I genuinely feel like in the past four years since graduating college we have been living under a dark, dystopian government.
Bean: The Snowbird Edition
Parents allegedly murdered by son identified
The victims are identified as Jerry Gomes, 77, and Mary Gomes, 60. They are the parents of suspect Matthew Gomes.
Burlington Council bans guns in bars
If the city voters approve this initiative in March, Vermont’s new ‘purple’ legislature, with more Republican representation in both the House and Senate, will ultimately decide along with the governor if this will become law.
Donahue, et. al: Block inpatient psychiatric unit closure
The inpatient psychiatric unit closure includes no viable alternative to access care and is scheduled for a date certain in a matter of weeks; it will rapidly be irreversible because of staff departures.
Study: 80% carbon cuts in New England means doubling electricity rates, rolling blackouts
“Wind and solar are simply not affordable and reliable options. With over 170,000 households relying on electricity to power their furnaces, “Vermont can ill afford to double down on a failing electricity generation strategy that places thousands at risk of losing electricity during the cold winter months,” Flemming said.
Steampunks bustle to genre expo in Essex Junction
They were partaking in a tea duel — in which combatants attempt to hold a tea-soaked cookie vertically without it collapsing. The duelist who can hold their cookie aloft the longest without it falling, or having to eat it, wins.
Timmas: I stopped talking with ‘red’ father – then came Braver Angels
In 2020, I measured my dad’s care for me with a single metric: his vote.
Klar: The contentious path to Trump’s USDA pick
Appointments to health-related agencies are important bellwethers of how much influence Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will bring to bear in the incoming administration.
Guv. Scott announces cabinet and extended cabinet appointments
The Agency of Administration, and the departments within it, provide administrative and support services to all Vermont state government agencies and departments, as well as for taxpayers and constituents.
Imagine Vermont without VDC…..
Allow me to describe what a Vermont without VDC Sustaining Subscribers contributing $108/year, or $9/month, would look like…..
Deer season off to strong start
While western Vermont valleys offer more deer, the mountains and the Northeast Kingdom have fewer but bigger game, state biologists say.
VT Headlines: Bi-lingual news about Trump plan to deport farmworkers
Plan de deportación de Trump despierta pedidos de protección para trabajadores agrícolas de Vermont.
Connecticut man sentenced for distributing fentanyl in NEK
“TJ” now stands for “To Jail.”
Springfield MA men busted for Rutland fatal shooting
The shooting may be the latest in the ongoing connection of illegal activities — drugs and/or guns — flowing between Rutland and Springfield, Mass. area, officials said.
Boycott anti-semitic Middlebury, Jewish advocacy group urges parents
Middlebury College enables antisemitic radicals, so concerned parents and students should spend their tuition money elsewhere.
Former Montpelier, semi-pro football player charged with slaying parents
The former MHS and Castleton athlete suffered a 2022 head injury that a relative says led to deteriorating mental and physical health.
Roper: VT Senate Democrats didn’t get the message
If Baruth and White represent the worst kind of ideologically, out of touch radicals who see politics as a means to wield power over their constituents rather than represent them, Ram Hinsdale represents the worst kind of self-serving corruption.
VT Headlines: SoBu nixes noncitizen voting
Montpelier lights up seven bridges for the holidays. Rutland cuts red tape to build housing.
Bryce: Chris Wright, an unapologetic energy humanist, will be the next secretary of energy
Wright stands out as one of the most energetic, entrepreneurial, and intelligent individuals I’ve ever met. He’s relentlessly curious and innovative. He’s also an unapologetic energy humanist and an unapologetic advocate for energy realism.
CLG: Biden approves Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russia with U.S. missiles
Joe Biden has reportedly authorized Ukraine to use long-range American missiles to strike targets inside Russia’s pre-2014 borders, according to a New York Times report on Sunday citing anonymous American officials
Citizen journalist covers growing crime in Brattleboro
His latest video shows a new police officer and a citizen gazing at blood stains and a needle cap on a sidewalk. “The police officer did not seem to be too fazed by it,” Poitras notes on camera.
Bean: What RFK jr’s nomination to head of HHS means for Geoengineering
It is pretty clear through our research that geoengineering has a horrible effect on human health.
FAF today: Changes in Legislative leadership? Election consequences for Clean Heat Standard, property taxes, illegal immigrants
The first Friday at Four since Election Night will feature in-depth discussion about its consequences to the Legislature, home owners, property tax payers, and illegal immigrants.
