Ex-employee claims her firing due to noting inadequate response. Jordan Houston filed the lawsuit against Washington County Mental Health Services Inc. in Vermont Superior Court in Montpelier on Friday.
Washington County Mental Health sued in double homicide
House sends road salt control bill back to committee
The road salt control bill was sent back to committee.
Klar: What makes Vermont special is farming
There is more farm art than farming in Vermont these days. It is as if the surreal has replaced the real; idyllic sentimentality has displaced the farming culture.
Roper: Climate activist admits no real savings from “Social Cost of Carbon”
If there’s any benefit at all, it doesn’t get back to the people paying the bills.
Rodgers: The cost of VT’s electric truck mandate
Vermont’s ambitious climate goals are about to become very real, and could hit many of us in the wallet.
Moore and Johnson: Unfunded laws have only theoretical benefits
Action on these measures keeps Vermont at the forefront of climate action while avoiding the pitfalls of unfunded mandates, including those that leave space for unnecessary and counter-productive legal challenges.
Man shot in abdomen in Brattleboro
A man was found with a gunshot to the abdomen and appeared to be conscious and alert, Detective Lt. Greg Eaton said.
Senate budget spends more than Guv, House – conference committee named
The $9 billion Senate budget tops the House budget by $20 million and the governor’s budget by $50 million.
Klar: Is it finally time to study SSRI antidepressants properly?
A new law may help establish whether there’s a link to mass shooters and antidepressants.
Woman dies, man charged in Thetford freeway rollover
The driver suffered major injuries and was later cited for gross and negligent operation with death resulting.
Ex-Police Chief Swanson files $5 million lawsuit
Woodstock Trustees and manager among defendants
The Vermont Podcast: How the Dems keeping putting off repeal of Clean Heat Standard
Democrats in the State House are furiously trying to avoid going on the record about repealing the Clean Heat Standard.
Senate support for Mahdawi analyzed
There are no reports indicating that Mahdawi was physically mistreated, verbally abused, or otherwise handled roughly during his arrest. He was subsequently transported to a detention facility pending immigration proceedings.
Letters: Stahler on Roy, Smith on Democracy, Page on political courage
Somehow, the fact that Vermont emits the LEAST amount of CO2 in the nation has escaped our legislators and media.
Illegal immigrant sneaks across border with loaded gun and silencer near Haskell Library
Julio Cesar Romero-Paredes, 46, will continue to be detained pending his sentencing in U.S. District Court by Judge Mary Kay Lanthier in Rutland on Aug. 27.
Banzhaf: Due process for immigrants explained
In many cases, no trial is required to deport them. Whether or not you agree with it, this is the law.
CLG: Zelensky threatens world leaders ahead of Moscow’s Victory Day celebrations
Major outbreak fears as world’s most contagious disease hits baseball game attended by 40,000; Trump announces 100% tariff for movies produced outside U.S.; AOC heckled by ‘hysterical’ protester calling her a “war criminal”
VT Headlines: Lawyers rally against Trump
92% of Vermonters already have the REAL ID-compliant licenses that will be needed to travel on domestic air flights.
Weekend arrests: Axe assault, fentanyl dealing, sex assault
A subsequent investigation revealed that Tatro had allegedly swung the axe—a potentially lethal weapon—at a man during a property dispute.
Woodstock Foundation lawsuit settles
The Woodstock Foundation Board of Directors have agreed to a proposed out-of-court settlement with the former longtime chair and vice chair of the board in their lawsuit over claims they were improperly removed and that the Woodstock Inn & Resort and the Billings Farm & Museum had been mismanaged.
Two years later, Christian school still banned from Vermont sports, coach tells Riley Gaines
The school figured the suspension would be just for a year. They were ready for game one of the next season. “Game One never came,” Goodwin says.
Third time lucky? GOP seeks Clean Heat repeal (again)
Senate holds roll call on considering Clean Heat Standard Repeal bill ‘on the merits.’ Rejected on party line.
Smith to Climate Council: “Stop telling me where to live”
In an effort to provide a perspective from people who are not part of the choir and are not engaging with you, I endeavor to channel what you might hear, if you could find a way.
Roper: Democrats – again – block efforts to repeal/reform unpopular climate laws
Special interests have issued their marching orders, and the Democrats are obeying.
VT Headlines: Route 7 in Rutland re-opens after crews battle large fire
Judge orders state to give motel voucher recipients more notice before evicting them; CDC: Animal sedative medetomidine showing up in US illegal drug supply
CLG: WH calls out the ‘most egregious hoaxes’ pushed by media, Dems
Zelensky openly threatening Victory Day terrorist attack – Moscow; UK scientists are about to attempt to dim the Sun; H5N1 outbreak the next pandemic?
