“Why would any adult even entertain the idea of putting hormonal boys and girls together in the same room for these intimate and personal moments?” Reighley wrote. “In the not-so-distant past, this was viewed as an absolute taboo.”
High school opens large bathroom for both sexes
Deputy involved in Springfield shooting didn’t have commission
“Clearly, some things did not get done,” Palmer told the Standard on Tuesday afternoon, one day after the initial news report. “It’s on me, I dropped the ball.”
VT Headlines: Vermont’s congressional delegation, for the first time, calls Israel’s war in Gaza a ‘genocide’
Chester Police Department seeks help with nicknames for new puppies; Drought creating worries about cyanobacteria, water quality; Foreign disinformation about Charlie Kirk’s killing seeks to widen US divisions; Hybrid model chosen for Mad River Valley Active Transportation Corridor
Blotter: Cops bust home-invading, drug-using armed robbery suspect
Also, a woman is charged with assaulting the Waterbury fire chief, and motorcyclist flees police at 100 MPH.
Vermont State Police to hold annual presentation of awards & promotions
Scheduled speakers include Gov. Phil Scott, Commissioner of Public Safety Jennifer Morrison and Col. Matthew T. Birmingham, director of the state police. They will honor members of the agency and others for acts of heroism and community service, and recognize 23 sworn members of the state police who have received promotions since last year’s awards ceremony was held in September 2024.
Citing need for more housing, Scott slows push for heat pumps
Currently, a quarter of Vermont renters spend more than 50% of their income on housing costs, which will continue to trend in the wrong direction if action isn’t taken, a Scott spokesperson said.
Soulia: VTDigger’s golden parachute raises questions about nonprofit stewardship
When Vermonters are asked to donate to VTDigger, they’re told they’re supporting independent journalism. But recent IRS filings by its parent, the Vermont Journalism Trust (VJT), reveal a separation agreement with founder Anne Galloway that raises questions about how donor money is used.
Letters: VT GOP mourns, organizes after Kirk assassination
As we mourn the death of our heroes, cringe at our communities in turmoil or wince at the anger and barbs frivolously thrown by some of our fellow citizens, we will prevail.
B-2 stealth bomber to do football flyover at Norwich Saturday
The flyover is scheduled for about 2 PM, just before kickoff of the Homecoming football game and in coordination with the playing of the National Anthem.
Blotter: Stabbing, bottle attack, big haul at camp burglary
Police say Bailey, who was at a workplace of a person he was not permitted to approach via court order, fled officers in Burlington on June 2 and discarded a fanny pack containing a loaded Sig Sauer pistol.
Vermont vigils continue for Charlie Kirk
“Something horrible is happening in America, we are divided and have forgotten what our country was founded on,” Mayhew said.
Shelburne Museum celebrates 70th anniversary of the steamboat Ticonderoga’s arrival
n 1955, the Ticonderoga made its remarkable overland journey from Lake Champlain to Shelburne Museum, where it has remained “docked” in its grassy basin ever since. Today, the 220-foot landmark remains one of the most iconic and beloved structures on the museum’s campus.
VT Headlines: $25,000 gift from Charlotte church will support housing program
Jerry Greenfield resigns from Ben & Jerry’s; Vermont aims for share of $50 billion in federal funding for rural health; St. Albans creamery works to address ongoing odor complaints
State police remember Trooper Kyle Young, who died in training 10 years ago today
On one occasion, Kyle responded to a call about a suicidal veteran. He was able to build rapport with the distraught veteran through his own shared experiences and ultimately convince the veteran to seek help.
Despathy: Vermont’s climate trap
What are the people to do when a law creates a trap that plunders precious resources and hard earned money and brings harm to Vermonters, all for zero beneficial environmental impact?
The poisonous Virginia Creeper: like most bad things, VT dogs don’t know to avoid it
This year, the prevalence of Virginia Creeper feels particularly pronounced, raising the need for public awareness about its hidden dangers for Vermont families and their unsuspecting dogs.
Soulia: Vermont at a crossroads
One year of FYIVT
Mayors back end to tariffs
The Union of Quebec Municipalities and Vermont Mayors Coalition held a joint press conference at Granby City Hall on September 5, where elected officials testified to the negative impact tariff measures are having on local economies, businesses and residents.
Couple engages Charlie Kirk-style with Montpelier
‘I know that I’m politically outnumbered in the capital. I hoped that in the fallout of a slain youth political voice, that there could maybe be common ground, or someone would at least come to the table.”
