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“Anne Frank: A History for Today” exhibit coming to three Vermont high schools
Travelling exhibit utilizes unique “peer-education” to teach the lessons of the Holocaust
Dem reps backing police mask ban voted last year to shield cop ID from Big Tech
Many of the same reps protecting cops from Big Tech are less interested in protecting them from doxxing by protesters.
Peter Welch wants to lower credit card costs; JP Morgan says ‘try it in Vermont first’
JP Morgan’s CEO, Jamie Dimon, called a nationwide interest rate cap an “economic disaster” that would result in “a drastic reduction of the credit card business” for 80 percent of Americans.
Thayer: President Trump’s first year back in the Oval is action, not apologies
In an era defined by hesitation, that alone is a notable accomplishment.
Galfetti: Include Current Use land in ’50 x 50′ land conservation goals
Under Vermont’s UN-inspired 50×50 law, current use lands were largely excluded from the conserved land inventory.
Shorts: Last call for telephone land lines
Traveling without Real-ID; Lifetime hunting & fishing license winner
Victims of crime involving mental health demand Legislature’s help
Vermont needs a secure facility to hold people deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial for violent crime. That was one of the “asks” to lawmakers by crime victims, survivors, and advocates from across Vermont who gathered at the State House on Tuesday for the first Voices for Vermont Victims Public Hearing, urging lawmakers to enact reforms to better protect victims’ rights in cases involving mental health and forensic competency issues.
Raid nets drugs, guns, cash & 5 suspects
Several specialized units were deployed during the operation, including the Tactical Services Unit, Bomb Squad, Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program and Crisis Negotiation Unit.
House panels work on homeless housing, school nutrition
Inventory state land for housing possibilities. Permanent solution to emergency housing. Less processed foods in school lunches.
Informed consent for child vax goes to House floor today
“Prior to administering the recommended immunization, the health care professional shall obtain written acknowledgement of receipt of the information required by this subdivision from the patient or, if the patient is a minor, from the patient’s parent or guardian.”
Klar: The Clinton Conundrum: Bill and Hillary defy Congress at what cost?
Will they face criminal proceedings?
Cohen: UVM students live in squalid dorms while prez enjoys free family housing
University of Vermont President Marlene Tromp silent on dorm squalor while she lives with her entire family in ‘free’ campus housing.
Alzheimer’s Association Vermont and Lt. Gov. Rodgers launch statewide caregiver listening tour
Unpaid caregivers provide millions of hours to dementia patients
Illegal immigrant with 25 convictions awaits deportation from VT
The U.S. Border Patrol arrested Benjamin Paul Sheldon Schooner, 35, of Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada near the Haskell Library and Opera House in Derby Line on Christmas Day about 12:20 a.m., records show.
Franklin County man denies attempted murder
Milton resident still recovering from shooting
Roper: How state government destroyed childcare in Vermont
State subsidies and regulation made childcare more expensive, less available, and less effective.
Anti-ICE bills ‘not just feel good’ legislation, sponsor says
Critics of the two bills say state law cannot override federal law or restrain federal law enforcement.
VT Headlines: Wind chills up to -40° this weekend
Gov. Scott forecasts comeback for nuclear; ICE Out protests happening across Vermont, including Burlington and Williston; Gov. Phil Scott aims to fix Vermont’s ‘broken’ criminal justice system this session
From ICE to ice cream at the State House
At a Capitol Ministries mixer Tuesday afternoon, elected officials as disparate in their views as Progressive Rep. Brian Cina of Burlington and Republican Rep. Mary Morrissey of Bennington could be seen sitting down peacefully over the ice cream served up by the State House ministry overseen by Rev. Aaron Clark of Montpelier.
Guv says days of Covid-era federal $$ are over, time to restructure
Gov. Phil Scott on Tuesday unveiled his proposed FY2027 budget, saying the $9.4 billion plan reins in costs, provides targeted property tax relief, and begins addressing long-term structural challenges in education, transportation, housing, and human services—without raising broad-based taxes.
Legislature looks at tolls for transportation revenue
The Transportation budget faces a $33 million shortfall this year. Growing use of EVs, increasingly fuel-efficient gasoline/diesel cars and trucks, and people working at home rather than commuting have conspired to reduce purchasing at the pump – where the Transportation Fund gets most of its funding. So now both interested residents and state legislators are looking elsewhere.
