The bugs have been spotted in 96 out of Vermont’s 247 municipal areas, the state says
How local towns are handling the emerald ash borer
Senate sends prison parenting bill to governor
Under the bill, fathers in prison would be able to take parenting classes, visit with their children in a child-friendly space and talk to them via free video calls.
Soulia: H.91: The homelessness overhaul no one is sure about
In theory, it’s about moving decision-making closer to the ground. In practice, it’s raising serious questions — from whether local agencies are ready, to whether the state is gambling with programs that are already working.
Bill with safe injection site $$, Muzzle bill become law
The Muzzle Bill is now law.
BREAKING: Scott shifts EV mandate into neutral
Democrats leaders in the State House grudgingly accepted a pit stop in the race to zero emissions, but only for trucks.
University of Vermont plans to pay “handful” of student athletes
UVM can’t confirm the names of the students, the amounts they will be paid, how many students will be paid, nor the sports they will play.
Senate accepts $22 mil cut, OKs General Fund budget
A significant part of the $21.6 million total spending reduction comes from a $19 million shift in Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP) funds.
House approves pro-union bill over GOP objections
$1.5 million in added funding for this session of the Legislature is for 1) two added weeks, probably running through May, 2) a veto session in June, if needed, and 3) a late summer/fall session to address catastrophic federal spending cuts, if needed.
Fireovid: Exposing Vermont educators
Incl. is a clip from a Zoom meeting where Vermont educators are encouraged to hire based on race and gender, rather than merit.
Legislature OKs $112 mil capital spending on state office buildings, prisons, historic sites and more
Senate and House have agreed to capital investments for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, authorizing a total of $111,965,288.
VT Headlines: Clergy-abuse survivors share stories as Burlington Diocese declares bankruptcy
Vermont fire crews rescue motorist who drove into pond; Addison County state’s attorney DUI case in court as trial date considered; Helicopter makes controlled landing in Williston
Roper: Bernie and the privileged political class
A teachable moment (for others, not Bernie, who will never learn).
Klar: Public school gaslights community after disciplining student for conservative tee shirt
A Vermont superintendent and an attorney for a public school that prohibited a young student from wearing a shirt that states “There are only 2 genders” now claim the school did not discipline her, and that it has consistently “[done its] very best to protect free speech in schools.” These officials are using local media to gaslight the Vermont public and the school community. The school’s own emails reveal what actually occurred.
McGuinness: School reform bill supports government-run schools, not education
Our legislature and governor are acting on behalf of organizations that are involved in the education industry complex.
Racanelli: Protect voting, reject the SAVE Act
There’s a bill in Congress to make voting harder for EVERYONE
Senate committee cuts class size minimums from school reform
Changes to House bill praised by NEK school leader
Bernie says he’ll help Trump reduce prescription drug prices
President Donald Trump signed an executive order yesterday (5/12) implementing a “Most Favored Nation” policy that aims to align U.S. prescription drug prices. Sen. Bernie Sanders immediately promised he would work with Trump to turn the EO into a law and challenged the president to get onboard when he introduces legislation.
Flannery: Trump’s China pause
President Trump’s well-oiled marketing operation was running full blast this morning with the announcement of a “historic” agreement between the U.S. and China to lower tariffs. In fact, the action only reverses some of the worst of the tariffs that President Trump himself imposed on business between the two countries earlier this year, and the reprieve is only for 90 days.
Letters: Brook on Dems’ Trump fixation/ Rowell on Califailure
Also, Jeb Smith on Saving Democracy: To be a minority attempting to overthrow the majority (such as protesting Trump, trying to work against him, or obstructing his will) is to oppose the majority, to oppose democracy and its rightfully elected candidate, President Trump.
Town road foreman charged with embezzlement
Authorities say Ashline used the card—intended solely for work-related expenses—to purchase gas for his personal vehicle, along with numerous other unauthorized items.
Ban cell phones in school? Legislature ponders, documentary says yes
The documentary highlights disturbing trends, including links between social media use and increased risk of fentanyl exposure, exploitation, and youth suicide.
