The Senate Committee on Institutions has its work cut out for it.
State building construction costs soar, borrowing limits tighten
TikTok plans to shut down its app nationwide on Sunday
Despite Trump’s possible conditional support, TikTok plans to shut down its app nationwide on Sunday unless the U.S. Supreme Court intervenes.
Klar: Europe’s renewable energy disaster
EU “deindustrialization” pummels economic growth.
Join Guy and Paul on WDEV AM 550 and FM 96.1 at 11AM today!
Paul and Guy will issue breaking news on the Clean Heat Standard.
At 11:30AM Guy and John Klar will discuss the Alliance for Defending Freedom opening a VT office.
VT Headlines: Winooski brewery raises money for CA wildfire victims, pets
Vermont ACLU claims state conducts “surveillance and brazen intervention” into Vermonters’ pregnancies; Victims identified in fatal Burlington Beltline crash
Rodgers talks school consolidation, exporting pain, and ‘something dead’ on the office wall
In your car or while you’re making dinner, listen to an in-depth podcast interview with Vermont’s highly quotable new lieutenant governor.
SHORTS: Vermont modernizes campaign finance and lobbying systems, transparency
VT teachers recipients of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching; Prior authorizations contribute to burnout in medical field
State of Vermont accused of forcing involuntary C-section on mentally ill woman
The suit names Copley Hospital and Lund, an agency that operates a home for mothers in crisis. The lawsuit says the state’s action violates the 2022 constitutional amendment protecting reproductive freedom.
Lyndonville fugitive arrested, attempts escape from police custody
Young was issued a flash citation to appear before the Caledonia Superior Court on Jan. 13 at 12:30 p.m. to address the charge of attempted felony escape.
State of Vermont spending $500 million on climate change this year
The federally funded ‘all-solar’ initiative (more on that in an upcoming story by Paul Bean) comprises about 10% of that figure.
Klar: Legal hopes for Vermont liberties?
Alliance Defending Freedom comes to Vermont!
Scott proposes crime-fighting bills
Government must both protect civil liberties and promote public safety, and “we are clearly not striking the right balance,” Scott said. “The safety of the public comes first.”
Burlington man attacks cop with meat cleaver in police lobby
Without comment, and with a demeanor described by the sergeant as “affectless”, Jones held up a meat cleaver and pointed it towards the sergeant and raised it over his head.
Complex telecommunications plan, Clean Heat Standard ahead for new House energy committee
Vermonters will be keeping a close eye on this EDI committee as they work through the Telecommunications Plan, the Clean Heat Standard report from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and the mandate for emission reductions as mapped out in the currently enacted Global Warming Solutions Act.
California backs off fossil-fueled truck ban
California has withdrawn one zero emissions truck proposal, but the other – which Vermont is connected to – is still in force.
House passes bill to ban males from female sports
Schools that allow “a person whose sex is male to participate in an athletic program or activity that is designated for women or girls” could lose Fed. funding.
Refugee network readies for Trump administration
Based on Trump’s previous record, activists believe significantly fewer immigrants will be allowed into the country.
Tom Salmon – governor, UVM president, nuclear power advocate – dies at 92
He told the longtime Vermont Yankee operators to take solace in the words of St. Paul: “I have fought the good fight, I have run the race.”
Newport man gets up to 15 years for sexual assault on minor
Also accepted charge for lewd and lascivious sexual abuse of a vulnerable adult.
Soulia: Setting the record straight on trapping and the VT Constitution
It’s time to respect the constitutional rights of Vermonters, the cultural significance of trapping, and the practical realities of rural life.
Roper: Our government doesn’t do things affordably
Scott: “Vermonters told us…they expect us to get back on course; to spend within THEIR means; and above all else, make Vermont more affordable for THEM.”
VT Headlines: Purple Heart vet spreads hope
Police staffing (or lack of it) front and center of Burlington City Council meeting.
Every Vermont House member listed by town, district, party, committee and email address
Use this sortable list to contact your Representative and committees working on bills of interest to you.
Clean Heat Standard recommendations due this week
“Affordability is about getting by,” Sen. Rebecca White said in her nominating tribute to Sen. Phil Baruth.
Warner: When will Hartford learn?
Hartford, like other desperate-to-seem relevant townships like Burlington and Montpelier, appears to operate on the political lake effect.
BPD finally allowed to confirm Michael Reynolds’ latest arrest
The release was able to confirm the Vermont News First story that Burlington Police had a couple of trespass interactions on Monday with Reynolds.
