Press, public, the county sheriff, and the county prosecutor all were excluded from a government meeting about the future of the Grand Isle Court House, Mike Donoghue of the Islander reports.
Secret government meeting raises ire in Grand Isle
Guv offers students $$ for vax cheerleading
Transcript of Chronicle’s Q&A yesterday with Gov. Phil Scott, Health Commissioner Mark Levine.
Orleck: ‘Approved’ vax still EUA
If the three state troopers accused of making fake Covid vax cards feel ‘vaccination or else’ is a threat to their health and even their lives, they could argue self-defense, a former prosecutor and pharmacist says.
SunCommon sold for $40 million
SunCommon, the solar company founded and still operated by VPIRG leaders James Moore and Duane Peterson, has been sold for a cool $40 million.
Krauss: Legislative redistricting a brewing storm
Call it fate, call it karma, but redistricting doesn’t always work out so well for the gerrymandering Party in Power.
Newport store owner: Mask-free daughter kept alone in room with no windows or teacher
A mask-free girl is being kept in guidance counselor’s room with no peers, teacher or window.
News Analysis: Day after fake vax card scandal breaks, Scott requires vax for state workers
Gov. Phil Scott today announced all state employees must attest to vaccination, or take weekly testing. Will his mandate prompt more Covid card faking?
‘Food stamp’ increase to continue through October
Federal enhancements to monthly ‘food stamp’ benefits will continue through October.
Vernon standoff ends with arrest
A two-day standoff ended peacefully last night with the arrest of a Vernon man at his home.
“Run for school board,” Eric Metaxas tells Vermont radio audience
Commentator and author Eric Metaxas today encouraged his Vermont radio audience to get involved in local government.
Fraudulent Covid-19 cards lead to resignation of three state troopers
Three Vermont State Troopers are suspected of creating fraudulent Covid-19 vaccination cards, State Police announced at 5:25 today.
Water Cooler: Student flips off anti-maskers / as unemployment ends, food shelf demand expected
When a CVU student gave the single-digit salute to some anti-mask protesters, it went viral. This headline and others from VT media today.
Six miles added to Rail Trail
Less than 50 miles remain before snowmobilers, bikers and hikers can cross Vermont on the Lamoille Valley Trail.
As heroin dealer prosecutions drop, VT overdoses rise at highest rate in U.S.
State leaders blame Vermont’s highest-in-the-nation increased drug overdose rate on pandemic isolation. However, prosecution for both heroin dealing and possession are on the decline.
Cops: Drugged driver crash kills motorcyclist
Police arrested a 21-year-old Charlotte man for drugged driving in connection with the Labor Day death of a motorcyclist.
Fearing anti-Semitism, Jewish VT leaders petition against Burlington B/D/S resolution
Jewish leaders in Vermont say anti-semitic incidents often accompany successful anti-Israel resolutions.
State investigates long wait times to see doctors
Thanks to pandemic measures, some Vermonters are still waiting months to see doctors.
Fatal crash in Middlesex
A Moretown man died September 4 in a single car crash.
Marquis de Sanders gets pass from pols, media
Bernie’s porn essay was laughed off by talk show host Seth Meyers and the #MeToo crowd.
Opting in and opting out of government spending
Should government money pay for religious schools? John McClaughry traces the history of this contentious issue.
Bananas: how I became a fake news reporter
How Johnny Bananas got his start writing fake news. Because hopelessly bored minds want to know.
Water Cooler: Black Americans priced out of pandemic real estate boom / Burlington shootings by ‘many of the same people’
It’s mostly the same people involved in all the recent Burlington shootings, prosecutor Sarah George tells the media. Sure, they’re gang members. But it’s more complicated than that, she insists ‘criptically.’
McClaughry: Bernie so close to lifelong dream of lifetime entitlements
Bernie Sanders is engaged in a do-or-die effort to enact four new lifetime entitlements—universal prekindergarten, universal child care payments, universal paid family and medical leave, and two years of community college.
Update: Missing woman, her dog both drowned
A Brooklyn woman and her dog both were found drowned in the Saxtons River in Westminster.
Cyber-security briefing shut down for fear of Zoom leaks
It’s not safe to discuss the State’s cyber-attack defensive strategies on Zoom.