Jericho church opens ‘second coming’ in East St. J
The Catalyst Church on Raceway in Jericho – a suburban town in Chittenden County – will open a sister church in the former Third Congregational Church at 1095 East US Route 2 in East St. Johnsbury, and will be known as the Catalyst Church on Route 2.
Study: most of U.S. sheltered homeless are asylum seekers
Three-quarters of that rise in sheltered homelessness occurred in four “sanctuary” areas representing just five percent of the population—New York City, Chicago, Denver, and Massachusetts (primarily suburban Boston).
Hartford hit with reappraisal sticker shocker
Hartford recently announced major construction is needed for the high school building after learning PCB levels are considered dangerous and in need of remediation, with no help coming from the state. A lawsuit against Monsanto may be the only thing available outside of increasing taxes.
VT Headlines: Rutland parents, students weigh in as teachers move to a possible strike
Essex Westford School District warns families of ongoing PowerSchool data threats; Northern New York Rep. Elise Stefanik discusses possible gubernatorial run in Ticonderoga
Colchester man denies stabbing murder of woman
The Howard Center allowed Compagna to be alone for up to 30 hours at a time and is considered “independent,” police said.
House, Senate shake on three biggest ‘money’ bills
The conference committee feuded over spending $700K to launch the Climate Superfund law, then grudgingly agreed to split the difference.
Father of three daughters slain, roommate charged
They said Mitchal Shedrick, 52, was a suspect in the slaying and by 10:30 p.m. Vermont State Police said they had arrested him on the second-degree murder charge.
Baker: How to get the right people elected
One of the readers and commenters of this great news outlet asked how do we “get someone out of office?” There are many things a single individual can do. It all counts. Do not let the devil convince you that your vote or opinion doesn’t matter. Do not hide behind that weak rhetoric.
Samets and Kanarick: Jewish identity is not a political tool
Using antisemitism as a political tool does not make Jews safer. It cheapens our suffering and casts doubt on our legitimate concerns. Worst of all, it gives antisemites a powerful talking point.
CLG: VT judge orders bail for Ozturk
U.S. District Judge William Sessions said at the end of the hearing that Ozturk raised “very substantial” and “very significant” claims of First Amendment and due process rights violations in her case.
Mahdawi praises Vermont support, says Trump administration ‘kidnapped’ him
Palestian anti-Israel activist claims he was ‘kidnapped’ by the Trump administration.
VT Headlines: Weekend flooding looms
High school, college teachers take action. Catholics weigh in on American pope. Big vote next week in Barre.
Woman murdered with ‘sharp edge,’ man arrested
Upon arrival a minute later, officers found a woman deceased inside the home. Authorities say she had been attacked with an object with a sharp edge.
Burlington, Montpelier, others get downtown dough
Installation of streetscape amenities along Main Street in Burlington include benches, bike racks, a bus shelter, and granite elevation indicators.
Peyton: Sad to see Vermont legislators take on the ‘White Christian Nationalists’
The initiative fell into the same trap we’ve seen repeated again and again: othering – casting Christian conservatives as the threat, and “tolerant liberals” as the solution.
Raid with flash-bangs nets multiple drug, weapon, fugitive busts
Homeless man no longer welcome at priest’s House. Assault includes hate crime beef.
Historic Bradford building tagged in graffiti spree
As the Queen City on Vermont’s west coast struggles with graffiti and other signs of urban decay, a small east coast town considers installing security cameras for the same reason.
Klar: Empire Wind Project’s pause has Progressives howling
Are offshore wind turbines for the birds?
‘You reap what you sow,’ NEK senator says of downtown Burlington distress
“This has worked no where in the world but the Burlington Senators and their majority friends overrode a veto by the Governor to open this hell hole,” Ingalls adds.
Baker: Becca Balint, the selective defender of the Constitution
Balint’s defense of constitutional rights appears to be based on the political or ideological identity of those affected, rather than on a consistent belief in protecting the rights of all individuals.