Robbed at gunpoint, store clerk charged with aggravated assault
A decision to issue Ali-Koarti a court citation was made because the initial gun threat by the teen had ended and the robbers had fled the store, police said.
Drag Queen Story Hour Saturday in ST. J – censored oppo group creates new media platform
The community is responding both in support and opposition, and the opposition alleges censorship by the petition website Change.org.
Klar: Post-election, Vermont school counsels children — to be Democrats
Did the teachers counsel the kiddos that Trump is Hitler, and they will all be deported soon? Nothing like kiddie fear-porn by public servants inflicted on others’ children.
Video captures crash in Newport
Interesting footage of a Newport crash and aftermath.
Gov. Scott: Trump plan to deport 17 million illegal immigrants is “unrealistic”
Scott said of Trump: “I don’t see that what he has proposed is realistic and I would have to think that those who are coming into power with him would understand.”
Swanton, northern border illegal immigrant encounters set new record high
In fiscal 2024, agents reported 198,929 illegal border crosser apprehensions and encounters, the greatest number in U.S. history, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Active-duty military suicides increase despite prevention efforts
The Pentagon’s Annual Report on Suicide in the Military found that 523 service members died by suicide in 2023, an increase from 493 during the previous year.
The halls of Proctor’s Wilson Castle are alive … with paranormal investigators
“(The spirits) always let you know they’re here in some way,” Probst said. “Not one group that’s left has said it was a very quiet night.”
Is Drag Queen Story Hour like blackface? the Pro argument
“Why is it socially acceptable – as a form of entertainment – for men to put on dresses, make up and high heels and act out every offensive stereotype of women (bitchy, catty, dumb, slutty, etc.) – but it is not socially acceptable – as a form of entertainment – for a white person to put on blackface and act out offensive stereotypes of African Americans?”
Is Drag Queen Story Hour like blackface? The Con argument
The comparison between drag shows and blackface is clearly nothing more than an excuse to be both racist and homophobic at the same time.
VT Headlines: Norwich linebacker wins national gridiron award
A New Jersey native, Leddy is the top defensive football player from one of the United States military academies, senior military colleges or top ROTC programs.
UVMMC to reduce hospital beds, shift dialysis to other hospitals
Cuts include asking local hospitals to assume operation of money-losing kidney dialysis centers in Rutland, Newport and St. Albans.
ACLU suing Northeast Kingdom sheriff for records of him talking with ICE
“Colby said he would likely call immigration authorities after a traffic stop if he thought the people in the car were undocumented….Colby estimated his department had relayed about 20 cases to immigration authorities in the last year, not a particularly high figure in his mind,” the news story said.
Two Dem senators thumbs down on Clean Heat Standard progress
Even Democrat senators with a track record of forwarding aggressive carbon reduction legislation are publicly panning the chances of success for the Clean Heat Standard.
Bananas: GOP wins White House, Dems retain control of nuthouse
Despite having voted Democrat in 2020, swing states Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and even Vermont, turned harder to the right than a dyslexic NASCAR driver
Tax credits boost downtown projects
Graduation Day at Vermont Police Academy.
Roper: The ‘VT Red Wave’ was Kevin Ellis’ fault
You not only failed to question the lies, challenge the lies, call out the lies, you actively enabled their lying. You circled the wagons around the Democrats’ talking points. Made champions out of the liars and silenced the critics.
Two teens busted for armed robbery, mom turns in son to cops
Seeing his eyes was enough of a clue for the mother to know it was her son in the photo provided in the press release from police, court records said.
CLG: Polymarket CEO’s home raided by FBI following Presidential election
he prediction market was a breakout success in the U.S. presidential election, a platform where billions of dollars worth of bets were placed on the outcome.
Favorite Comment of the Day: ‘the great American watering hole’
In the online Marketplace of Ideas, there is no more stimulating Vermont food-for-thought stand.
VT Fish and Wildlife: Bald eagle shot in Bridport, reward offered
Metal pellets and recent wounds consistent with shotgun fire were found in the eagle’s body.
VT Headlines: Movie theater to close
School bus hit by FedEx truck. ACLU takes on sheriff on illegal immigration stance.
Lt Governor-Elect Rodgers picks Chief of Staff
“A gifted team leader and trusted administrator, she brings valuable experience from the private sector to her new role,” Rodgers said of Brown.
Ellis: It’s Phil Scott’s Vermont now
What is more surprising? A Republican governor in a Democratic state, who stands against everything Trump espouses and who voted for his opponent, wins the governorship for a fifth time with 73 percent of the vote.
