School districts and supervisory unions across Vermont said no to school budgets at Town Meeting.
School budget tally, so far: 23 No, 17 Yes
‘Dishonest mechanism’ helped Haley win, Trump leader says
Split-ticket delegates to the National Convention will be picked at the state convention in May.
Voters rule on local pot stores, eviction, Winooski Bridge, Gaza and flouride
School budgets, Nikki-Donald, and the Burlington mayoral race are the headliners of the tumultuous Town Meeting of ’24. But there was plenty of other big news.
VT Headlines: Early end to ice fishing
Here’s what’s happening in Vermont BESIDES the tumultuous Town Meeting of ’24.
Where to seek care when you’re feeling unwell
When feeling unwell, the main options are primary care, urgent care, and the Emergency Department. Navigating these choices can feel challenging.
Burlington picks Progressive Mulvaney-Stanak for mayor
Burlington voters pick a Progressive mayor and approve their school budget.
Roper: Will legislators fix their Clean Heat Standard catastrophe?
So far, no interest in the vaunted “check back” they hyped.
Dawson: Supporting Vermont’s veterans
Resources and efforts aim to address common challenges of veterans in our communities.
VDC LIVE coverage of Town Meeting 8:30 tonight
Join VDC for a live, interactive review of 2024 Town Meeting results at 8:30 PM tonight.
VT GOP support for Haley ignores Trump’s support for minorities
Minorities hate wars. We support law and order. We love babies. We want secure borders. We work long hours to ensure our families are living comfortably. We want the American Dream, so we work hard!
Must see ‘n share reel: Roper riffs on school funding scheme
See ‘n share this brief reel of Rob Roper’s riff on the intentional complexity of Vermont school funding.
Plug pulled on NEK transmission project?
A transmission corridor bringing Hydro-Quebec power to New England through the Northeast Kingdom appears to have been shelved.
Lawmaker who retired: “[Vermonters] are moving out, that’s what they want”
Wilson suggests that if Vermont takes up trying to feed the world, then it’s Vermonters who ultimately are going to be left out.
VT Headlines: Golf in March? Believe it
The Vermont Supreme Court said it’s okay to grant bail to a man charged as an accessory to the slaying of a teenager in 2022.
Fernandez: Dearborn, MI, victimized by Islamophobia?
By simply crying, “ISLAMOPHOBIA!” organized haters of America and Israel are granted license to lie and steal malleable American hearts and minds.
Burlington crime up 23% this year
Some former Burlington homeless camp residents have migrated to the stairwells and utility rooms of Decker Towers, a city housing project.
Debut! Rob Roper first guest on VDC TV
Rob Roper says the exorbitant cost of public education isn’t a bug in the Legislature’s funding system, it’s a feature.
BPD arrests reckless nighttime shooter
Bethune now faces serious charges, including aggravated assault and reckless endangerment.
Amid parking woes, Stowe Mountain Resort consults state to temper traffic
Management last year rolled out parking fees, carpooling incentives and bus service improvements — but it may not be doing enough.
VTGOP endorses unanimous SCOTUS decision to curb threat to elections
VTGOP Chairman Paul Dame voiced his support of the unanimous Supreme Court decision that states can not unilaterally remove a candidates from ballots.
Keelan: Dear wealthy, please don’t go
H.827 would send the wealthy out of the State, robbing it of tax revenue and economic boons.
Warner: Scott endorses Haley after divisive speech
“In my opinion there is no one less equipped no more incapable of healing this divide than Donald Trump. He’s made a career of throwing fuel on the fire of hate and anger,” Scott said.
PFA project leaks leachate at Coventry landfill
Nearly 9,000 gallons released.
Vermont drone flyers face new restrictions under bill to protect privacy
One drone operator understands the lawmakers’ concern, but said he thinks details in the bill are too arbitrary.
After pushback from education establishment, Senate softens literacy screening
The changes address problems prompted by education officials.
How’d this East Barnard man reach 104? Lots of reading, he says
Floyd Van Alstyne bought his home just after he was discharged from World War II, and he still resides there today.
Ayotte: Say No To S. 258
Sen. Chris Bray has failed to demonstrate why the current board composition at the Fish and Game Department needs modifications.