Attempted murder charge dismissed in West Glover shooting
A 35-year-old West Glover woman has received a suspended sentence of three to five years after pleading guilty to shooting at a man’s truck as he left her property.
Page: Identity or disorder?
The untold connection between transgenderism and Body Integrity Identity Disorder
Fernandez: Why do they only protest Israel?
The hard-left haters of Israel utilize “shouting, slogan jeering, propagandizing, protesting, demonstrating, defunding, accusing, and/or ignoring or censoring opposing views.” The railing resistance obstructs entry, and sometimes resorts to physical violence against their passive and outnumbered opponents.
Mahdawi headline speaker at creation of Immigrant Legal Defense Fund
The fund hopes to raise $1 million to offer legal services to immigrants subject to deportation and other federal actions.
Roper: Fate of disastrous EV cars & truck mandates rests with Governor
Desperate calls for Scott to delay unrealistic, logistically impossible GWSA requirements with Executive Order.
RFK Jr., VT Dept. of Health differ on fluoride in water
RFK: Fluoride is an industrial waste associated with arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, IQ loss, neurodevelopmental disorders, and thyroid disease. VT Dept. of Health: When communities stop adding fluoride to their water, cavities go up.
VT Headlines: Vermont sees nation’s largest household income increase
South Burlington apartment fire leaves dozens displaced; South Burlington apartment fire leaves dozens displaced; Vermont films profile Cabot and Proctorsville in the aftermath of 2023 floods
Elderly man beaten and killed, body dismembered and burned – roommate charged
On the morning of February 10, the brother reportedly witnessed Stacy punching and kicking Francis. After leaving the house and returning hours later, he said Stacy told him Francis was dead and claimed to have dismembered the body in the basement.
Klar: Are courts doing enough to protect public health?
Given the history of American courts shielding corporations from liability for harms caused by their products — and the growing distrust of the federal agencies charged with protecting public health above corporate profits — Americans are right to question whether their judicial system is designed to keep them safe.
New York Times climate journalist hired by VTDigger, UVM to mentor young reporters
Gaffney, a 2024–2025 New York Times climate desk fellow, has reported on federal environmental policy, sea level rise, and extreme weather for the NYT and other major outlets. Her investigative work has earned national recognition, including the prestigious Sidney Award from the Sidney Hillman Foundation.
State IT projects face closer oversight under bill
It comes from the House Committee on Energy and Digital Infrastructure, newly formed this session in part to prioritize digital technology initiatives that had been overshadowed.
Rodgers: Taxing veterans?
Everyone in this country owes our military veterans a debt of gratitude. It’s long past time for the Legislature to pay that debt forward.
CLG: India strikes ‘terrorist targets’ in Pakistan, leading to threats of nuclear war
Bush official claims U.S. built secret $21T underground ‘city’ for rich and powerful to live if ‘near-extinction event’ happens; ISIS suspect arrested in New Orleans Bourbon Street terror attack that killed 14
Breaking: Three immigrant farm workers deported
“Of the nine members of Vermont’s farmworker community detained by Border Patrol in April, three have been deported to Mexico while five others remain in immigration detention,” said the Migrant Justice Press Release from earlier today (5/7).
AG Clark sues RFK Jr./ Amber Alert
Earn $50/day telling your Medicaid beneficiary story.
From Cairo to VT, tracing path of Palestinian militant movement
“The Ikhwan [Muslim Brotherhood] must understand that their work in America is a kind of grand jihad in eliminating and destroying the Western civilization from within and ‘sabotaging’ its miserable house…”
VT Headlines: Rush to REAL ID
Ferry Road in Charlotte, Vermont closed due to HAZMAT spill, officials say; Northern Vermont Is a Hot Spot for a Rare Fungal Infection; Large turnout, long lines straddle local DMVs in rush for REAL IDs
Despathy: Do not twist the Clean Heat repeal story, Rep. Campbell
Are you waiting for the pending lawsuit to force these destructive mandates on Vermont? It seems as if several members of your committee, well aware of the lawsuit, actually want it to proceed in order to enact this destructive and extremist policy.
