslights community after disciplining student for conservative tee shirt
A Vermont superintendent and an attorney for a public school that prohibited a young student from wearing a shirt that states “There are only 2 genders” now claim the school did not discipline her, and that it has consistently “[done its] very best to protect free speech in schools.” These officials are using local media to gaslight the Vermont public and the school community. The school’s own emails reveal what actually occurred.
McGuinness: School reform bill supports government-run schools, not education
Our legislature and governor are acting on behalf of organizations that are involved in the education industry complex.
Racanelli: Protect voting, reject the SAVE Act
There’s a bill in Congress to make voting harder for EVERYONE
Flannery: Trump’s China pause
President Trump’s well-oiled marketing operation was running full blast this morning with the announcement of a “historic” agreement between the U.S. and China to lower tariffs. In fact, the action only reverses some of the worst of the tariffs that President Trump himself imposed on business between the two countries earlier this year, and the reprieve is only for 90 days.
Baker: How to get the right people elected
One of the readers and commenters of this great news outlet asked how do we “get someone out of office?” There are many things a single individual can do. It all counts. Do not let the devil convince you that your vote or opinion doesn’t matter. Do not hide behind that weak rhetoric.
Samets and Kanarick: Jewish identity is not a political tool
Using antisemitism as a political tool does not make Jews safer. It cheapens our suffering and casts doubt on our legitimate concerns. Worst of all, it gives antisemites a powerful talking point.
Peyton: Sad to see Vermont legislators take on the ‘White Christian Nationalists’
The initiative fell into the same trap we’ve seen repeated again and again: othering – casting Christian conservatives as the threat, and “tolerant liberals” as the solution.
Klar: Empire Wind Project’s pause has Progressives howling
Are offshore wind turbines for the birds?
Baker: Becca Balint, the selective defender of the Constitution
Balint’s defense of constitutional rights appears to be based on the political or ideological identity of those affected, rather than on a consistent belief in protecting the rights of all individuals.
Page: Identity or disorder?
The untold connection between transgenderism and Body Integrity Identity Disorder
Fernandez: Why do they only protest Israel?
The hard-left haters of Israel utilize “shouting, slogan jeering, propagandizing, protesting, demonstrating, defunding, accusing, and/or ignoring or censoring opposing views.” The railing resistance obstructs entry, and sometimes resorts to physical violence against their passive and outnumbered opponents.
Roper: Fate of disastrous EV cars & truck mandates rests with Governor
Desperate calls for Scott to delay unrealistic, logistically impossible GWSA requirements with Executive Order.
Klar: Are courts doing enough to protect public health?
Given the history of American courts shielding corporations from liability for harms caused by their products — and the growing distrust of the federal agencies charged with protecting public health above corporate profits — Americans are right to question whether their judicial system is designed to keep them safe.
Rodgers: Taxing veterans?
Everyone in this country owes our military veterans a debt of gratitude. It’s long past time for the Legislature to pay that debt forward.
Despathy: Do not twist the Clean Heat repeal story, Rep. Campbell
Are you waiting for the pending lawsuit to force these destructive mandates on Vermont? It seems as if several members of your committee, well aware of the lawsuit, actually want it to proceed in order to enact this destructive and extremist policy.
Ellis: Annie! Trump and Me
Why the Trumpers could use a little Annie in their lives.
Keelan: Legislature keeps paying for consultants
If there is one constant I have witnessed since becoming a Vermont resident in 1988, it is the Legislature’s assigning State agency tasks to costly, out-of-state consultants.
Klar: What makes Vermont special is farming
There is more farm art than farming in Vermont these days. It is as if the surreal has replaced the real; idyllic sentimentality has displaced the farming culture.
Roper: Climate activist admits no real savings from “Social Cost of Carbon”
If there’s any benefit at all, it doesn’t get back to the people paying the bills.
Rodgers: The cost of VT’s electric truck mandate
Vermont’s ambitious climate goals are about to become very real, and could hit many of us in the wallet.
