After offering a reward leading to arrest, the selectboard learned the FBI recommends offering rewards leading to the conviction of the apprehended suspect.
ST J pays disputed $25K reward to cop shooting informant
VT Headlines: Inclusive police recruiting
Holiday lights, trees, and traditions.
Who else covers Vermont news like VDC does?
If VDC is the warts-and-all mirror in which state policy makers can see how they appear to many Vermonters, then our Sustaining Subscribers are the people who raise the mirror to their faces.
Scammers steal cigarettes with fake CC#
After a few weeks, the purchases are disputed by the actual card owner and the transaction is cancelled by the credit card company.
Serial ‘catch and release’ disruptor keeps Burlington cops busy this month
Violent behavior, insistent and repeated trespassing, and mental health incidents are a recurring theme.
Elderly NJ couple dies in Addison County crash/ Tow truck struck in Georgia
The Impala was headed south on Route 22A when it veered out of its lane for reason unknown, collided with a telephone pole, and flipped over.
VT Headlines: Drive carefully, everyone!
Bakersfield family receives car for Christmas.
Grant: Slam the backdoor on China but keep American global business, allies in AI
The battle against China in AI is crucial. The U.S. has a narrow lead but cannot become complacent.
Letters: A little girl’s will to live
Running into turbulent seas the boat sunk and a 11 year old girl wearing a life jacket was the only survivor latching onto a tire tube.
Balint: Legislate away loneliness
Editor’s note: The holidays are a particularly lonely time of year for many people. Rep. Balint’s bill addresses a real problem.
Tree farm dream continues at Murray Hill
Bob Murray and his wife, Carlie, bought the 60-acre plot of land and planted their first tree in 1976.
New South Burlington city curator ‘exhibits’ belief in art, community
Sarah Jayne Kennelly creates showcases in South Burlington’s Public Art Gallery.
Kept from school as a girl, new district officer Saja Almogalli fights for Winooski students
Winooski is the only majority-minority school district in Vermont, and its students come from more than two dozen countries.
Bumps in the not-so-Silent Night
M.R. James and the tradition of Christmas ghost stories
Vermont police step up to help St. J brothers in blue
It’s what brothers do.Multiple Vermont municipal police departments, county sheriffs, and the Department of Motor Vehicles have agreed to send law enforcement personnel to Caledonia County this week to cover many of the work shifts for beleaguered St. Johnsbury officers.
CLG: Ukraine uses U.S. ATACMS to strike chemical plant in southern Russia
Interactive map reveals disturbing pattern in drone sightings across the U.S.; Pentagon Reveals It Actually Has 2,000 Troops in Syria, Not 900
Soulia: VT’s spending problem
Can our State break free from Federal dependency?
Soulia: The hidden cost of global healthcare
How U.S. overpayments prop up cheaper systems
Newport awarded $112K to launch downtown vendor cart program
The funds will support construction of custom vending carts and finance a marketing campaign targeting cross-border shoppers.
Brownington man gets 15 years in fatal shooting following abuse order
Michael Chadwick of Brownington pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in Lamoille County Superior Court for the 2022 shooting death of Mark Benjamin, 42.
Swanton teen charged with assault after basketball game
Transient man with three warrants cited, released.
Homelessness State of Emergency needed, current and former lawmakers say
Supporters say a declared State of Emergency would reduce regulatory barriers, such as bypassing zoning requirements, which will allowed for a quicker ability to use state, city and privately owned property to open and maintain shelters.
VT Headlines: Plane headed for VT lands on NY thruway
Shiffrin tumble a learning experience for other skiers. Boiling maple sap! Vermont helps rebuild Notre Dame.
Gamechanger! Tom Evslin’s new tech delivers transcripts of Legislature’s committee meetings
VDC and many other news organizations, advocacy groups, and interested citizens now have a clear, searchable, timely transcript of legislative committee meetings, courtesy of One of Vermont’s most accomplished high tech wizards.
Page: From Reformation to redistribution
How the Protestant Reformation influenced the rise of Socialism
Wood: Daniel Penny and Luigi Mangione – was their violence justified?