‘State will fight lawsuits,’ says lead sponsor of Climate Superfund Bill
Supporters of Act 122 want the Legislature to budget $700,000 to implement the ‘groundbreaking’ law intended to Make Big Oil Pay.’
Threat sends VT, NH schools into lockdown
The threat, allegedly made by a boy living in the area, was directed at a police officer.
I ran from the law – to run a rural farm in Vermont
To be sure, the work can be grueling, the hardships of animal care can be traumatic, and I rarely get a day off. But I have found the simple lives of rural Vermonters to be rich with originality, frugality, and innovative practicality.
Victim wounded in drive-by shooting
St. Johnsbury Police and Vermont State Police are investigating a drive-by shooting of an area man, who was left wounded by 217 Concord Avenue Tuesday afternoon, May 6.
Ellis: Annie! Trump and Me
Why the Trumpers could use a little Annie in their lives.
Keelan: Legislature keeps paying for consultants
If there is one constant I have witnessed since becoming a Vermont resident in 1988, it is the Legislature’s assigning State agency tasks to costly, out-of-state consultants.
At 2019 border crossing, Mahdawi found with LSD, meth, mushrooms
At odds with Judge Crawford’s dismissal of the drugs found in Mahdawi’s car as ‘prescription medication,’ the CBP report describes small amounts of LSD, mushrooms with opiates, and meth – as well as a couple of empty prescription bottles.
24 states join Climate Superfund suit vs. Vermont
The lawsuit claims “The State of Vermont believes it can seize control over the makeup of America’s energy industry,” as if that’s not a good thing.
VT Headlines: Staffing crisis spurs calls for higher pay for Vermont’s prison guards
Three Vermont farm workers detained in Louisiana; Efficiency Vermont ending commercial lighting rebate program; Brattleboro officials reduce defeated town budget, yet proposed taxes remain up by double digits
Washington County Mental Health sued in double homicide
Ex-employee claims her firing due to noting inadequate response. Jordan Houston filed the lawsuit against Washington County Mental Health Services Inc. in Vermont Superior Court in Montpelier on Friday.
House sends road salt control bill back to committee
The road salt control bill was sent back to committee.
Klar: What makes Vermont special is farming
There is more farm art than farming in Vermont these days. It is as if the surreal has replaced the real; idyllic sentimentality has displaced the farming culture.
Roper: Climate activist admits no real savings from “Social Cost of Carbon”
If there’s any benefit at all, it doesn’t get back to the people paying the bills.
Rodgers: The cost of VT’s electric truck mandate
Vermont’s ambitious climate goals are about to become very real, and could hit many of us in the wallet.
Moore and Johnson: Unfunded laws have only theoretical benefits
Action on these measures keeps Vermont at the forefront of climate action while avoiding the pitfalls of unfunded mandates, including those that leave space for unnecessary and counter-productive legal challenges.
Man shot in abdomen in Brattleboro
A man was found with a gunshot to the abdomen and appeared to be conscious and alert, Detective Lt. Greg Eaton said.
Senate budget spends more than Guv, House – conference committee named
The $9 billion Senate budget tops the House budget by $20 million and the governor’s budget by $50 million.
Klar: Is it finally time to study SSRI antidepressants properly?
A new law may help establish whether there’s a link to mass shooters and antidepressants.
Woman dies, man charged in Thetford freeway rollover
The driver suffered major injuries and was later cited for gross and negligent operation with death resulting.
Ex-Police Chief Swanson files $5 million lawsuit
Woodstock Trustees and manager among defendants
The Vermont Podcast: How the Dems keeping putting off repeal of Clean Heat Standard
Democrats in the State House are furiously trying to avoid going on the record about repealing the Clean Heat Standard.
Senate support for Mahdawi analyzed
There are no reports indicating that Mahdawi was physically mistreated, verbally abused, or otherwise handled roughly during his arrest. He was subsequently transported to a detention facility pending immigration proceedings.