Suspect in arson tent fire incident spoke to City Council on homeless rights
Layton has been an outspoken advocate to the City Council regarding the city’s policies for dealing with homeless encampments.
State issues consumer advisory regarding rising insurance premiums
Many policyholders are experiencing significant increases in insurance premiums for auto and homeowners insurance.
Burlington man bet he could cross the country in 90 days in 1903 – and won
Radio station owner and history-making car enthusiast…..sounds a little like Ken Squier.
Constitution protects hate speech, even by white supremacist trespassers: NH Supreme Court
The Constitution does indeed protect what many call “hate speech,” says law professor John Banzhaf, who has testified as a First Amendment expert.
Keelan: An outsider’s point of view
While we have no voice in the operation of the town government, nor should we, the functioning of the town is so critical to those of us who frequent it.
VT Headlines: New warming shelter, smaller wastewater bond in Burlington
Nicotine pouch use up. So are egg prices – bird flu? Native American Commission leader steps down.
Air Guard, F-35’s off to Japan for Indo-Pacific exercise
It’s part of a planned deployment, not a reaction to current events. And the temporary transfer of some Lightnings to an airbase in Japan will mean fewer flights over Vermont skies.
Rape, stalking suspect turns himself in
Wanted on six felony charges stemming from a December rape.
In first full week, committees meet the folks they oversee
In a scenario that will play out across the Legislature’s committees, the administration leaders will offer a brief education on their agencies and departments under committee jurisdiction. Lawmakers will listen and ask questions. Both will put names to faces and build rapport, the better to get their work done.
Davis: What to do with the Commission on the Future of Public Education?
The Commission on the Future of Public Education issued its interim report ahead of the holidays with very little to show, and now everyone is rethinking their existence.
Logger fined for violating heavy cut permitting process
Hicks Logging was fined $6,000.00 for failing to file advanced notice of its intent and to obtain a permit to conduct a heavy cut on property in Concord, VT.
Williamstown postmaster charged for child porn
Also part of the early morning raid at the mobile home on West Hill Road were officers from Randolph and Burlington Police.
Burlington goes dark: Latest police news release lacking basic info
It is unclear why the press release is missing the standard information for a somewhat routine case. Is it due to poor drafting by BPD’s Public Information Officer? Or was the news release slashed by the red editing pen wielded by the Mayor?
Sex offender pleads innocent to numerous sexual assaults
Police arrested Rau on January 8 on two counts of aggravated sexual assault, voyeurism, soliciting prostitution, providing alcohol to a minor, and more.
Balint voted to not deport violent felons
51 Democrats joined Republicans in voting to protect their constituents. But Becca Balint stood with 158 Democrats who voted “nay.”
Vermont AG joins others questioning Walmart’s retreat from DEI
AGs from California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island also co-signed the sternly-worded letter.
Donkeys run loose in Montpelier
Market 32 crash caper culprit caught. And a Windham County woman arrested for failing to secure toddler in car seat.
Bananas: In LA, big win for equity hiring
The shocking news of yet another fire in California has been overshadowing the Cinderella story of the City of Angels slowly turning into the Isle of Lesbos.
COVID mask criminal case dismissed
One man, until Jan. 9, was still facing prosecution by the state for an alleged violation of the controversial COVID-era masking policy.
CLG: CA hasn’t requested help from Pentagon to fight fires
LA’s water chief ‘was aware of empty reservoir and broken fire hydrants months before fires’; California leads country in human bird flu with nearly 40 cases
Woolf: More people leaving Vermont than moving in
A thriving, prosperous state is a goal that all Vermonters can agree to. That goal is easier to achieve with a growing population. We don’t have that.
Police seek overdue hiker on Mount Pisgah
Vermont State Police are searching for a Craftsbury woman, Sue Mi Ko, 51, who failed to return from hiking in the Mount Pisgah area Thursday evening.
Soulia: Should Vermont consider a Stand Your Ground law?
In much of the world, and many states across the U.S., self-defense is seen as a fundamental right. In Vermont it’s…complicated.
Bryce: LA asleep at the switch
The LA Dept. of Water and Power aggressively touts sustainability, solar, EVs, hydrogen, and its pursuit of “100% clean power.” Did it ignore wildfire risk?
VT Headlines: Airport evacuated after alarm
Volunteers from a venerable social club deliver 25,000 meals.
