Education leaders criticize Scott’s plans for district consolidation and per-student funding
Superintendents call Governor’s education proposals “disorganized and politicized”
Thurston: Embracing adaptation for a resilient and prosperous future
We have ALWAYS adapted to our ever-changing climate throughout history and must continue to do so.
Clean Heat ‘soft’ repeal bill is sloppy, PUC Chair says
“We’re very concerned that this mandate for Efficiency Vermont will actually drive up our cost,” Ken Nolan of VPPSA said.
Emergency shelter providers and organizations say the situation is dire
From September through December, our homeless fellow Vermonters suffered multiple catastrophic outcomes, including many preventable deaths.
Legislator confronts, accuses editor after transgender youth committee meeting
No ideology – not Mari Cordes’, not mine, not Donald Trump’s, not Bernie Sanders’ – is so sacred that it may be allowed to suppress anyone’s right to speak and be heard.
VT Headlines: People asked to leave during public hearing for Woodstock police chief
Former childcare provider appears in front of VT Supreme Court; With so much available cash, why did UVM Health Network “need” to cut critical services?
Donahue: Legislative leaders support silencing opposing views
Hopefully, no one despised the individuals speaking at the statehouse last week, but many certainly despised their message.
Vermont falls six spots to 44th worst highways and bridges
Crumbling highways, decaying bridges, and gridlocked traffic plague the Northeast as Vermont is among the nation’s worst for infrastructure maintenance.
Embezzler gets 4 months in prison
Jennifer LaBonte, 45, of Essex Junction, was sentenced Monday, March 17 in US District Court in Rutland to four months of imprisonment following her guilty plea.
Island Pond native named Vermont Democratic Party executive director
Hanlon, who grew up in the Northeast Kingdom community, returns to Vermont after working on campaigns in Pennsylvania and at the Democratic National Committee.
Soulia: Vermont bill seeks to prohibit mask mandates in schools
The bill stems from a growing frustration among parents and educators who have witnessed firsthand the impact of prolonged mask-wearing on students.
Bossange: Solutions for the housing shortage
If we wish to have more employees for a healthier business community and want to encourage younger families to move here, we need to offer housing solutions.
Unilever fired Ben & Jerry’s CEO for anti-Trump stance, lawsuit claims
According to a court filing from Tuesday, Unilever, headquartered in London, is said to have fired Stever in a bid to “mute the social mission” of Ben & Jerry’s — a mission that has also recently encompassed vocal opposition to Israel’s actions in the Gaza war.
Elementary school student brought 9 mm handgun, 67 rounds to school
The student announced it on social media, and his SM friends told adults at school.
VT’s Medal of Honor recipients to be remembered March 25 at State House
The list of Vermont’s Medal of Honor winners is long and distinguished.
Transgender advocates to testify Thursday at State House
Outright Vermont, in collaboration with Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, developed the “Full Spectrum Educator’s Guide to Implementing LGBTQ+ Inclusive Sex Ed,” which is currently being implemented widely in Vermont public schools through the Vermont Agency of Education.
Clean Heat repeal tacked onto ‘legally unsound’ bill, up for committee review today
“S.65 is legally unsound because it contains internally conflicting standards and creates a regulatory morass likely to result in litigation,” says the Public Utilities Commission.
VT Headlines: Executive order puts Vermont libraries, history projects in jeopardy
How Medicaid cuts might impact Vermont; Jarrod Weiss: We don’t need the Walmart-ization of education; Can employees be fired for social media posts?
Westman: Transportation fund in even worse shape than expected
Vermonters are driving more, but EVs and fuel efficient cars mean a depleted Transportation Fund.
Goldendomevt.com now summarizes ALL State House floor, committee meetings
Every floor and committee meeting of the Vermont Legislature now has an AI-generated transcript, video, and summary. Bookmark THAT, news junkies!
Klar: AI agriculture boosts soil, crops, and human health
Potato study shows drone surveillance can boost natural results.