Chair of House Education Committee not sure he’ll vote for local school budget
First the governor says he probably won’t vote for his local school budget tomorrow. Now the Chairman of the House Education Committee says he’s not sure how he’ll vote either.
Scott urges Vermonters to ‘take a Republican ballot’ and pick Haley over Trump
A large slate of current, former elected Republicans – and some Democrats – turned out for Haley campaign stop before tomorrow’s Super Tuesday Vermont presidential primary.
Embezzled $120K from Rutland car dealership/ faulty fan fire displaces families/ cyclist killed by DLS suspect
Big embezzlement in Rutland and hit-and-run fatality in South Burlington.
MacDonald: Slippery meet slope
Doctors recommend assisted suicide to woman paralyzed by COVID jab.
Headlines: DUI-charged state’s attorney back on the job/ warmest winter ever/ World Champ Elle Purrier
State’s Attorney Eva Vekos is back on the job after an embarrassing DUI and equally embarrassing comments about the cops she works with.
Roper: Vermont’s education property tax system is not broken
Squeezing the taxpayer dry is what it’s designed to do, and it’s working.
Vermont had to pay New York to join the Union
On March 4, 1791, Vermont became the 14th state!
Hartford boys basketball legendary season ends just short
So close, but at the buzzer the winner was…..
Vote no on school budgets ’til 87% Solution kicks in
Our schools are literally out of our control. But there is a solution.
Homeless hotel room rate capped at $80/night
Trying to control costs of housing Vermont’s homeless.
LaMarche: Accused of using the n-word – a February surprise
You might be familiar with the phrase “October Surprise,” where a crucial and election-shaping incident transpires shortly before an election.
When You Became Your Own Media, look what happened!
I need to tell you what happened AFTER I told a group of people Saturday night how to Become Your Own Media.
State GOP leaders shun Trump for Haley
Nikki Haley is coming to Vermont Sunday afternoon, and some state GOP leaders are coming out in favor of her over Donald Trump.
Cyberattack causing delays filling Medicaid prescriptions
State officials are urging patience.
BREAKING: Senate moves to save Salisbury fish hatchery/ GunSense pushes gun ban at polls/ F&W, coyote bill lacks votes
Salisbury hatchery ALIVE. Coyote hunting ban NOT SO MUCH. The latest from the State House.
Help wanted: career training and education coach
HireAbility Vermont is recruiting for a Career Training and Education Coach to join our dynamic team in Newport.
The 2024 Alburgh totality festival: a celestial celebration with community focus
Together, let’s make the 2024 Alburgh Totality Festival a landmark event for Vermont and an inspiration for community-driven growth and celebration.
Bartley: Housing crisis progress dying in environment committees
Remember when the Legislature said it would reform Act 250 to allow more housing? Apparently the Supermajority leaders can’t either.
Mom dead in NH, Amber Alert for children
The children are believed to be with their biological father, who police say may be armed and dangerous.
Antley/Catapano-Friedman: Moving backwards on cannabis
Dispensaries ensure safety of customers, kids in ways retail shops can’t…or won’t.
Bernie’s federal judge screeners have NO federal court experience
Paul Burns, the executive director of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group in Montpelier, Xusana Davis, executive director of Racial Equity for the state, and Barbara Prine, a staff attorney at Vermont Legal Aid in Burlington are all listed as have zero cases in federal court.
Headlines: Towns brace for school budget backlash/ Judge holds journo in contempt/ Non-profit fraudster
A judge ordering a Fox News reporter to reveal her sources says he supports freedom of the press, but…..
Warner: Hartford has an activist problem – now they know about it
If it’s hateful to warn a tiny Vermont town to take a closer look at the source of its sudden social problems and rising incompetence at the local government level then I plead guilty.
Buffalo Soldiers, modern-day service noted at Fort Ethan Allen
The 10th Cavalry Regiment, also known as the Buffalo Soldiers, was stationed at Fort Ethan Allen in Colchester in the early 1900’s.
Schools without budgets could face 87% ‘solution’
Any school district without an approved 2024 budget by July 1 will face the 87% Solution.