Children’s Health Day at the Vermont Statehouse
Vermonters will have an opportunity to share their concerns and become better informed regarding the increasing role schools and government have been playing in their family’s health care decisions.
How modern factory-built homes could solve the State’s housing crisis—if regulators would let them
A surge in homelessness and a 32% construction labor shortage have exposed Vermont’s housing crisis as a shelter emergency. Meanwhile, a transformation in off-site construction has created homes that are often higher quality and more energy efficient than traditional builds—at half the cost. So why do state and local regulations still treat them like the mobile homes of 1970?
Selectboard passes anti-ICE resolution, faces social media backlash
In particular, one Facebook commenter said the resolution would have no effect on ICE except to draw federal attention to Williston as a sanctuary town. “It equates to the drunk driver that thinks he’s smart for throwing his beer cans/packages out the window so they’re not in his car if he gets pulled over. That pile of cans on the side of the road equates to putting up a big sign that says, ‘I drive drunk on this road, please patrol here more,’” Frank Williams said.
Trump admin lists ‘365 wins in 365 days’
Trump admin extols its daily accomplishments.
VT Headlines: Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital brings back mask requirements for staff
Hundreds gather in Waitsfield, Vermont for peaceful protest on Martin Luther King Jr. Day;Vermont’s Transportation Fund faces $33 million shortfall; Arctic blast expected to bring near record cold this weekend in Vermont, New York; Rutland community shares mixed reactions over Walmart relocation
When faith crosses party lines
A story of salvation and friendship in the Vermont State House.
Vermont Senate would ban ICE masks, some arrests
One bill prohibits arrests for civil violations – including immigration violations – in ‘sensitive locations’. The other requires all law enforcement – including federal officers – to wear name tags and not wear masks.
Bufka: MLK’S ‘Strength to Love’ a must-read
In these chaotic times, it is a good idea to reach out for and hold fast to whatever helps us to remember what it means to be fully human. You don’t have to be a Christian, or an activist, to appreciate Strength to Love. You just have to be human and want to be the best human you can be.
Sanders a never-show at Holocaust Museum council meetings
Records provided by museum staff show Sanders, who is Jewish, has missed every council meeting since joining the board, despite his long tenure and high-profile role in national politics, including his Democratic presidential campaigns in 2016 and 2020.
Vermont grapples with out-of-state EV drivers not paying for roads they use
As much as 20% of public charging goes to non-residents who contribute nothing to highway maintenance. The state has studied—and largely rejected—direct solutions.
Klar: MAHA scores major Congressional ‘win’ against Big Chem.
But will SCOTUS Intervene on behalf of pesticide manufacturers?
Scott gives budget address this afternoon amid slow revenue growth
Bills, news rules impact cost of fuel, fuel storage, overtime pay, credit card usage
Gassett: Voter ID law ‘no-brainer’
Vermonters deserve an elections system that is convenient, but also secure and accurate. We have the former, but we do not at present have the latter. Moreover, multiple polls by a wide spectrum of pollsters such show around 80% of people support Voter ID. Passing H.670 should be a no-brainer.
Deer season yields 3.5 million servings of venison/ Manchester’s Most Interesting Beer Pitchman is BACK
In real life, Goldsmith lives a pretty typical life for a Manchester resident. “I used to ski, but I don’t anymore. If you don’t ice fish—that to me is torture—there’s nothing much to do. I read a lot. The winter here is long. We sleep as long as possible and like to go out for lunch.”
Coester: Shame on Omar for cursing United States
For those who missed her charade, here it is: @IlhanMN refers to our great country as the “U.S. G*dd*mn States.” But without the asterisks. There is no circumstance in which she should refer to our country in this way. It is beyond disrespectful—it is appalling, disgusting, and sick. Shame on her!
Skiers rescued at night on frigid mountain
“The skiers said they had 2% battery life on their cell phone and no warm gear or light to continue.”
Man shot outside police station
Moments later, a 25-year-old man from Milton entered the lobby of the Colchester Police Department at 835 Blakely Road with a facial wound.
Update: Pro-ICE rally delayed to ensure police presence
“Many Vermonters do support ICE. Those are the voices that have been routinely dismissed almost everywhere in the media,” Oetjen said.
Soulia: VT bill would speed up evictions, tighten court timelines
Only 3 days of warning given for eviction, under the new proposed bill.