VT Headlines: Vermonters feel impacts of record low water levels
New mental health urgent care opening in Newport; Backlogged bonds pass in Shelburne
Martha Stewart adopts two Vermont rescue horses
The organization shared the news over the weekend, calling the adoption “a true dream come true” for the animals and their volunteers.
Jesse Strong Patriots Day to honor fallen Marine and Border Patrol agent Chris Maland
First held in 2019, the benefit was established to celebrate Strong’s life and legacy. Strong, the son of Rev. Nathan and former Rep. Vicki Strong, was killed trying to deter militants from disrupting Iraq’s first post-Sadaam democratic election.
Appointments for seven deputy sheriffs never filed
Deputy involved in fatal shooting among them
Parent challenges LGBTQ, BLM hallway messaging at elementary school
The posters and stickers are displayed in the main hallway, near the kindergarten room of the K-8 school.
Join the Light Radio Network for its 40th anniversary concert
On Saturday, September 27, The Light is celebrating its 40th anniversary by throwing a concert party at the Barre Auditorium in Barre, VT.
Three arrests, a thousand overdoses: The Sinaloa Cartel’s hidden war in Vermont
The cartel’s devastating impact isn’t measured by arrests, but by the ever-climbing number of overdoses in every corner of the Green Mountains.
Stratton and Sugarbush Resorts owner is taking the housing crisis into it’s own hands
Alterra Mountain Company recently announced a capital plan of more than $400 million for the 2025-2026 season, a significant and recurring theme is investment in workforce housing.
Roper: Education reformers say they’re data driven, but are they?
Cuz the data says more charter schools, flexibility to adapt and incentives to perform.
300 hold candlelight vigil for Charlie Kirk
“We love you Erika!” said the crowd of 300 in a video sent to Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow.
VT Headlines: UVM, Middlebury College field hockey offenses clicked on all cylinders
Doxxing website aims to get people fired for posting about Charlie Kirk’s murder; UVM Men’s Soccer team launches subscription service for fans; Crews work to repair water main break in Montpelier; Green Mountain Care Board approves 2026 hospital budgets
Hospital regulators cut spending, cite subsidizing NY hospitals
New York hospitals in the UVMMC network include Champlain Valley Physicians’ Hospital in Plattsburgh, Alice Hyde Medical Center in Malone, and Elizabethtown Community Hospital.
Vermont’s ice-age icon, the Mount Holly Mammoth
Designated Vermont’s state terrestrial fossil in 2014, the mammoth continues to inspire research into the region’s Ice Age past.
School to Legislature: we need Special Session for school construction $$
Urgent request seeks to decouple capital construction debt from per-pupil spending formula
GOP Chair Dame seeks re-election/ Feds sue Uber
What’s the coolest thing made in Vermont? You decide. Hospital wins recycling award. Muzzleloader permit winners announced.
Motorcycles collide, one driver killed
Staniszewski had slowed eastbound on Route 302 to allow a truck to turn into the P & H Truck Stop when Mart, also traveling eastbound, struck the rear of his motorcycle.
Bernie Sanders condemns the assassination of Charlie Kirk
“Freedom and democracy are not about political violence,” said Sanders. “It is not about assassinating public officials. It is not about trying to intimidate people who speak out on an issue. Political violence, in fact, is political cowardice. It means that you cannot convince people of the correctness of your ideas, and you have to impose them through force. Every American, no matter what one’s political point of view may be, must condemn all forms of political violence and all forms of intimidation.”
Rutland school employee condemns Kirk, calls GOP racist
So another question arises: Should taxpayers be expected to keep funding an employee who openly disparages a large portion of the very community he serves?
Vermont is more than used to flash floods, but what about flash droughts?
Vermont is projected to see warmer temperatures and more precipitation overall, but that precipitation is expected to come in heavier, less frequent bursts.
Scott names new labor, health department commissioners
Chris Winters, DCF Commissioner, will be the new deputy commissioner of the Department of Labor beginning September 22. The administration stresses the move is not a demotion.
VT Headlines: Vermont welcomes 50 new US citizens during naturalization ceremony
Frost advisory issued for the Northeast Kingdom; Vermont nonprofit connects homeowners with spare rooms to people in need of affordable housing; The Battle of Plattsburgh’s kickoff reenactment ceremonies honor veterans from the War of 1812
Warner: Charlie Kirk wasn’t ‘the next Rush’ – but he could have been president
As the ugliness of this event spills over onto social media where those who didn’t know Charlie personally are celebrating his death, I have this much to say to them…ALL OF HEAVEN IS ALSO CELEBRATING HIS ARRIVAL.