Decker Towers resident pepper sprays transients and cleaning staff
Luther allegedly sprayed an individual who was, in fact, a paid cleaner who was cleaning the stairwell.
VT failing to consider biological reality, Christian school coach tells Fox News
MVCS Coach Chris Goodwin and attorney Ryan Tucker were interviewed on Fox. Jones first turned his attention to a statement put out by the state on the matter.
VT Headlines: Thousands of power outages as strong wind continues
Proposed homeless hotel rate decrease threatens to put families out on the street; Sen. Peter Welch pushes for residential reentry center in Vermont
Must-see Video: What hath Bernie wrought?
Burlington’s Bernie Revolution started with such hope. In a video expanded from yesterday’s version, a former Prog now running as a Republican talks about his long march to disillusionment.
Klar: Beef prices just jumped over the Moon: here’s why
A few pennies along the way to the market equal bloated food budgets in 2024.
UVM adopts new brand positioning: “For People and Planet”
The university partnered with Generation Communication and Branding of Hudson, New York, to develop the positioning and new logo system.
Despathy: An overdue thank you to those who hunt coyotes with dogs
If coyote hunting with dogs is banned, humans, pets, homes and livestock will be at increased risk from roaming coyotes who know no boundaries and have no reason to fear humans and dogs.
CLG: Mitch McConnell to step down as Senate GOP leader in November
Ukraine’s Abrams tanks burn just like any others – Kremlin; Red Crescent suspends coordinated medical missions with Israeli forces in Gaza due safety concerns
Gov. Scott says he’s leaning towards voting No on his local school budget
Like other Vermonters, Gov. Scott is looking at a ‘significant’ property tax increase.
Video: Former Bernie Prog now runs for school board as a Republican
Bill moved to Burlington in the 1980’s because he was attracted to the socialist movement spearheaded by a Brooklyn-born guy who was making headlines across the country.
Scott rakes Legislature over potential billion-dollar rate hike
Unfortunately, H.289, which had a lot of input from utilities, special interests, and their lobbyists, did not solicit policy input directly from Vermonters.
VT Headlines: Lawmakers seek to make Juneteenth a legal holiday in Vermont
Woodstock voters consider $99 million bond for new school; Commissioner of Health Mark Levine responds to allegations that he violated Vermont Open Meeting Law
Brattleboro lowered its voting age, but Mad River Valley towns not so keen
Members from selectboards across valley towns including Waitsfield, Warren and Moretown say they aren’t considering the idea right now.
Bill would nix legal defense that blames survivors for sexual assaults
Legislators are discussing a new bill that would prohibit the blame of sexual assault survivors for their assault as a legal defense in civil cases.
AG demands cut in pickup truck settlement – after it’s made
Cut us in, California.
Thurston: Adding insult to insanity
The dark side of H.289, 100% renewable electricity by 2030: when all else fails, Dem’s resort to renewables-shaming
Life without parole ends for Newport murderer
Brochu was serving a life without parole sentence for the aggravated murder of 18-year-old Tara Stratton, in Barre in January of 2003.
State ambulance chief on leave during investigation into drinking case
“Hospital staff noted Paramedic Dame appeared to be impaired. After an evaluation, Ms. Dame was determined to not be fit to perform her duties,” Vermont Health Department spokesman Ben Truman said.
Cyberattack causes Medicaid prescription ‘service outage’
Vermont’s Medicaid pharmacy system has suffered the same cyberattack that struck much of New England.
Legislative Crossover deadline looms
Senate to look at vaccines without parental consent, changing Fish and Wildlife Board, getting more nurses, and more.
VT Headlines: Nikki Haley to campaign in Vermont
Decker Towers Residents Plead for Help From the Burlington City Council; University of Vermont rebrands with new logo; NEK towns to vote on school closure
Stormwater regs will put county fairs out of business, Senate told
Stormwater permit compliance will cost up to $1 million per county fair. “You just can’t make that kind of money up at the fairground,” Folsom said.
Roper: So, it’s okay to poison the children now?
Or was the PCB scare just a scam that got out of control?
Letters: Democracy threatened, confusion, and a constant game of whack-a-mole
Our constitution is written to protect the rights of an individual. Building togetherness and mutual commitment is about respect for every individual, “thin skinned” or not.
