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.
Flannery: VT Democrats should heed grim Mike Bloomberg warning on education
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.
VT Headlines: Methane fire injures 3 during ice fishing trip in Vermont
Bradford man arrested on gun charges, may be connected to missing person; Senate bill would regulate use of ‘deepfakes’ in leadup to Vermont elections
Bradford cocaine dealer suspected in homicide of missing person
An investigation into a recent suspected homicide case in Orange County has led to federal gun charges against a three-time convicted felon from Bradford, officials said.
Repeal climate change laws, House GOP urges committee
“If we wanna do something to help in this area, start over with a new bill. Don’t try to amend an existing law and leave the infrastructure that was envisioned and set up as part of Act 18 in place,” Rep. Jim Harrison said.
CLG: Sen. Rand Paul comes out swinging against Trump’s Gaza plan
U.S. will ‘take over’ Gaza; New virus discovered in Alabama raises pandemic fears; Biden spent billions promoting illegal immigration – Musk
Baker: Former teacher Balint should know better
Balint states that under the “cruel executive orders” from President Trump with the Constitution under attack, we are in an “urgent Constitutional” crisis.
Longtime activist Ehlers named Lt. Gov. Rodgers’ Chief of Staff
Ehlers has been nothing if not multifaceted in his more than two decades of Vermont political and policy involvement.
Creemee Cast UPDATE: Geologist says carbon emissions are GOOD for us
Saying “carbon is actually good” is about as contrarian as it gets in the mainstream environmental community.
MacDonald: Vermont at war with its own ‘reproductive freedom’ rights
Reproductive freedom has nothing to do with reproduction, but it could.
Soulia: Manipulated crime data
The deceptive national push for “smart justice”
California man sentenced in Vermont in FDA drug fraud case
Jeremy Brown, 55, sold unauthorized versions of prescription medications incl. Ozempic, Wegovy, and erectile dysfunction drugs sourced primarily from China.
Aliens charged with human smuggling
The case highlights ongoing efforts by the U.S. Border Patrol to combat illegal immigration and human smuggling across the nation’s borders. The term “alien” refers to individuals who are not U.S. citizens or nationals, according to U.S. immigration laws.
Valentine bummer
Based on promises that Wormely would repay her, and the victim’s belief that Wormely’s romantic intentions and business opportunities were legitimate, the victim transferred over $100,000 to Wormely.
VT Headlines: Vermont doesn’t track homeless deaths, so we did
State Police investigate suspicious missing-persons case in Orange County; Rutland police warn residents of growing cryptocurrency scams
Right to Life announces essay contest winners
“My brother’s life means much to me in another, entirely different way – he has been hospitalized for the serious mental illness of schizophrenia since June. To some people this may suggest that his life would be better left unlived. However, it has only encouraged my appreciation for Mathew’s life all the more.”
Scott promises ‘disciplined, measured’ approach to Trump edicts
‘We need to stay focused on Vermont and remain disciplined as we distinguish between what is fact and what is rhetoric before we react to any change in federal policy or law,” Scott said.
Tariff suspension has fuel dealers breathing easier/ New editor at Digger
A corresponding 10% tariff from Canada would have added about 25 cents per gallon on home heating fuel.
Soulia: Vermont’s “temporary” hotel voucher program
Originally designed to provide shelter during severe weather, the program’s cost has skyrocketed to tens of millions of dollars annually.
Klar: Do public school students have a right to decline COVID-19 vaccines?
6-year-old Leo Politella was forcibly administered an experimental COVID-19 shot in 2021 at a clinic at his VT public school despite vocal protests, assurances.
Lt. Allen Fortin, Vermont highway traffic safety spokesman, has died
Veteran VT police officer Allan A. Fortin, who became the leading voice and face for highway traffic safety in the state, died at his Hinesburg home Sun. at 61.
GOP carbon policy “wishlist” bills introduced
Getting hearings so early represents progress compared to how the issues raised by these bills were downplayed or ignored last session under the Supermajority.
