by Guy Page
Israel can only be secure if there is also an independent Palestinian state, Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT) told the Senate September 19 in introducing his resolution for a “two state solution” to the war in Gaza.
Welch and seven other senators called on President Trump to recognize a Palestinian State. The resolution—the first of its kind in the United States Senate—calls for U.S. recognition of a demilitarized Palestinian State alongside a secure Israel, in accordance with international law and the principles of a two-state solution.
The move accompanies similar calls by Australia, Canada and other nations for a Palestinian state, in response to the ongoing war in Gaza that began when Hamas attacked Israel in October, 2023, killing more than 1000 civilians and soldiers and taking many Israelis hostage. The Israeli government claims that it can never be secure as long as Hamas is able to prepare another attack.
“I am deeply committed to a safe, secure, democratic Israel. But this outcome is only possible if there is also an independent, demilitarized, and sovereign Palestinian state,” Welch said in remarks on the Senate floor September 19.
All three comments on Welch’s X page were opposed. “Long story short; you refuse to accept the fact that current Palestinian leadership thru bribery and/or coercion accepted Hamas militants into the general Palestinian population where the Islamist militants continue to co-exist (hide among) with the peaceful Palestinian people,” one reader said.
VPIRG pushes ‘plug-in’ solar law
The Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG) has launched a campaign calling for legislation to enable the home use of portable, plug-in solar in Vermont.
“These aren’t your typical rooftop arrays,” VPIRG said in a campaign statement. “We’re talking about small, affordable, portable systems that you can set up on your porch, patio, balcony, or sunny patch of lawn – then you just plug them directly into a standard electrical outlet.”
The group argues that current Vermont rules for connecting generation to the grid were designed for larger systems and create unnecessary costs and red tape for small-scale plug-ins.
Proposed legislation would:
- Establish a “Right to Plug In” so households can connect certified systems without costly applications or fees.
- Allow homeowners to simply notify their utility at no cost, plug into an exterior outlet, and go.
- Support systems that include battery backup for use during power outages.
Windham school bus drivers ratify contract
Teamsters Local 597, the union for bus drivers and monitors at the Windham Southeast School District, voted unanimously this week to ratify a new five-year agreement.
According to the union, the new contract delivers increased wages, stronger retirement and health care benefits, and key picket line protection language.
“This group has been put through a lot by the company, yet they stood strong throughout, and now they finally have a deal they deserve,” said Curtis Clough, President of Local 597. “It was a hard-fought battle, and I couldn’t be prouder of our members. Perseverance pays off and this contract is a testament to solidarity.”
A lockout kept workers away from their jobs for 12 days last month. Workers will gain an increase of over 20 percent in wages, as well as increased longevity and attendance bonuses for drivers.
“This was not an easy fight, and it only goes to show that when Teamsters stand united there is nothing that can stop us from getting the contracts we deserve,” said Bobby Powers, a bus driver and member of Local 597. “I’m glad we can go back to doing what we love.”
Chartered in 1939, Teamsters Local 597 represents workers in trades such as small package, fuel and freight delivery, dairy processing, warehousing, security, policing, school and public busing, dispatching, hardware sales, laboratory tech, and maintenance. For more information, visit teamsterslocal597.net.
EPA to host Pike Hill Copper Mine cleanup meeting
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is hosting a public information meeting tonight at 7 p.m. at the Corinth Town Hall in Cookeville to discuss cleanup activities at the Pike Hill Copper Mine Superfund Site, the Journal-Opinion reports.
EPA will provide updates on Phase 1 work completed during the 2024 and 2025 construction seasons, as well as planning for Phase 2 construction activities.
This is the first public informational meeting in a year.