LaMarche: In Burlington’s mayoral race, money talks loudest
In a few days, one will win. But in three years time, will you tolerate another fabricated pair?
Proposed NH legislation seeks to allow law enforcement to combat border crossings
Most migrants attempting to enter through Canada first travel from Mexico, the reason being that Canada does not require visas for entry.
‘Bank your vote,’ Dame urges Town Meeting voters
Moose hearings. Utility scams. Struggle over short-term rentals. Party chair urges GOP to “bank” Town Meeting votes.
Evslin: Three toxic phrases
“Progressive” buzz-phrases prove ever more Regressive.
Another Guthrie plays music in Killington, talks about family legacy
With their legacy in mind, Guthrie is making a name for himself as a performer and, as it says on his website, “(carving) his own initials in the family tree.”
Legislature passes school tax ‘fix’ – now what?
The situation was so dire that, the Campaign for Vermont reports, a Democratic state senator looking at a $3,000 property tax increase herself said the pre-H.850 property tax would “put people out of their homes.”
Retail theft, Act 250 ‘reform’ bills in House committees
A House bill now under committee review would make it much easier to charge a suspect with felony shoplifting – but would reduce the sentence.
Secrecy surrounds next federal judge in Vermont
Vermont’s diversity chief, the president of VPIRG, and a Planned Parenthood lawyer are on the selection team for the next U.S. federal judge.
VT Headlines: People gather for the 79th annual Stowe Derby
AT&T to reimburse customers after massive network outage; Catamount Arts’ plan to return; Vermonters hold candlelight vigil to commemorate 2 years since Russia invaded Ukraine
Stolen Mississippi gun recovered in Irasburg burglary bust
Paintball vandals. Barre man arrested for Bradford traffic disturbance. And border cops and state police collaborate on a bust.
Warner: Mid-Vermont girls team headed to championship despite legal battles
This a year after they made international headlines for taking a principled stand against playing a school boasting a biological male athlete, identifying as “trans”, standing nearly 6’3” tall.
Vermont doctors take to radio to describe risk of high-THC pot
Vermont doctors argue the risk to mental health if THC caps are eliminated. The marijuana industry claims keeping the current cap will be bad for business.
Huff: Local school boards “in a pickle”
Legislators became drunk on Federal Covid dollars and are desperate for the binge to continue leaving the hangover headache for constituents to deal with.
Stack: H.850 passes
Unfortunately, it leaves much uncertainty and looks like a real “Show Trial Killer”.
Harrison: Difficult choices
If seniors on social security are expected to get by with the 3.2% cost of living adjustment this year, our state government should be able to do the same.
Wealth taxes could prompt exodus of highly-mobile Vermonters
Is it even constitutional to tax unrealized capital gains?
Another teen arrested for murder in Vermont
A 15-year-old Maine native now living in Springfield, MA has been charged with felony second-degree murder for a shooting in St. Johnsbury.
Judge rules coyote hunting with dogs in public interest
In a case with ramifications for S.258, a judge has ruled in favor of the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife coyote regulations.
I told you so, Scott says when signing ed financing fix bill
You can almost hear the governor saying “I told you so'” to the Legislature.
United Nations cited 18 times in House Environment and Energy Committee docs
A documents search of the Vermont Legislature website shows a strong U.N. advisory presence – especially in one key committee. And just what is a ‘polycrisis?’
On April 8, the sun will go dark
“We expect to see a large volume of visitors to the region in the days before, during and after the event. With this in mind, the Lake Champlain Chamber is encouraging cities, towns, and businesses in the region to plan accordingly.”
Video: Sportsmen oppose Fish & Wildlife Board changes
Opponents of S.258, reconfiguring the Fish & Wildlife Board, speak out in this VDC video of a Tuesday, February 20 State House gathering.
Bigfoot Vocalization in Orleans County?
A Bigfoot heard in Orleans County? You decide. NOT Satire. Because it’s Friday.
Letter: Some of the things I don’t understand, these days …
How Donald Trump could possibly get insurance deals by INFLATING the value of his properties?
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