Democracy is many things. One of those things is delicate. May we never live in a society where we believe that either violence or despair are the only options.
P.L.A.Y. and Cabot Creamery team up for Seriously Sharp Squeaker dog toy
Inspired by Cabot’s iconic Vermont Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese, this eco-friendly toy embodies the quality and community spirit both brands are known for.
BLOTTER: Break-in, assault, John Deere theft in Franklin Co.
A series of thefts and break-ins in Franklin Co.
Sugarbush to open new chair to summit of Lincoln Peak
On Saturday, December 21, Sugarbush Resort will debut its newest upgrade, the Heaven’s Gate Quad, providing a more spacious ride to the summit of Lincoln Peak.
Scott names new energy & telecom commissioner, others
The acting commissioner of the Department of Financial Regulation and deputy commissioner of the Department of Liquor and Lottery were also named.
Dread your commute? These folks suggest trying a trail instead
“Our whole mission is trails that go somewhere,” one org director said. “The whole point is that you could use it to commute.”
Philadelphia men arrested for fentanyl trafficking
The raid was the culmination of a months’ long investigation into the distribution of fentanyl and cocaine base in the Chittenden County area.
VT Headlines: VSP search for missing man underwater
News quiz: What is UVM advising its foreign students to do before Donald Trump takes office?; Eric Edson sentenced on federal charges; Dronespotting
Slighted customer charged with threatening snow plow operator with death by drone
The suspect was a customer of snowplow operator who, short-staffed, was not able to plow his driveway.
Roper: Hoodwinked by the Public Education Blob again!
The Legislature passed the buck to the Commission to come up with solutions, and the commission, having wasted half a year, passed the buck right back. (Sad trombone slide.)
New pregnancy resource center says thanks to supporters
Despite the chaos in the world and in their lives, one thing never changes: God’s love for these parents and their children.
Bill passed by Congress funds central Vermont flood control
Funding will support flood control, water infrastructure, and the Town of Vernon.
Bucknam: Repeal DEI requirements lawyer licensure
If this kind of vicious hatred towards Jews in Canada were directed at Blacks or LGBTQ folks, the Vermont Bar would surely have a serious discussion.
Senate and House Republicans to propose changes to Global Warming Solutions Act
“We will also move to remove the private right to sue Vermont in Act 153 if it falls short of carbon reduction goals,” Beck and McCoy said.
Wounded St. Johnsbury Police captain returns home
St. Johnsbury Police Capt. D. Jason Gray, who officials say was struck by two shotgun blasts during a domestic abuse call, returned home to a hero’s welcome
Indoor dust storm strikes State House
When turned on, the new HVAC system released plumes of dust into the indoor air.
Health insurers missed $400 million in unrealized savings, GMCB says
Vermont hospital payments for VSEA and VEHI members ultimately averaged 289% of Medicare rates during the study duration.
Unspent Covid $$ to fund minority-owned businesses in Burlington
Program specifically to assist “Black and Brown communities in Burlington by putting resources directly into the hands of BIPOC people” and those serving them.
Newport woman charged with forcing teen to drink detergent mixture
Officers learned Hall had been making the juvenile ingest the dangerous mixture almost daily.
Planned Parenthood wants more Vermont taxpayer funding
The Legislature is already facing 20% increases in health care insurance premiums, nursing and manpower shortages, an unprecedented housing and homelessness crisis, increasing property taxes, a multi-billion $$ bill for replacing aging school buildings, child care payroll taxes, proposed carbon reduction and flood mitigation expenditures, and demands by ‘social justice’ state offices like the Vermont Human Rights Commission and the Vermont Truth and Reconciliation Commission for increased staff and funding.
Gov. Phil Scott announces 16 projects received Transformational Tourism Grants
Also, Vermont 2025 hunting and fishing licenses and lawbooks available
Klar: New USDA guidelines will sicken us
The new regulations advocate “reducing focus on chronic disease risk reduction” and more on “improving the lifespan.”
Vermont State Treasurer press release on returning $1.3 million to Vermonters
The program will rightfully return a total of nearly $1.3 million to over 5,000 Vermonters before the holiday season.