Update: WCAX explains why comments critical of Sarah George disappeared from social media
A notoriously violent Burlington man is on the loose after city police refused to pursue him in his fleeing pickup truck due to “his unpredictable violent history.”
Across the Lake, NY repeals mask mandate
The New York Health Dept has repealed a statewide mask mandate. Vermont has no such mandate – although many lawmakers and state employees want one.
Chaplains hone combat skills in Jericho
These chaplains carry more than a Bible.
State pays commuters to carpool, walk, bike
The climate-conscious State of Vermont will now give you a $75 gift card for commuting to work in something besides your Single Occupant Vehicle.
Roper: TCI states leap for lifeboats
The passengers on the good ship TCI are jumping for the lifeboats.
Water Cooler: Rutland to vote on pot, Delta stalls border reopening
Burlington’s mayor wants the city to borrow $20 million to “address climate emergency.”
Fed money to build VT housing for needy
$13 million of non-pandemic federal money has been allocated to build housing for the needy across Vermont.
Donovan ‘deeply troubled’ by Supreme Court support for fetal heartbeat law
For second time in two weeks, Vermont AG TJ Donovan has tweeted against a federal court decision supporting the rights to life for unborn Vermonters.
Evans: We are so rich
Like every other Vermont town, Charlotte is flush with federal cash. As of Labor Day, it will be sitting on a cool $1,131,574.22. The editor of the local paper outlines how this federal money can be spent. Spoiler alert: the yacht cruise with Beyonce is out.
Vermont Daily Water Cooler for Wed, Sep 01
Wednesday’s breaking news from Vermont media.
In Vermont schools, it’s Progress vs. the Indians
In Vermont’s public schools, educators holding the reins of Progress are facing Vermont parents ready to fight for their traditions.
Biz Mag reader poll: employers lean against requiring employee vax
The sample size is small, but a Vermont Business Magazine reader survey shows that just over a third of responding employers now require employee vaccination.
Keelan: Where will the next attack strike?
As if we didn’t have enough crises – now Americans need to wonder where violent Islamists will strike us next. Keeping Americans safe from them trumps the endless initiatives on climate change and racism.
Motor oil dumped in Lake Arrowhead
State police are investigating the dumping of motor oil into a Chittenden County lake renowned for its fishing and other recreational opportunities.
Vermont troops assist birth of Afghan baby on rescue airplane
Vermont National Guard troops assisting at the Kabul airport have all returned. Meanwhile, Vermont troops in Germany are helping Afghan refugees transition to a new life – including helping an Afghan mom give birth to her baby while aboard an Air Force transport jet.
Roper: Biden won’t be Article 25’d. Here’s why
It might be entertaining to watch Joe Biden get Article 25’d. But the Dems won’t let it happen because they’d lose power in the Senate.
Invasive Lanternfly found in Rutland
An invasive insect that harms maple trees has been discovered in Rutland.
Billings: Principal Di Giulio must go!
A Northeast Kingdom parent says the high school principal who yesterday seemed to recognize burning the American flag as a form of protest should resign or be fired.
Water Cooler: Covid closes three schools, help for Maquam muck
There’s help for homeowners upset about Maquam Bay muck.
‘Celebrate America’ flag and sign wave in Rutland
A flag and sign wave to ‘celebrate America’ will be held Saturdya, September 4 in Rutland.
Vaxxed, unvaxxed cases rise sharply
During the last two weeks, positive Covid tests rose 30% among vaccinated Vermonters, 40% among the unvaccinated.
Father and son charged with attempted murder
A father and son from Hartford, Connecticut involved in a 2020 Newport shooting now also face charges in the attempted murder of a Derby man.
Prison in lockdown
The Newport state prison is in Covid-19 lockdown.
Roper: Vermont’s fiscal diaper about to explode
Ronald Reagan observed, “Government is like a baby. An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other.” Here in Vermont, the diaper is about to explode.
Hardwick principal backs ‘choice’ of burning American flag
Hardwick’s new high school principal yesterday compared burning the American flag with other forms of protest. Offended parents and students want an apology.
Chang: Biden must deter possible China bio-war against non-Chinese
It’s not sci-fi. The Chinese are working on biowarfare “specific ethnic genetic attacks.” President Biden should stop its development and deployment – if he can.