Moore and Johnson: Unfunded laws have only theoretical benefits
Action on these measures keeps Vermont at the forefront of climate action while avoiding the pitfalls of unfunded mandates, including those that leave space for unnecessary and counter-productive legal challenges.
Klar: Is it finally time to study SSRI antidepressants properly?
A new law may help establish whether there’s a link to mass shooters and antidepressants.
Banzhaf: Due process for immigrants explained
In many cases, no trial is required to deport them. Whether or not you agree with it, this is the law.
Smith to Climate Council: “Stop telling me where to live”
In an effort to provide a perspective from people who are not part of the choir and are not engaging with you, I endeavor to channel what you might hear, if you could find a way.
Roper: Democrats – again – block efforts to repeal/reform unpopular climate laws
Special interests have issued their marching orders, and the Democrats are obeying.
Page: Japan’s Hometown Tax could work in Vermont
The program allows urbanites to redirect a portion of their income taxes to rural municipalities of their choosing while receiving specialty local products as thank-you gifts.
Soulia: Vermont’s $78 million question
Vermont Employment Growth Incentive program quietly extended without a vote
Rodgers: Immigration hypocrisy and Trump’s failed policy
The recent removal and detention of nine Franklin County migrant farmworkers exposes the hypocrisy and failed policy embedded in the Trump Administration’s immigration crackdown.
Klar: Record high beef prices and a dwindling cattle supply
Assessing the future of American cattle herds.
Roper: Sen. Watson’s dishonest climate politics
It’s not the governor’s fault your ridiculous plans are collapsing.
Roy: Climate change perspective
There are actually multiple coal burning electricity plants in the USA that individually produce up to 5X Vermont’s annual emissions! One single plant!
McGuinness: Hypocrisy of House child abuse resolution
The only way to end this long train of abuses and usurpations is for more voters to become aware of the fact that their state legislators’ policies harm, not help them; and to recruit and elect new leadership that respects the sacred family institution and supports legislation that fortifies parental rights.
Harrison: Crosswinds
We are seeing the beginning of some strong legislative winds, and not necessarily in the same direction.
Rodgers: Building opportunities for our youth and businesses
The average age of a Vermont tradesman and woman is 56 years old. Our workforce shortage isn’t a distant threat; it’s a present-day reality.
Roper: Now a $17 million tax increase on beer, wine, & liquor?!
It’s enough to drive you to drink.
Soulia: PCB panic? A closer look at VT’s extreme school air standards
The EPA says 600 nanograms is safe. Vermont closes classrooms at 100. What do they know that the rest of the country doesn’t?
MPI: Perfect storm led to anti-DEI Maine lawmaker’s censure and lawsuit
Rep. Libby’s censure removed her ability to vote or speak on the floor of the Maine House of Representatives. All for pointing out a transgender student athlete.
Ellis: Grit and inspiration
In the past few weeks, a conversation kicked my ass. It’s about commitment, hard work, focus, and sacrifice.
Allbee: Immigrants essential to American food production
According to Food Connects, 11.3% of farm work in Vermont is performed by H-2A seasonal workers.
Soulia: Aid on autopilot
Vermont grows programs without data or limits
Roper: Could Federal spending cuts end VT vote-by-mail?
Or will the policy expand to cover school board elections and more?
Soulia: Look both ways: Paint doesn’t stop traffic
How modern pedestrian policy forgot common sense and made walking more dangerous
Bossange: The political coup has been completed
With a President seemingly above the law, what’s next?
Pitre: Are Palestine-reactionaries good for Vermont?
Outright Vermont is betraying its own principles as it champions Palestine over Israel
Roper: We are spending a half billion on climate change policies!
And it’s not even working to reduce fossil fuel use.
Gassett: Is VT Attorney General, Charity Clark above the law?
An open letter to Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark.
Bucknam: Vermont lawyers sign anti-Trump manifesto
The Statement is not a lawyerly support of the rule of law; it is a political manifesto.
Baker: Disruptor Balint tells Town Hall attendees, ‘let’s throw some punches’
We deserve a representative who works for all of us — not just those who agree with her.
