A PAC with missing money, unfiled reports, and unanswered questions
Soulia: The Rutland Forward enigma
New bill seeks “fair standards and fair process” for school closures
A new bill seeks to formalize the always-controversial process of closing a community’s public elementary school.
Klar: Bernie Sanders’s ‘onesies’ rant displayed his animosity for free speech
Demanding Bobby Kennedy cancels others’ messaging is absurd!
Tractor-trailers stuck during ‘bombogenesis’ storm
In Vermont, 18.8 inches of snow fell in Waterbury and in double-digits statewide during what WDEV Meteorologist Roger Hill referred to on-air Tuesday as a ‘bombogenesis.’
Vermonter faces charges for providing guns in fatal shootout killing of Border Patrol Agent
Zajko is charged with making false statements while buying four handguns on Feb. 13 and 14, 2024.
Video: Watch Kristi Noem’s Warning ad to illegal immigrants
This series of ads will run on radio, broadcast, and digital, in multiple countries and regions in various dialects. Ads will be hyper-targeted, including through social media, text message and digital to reach illegal immigrants in the interior of the United States, as well as internationally.
Update: Vermonter suspected of providing two guns in Border Patrol Agent slaying arrested in Maryland
The case has so many twists and turns that scorecards are helpful in trying to keep all the players straight.
KVS: Orange man arrested for DUI and assault on law enforcement
Also: Couple pulls up to scene of a crash, leave in cuffs; Two found dead in parked car, no foul play suspected
Gervais: Can the feds save Vermont’s power grid?
Vermont’s legislature continues the race to the precipice.
Bigger districts mean more student opportunity, Ed Secretary says
Education Secretary Zoie Saunders told VDC on Friday that having larger districts would enable more equal distribution of resources.
Vermont DOGE “not a bad idea,” says Gov. Scott
Vermont had its own version of DOGE pre-Covid. “It’s not a bad idea to reinstitute that,” Scott said.
How will Trump changes affect Vermont? We’ll know soon
Will the House budget (just to cite one example) continue to allocate Title X family planning money to Planned Parenthood? Planned Parenthood of New England certainly hopes so – there was a request at the governor’s budget public hearing last week from PPNE for an increase in Medicaid for family planning for $85k state funds and a 90% federal fund match, which would bring the total up by $850k.
Town cries foul on road salt exemption for VTrans
A Senate bill to control road salt pollution notably exempts VTrans from the bill’s requirements while asking municipalities and private businesses to comply.
VT Headlines: A second incarcerated man dies at Springfield prison in less than a month
California man, missing for 2 years, ‘left everything behind’ to join ‘Zizian’ group; Sterling Market owners seek FEMA buyout in Johnson
Rep. Zachary Harvey appointed as VTGOP Finance Chair
In this role, Harvey will help lead the Party’s fundraising strategy and donor engagement efforts
Q&A with 104-year-old Kenneth Hart
Kenneth Hart is 104 years old and currently resides in The Pines nursing home in Rutland.
After Covid population influx, too few moving to VT to offset the dying
Thinktank: “Policymakers should proceed with caution” concerning migration trends
Lawrence: What’s wrong with a little “Communism”?
Communism and DEI are identical in philosophy and execution.
Ziz cult leader, Derby woman arrested
Jack ‘Ziz’ LaSota, the apparent leader of the Zizians, a cult-like group tied to at least six deaths, was arrested Sunday evening in western Maryland, Maryland law enforcement officials report.
State Senate advances health insurance bills, picks the judge pickers
Raising Minimum Wage (S.67) to deal with higher livable wage and inflation also introduced.
70-year-old arrested, jailed for child sex crimes
Also – two people found dead in car. Town plow truck stolen. Woman clocks 103 MPH on I-89. Freeway bicyclist cited.
Fireovid: Anti-Trump Vermont might consider the Secession Solution
In my day, it was called a “reduction in force.” For sure, almost no one likes losing their job. But it’s a fact of life in a free society, and I’d much rather be a free individual in a free society than a hamstrung subject in a socialist society.
Dad charged with breaking seven-week-old infant’s bones – then released by judge
The child was brought to the University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMMC) and discovered to have multiple broken bones.
Bennington drug user found guilty of bomb possession
The bomb detection came during part of an extended period that saw Bennington dealing with a major uptick in violence and drugs, including drive-by shootings and a couple of homicides. Most involved drug traffickers that were linked to out-of-state gang members that relocated to the Bennington area.
