By Guy Page

Thursday, May 14, lawmakers and citizens supported the families of deployed Vermont National Guard members with donations of over 2,600 diapers, thousands of wipes, and over $450 in individual monetary donations were collected throughout the day. 

The VT Guard now has two deployments and is facing another, major deployment next month.

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce reports that generous donations of $1,000 from Veterans Guardian, $1,000 from Veteran Benefits Guide, and $500 from American Legion, also contributed to the effort to support the households with infants and toddlers of affected Vermont Guard families.

Running through the Vermont Family Readiness Program with support of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce and in coordination with the Vermont National Guard and Veteran Affairs Caucus, the event was focused on supporting families in Vermont communities who are navigating the challenges of deployment.

During deployment, families often face both financial and logistical pressures. Some service members experience a reduction in income during deployment compared to their civilian roles. At the same time, spouses at home may need to scale back or step away from work to manage childcare and household responsibilities independently. Diapers and wipes are amongst ongoing expenses that place added strain on family budgets, particularly during periods of transition and uncertainty.

The donations will be distributed directly by the Family Readiness Team to Vermont military families, ensuring that support reaches those who need it most in a timely and practical way.

Build, baby build, Welch urges power grid users – Sen. Peter Welch urged construction of 5,000 miles of high-voltage transmission lines and passing grid legislation he has sponsored, Thursday May 7 at the Washington Electric Cooperative annual meeting in Montpelier, the Journal-Opinion reports.

 Per a news release from Welch’s office: “After two decades of stagnation, American electricity demand is projected to rise by as much as 5.7% by 2030—the fastest increase since the 1960s. Meeting this demand will require nearly 5,000 miles of new high-capacity transmission lines each year, according to the Department of Energy. Yet in 2024, only 322 miles of new high-voltage transmission were completed.”

What happens in the Temple of Heaven, stays in the Temple of Heaven – the White House press corps reported Thursday morning about the private chat and stroll between President Trump’s and Premier Xi in Beijing’s Temple of Heaven: 

“POTUS entered the main courtyard where the Temple of Heaven is located at 1.05pm, and could be seen from a distance talking to a crowd of officials.

“Xi and Trump walked slowly across the flagstones, with interpreters, and Xi could be heard talking.

“Trump and Xi stood in front of the temple together in front of the cameras. “Great. Great place. Incredible. China’s beautiful,” Trump said after the question about how the talks went. Reporters then twice asked if they had talked about Taiwan but Trump (and Xi) did not respond.

“The two leaders then walked off towards the temple and pool was ushered off.”