VSP Trooper finalist for award after saving life of shooter who tried to kill him
Berlandy became involved in a pursuit and gun battle in Burke with a wanted fugitive from Rhode Island, and then provided life-saving medical care to the man who just attempted to kill him and two other troopers.
KVS: Poultney man faces new charges for sexual assault and domestic violence
Vermont State Police have filed additional charges against Jason Seiple, 38, of Poultney, after identifying another victim in an ongoing investigation.
Roper: Is VT Pre-K program driving up property taxes and harming kids?
The numbers don’t look good.
Bomb Squad and FBI called in as pipe bomb found during traffic stop in Royalton
The accused, Zamir Paley, 30, of Wilder, already had two warrants for his arrest. They were for “DUI-drug, cocaine possession and retail theft.”
Green Mountain Care Board: Struggling insurance company passing high-interest loan costs onto customers
As Vermont’s hospitals struggle financially, a bill by the House Healthcare Committee would have the state oversee financial records.
Senate Crossover survivors include brake noise violation, medical debt relief, ‘synthetic’ campaign ad ban
The Senate will also consider J.R.S. 15, a joint resolution supporting Vermont’s transgender and non-binary community and declaring the state’s commitment to fighting discrimination and treating all citizens with respect and dignity, up for its third reading.
VT Headlines: Valley Vista will consolidate locations, close Vergennes facility
Trial begins for former VSP trooper accused of stealing from evidence lockup; Green Mountain Transit to hold press conference Tuesday, end free fares
Dame: Lawmakers should resign or be disciplined for ‘rebellious,’ ‘takeover’ of State House
These two legislators worked in an unusual way to incite and organize a “takeover” to prevent themselves and anyone else from hearing a particular point of view.
A ‘concerning time’ in Vermont schools as Trump’s immigration policies ramp up
Said a South Burlington teacher: “There has to be a balance, right?”
Soulia: Welch says No to tougher Fentanyl laws
The state is actively fighting fentanyl deaths, yet Welch voted against a bill designed to stop the source of the problem—traffickers distributing the fentanyl.
Despathy: Tucking CHS ‘repeal’ into costly carbon mandate bill is a political maneuver
Vermonters deserve to know if politicians are using manipulation and rhetoric to push unpopular, expensive agendas.
How VDC is growing, by the numbers
Thank you to every reader and/or viewer who has shared our posts! That’s what in the old-fashioned business world we used to call ‘word of mouth advertising,’ the very best kind.
SHORTS: UVM trustees pick Tromp as next president
Sole UVM prez finalist another former ASU leader. Traffic fatalities down. Barn repair $$ from State of Vermont.
Beware the waking bears
Bear incidents have been on the rise over the past several years.
Correction: Judiciary Committee members sponsor ban on gas-operated semi-automatic firearms
In fact, the AR-15 (which stands for Armalite Rifle, not Assault Rifle as often assumed), is a gas-operated firearm.
13 bills survive House Crossover on Friday
Like the baby turtles that have trundled across treacherous sands at least half the way down the beach to the surf without getting eaten, it’s a promising start.
VT Headlines: Catamounts get opponent for 2025 March Madness tournament
Boston Bruins partner to get Vermont girls on the ice; Burlington Irish Heritage Festival returns for its 30th year; Shamrocks & Headlocks returns to Barre
House school reform bill would set $13,200 block grant per student
A key component is a $13,200 block grant-per-student proposal that could require big adjustments for high spending schools.
Notorious Grand Isle drug dealer due in court for reportedly blowing off community service
Grand Isle Cty.’s most notorious drug dealer is due back in court this month after failing to start volunteer service ordered in 2023 in lieu of life sentence.
Harrison: At Crossover – State House half full or half empty
Depending on one’s perspective we might look at various issues as making progress or going in the wrong direction.
NotTheBee: Transsurrection at the Vermont capitol
Again, Republicans are the weirdo culture warriors. not the people in their underwear storming the Capitol.