Headlines: Ferry crossing closed due to ice
Burlington to vote on eviction timing. Hartford rethinks honoring heroes after first honoree revealed as embezzler.
Blindspot reports news the left doesn’t know, and the right doesn’t know either
The left has news blind spots. The right has them too. “Blindspot” opens everyone’s eyes, every day.
CLG: Trump wants half of Ukraine rare earth minerals
The U.S. could send troops to Ukraine to “guard” the country’s rare earth minerals that Washington wants as repayment for aid, NBC reported on Saturday.
Friday at Four: the Zoie Saunders interview
The plan addresses recurring problems of declining enrollment and test scores, and increasing costs, Saunders said. “Everything we do is about students and student opportunities.”
Geoengineering ban bill introduced into Vermont House
This bill was referred to the House Committee on Environment and has co-sponsor support from fourteen Republicans, three Democrats, and one Independent.
Klar: Defending free speech in America
The First Amendment seemed forgotten under the Biden Administration, but it’s back.
Klar: Vermont tutors illegal aliens on how to slip the grip of ICE
Vermont, an outspoken bastion of sanctuary protections, has created a Task Force on the Federal Transition Panel.
Guv’s school reform plan gives “additional consideration to school choice”
The governor’s top education official spoke to lawmakers on Wednesday on their new five-district school governance proposal.
KVS: Coventry man arrested after alleged crime spree
Justin Kirby, 39, was arrested on multiple felony charges in late January after a string of alleged crimes in Coventry, including burglary and car theft.
Woman suspect in fatal Border Patrol shooting moved out-of-state
Teresa Youngblut, 21, is now at the Merrimack County Department of Corrections near Concord, NH, due to bed shortage for Fed. detainees in VT jails.
The VT Saves Program starts July 2025
If you’re an employer or an employee, this will affect your paycheck and business operations starting in July 2025.
Soulia: DOGE constitutional? Legal? And who’s cutting what?
Is DOGE constitutional? Legal? And who’s actually cutting what?
Bossange: Trump’s own MAGA Deep State
After a month in office, it is clear that the President and his MAGA leadership team and a new group of “elites,” are quickly establishing their own Deep State.
CLG: Pentagon, Trump rule out Ukraine joining NATO
Judge orders HHS, CDC, and FDA to restore deleted webpages with ‘health’ information; Kiev plotting series of false flags to drag NATO into war – Moscow
GulfofAmericaitis infects NE governors…..
Here’s another idea……
Homeless man breaks into house, eats sandwich
Upon arrival, authorities found Heath inside the kitchen eating a sandwich.
He had thrown a farm milk jug through the front door window to enter the home.
Headlines: Barbershoppers prep for Valentine’s Day
Officials ponder how to raise $40 million to restore the Bennington Monument. UVM lauded for research. Montpelier City Manager is out.
AG Clark sues Trump, Musk, DOGE
The attorneys general argue that Musk’s influence threatens billions in federal funding for law enforcement, education, healthcare, and other public programs.
Trump admin cuts $9.3 mil for Vermont EV charging stations
The State of Vermont’s climate change budget gets 80% of its funding from the feds. Will the state’s push for fossil-free energy run out of gas?
Religious schools “mess up” tuition $$ for secular independent schools, says senator
Vermont’s education funding reform is a work in progress. An exchange at a Jan. 31 Senate Education Committee is not encouraging for supporters of public funding for independent religious schools.
Despathy: Death of Barton child shows vaccine injury is real
In 2011, Nicole Matten of Barton, Vermont brought her healthy, seven year old daughter Kaylynne to the doctor for a “well-check up” where she was injected with a Fluzone influenza vaccine. A few days later, her daughter died in her arms on the way to the hospital.
House OKS corpse abuse felony, takes up assisted reproduction adoption
House Bill 98, if enacted, would streamline adoption of children born through assisted reproduction, including intrauterine insemination, gamete donation, embryo donation, in vitro fertilization, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
Vermont would take ‘first logical step’ with new AI bill, says Secretary of State
“I don’t think it’s a partisan issue,” Copeland Hanzas said. “It’s really just to make sure that elections are honest and accurate and fair.”
The ancient origins of the Ziz
Providing context for the now-maligned name, and it’s co-option by those who oppose its true meaning.