Two from Ukraine arrested for border-jumping
The U.S. Border Patrol named Mykhailo Ivanchyn, 21, and Ihor Zelskyi, 27, in a criminal complaint with illegally entering the United States at Richford early Monday.
Breaking: Trump DOJ sues Vermont over climate Superfund law
The feds claim that these proposed measures conflict with the Clean Air Act and are unconstitutional, asserting that such litigation hinders energy production, raises energy costs for Americans, and weakens national security against foreign threats.
Page: Japan’s Hometown Tax could work in Vermont
The program allows urbanites to redirect a portion of their income taxes to rural municipalities of their choosing while receiving specialty local products as thank-you gifts.
Correction: Bill exempts military retirement income from state income tax
S.51 gives a $250 tax credit on military pensions for earners of up to $25,000, and reduces the size of the credit on a graduated basis on earners claiming up to $30,000.
Windsor police report says Mahdawi tried to buy sniper rifle, machine gun in 2015
A Windsor businessman told a police officer Mahdawi had asked to buy a sniper rifle and a machine gun in 2015. The judge said the incident “does not support a finding of dangerousness.”
Clean Heat Standard repeal vote set for this afternoon
A vote to repeal the Clean Heat Standard will be held in the Vermont Senate this afternoon. The vote will be close and Lt. Gov. John Rodgers has said he will cast the tie-breaking vote in favor of repeal.
VT Headlines: Body of missing hiker found near Lake Willoughby
Amazon warehouse plan sparks debate in Essex ahead of board meeting; Thousands rally across the country for May Day in support of workers’ rights and public investment
State launches Paid Family and Medical Leave enrollment for individuals
For the first time, self-employed individuals and workers without employer-provided coverage can voluntarily enroll in the paid leave program, which offers partial income replacement during qualifying family or medical events.
Soulia: Vermont’s $78 million question
Vermont Employment Growth Incentive program quietly extended without a vote
Trump timber order spurs debate about Vermont’s woods
A supporter says the timber industry feels encouraged by order; a critic says it’s just red meat for Trump’s base.
Proposed farmer relief fund for floods and more could now include loggers
Over the last two years, “persistently rainy conditions made many forested areas too wet to harvest,” a logging industry rep told legislators.
Norwich University students arrested for stealing from Caledonia County cannabis farm
The incident took place two weeks ago at Off Piste Farm, where a neighbor’s game camera recorded two individuals approaching the property. Vermont State Police recovered the stolen 15 pounds of marijuana in Northfield last week.
Sanders decries ‘illegal arrests’ made by the Trump Administration
Sanders warned that such actions signal a dangerous slide toward authoritarianism in the United States. “We cannot allow Trump and his cronies to turn the United States of America into an authoritarian society in which people can be disappeared for their political beliefs,” Sanders stated.
VT Headlines: Woman stranded on island in Winooski River rescued by emergency crews
Vermont’s 2025 open enrollment sees record numbers for health insurance; Proposed infrastructure financing program would allow even small Vermont towns to incentivize housing
Cal-Berkeley Dean of Journalism named VTDigger Editor-in-Chief
Her stories on corporate corruption won the Wall Street Journal a Pulitzer Prize in 2002, and she was lead reporter in a series on healthcare that was a finalist in 2003.
Max Misch guilty of having a “high capacity magazine”
Misch first came into the public eye for leaving critical and racist comments on social media to and about Rep. Kiah Morris (D-Bennington), a black woman married to a white man.
Rodgers: Immigration hypocrisy and Trump’s failed policy
The recent removal and detention of nine Franklin County migrant farmworkers exposes the hypocrisy and failed policy embedded in the Trump Administration’s immigration crackdown.
Klar: Record high beef prices and a dwindling cattle supply
Assessing the future of American cattle herds.
New radio ad seeks parents of children vaxxed against their will
Statewide advertising campaign by radio and social media to provide Vermont parents who believe their minor children may have been given medical interventions without their consent an opportunity to confer for free with legal counsel.
Clean Heat Standard repeal vote not allowed on House floor
North explained that voters urged him to repeal the unpopular Clean Heat Standard, which incentivizes home heat electrification at the expense of homeowners who burn fossil fuels. He promised he would try.
BREAKING: Drugs, guns vehicles seized in SoBu police raid
The house was well-known to city officers, police said.
From the Grand Canyon, Sen. Peter Welch decries DOGE park cuts
Vermont does not have a traditional “national park” under the National Park Service, like the Grand Canyon or Yosemite. However, it does have federally protected areas that are influenced by federal policies.
After Legislature shields abortion pill prescribers, study cites high complication rate
The Legislature has willfully overlooked the severe health consequences of mifepristone, despite testimony about its hazards, Vermont Right to Life executive director Mary Beerworth said.
Governor says of Franklin County immigration ‘raid’ was a chase, BP arrests justified
Scott also reiterated that he appreciates immigrant labor when the law isn’t broken.