CLG: Trump declares Biden’s pardons ‘void, vacant’, and moves to investigate Fauci and Cheney
NATO ‘peacekeepers’ in Ukraine mean war – Medvedev; NYC health officials missed early COVID spread by following CDC bureaucrats; Houthis vow retaliation
KVS: Accused troublemaker in Derby arrested
Starksboro man charged with cocaine possession; Missing Sheldon man arrested in New York after manhunt; Royalton man arrested for meth
North: Paying for gold, getting dirt?
I can say with first-hand knowledge that the Speaker of the House and Senate majority leader both control which bills are allowed to be discussed in Committee.
Beck: New funding plan more transparent, accountable than Act 60
Vermont will likely continue to move toward an education system composed of local elementary schools, central middle schools, and regional high schools and career & technical education centers.
Lindberg: When Harry Truman did DOGE
There is no worse policy for the taxpayer and consumer than to have politicians and bureaucrats choosing winners and losers in the economy.
Friday at Four: Trans protesters disrupt deTrans talk
What does Wednesday’s event mean for the future of free speech? For the political futures of high-profile legislative leaders? And what was it like to get a call from Fox News?
Postal worker charged with pepper spraying supervisor
The incident followed a verbal altercation with her supervisor.
Senate seeks two-year delay of Clean Heat Standard fuel dealers’ registry
The Vermont Senate will vote next week on a committee plan to push back a Clean Heat Standard fuel dealers’ registry by two years.
Detrans organizer wants apology from VT Democrat leaders for ‘attack’ statement
“I would like to see a public apology from Vermont Senate and House Democrats for mischaracterizing our event as an attack on the transgender community,” Rene McGuinness said.
Roper: A bill so absurd in every respect I can’t find words for a headline
Lawmakers’ arrogance, stubbornness, and fiscal irresponsibility on full display with H.125
VT Headlines: Vermont man’s heroic dog rescue from icy river sparks viral sensation
Warm weather may bring sugaring season to a close; Vermont towns continue to grapple with allowing ATVs on local roads
Fireovid: VT Dems are guilty of violating citizens’ right to free speech and assembly
The Sergeant-at-Arms aided-and-abetted protestors to violate Vermont Statute and possibly Federal Civil Rights Law.
McGuinness: House and Senate Democrats mischaracterize detransitioning event
Transgender Activists intended to cause public inconvenience and annoyance by disturbing a lawful meeting of persons with loud noises and the potential implied threat of confiscation or damage to our materials and equipment due to their actions, in violation of Title 13 : Crimes and Criminal Procedure Chapter 019: Breach of the Peace; Disturbances.
Federal education cuts won’t impact ‘25-’26 school year much, lawmakers learn
“Any cuts that might be enacted for FY twenty six wouldn’t impact schools till school year twenty six, twenty seven,” Bordenaro clarified.
Priestley, Arsenault: Big Tech’s privacy gamble
Public servants’ lives are the stakes
Warner: Mary, Mary quite contrary
She clearly rejects our long-established unity in favor of the tools of division.
Anti- Elon Musk protest planned for Saturday at SoBu Tesla dealership
The protest is being organized by “Troublemakers” and “Disruption Project,” two groups Elon Musk named in a post on X Saturday as Democrat funded organizations responsible for on-going nation-wide protests harassing Tesla dealerships.
Ethics bill would exempt Legislature from Ethics Commission oversight, watchdog group says
“This is exactly the opposite of what we should be doing. Vermont needs stronger ethics oversight for all three branches of government, not weaker.”
Page: State House leaders, don’t ever talk to me about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion again
Voting Vermonters now know that if you allow the shouters and screamers to drown out someone else today, you will stand by, holding the cloaks of those who do it to them tomorrow.
Repeal Clean Heat Standard rally draws big crowd
“I run a small propane company in Proctor, Vermont with 11 employees. I’m one of the 11. I’m the ‘Big Oil’ they’re talking about,” Judy Taranovich joked.
SHORTS: Maland warming hut draws cross-border crowd/ Court rules against civil suit redactions
The ceremony brought together American snowmobilers and members of Club Montoneiges Les Trois Village from Canada. Local businesses funded the project.
