Senior senators squabble over health care bill that includes minor consent for vax.
Senators squabble over future of S.151
Castleton University alum serves up community at local restaurants
Andrew Breting graduated from Castleton University in 2017, but his love of the Castleton community inspired him to open multiple restaurants in the area.
No credit card? No problem, under Vermont Senate bill requiring accepting cash payments
Washington district constituents approached their senator after they were turned away from a business because they only carried cash.
Vermont Legal Aid and parents’ Black hole
Vermont residents can and should expect more from publicly funded organizations than the Blacks received.
Warner: Old Glory or Pride flag – which is MORE inclusive?
Not everyone is LGBTQ or supportive of its ideas. But we’re all Americans blessed with the freedom of speech the flag represents.
Hunting bill send to appropriations, Tobacco ban vote postponed
The controversial Fish & Wildlife bill was passed out of a policy committee and now is in the Senate’s money committee. And a flavored tobacco ban may or may not have the votes to pass in the House.
Cohen: Dems get blown out in Burlington
It was voter repudiation of the way Democrats have run – or not – the crime-and-drug-infested city.
Windsor County Republicans file lawsuit
Republicans suing Republicans in spat over county chair position.
Broken baseball bat, knife found at scene of double homicide
Cirill Brown pleaded not guilty to two counts of second-degree murder and a felony charge of burglary.
State seeks to suspend state’s attorney charged with DUI
Vekos had issued an email to law enforcement in Addison County saying she did not feel safe round them and would no longer meet with them.
St. Marthe: ‘All blacks should vote Democrat’ undermines diversity
The narrative of encouraging minorities to abort their babies while simultaneously supporting migrants bringing their babies across the border is contradictory and perplexing.
VT Headlines: Burlington ODs down, city asks why
A patchwork of responses by the City of Burlington are being given credit for reducing the overdose rate this year.
Thicket Adventure offers plus-sized options for outdoors enthusiasts
VT clothing brand Thicket Adventure recently hit its Kickstarter goal of $30,000 after only four days.
UVM’s Royall Tyler Theatre turns 50
Governor Scott Declares March 14 ‘Royall Tyler Theatre Day.’
Klar: The biggest climate lie is about cows
If regenerative animal husbandry is eliminated, the chemical spigot will open fully wide to produce “meat alternatives”, destroying our bodies and our planet.
Roper: Senate President Pro Tem’s disgraceful anti-small-“d”-democratic rant
Baruth tells senators to ignore voters and dictates to media how to report.
Wilson: What I learned at the Vermont State House
“A lie doesn’t become truth, wrong doesn’t become right, and evil doesn’t become good, just because it’s accepted by a majority.”
VDC TV Episode 2: Hillsdale College student testifies in Senate against reducing vax consent age to 12
The likelihood of sex abuse is high when parents are shut out of knowing about their child’s STD vaccination record.
Some non-citizens could receive VSAC grants under bill passed by Senate
Tuesday the Senate gave preliminary approval to a bill that would allow some non-citizens to access VSAC advancement grants.
Doctor pleads innocent to child sex/ State trooper gets another theft charge
Snowmobiler dies in Town of Washington. Doctor pleads innocent to child sex charge. Former state trooper gets another theft charge. Woman sentenced for Covid-era paycheck protection fraud.
Danville murder-for-hire defendant pleads guilty
Gumrukcu asked Eratay before the summer of 2017 to help find a hitman, the plea agreement said. Gumrukcu wired about $300,000 to two bank accounts controlled by Eratay.
Balsamic: Sun’s energy-saving policy causes solar eclipse
Just because there are no green stars doesn’t mean they can’t go green.
GOAT? Shiffrin ties record with World Cup title #8
Returning from injury, Vermont’s Mikaela Shiffrin tied the record for most World Cup season titles for slalom racing.
Huff: It’s time to G.E.T. R.E.A.L. about Vermont’s future
We cannot afford the crushing tax burden the majority is placing on our household incomes. State spending is out of control.
LaMarche: Joan Shannon’s political autopsy
The Progressives data, voter outreach, and organizing were simply too great – and cheaper.
Racial equity office worries Act 250 bill’s wording is exclusionary
The bill requires board applicants have “a record and reputation for excellent character and integrity,” off-putting language for someone not from a traditional Vermont background, an equity official says.
BREAKING: S.258, hunting/fishing/trapping bill, OKed by Senate committee
S.258 is strongly supported by anti-hunting and fishing organizations, but passage on the Senate floor is not certain.
Senate takes on “magic” mushrooms, parental consent for library books, STD vax
Bills would keep parents from knowing which library books their kids check out and their STD vaccination status.
URGENT! Tell YOUR House member to Vote NO on cannabis concentrate bill
Sponsored post: Vote No on bill to remove caps on THC concentrates in legal sales of cannabis.
Two more suspects sought in drug murder
The murder victim, a member of a well-known local family, was associated with drug traffickers. Her bullet-riddled body was found stuffed in a metal can on the Missisquoi River.
PUC seeks comments tonight on McNeil, BED plan
Concerned about Burlington’s McNeil power plant? The state energy court is holding a hearing tonight.
VT Headlines, & a must-read from Bari Weiss
The heirs of Cincinnatus are farming, and fighting, in Israel.
UVM doctor cited for sex crime with child
The Underhill man will face charges in a Washington County courthouse today.
Letters: Party unity, anti-hunting bill
The calls for party unity are readily made when the dissenters are the MAGA conservative elements of the party. Not so much when the objections are coming from the more liberal Republicans.