Vermont AG going after gunmakers for violence involving firearms
18 AGs to go after firearms industry for gun violence, opponents call it ‘fear mongering’
VT Headlines: Christmas a drag in Bethel
Drag Christmas party. Charitable casino. Life in the ‘lower class. And good news about St. J police captain.
VT Headlines: VT supermarket sells $26.2 million lotto ticket
Rutland hospital named to Best Maternity Ward list. Pot dealers sue for free speech. Soccer Cats return #1 in nation.
Klar: Telling the truth about Communist tyranny
Legislation designed to rescue American students from the ideology of far-left academia.
Human Rights, Reconciliation Boards seek more public money
The Commission was set up in 1987 to advocate for various human rights protections such as providing representation for renters while in court for housing disputes.
Keep Vermont Safe: Green Mountain mayhem
Church Street juveniles with knives; Domestic/Sexual assault in Newport; Sexual Assault in Mendon; Salisbury man calls 911 a total of 56 times for no reason
Bryce: King Coal powers on
Thanks to soaring electricity demand in China and India, coal consumption will hit another new record this year: 8.8 billion tons.
CLG: NJ residents say they’re suffering alarming symptoms after encounters with drones
Ex-CIA officer gives chilling drone theory; Russian chemical defense chief killed in blast in Moscow; Madison female school shooter, 15, named after killing two
Roper: Climate Council doubles down on Clean Heat/Gas & Diesel carbon taxes
Time to repeal this unelected, worse than useless committee.
Despathy: Unelected Climate Council committee backs slower rollout of CHS
Despite all of the proposed Clean Heat Standard’s issues that have bubbled to the surface, some members of Vermont’s Climate Council refuse to let go.
Post-election, Welch seeks end to ‘outdated’ Electoral College
Welch also would restrict deporting Palestinians, impose Supreme Court term limits, and shut down offshore oil and gas rigs
$2500 bail for firearms threat in Bridport
Threatening with a gun. Cracking the town office safe. Smashing into a storefront with a truck.
2024: a Year of Striving and Hope
We at VDC tried hard in 2024 to make that hope for balanced, responsive state government a reality. We will continue the work in 2025.
Wrenner: $88 M state computer boondoggle goes full speed ahead
Total expected cost through 2031, for a system that is not guaranteed to work as expected: $88 M.
St. J. Police shooter was delusional and using crack cocaine
Pleads not guilty to upgraded charge; Habitual offender charge added
Burlington rejects anti-Israel referendum (again)
Those who opposed the measure again cited that it would divide their community.
VT Headlines: Scott has Covid
Once again, Covid will be making Gov. Phil Scott work from home.
NH GOP guv will help Trump deport illegals
Ayotte has been politely supportive, which we should not mistake for a road to Damascus conversion. But on deportation, she appears to be on board.
House Republicans to introduce Clean Heat Standard repeal
Higley speculated “the reason House Republicans might want to introduce a bill to repeal Act 18 is to ensure they are out ahead of the curve and that they can point to that directly opposed to the CHS.”
Bernie Sanders says Musk is right on military spending
Sanders wants to help Trump’s new Department of Government Efficiency, which is co-led by Tesla CEO Elon Musk and tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.
More dogs than ever need homes: Passion 4 Paws is trying to help
Robin Shover founded the Shelburne-based non-profit in 2014 and has since rescued over 3,000 dogs.
Lt. Gov.-elect Rodgers: ‘I want to be a bridge’
John Rodgers on his political rebound, switching parties and priorities.
Vermont electors cast all 3 votes for Harris
This year, Donald Trump picked up his highest percentage of Vermont votes yet. it was still less than a third of the total votes cast.
Parents challenge gender ideology instructional materials at Mary Hogan Elementary School
It was apparent that two worldviews are butting heads.
Cats win! Cats win!
The Catamounts saved it for late once again winning in overtime after tying the game deep in regulation.
Woman cited after intercourse in public in broad daylight
The video provided was taken during broad daylight, in the open, in the occupied Bradford Park parking lot open to the general public.
Cashier assaulted, supermarket robbed
The suspect made a small purchase and waited for the cashier to open the cash drawer before forcibly taking the money.