State House leaders defend transgender takeover of detrans event
On Wednesday, the People’s House was for the people who shouted the loudest – and that’s apparently okay with the majority leaders of the House and Senate.
VT Headlines: GE Aerospace to invest $32 million into Rutland site
Older Vermonters and caregivers rely on adult day programs. Medicaid cuts could jeopardize them; Canada cancels order for Vermont liquor amid trade war
Governor Phil Scott appoints 102 to boards and commissions
Governor Phil Scott’s office today announced a range of appointments made in the last two quarters of 2024. Beginning April 1, appointments will be announced on a quarterly basis.
Perrino: No, a heckler’s veto is not ‘more speech’
“To suppress free speech is a double wrong. It violates the rights of the hearer as well as those of the speaker.”
“Detrans Awareness Day” event organizer explains what trans disrupters prevented her from saying
They are persons who have been hurt by the ‘healthcare’ that they’ve been provided, physically and mentally. And they want to have a voice and they want healing from their wounds and injuries because of the medical procedures.
Fugitive sex offender found in woods after years on the run
Moses has a criminal record dating back to 1979 and was sentenced to 20 to 40 years in prison for aggravated felonious sexual assault committed in the late 1990s. He was granted parole earlier in 2022 but failed to maintain contact with authorities.
Vermont Capitol Police Chief disagrees with emptying State House room during trans disruption
Poleway and two of his uniformed officers were standing in the corridor outside while Kessler delivered her ultimatum. They had not been asked by Kessler to remove the disruptive protesters, he said.
Breaking: Trans activists disrupt Vermont State House detransition talk
Detransition advocates forum interrupted in Vermont State House today.
House may postpone decision to ‘Raise the Age’ on juvenile crime
The vote follows a recent decision by the State of Vermont to not house 18-19 years olds at a proposed new secure juvenile facility in Vergennes. Also, Gov. Phil Scott and others have expressed strong concern about out-of-state drug gangs, aware of Vermont’s juvenile crime laws, using teenagers as drug debt enforcers, sometimes with deadly results.
VT Headlines: Norwich University faces another lawsuit alleging employment discrimination
Berlin police respond to road rage incident involving a gun; Leahy BTV Airport reopens after emergency with gas line
Roper: The Clean Heat Standard is a mess Democrats need to clean up
EVENT TODAY! There is a rally at the State House 12-1 pm calling on the legislature to REPEAL ACT 18.
Stake on Mt. Mansfield logs near-record snow levels
It was the third-highest snowpack reading for that date since 1954, when the stake was installed, making this winter one of the snowiest on record.
Deputy sheriff’s cruiser smashes into Pulitzer Prize winner’s car
Troopers determined that Benoit was at fault for failing to yield the right of way to Moats before crossing the highway.
Measles confirmed in Lamoille County
First Vermont case in 2025. School-aged child had been traveling internationally. Not related to Quebec, Texas outbreaks
Climate activist tells Senate: if you must repeal CHS, keep fuel dealer registry
“If you’re a department or a grocery store selling propane in a canister, or kerosene for lamp oil, you are, in Vermont, a registered fuel dealer. That doesn’t make a lot of sense,” Matt Cota, a representative of the Vermont Fuel Dealers Association, told the committee Tuesday.
Letters: Measles sins of omission, Balint’s hypocrisy, and Biblical taxation
Why isn’t anyone asking if the current MMR vaccine actually protects against anything?//There would be no IRS, income tax, property tax or governmental welfare.
CLG: U.S. resumes intelligence, military aid to Ukraine after Kiev agrees to 30-day ceasefire with Russia
Russian defenses down 337 Ukrainian drones – MOD; Elon Musk says Ukraine is behind ‘massive’ cyberattack on X; Ukraine will have to give up territory – Rubio
Soulia: Unfunded budget pressures clash with Governor’s FY2025 spending plan
Governor Phil Scott’s proposed $8.6 billion budget prioritizes housing, public safety, and education, but leaves some critical obligations underfunded.