VT Headlines: Aaliyah Johnson, accused of fatal Church Street shooting due back in court today
We know the need is high’: Food shelves across Vermont seeing shortages; Police seek suspects in Petco dog food theft
Lawmakers give 25-district counter-proposal to Governor’s 5-district model
Sponsors are Rep. Matthew Birong, D-Vergennes, and Rep. Edye Graning, D-Jericho. It was first introduced on the House floor last week.
McClaughry: One big school system
Originally released Tuesday, January 1, 2002. Although specific statistics are, by their nature, two decades out of date, the principles remain firm.
Stack: Vermont’s days of federal “Wine and Roses” are coming to an end
Vermont bet big on the wrong horse, and unfortunately the horse that won is keen on loyalty.
Bananas: Colonel Sanders and RFK
Colonel Sanders donned his now famous mask and mittens to protect against transmission of the latest virus tearing through the capitol – the truth.
Legislature to executive branch: Do what the laws tell you to do
In recent years, for example, House Democrats have bemoaned the State’s failure to complete a flood control dam safety checklist as required by state law.
Three die in fatal crashes
On the east and west side of the state, recent fatal accidents have claimed three lives.
KVS: Burlington Police handle 180 incidents over weekend
Burlington Police responded to a staggering 180 incidents, including arrests, crashes, trespassing, and one fatality.
Trump tariff to increase Vermont energy prices?
“A 10% tariff on Canadian energy is a concern for Vermont’s energy sector, and this could impact energy rates in Vermont,” Vermont Fuel said.
Friday at Four: Twisted Geniuses
Connecting the dots between a bizarre cult of computer geniuses with the slaying of Border Patrol agent David Maland.
‘Shock value’: Proposed school district size baffles local education officials statewide
To ensure a degree of local input, Scott is calling for creation of local school advisory councils, to “promote high levels of community engagement.”
Deportation blitz could strain state prisons, officials say
Usually up to 20 detainees from Immigration and Customs Enforcement are held in state prisons on a given day, sometimes more.
New school construction bill prioritizes schools with “excessive reliance on fossil fuels”
The State of Vermont is looking to start a dedicated fund for school construction, something the state has lacked for decades.
VT Headlines: Vermonters could see tariff impact starting tomorrow
Third suspect in Border Patrol agent death had Coventry home searched in 2023; Developer breaks ground on dozens of affordable homes, apartments in Middlebury
‘Transfeminine’ Border Patrol shooting suspect had ties to Ziz group, friend says
But something changed in mid-2023, Taylor said. Bauckholt began having “anxious, secretive phone calls” that summer and cut off contact with previous friends by year’s end. Taylor believes this period coincided with Bauckholt’s deepening involvement with the “Zizians,” a fringe group that originated in California but has spread across the country.
Warner: Hartford school supe fears for children and blames Trump
An email was sent out recently by the Hartford Interim Superintendent Caty Sutton, raising questions about the safety of Hartford area students at school.
Roper: VT Dems’ “Green” agenda is driving the housing crisis
Climate mandates account for $30-$40K additional cost per unit, are chasing away construction workers.
Soulia: How Vermont’s bail reform led to a crime surge (and the ACLU won’t admit it)
Reform advocates remain silent, dismissing the concerns of law-abiding citizens who are forced to deal with the consequences of these misguided policies.
Vermont revealed the state with the richest homeowners
In the Vermont county of Chittenden, where the median listing price is $576,600, a staggering 91.7% of homeowners are considered equity-rich.
Klar: An object lesson in coddling insane murderers
The victim’s family may object strenuously, but Connecticut law does not grant them anything more than a symbolic voice of protest.
Feds: Fleeing illegal alien hits 3 cop cars in Williston
As he drove, cocaine base and cocaine were discarded from Moreno’s vehicle, police say.
Noem pledges basic equipment for Border Patrol in VT, including snow tires
“It was 4 degrees & snowing during my recent trip to the US-Canada border. I was shocked to hear that some of our border patrol agents don’t even have snow tires – due to the failures of the Biden Administration,” Noem later posted on social media.
Bill seeks to further restrict advertising by resource pregnancy centers
The new bill states that in some scenarios, a nurse or doctor associated with the center could be disciplined or lose his/her license.
Education Secretary Saunders responds to poor report card on students’ reading and math
The test results are in and Vermont students are lagging in performance in math and reading, and the momentum is going in the wrong direction.
