Their data showed that a higher percentage of healthcare costs in Vermont go to administrative costs compared to similar providers in other states.
Bipartisan lawmakers seek to reign in health insurance premiums
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.
Hartford man indicted for fentanyl possession and distribution
Christopher Stephens, 38, of Hartford CT is facing federal charges relating to alleged distribution of fentanyl in the Burlington area.
Newport City Councilor Rick Ufford-Chase launches mayoral campaign
Ufford-Chase also serves as executive director of Newport Downtown Development. Current Mayor, Linda Joy Sullivan, will not be seeking a second term.
Keelan: Is Vermont still producing Jimmy Fishers?
Vermont has many young men and women who, in every way, will emulate Jimmy Fisher’s kindness, dedication, and sacrifice.
Shorts: Vermont Habitat Stamp raises $415,000 for conservation in 2024
CVMC Board of Trustees welcomes new member; Vermont’s 2025 Teacher of the Year: Caitlin MacLeod-Bluver; Northern Border Regional Commission Grants
In 1994 aggravated murder sentence, judge justified life sentence without parole
In 1994, a judge ruled the man who brutally strangled his wife should be imprisoned for the rest of his life, without parole. He’s now out on furlough.
Roper: Replacing the “It’s Not a Carbon Tax” with a Carbon Tax
CHS may have flatlined, but we’re still stuck with the GWSA mandates.
Soulia: Bureaucracy gone wild
VT legislators propose local zoning Board of Appeals
Vermont risks lost federal funds, prosecution over immigration pushback
In light of Trump’s executive order on Jan. 20, VT AG Charity Clark’s pushback may lead to loss of Fed. funds and open the state up to Fed. prosecution.
VT Headlines: Vermont plans for U.S.A 250th birthday party
Vermonters played a significant role in the colonists’ assertion for independence from Great Britain, from the Green Mountain Boys successful assault at Fort Ticonderoga to the Battle of Hubbardton, and to the Battle of Bennington where Vermont troops helped defeat a British force to set up the victories that turned the war in favor of the new Americans.
Ed plan sees just five school districts/ No income tax on Social Security, military pension bills intro’d
Under the Saunders plan, every district receives the same funding per student, adjusted for certain items such as non-English learners.
Friday at Four: Latest on Border Patrol shooting
Details about the killing and the two suspects.
Border Patrol shooting suspect in ‘controlling relationship,’ parents say
The police report indicated her parents believed Youngblut was being forced to cut off contact with her family and friends due to the personal relationship she had entered, the Seattle Times reports.
McClaughry: Perils of school consolidation
The 17 year locusts of school consolidation is back – again.
Cole: U.S. must protect legal immigrants from illegals who endanger them
A former federal inspector general living in Vermont says enforcement must be done to protect our friends, family, and neighbors who followed the rules and fled from the people entering illegally who can and do harass them and recruit their children into the criminal theft, extortion, robbery, and drug gangs they fled in hope for a new life here.
Second suspect in deadly shootout with Border Patrol Agent in Vermont is charged with two felonies; Suspects had tactical gear and body armor, two-way radios
Youngblut is charged with intentional use of a deadly weapon while forcibly assaulting a federal law enforcement and with discharging a firearm during an assault with deadly weapon, records show.
School choice bill introduced, term limits bill coming soon
A bill introduced today would allow all Vermont students to attend the school of the student’s choice, paid for by a School Choice Grant issued by the Agency of Education.
Barre man busted for assault and drugs
Police also seized approximately 31.62 grams of cocaine in 36 individually wrapped baggies, 0.17 grams of crack cocaine, items to suggest drug sales, and $280 in cash.
Hundreds of brother police officers follow body of slain Border Patrol Agent to funeral home
Maland is believed to be the first federal law enforcement officer to be killed in the line of duty in Vermont since a few deaths in the Prohibition era.
VT Headlines: Hospital brass get $3 million in bonus pay amid deficits, cuts
Shiffrin healed, ready to race. Pot dealer sues over advertising restrictions. More opioid settlement $$.
Vermont has history of farming cooperatively, not corporately
Three dozen corporations now exert overwhelming control over agricultural input manufacturing and food distribution. ‘Twas not always so.