VT Headlines: Police charge 20-year-old with attempted murder in Colchester shooting
Multiple people, including minors, seriously injured after head-on crash in Monkton; Vermont State Police investigate Chittenden Regional inmate death; Crews Respond To Structure Fire In Swanton; Hinesburg and new police union agree to three-year contract
25-30% of VT students ‘chronically absent’
When schools shifted to remote learning and later reopened amid ongoing health concerns, attendance became harder to track and harder to maintain.
Dance recital bus slides off I-89
Vermont State Police said the bus, returning from a dance recital, left the roadway on the southbound Exit 3 off-ramp in wet, slushy conditions. The driver, Brittany Pontier, 26, of Bennington, was able to reenter the roadway, and the bus continued on its way.
By 2030, one in 3 VTers over 65 – here’s what it means
Vermonters use less total energy than the residents of any other state in the nation and their total energy consumption per capita is among the lowest five states. About 11% of Vermonters heat with wood, the highest share of any state, according to the EIA.
CLG: Minnesota National Guard placed on standby to support law enforcement as protests turn violent
Trump selling seats on Gaza ‘Board of Peace’ for $1B; U.S. opens missile facility in Qatar amid Iran tensions; U.S. freezes all visa processing for 75 countries, including Somalia, Afghanistan, and Iran
MLK 1962 speech at Dartmouth: “We have a long, long way to go”
“I think one of the great tragedies of life is that more often men seek to live in monologue rather than dialogue.”
National Martin Luther King Jr. tribute ends at Shelburne library
The Obama White House, the National Civil Rights Museum and Little Rock Central High School: all have hosted bronze statues of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as part of a local man’s public art project. Now, 15 years and 17 sculptures later, the last statue in the project has found its final home in Shelburne.
Crosby: A ground solar nightmare
All permanent ground solar should require local town permitting complete with Notice and Public Comment, with certified letters including Notice and Public Comment opportunity to abutters.
Vermont State Auditor candidate, a Montpelier-outsider, looks to bring more accountability and less policymaking to the job
A fourth generation Vermonter, Graeter’s focus is on a return to granular fiscal oversight rather than the broad policy analysis that has characterized the office exiting auditor Doug Hoffer’s tenure.
Letters: Smith on the true reason for high taxes
Also: Rowell on Mulvaney-Stanak & ICE
Vermont’s Plan to bring lottery sales to your smartphone relies on Michigan’s success—but Pennsylvania tells a different story
Two states, two outcomes, and a different model in New Hampshire shape the debate
At least 150,000 Vermont customers lost Verizon service this week — they’re each getting $20
A nationwide network failure left roughly one-quarter of Vermonters without cell service for ten hours on January 14, exposing critical vulnerabilities in the state’s communications infrastructure
New England Donor Services announces record number of life-saving organ transplants in 2025
Despite national headwinds and federal regulatory uncertainty, leading OPO coordinated organ donations from 640 deceased donors across the New England region that resulted in a record 1,692 life-saving organ transplants
VT Headlines: National guard, multiple fire crews respond to repeat Colchester structure fire, now under investigation
Lowell Town Garage destroyed by fire, officials say; Monkton farm matches furry friends with seniors, veterans; Vermont organizations merge accessible recreation and conservation goals in ‘first-of-its-kind’ outdoor center in Rochester; Roadway in Randolph closed due to crash
The black beast of Snake Mountain
Among its dense forests and rocky ledges, local folklore speaks of a terrifying cryptid known as “The Black Beast of Snake Mountain,” which allegedly terrorized the region during the 1920s and 1930s.
Hot News to Discuss on Feedback Friday on Hot Off The Press
Burlington mayor echoes Minneapolis mayor, Gov. Tim Walz – call in 802-244-1777
Former Detroit denies three new federal felony cocaine charges
Just off court supervision for Central Vermont drug case
Former Rutland woman charged with exploitation
Former Rutland woman arrested for child porn exploitation.
Klar, Murray named to Vermont Farm Service Agency
Members of the FSA state committee are appointed by Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and, in support of the Trump Administration’s Farmers First commitment, members of the FSA state committee are responsible for the oversight of farm programs and county committee operations, resolving program delivery appeals from the agriculture community, maintaining cooperative relations with industry stakeholders and keeping producers informed about current FSA programs.
House OKs farm/forest emergency fund
House agrees with Senate on permanent emergency fund for farms, forestry.