Allbee: Immigrants essential to U.S., Vermont food system
In the food processing sector alone, immigrants account for 35% of meat processing workers, 34% of workers in commercial bakeries, 30% of the labor in fruit and vegetable processing, and 25% of workers in seafood and other food processing
Brandon rep-elect went from write-in to shoo-in
“I sweated in places I never knew I could sweat. My knees. My elbows. Even my good hand was dripping wet,” said Nielsen of speaking to an audience for the first time ever.
Chamber: Elections favor balance of power in Montpelier
Democrats lost two Committee Chairs, an Assistant Majority Leader, and a Vice-Chair of the only committee chaired by a Republican.
Trump’s total control creates uncertainty for Vermont
Less federal aid, negative impact of tariffs, fewer foreign worker visas projected.
Stevenson: Peanut’s Law, hounding, & the Fish and Wildlife Board
The hounds did not first ask whether these individuals were Republican or Democrat. Companion dogs have been attacked by bear and coyote hounds.
Restorative Justice advocates want regular public funding
Restorative justice programs allow convicts to reduce or avoid incarceration by using local support groups that help with job searching, finding a home, and re-establishing relationships.
Keelan: Four Chaplains still inspire us
Along with their clergy roles, they were 1st Lieutenants in the U.S. Army’s Chaplain Service in WWII. Because of their commitment, they became “Immortal,” as you will soon find out.
Super majority gone? Now get it fixed
There is also the reality of amending the Global Warming Solutions Act. Strike the mandate. Replace it with a Vermont Strong set of goals to achieve any carbon reduction that reduces my cost of living.
VT Headlines: Sheriff loses decertification appeal
State shelters & staffing to cost $3 mil. Lawmakers feeling the heat on school spending.
New retail theft law cracks down on serial shoplifters
Up to 10 years in prison for fourth offense of theft more than $250.
Venezuelan man charged after heavily armed illegal border crossing in Derby Line
A search of the motorcycle revealed a loaded Walther P22 pistol, multiple magazines containing approximately 80 rounds of ammunition, a suspected suppressor, handcuff keys, knives, a collapsible baton, zip ties, and cell phones, authorities said.
The Supermajority is history – what now?
So, what’s next? Listen and call in at 11 AM today on Common Sense Radio.
Zuckerman nixes legislative end-run around voters
A third-party run by a socialist garnered 13,671 votes, perhaps enough to leave the final decision about the 204 lieutenant governor’s race to the Legislature.
Election Day scenes around Chittenden County
Community News Service reporters were out and about across Vermont on Election Day to capture scenes from polling places.
Ellis: When the Democrats lose my wife, you know it’s bad
“The Democrats’ arrogance is what’s wrong with this country. Bad food, bad education, bad healthcare… is hidden by liberal speech, Obama smiles, and more EMPTY promises, which Trump took advantage of (which any good sociopath will do).”
Letters: Brook on Harris, Peyton on offending their neighbor, Stone says thanks
I’m wondering why Kamala Harris, right after Trump rose from the stage in Butler, PA, fist in the air, urging “Fight, fight, fight,” chose to adopt that pugilistic language herself.
After a bruising 4 years, a hope for normalcy in American elections
Going into Election Day, officials and pro-democracy advocates braced for the worst. What a difference a day — and a result — makes.
Bicyclist dies in collision with cop
The Vermont Dept. of Forest, Parks and Recreation says most of Vermont is under a high risk of fire danger. A ban on burning debris is in effect in the southernmost counties of Windham, Windsor, Rutland and Bennington counties.
VT Headlines: Invasive golden clam discovered in Lake Champlain
Post-election harrassment in schools. Burlington graffiti policy.
Bananas: Trump wins record third presidency amidst Rapture of Democrats
In man-splaining terms, that means Democrats produced nearly 15 million more votes for the old white male instead of the colored lady. Weird.
House, Senate election results compare former and new senators and representatives
Who replaced who in both House and Senate ….. so far.
Dages recalls his time in the Mekong Delta, burning his fatigues and wet feet
He and his fellow platoon members spent long weeks during the rainy season trying to interdict enemy troops throughout the Mekong Delta, conducting sweeps during the day and night.
Redistricting error revote could reverse Dem House win
Busa hopes the court rules that only the affected voters – somewhere between 40 and 75 – will be asked to cast ballots. But the Vermont Secretary of State wants the entire district to revote.
Vermont and most other states not requiring voter ID voted for Kamala
Vermont requires some ID to register to vote, but not to cast a ballot.
Roper: Voters tell Legislature to scrap Clean Heat Standard and cut property taxes!