Guv pushes substance abuse treatment in public safety plan
70% of all Vermont inmates take substance abuse treatment meds in jail. Yet recidivism is high. The Scott admin wants more treatment options – including paying inmates for sobriety.
Krowinski: Education transformation will take all of us
One challenge for Vermont has risen above all others: the state of our public education system.
With just three investigators, Human Rights Commission seeks relief from legislators
“It’s a really gut-wrenching situation for all the parties involved,” said the commission’s executive director.
Bill: Can’t discriminate against criminals for housing, employment
Rep. Headrick also has sponsored a bill requiring high-capacity, gender-neutral school bathrooms.
VT Headlines: “Extremely dangerous” Vermont man wanted, 2 others arrested in Irasburg
Musical Chairs In Hartland: Three Candidates, Two Seats; Feds Pause Killington’s $25m RAISE Grant; Tupper Lake firefighters hit with two fires in 24 hours
Health Commissioner: “Climate change” and “globalization” will lead to new animal-to-human viruses
CDC: “While the current public health risk is low, CDC is watching the situation carefully and working with states to monitor people with animal exposures.”
After unexplained delay, Bauckholt death certificate released
German national’s body cremated, document says.
Keelan: The beginning of the end of Vermont’s rurality
During the last forty years, events have been taking place that have forever changed our rural character.
Freshman legislator yet another VT-Amelia Earhart connection
Flying explorer Amelia Earhart had many important personal connections to Vermont. Here’s one more….
Page: Mind, mindset, and political identity
Why we literally think differently about politics
Bill limits road salt to curb chloride pollution
The goal is to reduce the environmental impact of road salt while also aiming to save money for municipalities and contractors by optimizing salt usage.
Roper: Pucker up for kissing your sister
Thoughts on Education and Property Tax Reform, Part 1
Burlington lawmakers loom large in prostitution legalization bills
The bills would not create a legal, licensed framework for the prostitution industry, but would merely ban prostitution as a criminal act.
VT Headlines: Egg prices up due to bird flu
Sandy Baird, Fierce Advocate and Lawyer, Dies at 84; Funeral procession held for Lt. Al Fortin in Hinesburg, VT
CLG: AG Pam Bondi orders DOJ to pause all funding for sanctuary cities
Hospital blocks young girl from life-saving transplant over vaccination status; Nevada confirms state’s first human case of bird flu in a dairy worker
Ziz cult lived aboard tugboat in San Francisco Bay
The tugboat residents, known as the Zizians, became a problem for others and were described as “shabby” and “feral humans”.
Teacher drove to school drunk, police say
The state Police were called to assist the school resource officer.
Bennington-1 Republican: Legislature “progressing toward the total destruction of democracy”
“The election never should have been certified,” Busa said.
Whitworth: Punching myself in the face
“I’m gonna flap my arms and fly over the Statehouse dome. And if I should fail, I will punch myself in the face.” That is the essence of Vermont’s Global Warming Solutions Act.
Eshelman: A wolf in sheep’s clothing
In response to “Gov. Phil Scott’s education plan would create an optional school choice lottery in every district” (VT Digger, 2/6/25)
McGuinness: Discriminatory indoctrination required course for kindergarteners
If the books in question remain in the curriculum, it will be a violation of ACSD’s policies by excluding religious and traditional Western points-of-view
For Bennington historic site, a monumental funding challenge
Bennington Battle Monument is saturated with water and in urgent need of $40 million restoration.
Woman, unborn child died wading river into U.S. – smuggler charged
Feds say Uribe-Tobar smuggled a pregnant woman, A.V.-F., from Canada for $2,500, by instructing her to wade through the frigid Great Chazy River in darkness.
Trump orders/Vermont ed policies clash over DEI
Vermont state policies and White House executive orders present potential showdowns concerning social justice, climate policies, and more.
Hyde Park defendant in 31-year-old Lamoille County homicide is dead
Peters, who was out on bail on the murder charge, was admitted to Copley Hospital about a week ago for unspecified medical issues, sources told Vermont News First.
Steidler: U.S. is the global AI leader
J.D. Vance must tell EU to not mess with us.
Perlin: Who needs the Electoral College? Vermont.
When Peter Welch, or anyone, calls for abolishing the electoral college, ask them how this would help Vermont.