Ellis: Fear and hatred
Trump has defeated the media, the Democratic party, the Clintons, the Obamas, the Bushes, the Bidens, and the American Dream.
Suspect shot and killed in Vermont Border Patrol encounter was German national math/computer whiz: source
His computer/math skills were so highly prized by the finance industry that the German national was working in the U.S. on a visa type given only to immigrants with “extraordinary ability.”
Soulia: Act 250: A barrier to Vermont’s economic future
Over the decades, Act 250 has grown into a broad regulatory framework that has hindered development while providing questionable benefits.
Page: Sin and carbon: The economics of absolution
A reflection on our age of carbon indulgences
Shorts: Norwich U. receives $2M STEM grant
Also: Vermonters encouraged to support threatened, endangered species recovery with Nongame Tax Checkoff; Waterfowl blinds must be removed
Automotive mandates within the Global Warming Solutions Act will hurt local auto dealers
The mandate controls what cars are available, but not which cars consumers actually will buy. By 2035 the only cars available in VT would be EVs.
Education secretary proposes overhaul with five large school districts
The idea is to reconnect voters with the impacts of their votes and reign in runaway property taxes, Secretary of Education Zoie Saunders said today.
Roper: Poorly conceived, ineptly written, Act 18 requires full repeal
Part 3: PUC report lays bare why Clean Heat Standard is totally unworkable.
State House Spotlight: Senate bill requires ‘synthetic media in elections’ warning label
The seven sponsors of S.23 include Republicans, Democrats, and Progressives, and four of the five members of Senate Gov Ops.
Fight domestic homicide with enhanced compliance on gun surrender orders, AG asks Legislature
Legislation recommended by Clark and the Commission, if introduced, would likely go to the House Judiciary or Senate Judiciary committees.
VT Headlines: New sculpture on I-89
Vermont Supreme Court hears challenge to education secretary’s interim appointment; Vermont Afghan Group Condemns Trump Refugee Order
Woman admits using elder’s money to buy Barton home in fraud scheme
A Barre woman pleaded guilty Thursday to using more than $84,000 in stolen funds to purchase a home in Barton and a new vehicle
New FBI report casts doubt on depiction of Border Patrol agent shooter as illegal immigrant
This was based on earlier reports from reputable news organizations quoting law enforcement sources
Soulia: VT’s S.8 proposal expands Dr. Dynasaur to adults under 26
Critics question its financial viability given Vermont’s ongoing economic struggles.
Davis: Tougher penalties, tough debate
Scott on crime and recidivism
State House Spotlight: New House GOP members support vax freedom bill
PFA crackdown; Bill would include ‘current use’ land in 30 x 30, 50 x 50 conservation plan; Battle of Bennington-1 continues
Vermont among states suing to stop Trump’s birthright citizenship order
The lawsuit argues that Trump’s order violates the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees birthright citizenship.
New study sets regional housing production targets for 2030 and 2050
The new study sets regional housing production targets for 2030 and 2050
Scott plan SPARCs new home construction
Governor Phil Scott’s housing plan includes expanding Act 250 exemptions into more towns and creating a small town housing financing program he calls ‘SPARC.’
VT Headlines: Vermonters who work from home tend to earn more, data shows
Appeals and permitting process highlight Gov. Scott’s housing package; School Funding Proposal Would Change How Vermont Pays for Education
Moore: Yes, NEA, we ARE overspending on education
At $26,970 per student, Vermont is well above the national average (less than $20k)
Breaking: Dead immigrant and U.S. Border Patrol Agent are both identified from the shootout on I-91 in Orleans County
There is now conflicting information on whether Bauckholt was an illegal immigrant or had just overstayed his Visa.
Tri-partisan bill reduces carbon mandates to goals
Reps. Jim Harrison (R-Chittenden), Jed Lipsky (I-Stowe), and Kristi Morris (D-Springfield) cosponsored the bill, H.52
Abandoned Rottweiler Hank finds new home
Potters Angels thanked the efforts of Vermonters Against Animal Cruelty and Abandonment, an organization dedicated to finding loving homes for animals in need.
Rodgers drops puck at Norwich – Castleton hockey game
The Lieutenant Governor was welcomed to campus by LtGen John Broadmeadow, USMC (Ret), 25th President of Norwich University, prior to the ceremonial puck drop.