Grenade launcher found in Bethel drug bust
A drug bust Thursday night in Bethel where nine people were arrested yielded a “grenade launcher” among numerous other firearms and hard drugs.
Bradley: firearms ban in municipal buildings report ‘tragically flawed’
Such laws are unconstitutional, they are against the public welfare, they are prejudicial and increase danger to the public – especially in “sensitive places” – by depriving those who are subject to sudden acts of evil from the basic right of self-defense.
VT Headlines: Police name victim in Hartford shooting
The woman charged in a Vermont border patrol officer’s death has been ordered held without bail; YMCAs of Burlington and Plattsburgh receive large donations
GOP holds Victory Celebration Feb. 6 in Montpelier
“In the decade I’ve been involved in Republican politics we’ve never had a better reason to celebrate not only our wins from November, but also the incredible momentum we have with us looking ahead to 2026,” GOP state Chair Paul Dame says.
The Best and Worst States for Truck Drivers
Whether you are an experienced CDL driver, purchase driver, or owner-operator in this article you will get more information on which states are currently providing the best opportunities for you and which are the worst in order to plan your job and life in the best possible way for 2025.
Orleans woman, published scientist suspected of selling guns used to slay Border Patrol agent
“ATF is asking for your assistance in identifying any firearms purchases made by Michelle Jacqueline Zajko, a person of interest in the shooting of a Customs and Border Protection Officer,” the agency said in a bulletin to gun dealers.
RFK challenges Bernie on Pharma campaign dough during Senate confirmation hearing
RFK to Bernie: “In 2020 you were the single largest receiver of pharmaceutical money.”
Breaking: Kristi Noem visits Northeast Kingdom
…..And FBI confirms Youngblut connection to two homicides in Pennsylvania and California.
The environmental cost of COVID-19 face masks: A hidden pandemic
Staggeringly, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP, 2020) reported that this translates to roughly 3 million masks being disposed of every minute.
Soulia: Selective accountability: Why is VT only targeting law enforcement?
While accountability is essential, Act 124 unfairly singles out law enforcement officers while ignoring judges, attorneys, and legislators.
Beck: Fix low-performing State programs, repeal those that don’t work
Governor Scott noted the importance in not just funding existing programs by throwing money at those that don’t function properly, but actually fixing programs.
Count carbon-eating trees for emission reduction, Scott admin says
Vermont is 75% forest (4.46 million acres.) In fact, trees consume half of Vermont’s total C02 emissions,
North Country Science and Engineering Fair inspires young innovators
Final preparations are underway for the third annual Grade 5–8 North Country Science and Engineering Fair (NCSEF).
Bipartisan lawmakers seek to reign in health insurance premiums
Their data showed that a higher percentage of healthcare costs in Vermont go to administrative costs compared to similar providers in other states.
CLG: Trump announces 30,000 criminal illegal immigrants will be sent to Gitmo
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. confronts ‘chuckling’ Democrats during hearing; Mexican cartels plant explosive devices near U.S. Border
VT Headlines: Burlington flights to DC airport cancelled after crash
Legionnaires’ kills VT senior. Big housing project in Shelburne.
Border Patrol shooting suspect used LSD, her journal says
Snyder and Youngblut had both attended the swanky, private Lakeside School in Seattle and were interested in computer science.
Bufka: Be your own lobbyist
About those State House lobbyists….
Scott says no new taxes and fees in $9 billion budget
“Taxpayers also made it clear they want us to fix broken systems not just fund them,” Scott said.
Ban guns in municipal buildings, Secretary of State report recommends
The report also suggests that municipalities should have the option to opt out of the ban via a vote at their annual meeting.
Letters: Pierce on hydro cars, Smith on tolerance
If the author’s daughter had been driving a hydrogen fuel cell powered Toyota Mirai, one five minute fueling in Boston would have taken her to Northern VT with sufficient fuel left over to drive around home a bit and then drive back to Boston.
Jim Douglas calls 911 on health care costs
Will Medicaid for immigrants and transgender treatment imperil federal Medicaid funding for Vermont? Candidate Bruce Busa weighs in on the Battle of Bennington-1.