Keelan: How the $36M grant to EVT has been spent to date
What is missing is how much follow-up the Legislature and Administration are doing to see how the funds are being applied. So little is publicized.
GOP senator mistakenly co-sponsors prostitution legalization
The Clean Heat Standard rally at noon Wednesday, March 12 isn’t the only grassroots gathering at the State House this week.
BREAKING: Bernie Sanders calls Oligarchy Tour song “reprehensible” and “distracting”
“Senator Sanders is focused on fighting oligarchy and ending authoritarianism in America. He found the song’s lyrics reprehensible and distracting from the crises that we need to be focused on right now.”
Convicted sex offender pleads guilty to new charges/ NEK embezzlement
Edward Cram, 70, admitted to felony charges of lewd and lascivious conduct with a child (second offense) and attempting to lure a child into a sexual act.
Trans singer defends ‘does your God have a…..’ song at Sanders’ Oligarchy tour
The chorus was picked up by many members of the cheering crowd – as its simple, repetitive nature suggests it was meant to be.
Free Help: SCORE Volunteers Mentor Vermont’s ‘Brave Small Businesses’
“It’s lonely to be an entrepreneur and lonely to be a boss, so it’s nice to have someone to talk to who has some knowledge about business,” said Furst.
VT Headlines: Rocking out for Solaar
Stowe Arts Festival canceled again after last year’s windstorm; Ripton Elementary to send incoming K-1 students to different school
Middlebury College under federal investigation for anti-semitism
“The Department is deeply disappointed that Jewish students studying on elite U.S. campuses continue to fear for their safety amid the relentless antisemitic eruptions that have severely disrupted campus life for more than a year. University leaders must do better,” said Secretary of Education Linda McMahon.
Copeland-Hanzas: Celebrate Civic Learning Week, March 10-14
if we don’t know where to start when we want to fix something that is broken in our communities then we become easy to divide, and the problems persist.
Citizens rally for repeal of the Clean Heat Standard (Act 18)
Rally and Press Conference on Wednesday, March 12, 12-1pm
Cedar Creek Room, Vermont Statehouse
Fish and Wildlife Board seeks public comment on doe season, expanded archery season
Deer is Vermont’s most popular game species with about 60,000 resident hunters and 7,500 out-of-state hunters heading into the autumn woods.
McClaughry: Nuclear power revival
Originally published Tuesday May 3, 2022. In 1960-61 McClaughry was a reactor physicist in GE’s Atomic Power Equipment Division.
Letters: Smith on Biblical Justice, Lanese on elected officials ignoring constituents
Under Biblical law, the tax-funded prison system would be eliminated and swift justice reinstated//Who does Congress represent, what do they stand for? Their silence speaks volumes.
Musk calls out Indivisible, other Dem-backed groups protesting Tesla
Vermont Dems push back against Musk in the courts and on the street.
Non-patient spending, unwarranted performance bonuses drive Burlington hospital costs, Coalition says
The stats include 71% of UVM Medical Center’s total operational costs going to administrative work.
Friday at Four: Why is AG Charity Clark more interested in suing Trump than prosecuting Vermont criminals?/ Tariffs open door to nuclear power in Vermont/ Who is anti-Vance Indivisible?
What exactly IS Charity Clark’s job?
VT Headlines: Burlington Seahorses take revenge on rival Rice
Hundreds gather for International Women’s Day protesting federal policies; Benefit hockey game to honor late border agent David Maland
Brattleboro man busted after Beantown bar shooting
The shooting came just five days after Burlington voters approved a ban on carrying firearms in bars and liquor-serving restaurants, in an effort to prevent or reduce such shootings. Both suspects are believed to have been carrying firearms with obliterated serial numbers, a crime under Massachusetts state law.
Covey: In hunting predators, what is ‘fair’?
Bill supporters have consistently stated their opinion that all the tools we use to hunt predators are “unfair”, and we shouldn’t be allowed to hunt them at all. Activism-driven bills like this are a waste of the legislature’s time, a waste of the taxpayers money, and a disservice to the people.
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