Recalling over a century of the Champlain Valley Exposition – including Elton John
On September 14, 1923, the Champlain Valley Fair finished its first season in its current location. Some may say it was never bigger than when in 2008 Sir Elton John graced its grandstand.
Johnson: With Charlie’s death, a real turning point
Here’s what I think many felt: This was not just an assassination. It was a spiritual earthquake shaking the souls of believers and all good people. It was like the fabric of reality had perceptibly shifted, like a hard line between good and evil had finally been drawn.
Three injured in crash outside hospital/ embezzlement/ strangling/ arson
Police executed a search warrant at Doyle’s home and recovered several hundred items believed to be stolen.
Barre Forum: What happened at the State House?
Five legislators will answer your questions on what happened in the Legislature this year, and what they believe should happen next year.
How Vermonters are tracking the state’s largest trees
“Everyone likes a big tree,” Arborist and Milton Tree Warden Kris Dulmer said.
New car sales tax and other revenue down, VTRANS plans $7.5 million in cuts
Transportation fund receipts are down overall, with the largest deficits in diesel fuel sales tax and motor vehicle purchase and use taxes and fees. Gasoline sales are not below target.
FBI recovers rifle, publishes photos of ‘person of interest’
The FBI also reported it has found a rifle believed to be the murder weapon.
Vermont backs lawsuit of Liberty University over transgender firing
Celebrate the Constitution Saturday. Mosquito virus comes to Vermont, Mahdawi leaves. Public hearing for border crossing changes.
Vermonters who knew Charlie Kirk remember the man, his message, his work
Aaron Warner, who attended Kirk’s visit to a Williston church, recalled that his event security team said that “Charlie Kirk has received death threats on more than one occasion. Having familiarized myself with Charlie it seems those opposed to him are threatened by his message more than the man himself.”
In Williston, Charlie Kirk preached power to the people
Charlie Kirk’s June, 2021 visit to a Williston church remembered.
UPDATE: New evidence says Father’s Day fatal driver appeared impaired
Ellen E. Willson, 38, of Federal Street may have been impaired, according to three new state police affidavits filed Wednesday as part of the never-ending investigation.
VT Headlines: ‘Underexposed’ Sandgate artist recognized with Governor’s Award
Who pays to fix America’s aging dams? Cities, states and strapped owners; New York, Vermont politicians react to Charlie Kirk shooting death; From stair climbs to community walks, Vermont and northern New York honor lives lost during 9/11
Wagyu beef, produced in Vermont
Terroir (natural environment) is a cornerstone of the wine world. A growing number of farmers and chefs argue it’s just as crucial for raising meat, and Vermont is seen as ideal.
Soulia: Violent censorship and what real fascism looks like
The tools of fascism — demonization, scapegoating, and the silencing of dissent through violence — are appearing with alarming regularity.
Much of VT in ‘severe drought’
Some rainfall over the past weekend helped halt worsening conditions in Maine, but not elsewhere in northern New England. And forecasters say there is little relief on the horizon.
Klar: Wi-Fi exposure may damage infant development
Profitable technologies are not always healthy.
Thurston: 9/11 and the 9th Symphony
As America itself became the root cause of the attack on so many campuses, the symbol that soothed the heart of many after the bombings, the American flag, became a source of endless hate.
In his 2021 visit, Charlie Kirk called Vermont “God’s gift to America” – but he didn’t mean our politics
“This [Burlington] is one of the few cities that has still kept from an aesthetics point the smalltown America, not letting these soulless, godless corporations come in and destroy small business and entrepreneurship,” Kirk said.
Scott promises ‘blueprint’ of help for Burlington
“I look at this as like a crisis that they’re facing, much like a flood, and first thing that we need to do is respond to the flooding and help people, and then the recovery part after,” Scott said.
Roper: How our politicians propose to waste $178M
It must be corruption because nobody is actually this stupid.
VT Headlines: USPS launches job fairs across Vermont
Burlington’s first-ever ‘sex week’ celebrates inclusivity in sex education; Lake Champlain Chamber to host webinar breaking down ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’; Going Places: Montpelier Launches ‘Rides At Your Service’
Woman dies in e-bike collision
E-bikes have grown in popularity as older Vermonters seek help with pedaling and frugal and/or climate-conscious Vermonters seek practical alternatives to cars. The State of Vermont began an e-bike purchase rebate program in 2022.