Bananas: Biden gives epic State of the Onion address
After the one-sided applause died down, he addressed the crowd and got off to a good start by stating “If I was smart I would go home right now”.
Bensman: An immigration crisis beyond imagining
In 2023 there were three million apprehensions of illegal immigrants, a daily average of 8,219. Entering 2024, apprehensions were up to 12,000-15,000 per day.
CLG: Biden botches name of migrant-murdered ‘Lincoln’ Riley in Trump-bashing State of the Union speech
Ukraine seizes apartment of 80-year-old Russia supporter; Polish Foreign Minister Says Sending NATO Troops Into Ukraine ‘Not Unthinkable’; Biden to have U.S. military build a port in Gaza
Some cliff tops and overlooks closed to protect nesting Peregrines
Also, be alert for frogs and salamanders while driving.
Bears are becoming active earlier in the spring
Vermonters need to take steps now to prevent bear conflicts.
Klar: Fur trapping to save the planet!
A recent study concludes that explosive repopulation of Arctic terrain by beavers is thawing large areas of tundra and releasing climate-destroying methane.
House bills on school construction $$, bullying, soliciting children, class sizes, licensing illegal immigrants race to Crossover deadline
The Legislature knows replacing crumbling old schools over the next two decades will cost $6 billion. Where will that money come from?
Vermonters ‘should do everything they can’ to stop Trump, Scott says
Gov. Scott said he’s open to voting for Democrat Joe Biden. Again.
State trooper critically injured in crash
The police cruiser crashed into a stopped fire truck on I-89.
Double fatal in Barnet / thief with sweet tooth knocks over sugarhouse/ SO dies in prison
Two young woman died Saturday afternoon after their car left I-91 and struck a tree.
VT Headlines: Wet snow causes statewide power outages
We didn’t think we’d get out of winter without another good snowstorm, did we?
VDC TV Monologue: the Vincible Supermajority
Like good panhandlers anywhere, the Vermont Legislature knows you can’t push you too hard.
Gonter: Don’t let Legislature pick F&W board
The anglers, hunters and trappers on the current Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board are Vermont’s most committed wildlife advocates and conservationists.
Warner: A warning to Vermont Moms, Part 2
Children are being plucked out of class by administrators and “counselors” who then march them down the path of gender-identity struggle.
Daughter named to House seat once held by mom
Quimby will be sworn in and seated in the House of Representatives in the coming week.
Okemo asks judge to reject paralyzed skier’s post-trial claims
Lawyers of Richard Grajeda III, 24, of Westbury, N.Y. attempted to have judge force payment despite jurors denying the claim in court.
Despathy: The minor consent lightning rod
Not only is S.151 delusional, it places all children in Vermont directly in harm’s way.
Chittenden County win$$ big in ‘equity’ school funding
Winooski and Burlington were the big winners in the education funding equity sweepstakes Tuesday. Not Bellows Falls.
Supermajority looks vincible
The legislative pay hike, Fish & Wildlife Board changes, controlling sheriffs, and above all school funding all have fallen or will likely do so because the Supermajority wants to stay the Supermajority.
Small class sizes boosts ed funding, may harm students/ Abenaki music/ mobile home park grants/ I-91 still closed
Not only does Vermont’s smallest in the nation staff-student ratio cost beaucoup bucks, it also may actually hurt student performance.
VT Headlines: DUI lawmaker, Palestinian shooting suspect ‘justice involved’
Maybe we’ll find out WHY Jeffrey Eaton allegedly shot three Palestinians.
The House remains busy as crossover looms
House lawmakers moving along Restorative Justice reforms, $1.7 million for EV chargers, new penalties for retail theft and more
Warner: Warning to Vermont Moms, Part 1
Children are being manipulated emotionally into making permanent, drastic decisions that they cannot fully comprehend.
Durgin: Bill helps dairy farmers switch crops
Crop transitions aren’t easy and governments should provide support and assistance.
“United Nations” references in VT Senate committee include $200 billion/year from U.S.
Like its counterpart committee in the House, the Vermont Senate committee on the environment is rife with references to policies promoted by the United Nations.
Roper: Vermont must cap individual property tax increases
47 states limit property tax increases in some way. We don’t.
31 school & supervisory districts reject Town Meeting budgets
The Washington Central Unified School District (Berlin, Middlesex, Worcester, Calais, and East Montpelier) announced Wednesday night that its budget had failed.
Fired snowboard coach settles lawsuit for $75K
Not only did the fired coach receive 17 times his annual pay, the school establishment admitted he didn’t violate the bullying and hazing policy.
VT Headlines: SOBU school board OKs budget #2
The board of the largest school district with rejected budget has returned to the drawing board.
89 years ago today, Amelia Earhart addressed the Vermont Legislature
Amelia Earhart had an important personal connection to Vermont – the wife of the Norwich University president.
Have you seen this missing woman?
She’s been gone since March 1.
Poll worker saw anti-Trump Dem crossovers
An impartial poll worker, I kept my mouth completely shut, to the detriment of my tongue which I frequently had to bite.
Sheldon men arrested for shooting incident
Two men shot at a passing car, in what police say may be connected with harassment last month.
Vermont Public Guardian motto – Live free or die
How far should the State of Vermont go to help those who truly can’t help themselves?
School budget tally, so far: 23 No, 17 Yes
School districts and supervisory unions across Vermont said no to school budgets at Town Meeting.
‘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.
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