Roper: Sen. Watson’s dishonest climate politics
It’s not the governor’s fault your ridiculous plans are collapsing.
DEI doesn’t violate Civil Rights Act, AG claims
They also claim that the Administration is misinterpreting Title VI, which is U.S. law stating that no one should ever be judged or treated differently in any way for a job or service based on factors such as skin color, race, and so forth.
VT Headlines: Vermont Brewers Festival returns July 18-19
Maple Fest parade marches on despite the weather; Federal appeals court temporarily halts Öztürk’s transfer to Vermont; Affordable apartments open in Colchester as housing leaders fear federal cuts
Scott wouldn’t sign current Ed. Reform bill, aide says
Administration wants lawmakers to decrease spending and timeline for implementation before signing education reform bill
Shorts: Scott names new Caledonia County Sheriff
Vermont grocery spending ranked; Olympic surgeon named UVM Commencement speaker; Rutland downtown project gets thumbs-up
Vermont State Police announces next round of recruiting pop-up tests
The unique tests, launched late last year, allow people with an interest in becoming a state trooper to just show up without an appointment, application or taking any prior steps.
Another contaminated high school needs big renovation
On the hook for the bill will be either Hartford taxpayers or Monsanto. The State of Vermont, which requires testing for PCBs in buildings built before 1980, has already stated it will not be giving any financial assistance.
Roy: Climate change perspective
There are actually multiple coal burning electricity plants in the USA that individually produce up to 5X Vermont’s annual emissions! One single plant!
Immigrant with sham marriage sentenced
Nasir Hussain, 31, has been in continual federal custody since his arrest in May of 2023 on a wire fraud conspiracy charge.
Trump supporters plan flag/sign waves on 100th day
“This is our THANK YOU to the President and his Teams.”
Frustration stews at Williston senior community over state’s mobile home park rules
It looks like a mobile home park. The state says it isn’t. The folks in this Williston neighborhood are frustrated they can’t access the help that classification would afford them.
Woman charged with involuntary manslaughter in Barre shooting death
The Washington County State’s Attorney’s Office has since filed 10 charges against Robinson, including involuntary manslaughter, burglary into an occupied dwelling, firearm possession by a prohibited person (two counts), simple assault, and reckless endangerment (five counts).
More pressing crime issues than banning guns in bars, Guv says
Dealing with repeat offenders and drug crime matters more than banning guns in bars, Scott said.
Reported school playground kidnapping attempt didn’t happen
As an apparent ‘hoax’ crime incident, this case may be an exception to the norm in that most crime hoaxes are often politically motivated.
Legislature censors pro-life advertising, protects abortion pill nurses
Fine of up to $10K if the AG thinks an ad “has a tendency to deceive or mislead.”
Undercover drug purchases lead to arrest in Burlington
On Thursday at about 3:00 PM, the Department’s Emergency Response Unit executed a search warrant at 64 Hyde St., concluding an investigation that included “several controlled purchases of narcotics.”
McGuinness: Hypocrisy of House child abuse resolution
The only way to end this long train of abuses and usurpations is for more voters to become aware of the fact that their state legislators’ policies harm, not help them; and to recruit and elect new leadership that respects the sacred family institution and supports legislation that fortifies parental rights.
Father allegedly killed by son left him $258K in life insurance
Law forbids payout, Life insurance company asks court to hold onto it.
Harrison: Crosswinds
We are seeing the beginning of some strong legislative winds, and not necessarily in the same direction.
Truck hauling paper hits railroad bridge
Despite the tight curvature of the roadway, he attempted to avoid entering the opposite travel lane of eastbound traffic when the trailer struck the bridge.
NEK gun shop switches range from archery to laser
Middlebury College football player drafted.
The Vermont Podcast, #1: Border Patrol arrests, VT first in homelessness, gun ban OK’d
Guy Page and Paul Bean began ‘Friday at Four’ last April in the Bean Chevrolet building in Northfield with just a handful of views. Now, almost every show exceeds 1,000 views.
Keep ICE out of schools, resolution says
The resolution would “require schools in Vermont to adopt a policy that will restrict the admittance of federal immigration authorities into nonpublic areas of the school without presenting a judicial warrant.”
Woman arrested in connection with Barre homicide
The victim is a 45-year-old man from Barre. He was shot once in the abdomen at about 5:25 PM.
KVS: Couple accused of illegal firearm possession in Cambridge
The collection amounted to 18 guns. Both accused were prohibited from having firearms due to prior legal troubles.
Man sentenced for killing, dismembering wife in VT
Ferlazzo went out for breakfast the morning after shooting his wife twice in the head during an anniversary celebration trip in their camper Saturday Oct.16 in Bolton, according to court records. He later drove her body to a St. Albans driveway where he dismembered the body with a hacksaw and placed the body parts in plastic bags.