Response: Recycling is NOT delusional
Vermont recyclables aren’t sent to China.
Daisy Turner ‘non-fiction comic’ published
The life of Daisy Tuner of Grafton, daughter of a freed slave, has been told in a graphic “comic book.”
Update: Brooklyn woman believed found dead
A woman from Brooklyn is missing. She was last seen walking her dog near her Vermont vacation home.
Shot fired from Burlington downtown hits school
A shot fired from Main and South Winooski broke a window in a Burlington elementary school.
Water Cooler: airport director won’t go, State House may not open in January, and masks required in prisons (again)
Afghan refugees will be welcome at Goddard College. Masks are now required in Vermont prisons. And the Burlington airport director tells Mayor Miro Weinberger to take a flying leap after being asked to resign.
Gordon Chang: U.S. failure in Afghanistan poses threat to Taiwan
Gordon Chang says Chinese propaganda is telling Taiwan to not trust America following U.S. collapse in Afghanistan. It’s also openly threatening the lives of U.S. servicemen stationed on Taiwan.
High school debater turned lawmaker challenged on worker shortage, police defunding
Rep. Becca White began public speaking career as a champion debater while a freshman at Hartford High School. Now she’s talking about the employment crisis (not enough meaningful work) and the Pledge of Allegiance (doesn’t like “under God”). One thing she won’t discuss: defending local police against their critics.
New attack submarine USS Vermont celebrated Saturday
A Vermonter from a family of U.S. Navy submarine officers spoke at the celebration of the commissioning of the attack submarine USS Vermont.
TPUSA conservative convention tonight
Conservatives from across Vermont are welcome to come network tonight in Williston, courtesy of TPUSA.
Your opinion sought on one-seat legislative districts
The board charged with recommending a new election district map to the Legislature is asking for YOUR opinion.
Parents against mandates free to home school, ‘find another school,’ Scott says
“I think there is personal liberty,” Scott said at this week’s press conference. “The parents don’t have to send their kids to school. There’s home schooling. They can find another school.”
A view from NH: VT not a ‘bipartisan model’
Can Vermont be a template for healing America? Only if more Republicans lay down or act like Democrats, but that’s not bipartisan; it’s surrender.
Evslin: It will be a great day when all Covid cases are vaccinated people….
Tom Evslin: “Vaccinated people are saving the lives of the unvaccinated by reducing the overall spread rate. If everyone were vaccinated, cases would quickly become rare and far between and then almost non-existent in the vaccinated population – fingers crossed on mutations and booster shots.”
11-year-old mask resister faces down Burlington school leaders
Felix Hume says students don’t bully him about not wearing a mask – just the grown-ups.
Adult day centers get $5 mil
The State of Vermont is distributing $5 million in a second round of federal pandemic funds to adult day centers to provide financial stability after an extended shut down due to COVID-19.
VT National Guard troops at Kabul airport
Troops from the Vermont National Guard’s 86th Mountain are supporting security at the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Water Cooler: VT National Guard in Kabul, Scott observes Irene 10-year mark
It’s been 10 years since Irene devastated Vermont.
Rutland cop, man he killed ID’d
Police shot and killed a 33-year-old man in a Rte. 7, Rutland McDonald’s yesterday.
OSHA turns blind eye to workplace vax adverse reactions
The federal office responsible for workplace safety has told employers they no longer must record or report adverse reactions to Covid-19 vaccination.
Public schools paying religious school tuition
An estimated 20-25 students enrolled in Vermont Catholic religious schools are having their tuition paid by their local “tuitioning town” school districts.
Freedom Rally reporter came with questions, left with answers
Organic, practical, communal and united, Saturday’s Patriot Rally is what America still represents to many.
Black sheriff elected in 1879 kept the peace for 25 years
Vergennes elected a black man sheriff for 26 years, beginning in 1879.
Donovan deplores ban on ‘dismemberment’ abortions
TJ Donovan doesn’t use the word ‘dismemberment’ in his Tweet criticizing a court decision upholding a Texas ban on this form of second-trimester abortion.
Water Cooler: parents shout down pediatrician, Scott fires back at lawmakers, Rutland hospital vax mandate
Parents get testy with a pediatrician over school mask policy. Gov. Scott says VT is already doing plenty to control the virus. In Coventry, mold has closed a school.