New data shows tourism is $4B industry in Vermont
Economic impact report estimates 15.8 million visitors came to Vermont in 2023
New Senate majority leader: ‘We need to be listening to everyone’
Ram Hinsdale will serve as Vermont Senate majority leader starting Jan. 8, after beating incumbent Majority Leader Alison Clarkson, D-Windsor, in a close contest.
Shorts: Norwich cadet receives national leadership award
VT AoE recognizes 2025 Presidential Scholars; Green Mountain Conservation Camp registration is open
Vermont risks losing federal funds if “gender-affirming care” bill passes
This bill is in the House Health Care Committee while the Trump Administration on Tuesday issued an executive order banning federal funds for healthcare facilities that continue with such procedures.
Record prisoner counts and fewer places to keep them
The Sen. Institutions Committee reviews major changes to Vermont’s overstretched corrections infrastructure.
Roper on Battle for Bennington-1: So much for “saving democracy”!
House Democrats poised to disenfranchise Bennington 1 voters?
Bossange: The Hypocritical world of MAGA Christianity
Showing mercy is an act of compassion and forgiveness. “But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matt. 6:15 NIV
Devine: A great day for UVM and downtown
This weekend Church Street is hosting the Sweet Stroll and Mother of All Sales, next weekend Burlington is host to the Penguin Plunge.
VT Headlines: Twinfield Union School, Cabot School cancel classes due to illness
VT’s ‘Raise the Age’ initiative hits a roadblock; VT nonprofit working to see what funds are available after fed. judge blocks WH pause on loans and grants
Senate GOP: Zero extra spending for Clean Heat Standard
The acceptable increase to fuel prices from the CHS is 0.00 cents per gallon, GOP senators say.
Vermont farmers, doctors back RFK during confirmation hearing
“Under President Trump’s direction, Kennedy will reform America’s food system by taking strong action against ultra-processed foods and harmful food additives. Food safety, nutrition, and public health will be at the forefront of his efforts to ensure foods are safe, wholesome, and properly labeled,” Klar’s letter states.
‘Enough is enough’ of repeat crooks ‘walking free’ gets Scott standing O from lawmakers
“There are far too many people with hundreds of law enforcement encounters, dozens of arrests and many active criminal court cases. Yet they’re still walking free,” Scott told the Legislature.
Shorts: Derby Line teen awarded adventure scholarship for snowboarding
Slow Down and Move Over; Brownington man arrested after burglaries, stolen vehicle crash in Coventry
Three suspects in connected killings had prestigious academic backgrounds
Snyder was an award-winning data science student. Bauckholt won national math competitions in Germany and collegiate math competitions in Canada.
Murder suspect arrested in California; linked to Border Patrol shooter in Vermont
The Seattle Times reported both graduated from the Lakeside School: Snyder in 2020 and Youngblut in 2022. Snyder went on to Oxford where he studied computer science and philosophy.
Not the final chapter for Braintree author
The Hislop family gives posthumous life to their mother’s work.
Cabot task force ready for flood-protection upgrades
Engineers’ recommendations revolve largely around the construction of two new bridges on Main Street across tributaries of the Winooski River.
Klar: A Vermont political celebration?
Yes, and you are invited!
House Dem anti-crime plan seeks more $$ for courts
Less recidivism through swifter court action – but not necessarily more jail time.
VT Headlines: School cancels classes due to illness
Pushback against tariffs, psych unit shutdown, suspension of refugee funding.
Woman in fatal Border Patrol shootout in Vermont may be linked to suspect in three out-of-state homicides
When the hearing ended, Carla Youngblut attempted to make hand signals to her daughter, but she had no reaction.
Hegseth confirmed despite No votes from Welch, Sanders
All 45 Democrats and the two independents, Sens. Angus King of Maine and Bernie Sanders of Vermont, caucusing with them opposed the nomination.
Burlington residential ‘impact fees’ may jump $1-3K per unit
The Burlington City Council January 13 covered police department concerns, proposed changes to impact fees, and a land use agreement with UVMMC.
Five DUI arrests over the weekend highlight the ongoing dangers of drunk driving
Over the weekend, Vermont State Police arrested five individuals for driving under the influence in separate incidents across the state.
Recent Comments