VT to review drug testing in child protection cases
The reason for the temporary pause is a concern about the frequency of false “negative” test results.
Page: The price of “free” healthcare
The wait times, quality issues, and hidden costs that should give pause to advocates of similar systems in other nations, not to mention our own State.
Galfetti: Legislature full speed ahead
Controlling property taxes is going to take a whole system overhaul.
Slain Border Agent Maland honored by moment of silence
Sen. Russ Ingalls: “I just want to put a name to the face of the officer that was killed yesterday. His name is David Maland.”
Roper: Governor Scott wants to lower property taxes and reform public education
Despite the Vermont Teacher’s Union’s assertion, Vermont now spends more per pupil — $27,000 on average – than any other state but one.
BPD Report: City “lost progress” in retaining officers since 2020 exodus
While progress was made in 2023 towards replenishing their ranks after a 2020 defunding, it has largely been lost in 2024.
Bananas: D.C. & Burlingtonians protest democracy
Several hundred Burlingtonians braved severe climate change in order to carry hand-made handmaiden signs in a show of strong delusion.
Beck: Connecting the dots
Both Left and Right are suing Vermont due to Global Warming Solutions Act (Act 153). This has to end.
VT Headlines: Frigid forecast prompts Barre, Burlington to open emergency shelters
Colchester asylum-seeker fears deportation as feds order him to report the day after Donald Trump takes office; VT schools wonder: What if ICE comes knocking?
CLG: Donald Trump sworn in as 47th president of the United States
ICE officers prepping for ‘big [bleep]ing operation’ across sanctuary cities; Biden announces blanket pardon for his brother James
Payroll tax would fund proposed Medicaid expansion
Under S 1, if the federal government won’t pay for Medicaid, Vermonters will foot the bill.
Despathy: ‘Avian flu’ actually toxicity and poisoning?
There are records of suspected avian bird flu cases in which further investigation revealed toxicity and poisoning, especially in wild bird populations.
Fire kills Marshfield resident/ Hartford man dies of gunshot wound
On Jan. 19, the Hartford PD and Hartford Fire Department responded to reports of a shooting. They found a man with an apparent gunshot wound to the head.
“It’s like a Trump rally everywhere you go”
There’s also a strong police presence. “I have never seen so much security,” Stringer said. National Guard are metro police are everywhere. In fact police from all over the country are everywhere.
Grisly murder prompts corpse abuse bill hearing Friday
The bill creates a crime of aggravated abuse of a corpse sentencing up to 10 years a person who hides burns, mutilates, disfigures, dismembers, or otherwise destroys a corpse to conceal a crime; or commits or tries to commit sexual assault against a corpse.
Gervais: Clean Heat Standard is and always was a carbon tax
Once you strip away all the bells, whistles, and unnecessary complexity of “clean heat credits” and “credit exchanges,” the Clean Heat Standard is and always was just a Rube Goldberg carbon tax on how we heat our homes.
Roper: New Clean Heat Standard spin is dangerously laughable
The problem with that argument is that a home with a brand-new heat pump and $10k worth of weatherization improvements that is located in a floodplain isn’t any more resilient to being destroyed than one with an old oil furnace that’s insulated with corn cobs.
Alleged St. J’s cop shooter’s wife, neighbors arrested
Mason was the subject of a several-day interstate manhunt before police found him hiding next door to his St. Johnsbury home.
Reynolds arrested after he ‘created fear’ at Burlington church: police
Reynolds is the man that caused Progressive Party Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak to impose a Gag Order on Police Chief Jon Murad releasing public information about criminal arrests and crimes in Burlington.
Biden commutes prison sentence in drug-related homicide case in the NEK
The outgoing U.S. Attorney for Vermont, Nikolas “Kolo” Kerest, said Sunday afternoon that his office learned on Saturday afternoon that among those commuted by Biden were more than 20 individuals convicted by federal prosecutors in Vermont in recent years.
Gov. Scott announces DMV, Public Service leadership appointments
Matt Rousseau as deputy commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Brittney Wilson as deputy commissioner of the Department of Public Service.
Dog rescue was a way of life for Hinesburg woman
VT Dog Rescue continues its work after founder’s death.
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