Winter driving nightmare
Snow, wind, ice and a defroster not working the way the driver hoped it would combined to hurtle a Jeep Cherokee through a snowbank and, briefly, airborne.
Two arrested in Bradford on drug and fugitive charges
Following a drug investigation, Bradford Police arrested two individuals on February 3 in the parking lot of Bradford Mini Mart.
Swenson: Bernie Sanders’ Vermont
For Vermont’s most famous politico, the answer is always the same: blame billionaires, blame capitalism, blame everyone except the people actually in charge.
Thayer: A continued call to action
Vermont needs genuine people with real vision; with fight and courage to make Vermont the best place to live, work, and play.
VT Headlines: Black Hawk helicopters to be used to patrol US-Canada border
Police Arrest Suspect in Hoax Stabbing Call; Police Arrest Montpelier Woman for Allegedly Selling Crack
Ingalls: VT needs Guest Worker program for immigrant farm laborers
Farmers fear what could happen in the blink of an eye to the workers they have now.
802 Ed talks Trump plans for DEI; school consolidation; free lunches and cellphones in school
The Department of Justice announced that it plans to work with the U.S. Department of Education to “pursue actions” against educational agencies, colleges, and universities engaging in “illegal DEI And DEIA discrimination.”
NEK radio stations sold to businessman/senator
Ingalls, owner of All Seasons Realty, and Green Mountain Broadcasters LLC have purchased Vermont Broadcast Associates from Bruce James.
Jay Peak to host David Maland benefit hockey game
Border Patrol vs. LEO!
Friday at Four: Freight train Trump, meet boulder Vermont
Vermont pushes back against Trump orders on sanctuary states and cities, border, tariffs, education.
Legislature asked to let ‘food stamp’ cardholders buy restaurant meals
People living in Vermont’s motels often lack the storage and cooking facilities to adequately prepare good meals, the committee was told.
Health Commissioner Levine retires
Dr. Levine, 71, of Shelburne was first appointed by Governor Scott in 2017 and is currently one of the Administration’s longest-tenured commissioners. He led his department through the COVID-19 pandemic and has served as a key advisor on public health matters.
Trump AG cuts DOJ funding to sanctuary states and cities – impact on Vermont?
The State of Vermont, municipalities and non-profits now receive $65.4 million in DOJ grant funding. Burlington alone has five grants totaling about $500,000.
VT Headlines: School bus carrying 10 students flips on its side during whiteout conditions in Enosburg
Standoff with Burlington police ends with peaceful surrender; Car crashes into snowplow during snowy afternoon commute, police say
Stephens: ‘Make War Great Again’?
You are burning with desire, and have not your desire, so you put men to death -James 4:1-2 BBE
Flannery: VT Democrats should heed grim Mike Bloomberg warning on education
Vermont, already burdened with some of the country’s highest taxes and biggest per-student spending, is studying reforms at the state legislature this session.
Green & Sheets: Trump ‘the Great Architect’
At this point in history, America does not need a statesman. And we certainly do not need a politician. Frankly, we do not need a peacemaker.
Fernandez: The disintegration and decay of the West
The Left resembles medieval Christianity, promoting dogmatic beliefs that are deemed unchallengeable and regarding all who dissent as heretics to be destroyed.
Trashes Kerry’s Kwik Stop, hides in bedroom/ Pepper-spray & purse theft
Late-breaking police news from Burlington.
Meet Children’s Health Defense CEO Mary Holland this Saturday
The leader of a national vaccine freedom organization will be the guest of honor at a potluck in Townshend Saturday.
House hikes homeless housing spending by $1.3 million
The mid-year allocation extends funding through June, the end of the fiscal year.
The Manogemassak: Shadow giants and living heritage of the Abenaki
As integral figures in Western Abenaki traditional beliefs, they represent one of the ways the Abenaki have wisdom for the modern day.
Fed up with Vermont’s “Supermajority,” Paul Clifford fights taxes, crime from Rutland
“People cannot sustain continued tax increases, especially in the light of an upcoming city-wide reappraisal” of real estate valuations that could lead to yet higher taxes, according to a Clifford campaign statement this month.
25-school district proposal targets class size of 18
There can be exceptions to these numbers when concerning for example students who fall into special education categories that require more attention and resources.
Committee picks winner of Battle of Bennington-1
Hate crimes expansion and a recommended winner of a tight, disputed House race are on today’s House agenda.
Recent Comments