CLG: French government collapses
Ukraine takes new step towards banning its largest Christian church; Six candidates from Germany’s right-wing AfD party die 13 days apart in lead-up to local elections; Former Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Valery Zaluzhny commissioned the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines
Fox News comes to Northeast Kingdom radio network
“It’s not about having Fox News as much as it’s not about having someone who doesn’t denigrate our country constantly… Just give me the news and I will make up my own mind after that. I don’t want to hear your opinion, just give me the news.”
The real reason Vermont’s highway cameras are on hold
A major obstacle to implementing the program is the Legislature’s requirement that a law enforcement officer review the camera images and issue the civil violations.
Mid-Vermont Christian triumphs over State of Vermont, sports teams must be reinstated
‘We conclude that Plaintiffs are likely to succeed in showing that the VPA’s expulsion of Mid Vermont was not neutral because it displayed hostility toward the school’s religious beliefs,” the two federal judges said.
Both Vermont senators continue to pressure RFK to step down
“We are now witnessing a full blown war on science, public health, and on truth itself,” said Sanders at the joint press conference.
New law says illegal immigrants don’t need social security # to apply for rental housing
“What that means for people in the farmworking community is that we’re obligated to stay on jobs where our rights aren’t being respected and we’re being abused, just because the farm is the only place where we’re able to get housing,” a Migrant Justice member said at the event.
Police chief: Violent felon given probation breaks officer’s hand
If certainty of punishment is zero, then the associated fear is also zero. Assaults on police officers, or other members of the community, inevitably become more prevalent.
VT Headlines: Job program for VT at-risk youth will close next month due skyrocketing healthcare costs
Hinesburg fire chief recognized for exemplary emergency management; Bernie Sanders on what comes after his ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ tour; State contractors blame Vermont’s new digital procurement system VTBuys for missing and late payments; The Conjuring’ star surprises staff at Vermont movie theater
Death penalty decision due for Stowe suspect in murder of out-of-state drug dealers
Bland, son of prominent lawyer, shared Morrisville drug den with victims
Blotter: Young teens busted for social media threats
Assault at Berlin homeless camp. Pistol whipping in Hinesburg. Arrest in Ford dealership robbery.
‘EVs are here to stay,’ despite Federal tax incentives going away
One result of President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” passed by Republicans in July is that it ends a federal tax incentive for the purchase or lease of electric vehicles as of Sept. 30, 2025. So if you’ve been thinking about an EV, now’s the time to act.
FYIVT: Do voter ID laws suppress or protect?
Trump’s proposed executive order has stirred a partisan storm. But step back from the slogans, and the evidence points to a simpler truth: voter ID laws may impose a minor hurdle for some, but they have not prevented record participation. Instead, they may serve a larger purpose—ensuring that every legitimate voter’s choice is protected, and that lawful ballots are not canceled out by unlawful or invalid ones.
O’Neil: What drives the transgender violence against Christians?
None of this means most people who identify as transgender pose a violent threat, nor that activist groups like the Human Rights Campaign are intentionally inspiring people to commit violence. However, the violent trend raises serious questions about the unintended consequences of transgender activists’ rhetoric.
Lindberg: Secretary of State not honest about election security
We need to get back to a system where there are, in practice, multiple eyes on every step of the process from registering a voter to casting a ballot to counting the votes. But to achieve this we will need to pass new election laws that meet this standard. I hope our lawmakers will do this in 2026.
Despathy: Truth about child vaccine trials
It would be most welcome if more people, especially healthcare providers and parents, would dig into the research on vaccine harms for the sake of our children and the future of humanity.
Feds imprison Venezuelan cocaine dealer for illegal re-entry
Also, a St. Albans man sentenced to 6+ years for mail fraud, aggravated identity theft
VT Headlines: 2 arrested in Essex during investigation into social media threats
Memorial for St. Joseph’s Orphanage survivors unveiled; Missing girl in Northeast Kingdom found safe; Burlington streets come alive for Pride Parade; Burlington restaurant shuts down after 11 years
Miss Vermont wows national stage as combat nurse, wildlife rehabilitator
She credits her grandfather, a World War II veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge and received the Purple Heart, with inspiring her own path of service. “One of the things that always stuck with me [was] how he was a part of something bigger than himself,” Parker told Fox News in an interview before the pageant.