Vermont lawmakers push ‘accountability’ model in H.594 to rein in $2.7M monthly motel costs and homelessness crisis
The most discussed feature of H.594 is the Return Home Program, where the state would fund travel and relocation for unhoused individuals who wish to return to a state where they maintain legal reside
Roy: The Vermont taxpayer squeeze continues
Our current legislature seems to have no problem in “raising revenue” by taxing Vermonters more each year to match spending increases. With a $9B budget, Vermont does not have a revenue problem. We have a COST problem. We have a SPENDING Problem.
Roper: New England’s energy policies Are unaffordable, unreliable, unrealistic – and Vermont is leading the pack
But a new study shows it doesn’t have to be this way!
Vermont teens challenged to create life-saving videos in 2026 PSA contest
Lights, Camera, Safety!
AI threatens journalism jobs? Vax, energy legislation… and more on today’s Hot Off The Press 11:05
Listen to every episode of Hot Off The Press. Call in at 802-244-1777.
Soulia: VT bill would centralize vaccine authority in Health Commissioner
House Bill H.545, introduced by Rep. Theresa Wood (D–Washington-Chittenden) and Rep. Alyssa Black (D–Chittenden-24), would shift the power to set immunization recommendations from federal agencies to the Vermont Department of Health. It would require all insurers to cover any immunization recommended by the commissioner with no copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles, and grant immunity from most civil and administrative liability to health professionals who administer those vaccines in accordance with state guidance.
VT Headlines: Welch joins Trump for signing of milk bill
School districts finalize budgets with varying property tax increases; Shelters crushed by costs of animal cruelty, advocates tell Vermont lawmakers; Burlington Electric can sell renewable energy credits to Maine
Digger staff worries AI could take their jobs
Under VTDigger management’s contract proposal, human journalists can be replaced by Artificial Intelligence to produce the local news you rely on.
Red Fox Community School student Phoebe Bingham sworn into Vermont’s first-ever Kid Governor Executive Cabinet
Bingham was selected as one of only seven finalists from across the state in an election that saw more than 1,000 Vermont fifth-graders cast their ballots. As a Cabinet member, she will serve alongside Vermont’s first-ever Kid Governor, Roslyn Fortin of Highgate, to address critical issues facing the state’s youth.
FYIVT Golden Dome: Evening roundup
Energy Policy: Nuclear Returns to the Conversation; Telecommunications: Local Control Versus Statewide Infrastructure; Insurance Regulation: Technical Changes With Structural Importance; Transportation: Revenue Signals Raise Long-Term Questions; Human Services: Governance Updates Move Forward
Chittenden County school district under federal investigation for allowing biological boys to play girls’ sports
A Vermont school district is under federal investigation amid allegations that its policies discriminate against girls by allowing biological males to compete in girls’ sports. “These policies jeopardize both the safety and the equal opportunities of women in educational programs and activities,” OCR said in a statement announcing the investigations.
Police raid nets suspected home invaders
Also, St. J cops arrest wanted man from Connecticut.
Former UVM police chief, entrepreneur named to police advisory board
Governor Phil Scott’s office today announced a range of appointments made in the fourth quarter of 2025 – including former UVM police chief and public safety entrepreneur Gary Margolis of Shelburne to the State Police Advisory Commission.
State floats conservation plan for lemmings, orchids, sturgeon
The adorable Southern bog lemming, delicate small whorled pogonia orchid, mysterious lake sturgeon and humble wood turtle may not seem to have much in common. But, all four are classified as “Species of Greatest Conservation Need” (SGCN) in a newly-drafted update to Vermont’s Wildlife Action Plan, which is now available for public comment.
House accepts St. Albans rep resignation, bills introduced
The St. Albans Republican and founder of the House Futures Caucus has resigned due to family commitments.
Man dressed as cop threatens woman, real police say
Investigators said Thallon was dressed and acted as if he were a law enforcement officer and aggressively approached Wheeler while keeping his hand over a firearm on his person.
House GOP backs incarceration, repeal of Climate Superfund, staying the course on Act 73
“There’s a lot of people in the [State House] building that don’t like to arrest and incarcerate people,” Burditt said. “There’s a lot of people in the building who would just as soon close prisons, because they don’t look at them as being compassionate.”