Letters: Stahler on Roy, Smith on Democracy, Page on political courage
Somehow, the fact that Vermont emits the LEAST amount of CO2 in the nation has escaped our legislators and media.
Illegal immigrant sneaks across border with loaded gun and silencer near Haskell Library
Julio Cesar Romero-Paredes, 46, will continue to be detained pending his sentencing in U.S. District Court by Judge Mary Kay Lanthier in Rutland on Aug. 27.
Banzhaf: Due process for immigrants explained
In many cases, no trial is required to deport them. Whether or not you agree with it, this is the law.
CLG: Zelensky threatens world leaders ahead of Moscow’s Victory Day celebrations
Major outbreak fears as world’s most contagious disease hits baseball game attended by 40,000; Trump announces 100% tariff for movies produced outside U.S.; AOC heckled by ‘hysterical’ protester calling her a “war criminal”
VT Headlines: Lawyers rally against Trump
92% of Vermonters already have the REAL ID-compliant licenses that will be needed to travel on domestic air flights.
Weekend arrests: Axe assault, fentanyl dealing, sex assault
A subsequent investigation revealed that Tatro had allegedly swung the axe—a potentially lethal weapon—at a man during a property dispute.
Woodstock Foundation lawsuit settles
The Woodstock Foundation Board of Directors have agreed to a proposed out-of-court settlement with the former longtime chair and vice chair of the board in their lawsuit over claims they were improperly removed and that the Woodstock Inn & Resort and the Billings Farm & Museum had been mismanaged.
Two years later, Christian school still banned from Vermont sports, coach tells Riley Gaines
The school figured the suspension would be just for a year. They were ready for game one of the next season. “Game One never came,” Goodwin says.
Third time lucky? GOP seeks Clean Heat repeal (again)
Senate holds roll call on considering Clean Heat Standard Repeal bill ‘on the merits.’ Rejected on party line.
Smith to Climate Council: “Stop telling me where to live”
In an effort to provide a perspective from people who are not part of the choir and are not engaging with you, I endeavor to channel what you might hear, if you could find a way.
Roper: Democrats – again – block efforts to repeal/reform unpopular climate laws
Special interests have issued their marching orders, and the Democrats are obeying.
VT Headlines: Route 7 in Rutland re-opens after crews battle large fire
Judge orders state to give motel voucher recipients more notice before evicting them; CDC: Animal sedative medetomidine showing up in US illegal drug supply
CLG: WH calls out the ‘most egregious hoaxes’ pushed by media, Dems
Zelensky openly threatening Victory Day terrorist attack – Moscow; UK scientists are about to attempt to dim the Sun; H5N1 outbreak the next pandemic?
Two from Ukraine arrested for border-jumping
The U.S. Border Patrol named Mykhailo Ivanchyn, 21, and Ihor Zelskyi, 27, in a criminal complaint with illegally entering the United States at Richford early Monday.
Breaking: Trump DOJ sues Vermont over climate Superfund law
The feds claim that these proposed measures conflict with the Clean Air Act and are unconstitutional, asserting that such litigation hinders energy production, raises energy costs for Americans, and weakens national security against foreign threats.
Page: Japan’s Hometown Tax could work in Vermont
The program allows urbanites to redirect a portion of their income taxes to rural municipalities of their choosing while receiving specialty local products as thank-you gifts.
Correction: Bill exempts military retirement income from state income tax
S.51 gives a $250 tax credit on military pensions for earners of up to $25,000, and reduces the size of the credit on a graduated basis on earners claiming up to $30,000.
Windsor police report says Mahdawi tried to buy sniper rifle, machine gun in 2015
A Windsor businessman told a police officer Mahdawi had asked to buy a sniper rifle and a machine gun in 2015. The judge said the incident “does not support a finding of dangerousness.”
Clean Heat Standard repeal vote set for this afternoon
A vote to repeal the Clean Heat Standard will be held in the Vermont Senate this afternoon. The vote will be close and Lt. Gov. John Rodgers has said he will cast the tie-breaking vote in favor of repeal.
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