Russi-Shareno has agreed to forfeit at least $36,000 to cover the loss of out-of-pocket expenses for the union, the plea agreement states.
Ex-Homeland Security union boss in VT to plead guilty to embezzlement
Bryce: The iron law of land mines and climate policy
the Biden administration reversed course and said it would be sending M74 antipersonnel mines to Ukraine to help that country in its fight against Russia. The decision was immediately condemned by Human Rights Watch director Mary Wareham, who called it a “shocking and devastating development.”
Reels: Scott speaks out on Trump, Clean Heat Standard
Compiled for your viewing pleasure a handful of Governor Scott’s takes on President-Elect Trump, what our local elections mean for the clean heat standard, and his outlook for the upcoming session.
VT Headlines: Thanksgiving storms loom
I-91 stretch to reopen. Man tries to run over, police say. Violence at hospital. Trump tariff impact on VT.
Letters: Reider on Public Health, Mazur on escalating war, Aberth on Trapping
To top it off, our experts continue to recommend the covid shots/boosters for infants, children, young adults, and pregnant women, none of whom will benefit but will be exposed a variety of now well documented vaccine harms.
Liberal journalist opposes Israel’s protective wall
There was no mention by Hass of the more than 250,000 Israelis displaced from their homes since October 7th.
Jewish food takes center stage at Northern Nosh festival
Dozens of people with empty plates and stomachs gathered at folding tables covered in traditional Jewish cuisine and manned by local Jewish people.
CLG: Britain ‘directly involved’ in Ukraine war, Russian ambassador tells Sky News
Britain is now “directly involved” in the Ukraine war after its Storm Shadow missiles were used to strike targets inside Russia, according to Moscow’s ambassador.
Sorority, fraternity members charged in student drowning death
A hazing incident led to the death of a Dartmouth College student.
Then they came for your firewood
Lobbyists and environmental groups are quietly pushing to sideline firewood as a heating option, arguing it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and local air quality issues.
Sen. Sanders condemns US support of Israel and calls for the arrest of Benjamin Netanyahu
Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, faced strong bipartisan opposition on his proposed resolution that attempted to block the sale of tank rounds, mortar rounds, and bomb guidance kits for use in Gaza.
Roper: Krowinski vs. Sibilia for Speaker
So, free advice to Republicans House members here…. Run your own candidate for Speaker. Don’t back either of these two. Put forward a candidate who will run on and articulate the agenda that just propelled you all to a historic victory
Clean Heat Standard harms the vulnerable, critics tell Public Utilities Commission
“The Clean Heat Standard is an experiment on Vermonters, and those who can least afford it will suffer the most. Do not proceed with this,” says one commenter to the Public Utilities Commission.
VT Headlines: Outstanding educators, dialysis concerns, unhappy cops
Burlington police are deeply unhappy. With a new police oversight board coming and a police Chief leaving, that’s no surprise for the Queen City.
School funding woes have deep roots
The roots of the school over-spending tree stump go very deep indeed, branch off in many directions. A blast of legislative Round-Up won’t get the job done. We’re talking backhoe, maybe dynamite.
Legislature suspended school construction fund in 2007. Now the $6 billion bill’s come due
“There is no obvious, magic way to miraculously raise $300 million per year without very difficult choices,” a state official said.
Land conservation continues in NEK
Vermont moves 6.7 acres closer to the goal of 50% total land area conservation as required by state law. $5 mil from feds for ‘digital equity.’ A big solar array at the Vermont Air Guard. Sen. Welch wants a federal renewable energy standard.
Naked man on bridge now suspected of back stabbing – and he’s on the lam
According to Vermont State Police, Brandon Lackie stabbed John Faucette multiple times in the back before stealing the victim’s truck on Monday night.
Vermont tied to California EV mandate – Toyota says ‘impossible’ to meet
“I have not seen a forecast by anyone … government or private, anywhere that has told us that that number is achievable. At this point, it looks impossible,” said Toyota Motor North America COO Jack Hollis.
Secretary Tebbetts Op-Ed: The season for thanks
We are fortunate in Vermont to have extraordinary food and beverages in every corner of our state. This time of year, we enjoy feasts with fresh local veggies, meat, dairy, and specialty food and beverages made right here in Vermont.
‘Not so fast,’ Scott says of GWSA CO2 reduction timelines
“We have a lot of crises we’re facing at the same time and our climate is one of them.”
Joe Biden gives ex Planned Parenthood CEO Medal of Freedom in secret ceremony
Biden presented the nation’s highest civilian award to Cecile Richards, who ran the Planned Parenthood abortion giant for years.
Keelan: The hidden cost of embezzlement
“Former Turning Point director indicted for stealing from New Hampshire nonprofit.”
VT Headlines: Zero-interest, forgivable housing loans for ‘marginalized communities’
Refugees from Afghanistan are accessing a “homeownership equity program, which provides a $25,000 interest-free, forgivable loan to help homebuyers from marginalized communities access permanently affordable housing.”
VDC now offers Premium Advertising
We’ve beefed up our advertising offer even as our readership numbers approach 2 million this year. As you support news you can trust, our readers will support you.
Dangerous inmates at St. Albans prison treated at hospital for drug overdoses
Two high-profile and dangerous inmates were seriously overcome and had to be rushed by AmCare Ambulances and correctional guards to Northwest Medical Center in St. Albans.
Suspect from San Diego assaults nurse and flees
The nurse was treated for facial injuries.
CLG: Putin’s foreign minister gives warning, “this is escalation, we will react accordingly”
Russia has signalled it will retaliate with full-scale nuclear war after Ukraine launched U.S.-made missiles over the border on Tuesday. Vladimir Putin’s foreign minister Sergei Lavrov chillingly warned that Moscow would “react accordingly”
Chief Jon Murad has had enough
The posted date on the resignation letter is one day before Burlington residents voted to get more control over the discipline imposed in misconduct cases by city police officers.
Parents of 6-year-old vaxxed by school without permission go to U.S. Supreme Court
A U.S. law governing vaccination in a public emergency protected the school district, even though the parents explicitly prohibited the vaccination, and even after the student himself said, ‘Dad said no.’
VT Headlines: Police using drones more
Stealing a 15-year-old dog’s wheelchair – how low can you go?
VT Senate bill proposes state-funded health insurance ‘regardless of immigration status’
A bill introduced in January providing state-funded health care benefits to adults ‘regardless of immigration status’ could be re-introduced in 2025.
Bennett: After brutal election, staying put in Verbeque
Distraught about the election and thinking about moving to another country? No worries! Another country is coming to you.
Bean: The Snowbird Edition
I genuinely feel like in the past four years since graduating college we have been living under a dark, dystopian government.
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.
Recent Comments