Boyfriend shot, woman robbed at gunpoint in Burlington
A female victim who reported that two men robbed her at gunpoint, threatened to shoot her and stole her purse which contained her phone, wallet and a gun.
Parents object to transgender-themed books in kindergarten
The books in question are sometimes both graphic and targeting young audiences.
Landlords warn ‘just cause’ eviction will raise Vermont rents even higher
The draft report recommends legislation to approve just cause eviction, rent control (AKA ‘stablization), a rental registry, tenant right to counsel, and more funding for housing supports.
Smith: Why I elect not to vote
As a former liberal, conservative, and libertarian and, for years, I am happy to say that I have now freed myself from politics and voting.
Harrison: Next Legislature will look very different
The House Republicans plan to introduce legislation to repeal Act 18, the Clean Heat Standard.
Keelan: A little boy’s wish
Originally published on Christmas Eve, 2005, and published every Christmas Eve since. It was awarded 3rd Place in the 2021 New England Better Newspaper Competition, sponsored by NENPA
CLG: Biden regime spent $267 million on ‘disinformation’ research
Biden Education Department spent over $1 billion on DEI grants; U.S. pays $20 billion into Ukraine loan fund; Israel preparing to strike Iranian nuclear sites
Dog abandoned in apartment lost half his weight
The owner shut off all utilities and left him to die, cold and alone.
Half-dozen people may have helped alleged cop shooter hide from manhunt
State police made no mention in its press release today about anybody else at the residence, but Vermont News First has learned that a half dozen people were also found inside. All denied that Mason was there, but police found otherwise.
UVM men’s soccer to play for national championship tonight
Monday Night Football, move over! UVM defeated #3 Denver on Friday on penalty kicks to advance to the College Cup Final.
VT Headlines: Bernie look-alike crowned
The winner got $17 – a significant choice for the cash award.
Three opioid related overdoses in less than a 24 period in Hartford VT
100+ Vermonters a month die from opioid related fatality
Vermont man running FAA urged to support states’ rights to shoot down drones
“Currently, Federal Aviation Administration regulations limit state and local governments to disable or neutralize drones that pose eminent danger to the communities we represent,” a state senator wrote to Whitaker.
Fernandez: Syria’s regime change: “Meet the new boss, same as the old boss”?
Flooding from their base in the northern Idlib province, HTS, or Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, is now Syria’s ruling para-military presence.
$21.8M housing project to create 40 units in Newport area
The $21.8 million project includes converting Newport City’s historic Sacred Heart Convent into 26 mixed-income rental units the high school into 24 condos.
Champlain College research on machine learning & data science gets noticed
Mentored by their professor, two Champlain College students gain international recognition for groundbreaking research that helps secure privacy in big data.
Guv reshuffles administration leadership team
Governor Phil Scott Wednesday announced new appointments within the administration and on his senior policy team.
Taxpayers subsidize Vermonters’ highest-in-the-nation health insurance rates
“This year, many Vermonters will be eligible for better coverage plans at lower premium costs due to increased federal subsidies,” the Health Department stated in an email presser sent out Monday.
VT Humane: File charges over slaughterhouse cruelty
The most recent animal cruelty reports, .documented by a federal inspector at the Vermont Packinghouse in N. Springfield, VT, should result in criminal charges.
Albee: The consumer and the Vermont story
Understanding the history of the U.S. and World Trade
VT Headlines: UVM advises foreign students to return before Trump takes office
‘Alex Cross’ offer James Patterson gives bonus to Vermont booksellers.
Page: Montpelier, swallow your pride and really help drug addicts and the homeless
When growing in-migration and substance abuse collides with decades of elite-driven anti-housing policies, the poorest and the most needy suffer.
Roper: Ideologically driven electrification mandates make VT unaffordable too
Don’t force businesses to install EV charging stations their customers don’t want/need.
Soulia: The massive tax burden hiding in plain sight
How much are you really paying?
VSP poke holes in Derby Line driver’s shooting claim
A 23-year-old Derby Line man faces felony charges after claiming he drove off Route 5 to escape gunfire, though police found no corroborating evidence.
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