Letters: Concerned about school shooters, parent advises shutters at public and private schools
Illegal roundup stifling economic growth? Plus: What do town committees do?
Cult member pleads innocent to murder charge after feds insist on death penalty
Teresa C. Youngblut, 21, of Seattle denied the four charges, including gunning down veteran Border Patrol Agent David “Chris” Maland during a traffic stop in the Northeast Kingdom community of Coventry on Jan. 20.
Emotions run high as towns discuss losing high schools to Act 73
Act 73 formed a statewide redistricting task force, which is holding meetings–one of which could be held at Oxbow next month.
Bossange: How President Trump threatens Vermonters
Dictators love big government. They remain in power through the long arm of the law and big government overreach. For them the government is their tool of control and pathway to creating a police state.
Soulia: Why Peter Welch’s lightning analogy fails on voter fraud
When Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) defended voting access on social media, he leaned on a familiar line: “More Americans are struck by lightning every year than commit voter fraud.” It’s a catchy sound bite. It suggests fraud is so rare that worrying about it is like worrying about unicorns. But what happens if we pull the numbers apart and look not just at perpetrators, but at victims?
Keelan: “Affordable housing is an oxymoron”
This is why affordable housing projects completed or under development in places such as Putney, Bennington, Burlington, and other Vermont cities and towns are costing up to or exceeding $600,000 per unit. In California, the cost is closer to $1 million.
Animals fight crime, are crime victims in VT last week
In one stop, police said Mike detected a felony quantity of MDMA (Ecstasy), two handguns, and drug paraphernalia.
Man charged with repeated injury, cruelty to six-week-old
The infant is being treated at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries.
Air National Guard base open house Sunday, September 7
Attendees can expect an F-35 flyby, working dog demonstration, military band performances, Norwich Silent Drill Team, a “jaws of life” demonstration and guided access to aircraft and vehicles, plus opportunities to meet the pilots, mechanics, medics, engineers, and other professionals who serve in the Vermont National Guard.
Gov names former ICE public defender as state’s attorney
Claire Burns was recommended to the Governor by the Caledonia County Republican Committee. Burns has worked in public defenders’ offices in Colorado and California, representing individuals at all stages of criminal proceedings, including those facing deportation at the Aurora ICE Processing Center, as well as at a juvenile detention center in Colorado, providing group and individual therapy.
VT Headlines: Youngblut to be arraigned on murder charge in border agent’s death
Crews respond to fire at Rutland nursing home; Construction to begin once again on Colchester Diverging Diamond Interchange project; Central Vermont Career Center hoping to expand
40 Days for Life prayer vigil begins with 9/21 kickoff rally
Vermont’s 40 Days for Life 7 AM – 7 PM sidewalk campaignon Washington Street, outside the Barre Planned Parenthood, starts on Wednesday, September 24 and runs through Sunday, November 2.
EAI video covers Vermont left’s long history of making change with out-of-state money
There has been widespread protest from many politicians and non-profit organizations about the decision by Americans for Prosperity to support efforts to reduce taxation and over-regulation in Vermont.
Michigan woman charged in Vermont cross-border child smuggling operation
Attorney General Pam Bondi, flanked by federal prosecutors, including Acting U.S. Attorney Michael P. Drescher of Vermont, outlined on Thursday several recent significant efforts to combat human trafficking and smuggling along the international borders, including an important felony indictment in the Green Mountain State.
Most VT workers dodged data breach at Teamsters’ health union
If you live in Vermont, and your information was compromised in this breach, you should have received a formal letter in the mail from TeamstersCare.
Volunteers needed for River Clean-up Month
Low water levels make this September a good time to clean debris out of rivers.
Roper: More climate propaganda and left-wing bias from VT Digger
This time they really jumped the shark.
Bernie wants RFK Jr to resign, cites ‘overwhelming opposition’
“Despite the overwhelming opposition of the medical community, secretary Kennedy has continued his longstanding crusade against vaccines and his advocacy of conspiracy theories that have been rejected repeatedly by scientific experts.”
Eden at odds over seaweed herbicide in popular lake
Officials are using the herbicide, ProcellarCOR, which has been used in lakes and ponds such as Lake Fairlee, Lake Morey, and Sunset Lake, to battle the invasive milfoil.
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