Turner: Housing crisis started as developers’ nightmare
The growing nightmare of homelessness and rent serfdom began with the Kafkaesque nightmare familiar to Vermont developers – the state’s building permit “approval” process.
I-89 fatal, cause unknown
Scott Campbell of Swanton died yesterday evening after his pickup truck left I-89 in Georgia. A passenger thrown from the truck survived.
Extra back-to-school cash dispensed to needy families
Federal pandemic $$ goes for back-to-school cash for needy families.
Leahy’s debt limit confusion
More debt, more debt, more debt. That’s all Pat Leahy has learned after 47 years in office.
Vax rate at UVMMC slightly below state average
The vaccination rate among UVM Medical Center workers is slightly lower than the statewide 85.7% vaccination rate.
Former cop sought sex for money
A former Caledonia County Sheriff’s captain has been charged with seeking sex from women in the criminal justice system.
Bananas: How I learned to stop worrying and love the Mandates
Mask mandates are returning – welcome back to junior high!
CORRECTION: TPUSA conservative convention FRIDAY
Conservatives from across Vermont are welcome to come network Friday evening in Williston, courtesy of TPUSA.
House Speaker wants indoor mask mandate
House Speaker Jill Krowinski wonders when Gov. Phil Scott will require everyone – vaccinated or not – to wear masks indoors.
Water Cooler: Burlington closing city streets, VT Health Dept. hires more contact tracers
Lower College Street in Burlington will be closed to traffic while Union Station repairs are underway.
Scott: fed OK for vaccine ages 2-11 expected by mid-September
Covid-19 vaccination of children ages 2 -11 should receive federal emergency use authorization by mid-September, Gov. Phil Scott said today.
VTDigger spikes commentary about GMO vaccine
A major Vermont news outlet drops a commentary questioning the safety of the mRNA Covid-19 vaccine.
Thurston: Feminists & the Taliban
Unlike Madeline Kunin, many Democratic and Progressive feminists are silent about the Taliban’s harsh treatment of women, says an Addison County doctor who has worked and traveled extensively in the Muslim world.
Billado: American embarrassment
If you attack our cities, if you prohibit your own citizens from owning a satellite dish, if you condone throwing vats of acid in the faces of unveiled women, then you have lost all right to call yourself a government.
McClaughry: Afghanistan collapse, Vermont opportunity
Loyal friends of America are being butchered waiting for State Department approval for special immigration visas.
Roper: “Hangry’ tourists have government to thank
The ongoing taxpayer-paid vacation is leading to ‘hangry’ tourists and cancelled bus tours.
Disabled homeless to benefit from settlement
A legal settlement expands emergency housing services for disabled Vermonters.
Water Cooler: Jurors in bathrobes? / classrooms reopening / SNAP benefits to increase / preparing for Henri
Vermont civil court may allow some jurors to work from home. A sex offender is charged with extortion re: photos. And schools are reopening classrooms for returning children.
Fatal crash in Hartland / armed robbery / tractor stolen
Vermont State Police report a fatal car crash, a Shoreham armed robbery, and a stolen tractor – and their hiring of a new victim services officer.
Armed robbery in milking parlor
A dairy farm milking parlor was the scene of an assault and robbery August 9 in Shoreham.
Williamstown bar sex assault suspect nabbed
The man police say sexually assaulted a woman outside a Williamstown bar is in custody of New Hampshire police.
Desautels: Drug dealers get fair trials – why not me, mask-free store owner asks
“Our system has failed us. It has failed us big time. I am turning to you, the people, to get my story out so that in some small way it may help Vermonters keep our freedom. So that my story was not in vain.” – Newport store owner Michael Desautels
Archery deer season starts Oct. 1
Archery deer season starts in just five weeks.
State employee union wants more childcare benefits
Some state employees already receive $300/week reimbursement for child-care. Now their union wants more.
Update on Jummai Nache: pain and prayer
“The pain my wife is going through is 10 times the pain of the leg and hand amputations combined! Someone in the room said, “This is torture!” Humanly speaking it is heartbreaking and discouraging, but in the midst of both of us crying I heard a voice saying ‘Dear, stop crying, the Lord is healing me!’ That was the voice of Jummai.”
Recent Comments