At $26,970 per student, Vermont is well above the national average (less than $20k)
Moore: Yes, NEA, we ARE overspending on education
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.
BREAKING: Norwich University student dies while training
The student was identified as cadet Daniel Bermudez by Norwich President John J. Broadmeadow in an email to the community on Thursday.
School funding overhaul called for by administration
Saunders said while other states clarify the amount of funds they have to work with before they discuss spending, Vermont’s system works the other way around.
State to spend $62 mil on low-income solar
Set to launch in late 2025, the initiative aims to lower electricity costs by 20% for many low-income and underserved Vermonters through solar.
Welch grills Trump AG nominee over prosecuting ‘enemies’
Bondi to Welch During Senate Confirmation Hearing: “No one will be prosecuted, investigated because they are a political opponent.”
Deaths on highway, in house fire
Teen dies in crash on Burlington Beltline; A Bristol man died in a house fire Jan. 15.
Fuel spill endangers drinking water
Fuel spill stirs response Wells River Village and state officials are monitoring a 600-gallon fuel oil spill near the village’s public water source.
Roper: 58¢ per gallon! And that still low.
PUC rules account for just the first ten years of a 25-year program, which will get progressively more expensive as time goes by.
Feds indict Hoodstar Gzz gang for ST. J shootings, drug crime
The gang’s activities, which include murder, gun and drug trafficking, arson, and extortion, have been part of an extensive RICO conspiracy.
VT Headlines: ‘Yorkie Werewolf’ strikes terrier into viewers’ hearts
Ski resorts look ahead to the holiday weekend.
Working the angles on the housing crisis/ Vermonters drinking less? It’s true/ Safe injection site repeal bill
“The younger demographic is choosing not to drink, not to drink as much. And so those are some trends that are impacting the consumption and the sale of alcohol.”
State says Clean Heat Standard ‘not well suited’ for Vermont
“It’s not a fundamentally wrong program, we just don’t think it’s a good fit for Vermont”, said Commissioner McNamara.
State building construction costs soar, borrowing limits tighten
The Senate Committee on Institutions has its work cut out for it.
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.
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