Silver from U.S.S. Vermont taken out for senator’s 70th birthday party
An elegant piece of Vermont history made a public appearance Thursday evening, April 24 for the 70th birthday party of Sen. Alison Clarkson of Windsor County.
Airmen return home from Asia
As reported by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Davis, hundreds of Airmen of the 158th Fighter Wing, are back after spending months deployed at Kadena Air Base in Japan. There will be more airmen, equipment, and F-35 Lightning II planes to return in the coming weeks.
‘Migra, migra,’ Berkshire farm workers yell when they see Border Patrol, eyewitness says
“We saw a bunch of men running, yelling, ‘Migra, Migra,'” Reighley said.
JD Vance wanted to chug a beer with the troops, but…..
The VP held up a classic German painted stein with a metal lid, preparing to give a toast. He joked that he should chug the beer. “That would go viral, and not in a good way, my friends.”
VT Headlines: 1 shot, 1 in custody after Barre shooting
Burlington police try to ID man accused of ‘inappropriate conduct’; Northfield residents turn out to support police chief who has allegedly faced racism, harassment; Sen. Anne Watson: A response to Sec. Moore’s commentary on the Global Warming Solutions Act
Rodgers: Building opportunities for our youth and businesses
The average age of a Vermont tradesman and woman is 56 years old. Our workforce shortage isn’t a distant threat; it’s a present-day reality.
Party-line Senate vote approves gun ban in Burlington bars
Brennan presented the flip-side of Vyhovsky’s public safety argument: that responsible people carrying guns makes them, and the community, safer.
Roper: Now a $17 million tax increase on beer, wine, & liquor?!
It’s enough to drive you to drink.
Soulia: PCB panic? A closer look at VT’s extreme school air standards
The EPA says 600 nanograms is safe. Vermont closes classrooms at 100. What do they know that the rest of the country doesn’t?
Burlington gun ban goes to Senate floor this afternoon
Supporters say it’s needed to reduce the increase in homicides in downtown Burlington and elsewhere. Critics say it violates a landmark 1987 state law pre-empting municipal gun control.
BLOTTER: Stolen truck, and attempted playground abduction
Stolen pickup truck with ladders on roof found in Lyndon after high-speed drive
Comment about ‘gangster’ police chief prompts DEI training in Northfield
A citizen had asked the selectboard on April 8, “Why isn’t he wearing [his uniform] so he looks like a police chief and not a gangster off the street that’s just driving our cruisers around?”
VT Headlines: FEMA ended a grant program designed to help communities prevent disaster damages, incl. Vermont
Vermont and 11 other states sue the Trump administration to stop tariff policy
Milton cop shot in ambush, gunman takes his own life
Independent photojournalist Wayne Savage, who was at the scene, told Vermont News First that he estimated shortly before 8 p.m. that more than 100 police vehicles had responded from Chittenden and Franklin Counties, along with the ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, FBI and others.
MPI: Perfect storm led to anti-DEI Maine lawmaker’s censure and lawsuit
Rep. Libby’s censure removed her ability to vote or speak on the floor of the Maine House of Representatives. All for pointing out a transgender student athlete.
Second-degree murder suspect Mesick back in jail
Mesick also has an earlier arrest in Burlington for aggravated assault for cutting open a man, organs hanging out, in 2013
Ellis: Grit and inspiration
In the past few weeks, a conversation kicked my ass. It’s about commitment, hard work, focus, and sacrifice.
CLG: Russia: Kiev using Taurus missiles against Russia would mean Berlin enters conflict
Klaus Schwab, architect of WEF’s dystopian ‘Great Reset,’ abruptly resigns following allegations of financial and ethical misconduct; Trump accuses Zelensky of harming peace talks
Allbee: Immigrants essential to American food production
According to Food Connects, 11.3% of farm work in Vermont is performed by H-2A seasonal workers.
Border czar Tom Homan asks angry media, ‘where were you?’
“Maybe we gotta hold off on some of the deportation operation we’re doing. But it’s not gonna stop us from seeking these people now, arresting them and take them off the street to United States while we’re waiting for the courts to decide.”
Food Stamp fights
Should SNAP food benefits be used to buy restaurant meals?
Farm workers mistaken for border crossers prompted call to Border Patrol
Border Patrol was called after people with backpacks emerged from the woodline. In fact, they were farm workers.
VT Headlines: Police ID victim in Rutland shooting
Vermont School Board Asso. supports H.454 ed plan; Rural Schools Alliance wants voice in education reform; Rutland affordable housing project earns state award for energy excellence
Homelessness up by 212% in VT since 2020 – tops in nation
The report, by the free-enterprise Common Sense Institute, also called into question most of the state’s “housing first” approach, saying it “may not be the best approach to addressing this challenge.”
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