New leader, new look for pivotal Senate Natural Resources & Energy Committee
Teacher, Army officer, Emerge Vermont director, Navy pilot, and Lincoln homestead director comprise the backgrounds of members of a key Senate committee.
Harrison: We took a wrong turn. Now we’re getting back on course
The new Republican vice-chair of the budget-building House Appropriations Committee quotes Gov. Phil Scott: “We’re not here to worry about egos. We’re here to do what Vermonters need.”
Rape, stalking suspect on the lam
Wanted on six felony charges stemming from a December rape.
Friday at Four: our news staff talks up Legislature Week #1, Burlington mayor gag order on cops
Week #1 in the Legislature. Progressive mayor issues gag order on her cops. What the LA fires mean to Vermont. Please share on your social media.
BREAKING: Burlington Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak may speak – to some – media today on her gag order
Vermont News First was among those left off the invitation list.
LG’s office wall won’t have transgender book ban poster, but ‘somethin’ dead is going up on that wall’
After presiding over the Governor’s swearing-in as well as the Secretary of State, Treasurer, and Attorney General, Rodgers remarked that “I haven’t heard this much swearin’ since I was back on the farm.”
Vermont rated one of the best states to raise a family in
The report ranked each state in affordability, safety, education, pediatric health care and quality of life. The combined metrics determined states’ rankings.
Rodgers on “a clear path to the next level” as supporters celebrate new lieutenant governor
“It makes it so the Democrats have to negotiate,” Rodgers said to VDC shortly after entering his new office.
GOP senators chair three committees, VC five others
If the Legislature can be likened to high school (and it can), then committee chairs are the Big Men on Campus, setting the agenda and tone for the rest of the ‘student body.’
Roper: House Democrats circling wagons around Clean Heat Standard
Clean Heat Standard repeal kicked over to Committee controlled by those who made it law in the first place.
Bartley: Balancing reform, affordability, and Vermont’s future
It’s clear: Vermonters are calling for thoughtful reforms to keep our state affordable, functional, and equitable for all residents.
CLG: Biden approves $500M in military aid for Ukraine as Los Angeles burns
Supreme Court denies Trump attempt to stop sentencing in New York v. Trump; LA Mayor Karen Bass’s galling response to wildfires after cutting just 17.6M from FD
Duffy blocks public release of report about Woodstock Police Chief
Woodstock residents are not being permitted to read the investigative report they are paying for concerning management concerns within the village PD.
Rowell: Burlington mayor’s “dictatorial inclinations on full display”
Burlington resident to mayor: “This is how you mark Law Enforcement Appreciation Day?”
Locking people up will cost taxpayers lots of $$, Corrections committee chair warns
A brief introduction to the members of the 2025-2026 House Corrections and Institutions Committee
VT Headlines: School bus stuckage on Rt. 117
Vermont man recalls Carter visit. Rhodes Scholar headed to Oxford from Vermont.
Burlington mayor imposes gag order on police
Burlington’s Progressive mayor censors police statements about arrests.
Balsamic: New “Keep Off My Lawn Theory” explains natural disasters
A groundbreaking new climate theory has taken the scientific community by storm, suggesting that recent extreme weather events are simply the result of a divine entity telling humanity to “get off His lawn.”
Lawmakers OK tougher rules for off-duty police conduct
Vermont’s state tax burden is already the third-highest in the nation, according to a U.S. Census graph. The #1 state, North Dakota, taxes fracked gas extracted from the earth. “We don’t produce enough maple syrup to make much of a difference,” one State House pro-business lobbyist quipped.
Sarah George: double standard on public statements?
George’s statement calling the November 25, 2023 shooting of three Palestinian men in Burlington a ‘hateful act’ may have violated Vermont’s code of conduct for prosecutors.
GOP House reps named to chair or vice-chair 11 committees
House Republicans will have an enhanced leadership role in legislation about education, taxation, spending, housing and other important issues.
VT Headlines: Nationwide data breach affects student, staff information at Vermont schools
Vermont businesses worried about Trump’s proposed tariffs; Elmore-Morristown school district settles with feds over allegations of racial harassment
It’s official – John Rodgers is Lieutenant Governor
“I’ve been swinging a hammer for a lot of years,” laughed the lifelong farmer/contractor. “I think I can handle a gavel.”
National legal brawl may decide what types of cars Vermonters can buy
All sides expect President-elect Donald Trump to try to revoke states’ authority to adopt California’s strict rules on carbon emitted by vehicles.