VT Headlines: Vermont, Connecticut National Guard deploying to train Ukrainian soldiers
Confirmation process begins for Vermont Supreme Court nominees; Extended city attorney vacancy leads to overspending in Rutland; Waterbury Dam flood gates repaired as work continues; Vermont DMV launches online commercial permitting system
UFO study bill introduced
The bill, among dozens introduced this week, create the Vermont Airspace Safety and Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Task Force to evaluate reports of unidentified anomalous phenomena.
Blotter: Body found in Connecticut River believed to be missing Grafton man
New Hampshire authorities will conduct a death investigation.
Hundreds of drivers pass stopped Vermont school buses daily — New camera program aims to end the free-for-all
A new initiative in Bennington County signals a major shift in how Vermont enforces school bus passing laws, but the full legal framework won’t be in place until August 2026.
Soulia: Five years in, VT’s Climate Council is still narrowing its focus
At two public meetings held a week apart, Council members and staff from the Climate Action Office walked through Vermont’s updated Climate Action Plan, introduced a list of “Top 10 Priority Actions,” and discussed next steps — even as the state has already missed its first statutory emissions benchmark and faces mounting costs to reach the next.
$1,000 or $30,000? The stark divide over Vermont’s 2024 Building Energy rules and their impact on the housing crisis
Vermont’s 2020 energy standards focused on basic quality and efficiency. In contrast, the 2024 standards are designed to support the state’s Global Warming Solutions Act.
Sanders introduces bill to ban presidents from self-naming federal buildings
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), joined by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), introduced legislation Tuesday Jan. 13 to prohibit sitting presidents from naming or renaming federal buildings, land, or other assets after themselves.
Keelan: Amnesty for embezzlers and fraudsters
The proposed legislation would, for those involved, remove the risk of prison time if they come forward within a predetermined period and admit and cease their illegal activity.
McEnany: No, Treasurer Pieciak, VT doesn’t need leaders like Tim Walz
The following is an open letter from Barre resident Larry McEnany to Treasurer Michael Pieciak.
‘You’ve outdone me today, Rob!’
North made quite a splash when he wore a green sequined coat into the Vermont State House today.
Soulia: From $500M to $1.4 BILLION
The Global Warming Solutions Act money pit deepens!
VT Headlines: Lawsuit claims Burlington underrepresents Republicans on voter registration board
BTV airport joins anti-human trafficking program; Judge denies bail in deadly vehicle chase despite report blaming Rutland police; Vermont National Guard members to deploy to Germany for training mission
Gun rights, Act 250, Queen City politics today on Hot Off The Press
Listen to every episode of Hot Off The Press.
Lawmaker to challenge controversial Act 250 ‘Road Rule’
Rep. Greg Burtt (R-Cabot) said he is developing a bill to repeal the so-called “Road Rule” included in Act 181, the sweeping Act 250 reform package passed by the Legislature’s 2024 Democratic supermajority. The provision places any development on a private road 800 feet or longer automatically under Act 250 jurisdiction, regardless of project size or environmental impact. It takes effect July 1 – hence Burtt’s effort to introduce a bill to rid Act 250 of what he believes is an onerous provision.
Senator proposes new carbon tax on gas, diesel
New legislation (S.171) sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Rebecca White (D-Windsor), would create a Clean Fuels Program aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation fuels.
Out-of-state owners dominate Stowe’s vacation rentals—Now the Town is fighting back
Registry data reveals a significant disconnect between the perception of local hosts supplementing income and the reality of ownership patterns.
UVM’s North Country hospitals bargain amid NYC 15,000+ nurse walkout
A significant source of friction in negotiations stems from wage comparisons with nurses at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington—the network’s flagship facility.
Shorts: Norwich names alum as Commandant of Cadets
Also: Report: last school merger saved some $$ but VT still has #2 per-pupil spending AND $3000 scholarship applications accepted
NGO wants state funding to transport immigrants to health care clinics
A nonprofit that helps immigrants, regardless of legal status, get to health care appointments is asking Vermont lawmakers for $167,000 in state funding after losing support from the University of Vermont Extension Service.
Roper: And what’s the plan for restoring “economic momentum?”
Vermont Futures Project: right diagnosis, (mostly) wrong solutions.
Working smoke, CO2 alarms save dad and two young children
The fire could have turned deadly if not for the alarms.
In Committee: budget adjustment, crime victim notification, PCBs in schools, underused state buildings, climate plans & more
The House Committee on Health Care is set to review immunization recommendations (H.545).
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