Vermont Republicans should say as loudly as they can, “GOT IT!,” put forward a full repeal of the Clean Heat Standard, and dare the Democrats to blow it off or vote no.
Harrison: Clean Heat Standard approval less likely with defeat of Bray
The Clean Heat Standard is slated to return to the legislature in January for another approval, which is now less likely. The original sponsor of the measure, Senator Chris Bray, D-Addison, was one of the lawmakers to lose re-election last week.
VT Headlines: Pulitzer Prize winning editor says VT Dems ‘have work to do’
“At the micro level on Wednesday morning it seemed as if a dark cloud had settled over the state. People were reaching out to friends and family by phone, text and email. There were tears and stoicism and bewilderment.”
Citizen-only voting passes in eight states
Vermont is one of four states allowing non-citizen voting in local elections.
Election Day Tsunami started at Town Meeting in March
To their credit, Supermajority leaders felt the electoral earthquake tremors even before Election Day. To their debit, they failed to respond in time with the sandbag equivalent of spending cuts and tax relief.
Repeat offender dragged Burlington victim by the neck
Drug dealer gets 5 years. Repeat criminal drags victim by neck in domestic assault. NEK drug bust.
LGBTQ non-profit head faces lewd conduct charge
The victim was a man in his 20’s, Norwich police say.
FEMA workers ordered to skip houses with Trump signs
Pass on by, FEMA workers in Lake Placid, Florida were told of houses with Trump signs.
Police seek Pokemon thief, possible UVM rapist
Crime and fatal accidents.
Thurston: We’re in a global sweet spot right now
We should make peace with the climate, and each other
Career armed robber busted again
After serving a lengthy stretch in the federal pen, a convicted armed robber is arrested again – for armed robbery.
57 Republicans, friendly independents, and a few Blue Dogs give House more balance
Complete listing of elected members of Vermont House of Representatives.
VT #1 for youth sports
Rural states show higher participation in youth sports than urban states.
Vermont man charged with enticing minors
McGrath explicitly sought young girls via the online application, requested others to sexually abuse them, and sought video and visual depictions of the abuse.
VT Libertarian Party supports Thomas Massie for Sec of Agriculture
Massie’s record demonstrates a commitment to deregulating agriculture in ways that favor smaller, family-owned farms over corporate interests, a stance that aligns with the Libertarian Party’s values.
A Wacky Climate Journey
At its peak, [VT Yankee] the plant provided around one-third of the state’s electricity, all without emitting greenhouse gases.
Democrats abuse of supermajority power led to downfall, GOP chair says
Paul Dame explains why and how the red tsunami seemingly came out of nowhere and obliterated the Legislature’s veto-proof blue supermajority.
In D.C., GOP on track to control House and Senate
Republicans have a 97% chance of winning control of the House.
VT Headlines: Gas line ruptures in Winooski
Local governments cope with costly wastewater treatment.
Man tossed nails and screws onto Main Street
Police saw James Denman, 54, throwing screws and nails onto the roadway and under a parked Bradford Police cruiser.
Montpelier bike path safety concern grows as harrassment increases
“What I’ve heard and documented are fairly consistent experiences of girls, aged 11–16, being sexually harassed by men gathered on the bike path. In several cases, girls have been followed and pursued.”
Citizen, non-citizen voters hand Burlington police oversight to new panel, away from chief
By almost 2-1, Queen City voters chose to give an outside body the final power over police officer discipline.
Tucker Carlson mocks Kamala win in Vermont
Remarkably, two of the 59 Vermont Trump Towns are college towns.
Bernie: Dems lost because they abandoned working people
While the Democratic leadership defends the status quo, the American people are angry and want change. And they’re right.
Vermont needs 24,000 new homes minimum to meet growing demand
In terms of population growth, a net 3,000 people moved to the state in 2022, and that’s on top of a net of more than 14,000 people who previously moved here in 2021.
Vermont’s General Election push toward the “middle of nowhere”
Elon Musk wrote on X, “The people of America gave Donald Trump a crystal clear mandate for change tonight.”
Doc pleads guilty to drug distribution
A supposed substance abuse treatment clinic was actually dealing drugs illegally.
VT Headlines: well-paid OneCare Vermont to shut down
The UVM Health Network subsidiary is an ‘accountable care organization’ run by very well-paid executives.
VT Fish and Wildlife: Acorns abundant in some areas, beechnut production down this fall
“Beechnut production is poor statewide,” said Comeau. “We found no beechnuts in most surveys. There was one outlier in northcentral Vermont, but even there beechnut production only ranked as fair.”
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