Crimes and consequences across Vermont
To read more, go to Keepvermontsafe.com
Despathy: Bird flu PCR test can’t detect infections
As explained by its Nobel Prize winning creator, Kary Mullis, PCR is not intended to and cannot detect infections.
Page: Don’t preach to me, California
California, you strain at the gnat of EV mandates while swallowing the camel of the fiery destruction of millions of acres of woodlands.
Klar: Learning from ‘green’ Germany’s downfall
Germany’s once-envied efficient economy is in freefall
Soulia: Senator Harrison’s vision vs. VT’s challenges
Senator Harrison argues that Vermont is growing, but the data paints a more nuanced picture.
Royer Auto Sales manager pleads guilty in fraud case
James Royer pleaded guilty on December 19 to felony embezzlement and forged paperwork charges, along with two misdemeanors related to DMV title documentation.
Graydon Barron Stevens, 1952-2024
Musician, chimney sweep and outdoor enthusiast had a deep connection to his Vermont roots
Dem leader won’t answer question about Trump and Sanctuary State Vermont
Lt. Gov. (for one more day) David Zuckerman told VDC he will be a regular host on WDEV’s Vermont Viewpoint, the station’s 9-11 AM public affairs call-in show.
Police arrest suspect in Lyndon gas station armed robbery
Vermont State Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect who robbed a Lyndon gas station at knifepoint on Sunday.
Baruth re-elected to lead Senate
Brock told VDC in the hallway that “amidst conversations with the Republican caucus we determined that it would not be the proper action at this time to oppose Senator Baruth but that could be readdressed in the future. Do you know what pro tempore means in Latin? President for the time being.”
Krowinski wins House Speaker race
Before the ballots were distributed, several lawmakers praised Krowinski’s even temperament.
VT Headlines: Illinois driver crashes into school bus in Richford, VT, DMV says
Decker Towers gets reprieve from drug traffic, squatters; Miro on housing crisis; Norovirus prevention recommendations
Correction: Sen. Gulick a school board association regional representative, not a lobbyist
Sen. Gulick serves as an unpaid regional representative on the VSBA Board of Directors, representing the Western Chittenden Region.
Randolph man dies in collision/ TT overturns on black ice
Donald Price was not wearing a seatbelt when his eastbound Nissan Frontier struck a Subaru Outback driven by Cynthia Brown, 67, of Randolph.
Voluntary gun surrender, gun theft bills introduced
The program would provide criminal and civil immunity from liability to participating dealers for any harm resulting from the dealer’s acceptance, storage, return, or refusal to return the firearm.
Reynolds lawyer wants gag order on Burlington police
State’s Attorney Sarah George supports the gag order motion, Reynolds’ lawyer claimed. A joint filing by both defense lawyer and prosecutor is expected soon, he said.
Two-vehicle crash in Swanton sends four to hospital
The crash occurred around 10:26 a.m. at the intersection of Woods Hill Road and Bushey Road, according to Vermont State Police.
Letters: The Uni-party; Gun v. car violence
The manipulating hidden hands, and the double standard of the anti-gun movement
Despathy: What to do about that Bird Flu – Part 1
It is absolutely urgent Vermont revisit the history and existing body of avian bird flu science.
Randolph man dies in crash
The deceased was not wearing a seat belt.
Harvey named to vacant Castleton House seat/ GOP introduces Clean Heat Standard repeal/ Speaker chair up for grabs
Harvey is a 5th generation Vermonter born and raised in the Green Mountain State. Over a decade-long career in financial services, he held various roles at the New York Stock Exchange and its parent, Intercontinental Exchange, a Fortune 500 technology and data services company.
Legal use of force, self-defense aftermath workshops at Parro’s Jan. 15
Learn the four things that must be true to legally justify the use of deadly force.
Soulia: $1000 per bill introduced and you pay the tab
$1.2 Million Spent on Legislative Proposals in 2023-2024
U.S. Attorney for Vermont steps down
Nikolas “Kolo” Kerest, the U.S. Attorney for Vermont for the past three years, submitted his resignation Monday effective Jan. 20.
CLG: Congress defies snowstorm to certify Trump’s election
New Orleans terrorist Shamsud-Din Jabbar wore Meta Smart Glasses during attack; Biden issues sweeping offshore oil, gas drilling ban in 625M acres of federal waters ahead of Trump transition
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