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#vtpoliThe Vorsteveld Farm is seeking to add 580 cows, reigniting existing concerns about Lake Champlain’s degrading water quality.
Vermont Supreme Court holds Vorsteveld farm in contempt, clouding farm’s expansion bid - VTDigger
The Vorsteveld Farm is seeking to add 580 cows, reigniting existing concerns about Lake Champlain’s degrading water quality.
OPINION — "Trust and respect for people’s data isn’t just ethical — it’s crucial to the long-term success and sustainability of any business," Vermont small business owners write.
Opinion — Vermont small business owners: Vermont businesses must stand on the right side of history
Trust and respect for people's data isn't just ethical — it's crucial to the long-term success and sustainability of any business.
OPINION — "We should all rejoice that we live in a country where citizens have the right and ability by law to challenge government decisions," Speth writes.
Opinion — Gus Speth: Citizen suits help protect our health and safety
We should all rejoice that we live in a country where citizens have the right and ability by law to challenge government decisions.
Kseniia Petrova has been held in ICE custody for roughly three months, including for a week at a Vermont prison, after authorities say she failed to declare frog embryo samples when she arrived by plane from France.
Vermont federal judge hears arguments in case of detained Harvard scientist from Russia - VTDigger
Kseniia Petrova has been held in ICE custody for roughly three months, including for a week at a Vermont prison, after authorities say she failed to declare frog embryo samples when she arrived by pla...
The Trump administration is continuing its effort to deport the Palestinian student activist. For now, he can continue his fight for freedom outside of prison.
Vermont Conversation: A walk in the woods with Mohsen Mahdawi - VTDigger
The Trump administration is continuing its effort to deport the Palestinian student activist. For now, he can continue his fight for freedom outside of prison.
“Today, as an adult, I am still working on the side effects,” said one former altar boy at a Wednesday hearing on past clergy misconduct in the state’s largest religious denomination.
A new wave of Vermont Catholic abuse claimants has its day in court - VTDigger
“Today, as an adult, I am still working on the side effects,” said one former altar boy at a Wednesday hearing on past clergy misconduct in the state’s largest religious denomination.
The House Environment Committee is starting to explore how the state could reintroduce an apex predator.
Final Reading: What would it take to bring cougars back to Vermont? - VTDigger
The House Environment Committee is starting to explore how the state could reintroduce an apex predator.
Housing advocates say a cap on the amount of state tax revenue set aside for the new CHIP program would severely limit the number of homes that could be built with its help, among concerns about other restrictions.
This year’s main Vermont housing policy gets mired in legislative disagreement - VTDigger
Housing advocates say a cap on the amount of state tax revenue set aside for the new CHIP program would severely limit the number of homes that could be built with its help, among concerns about other...
The city also passed its $14 million budget and a ballot item to repair sidewalks and roads.
Incumbent Samn Stockwell loses Barre City Council seat as 2 new councilors are elected - VTDigger
The city also passed its $14 million budget and a ballot item to repair sidewalks and roads.
The teachers’ union voted to strike last week and intended to walk out of the job Wednesday if no deal was reached.
Rutland teachers and school board reach agreement, averting strike - VTDigger
The teachers’ union voted to strike last week and intended to walk out of the job Wednesday if no deal was reached.
OPINION — "We are heartened by the can-do spirit seen in the response to these cuts," Nunez and Kingston write.
Opinion — Wendy Nunez and John Kingston: Despite Americorps cuts, service is alive and well in Vermont
We are heartened by the can-do spirit seen in the response to these cuts.
OPINION — "I see potential everywhere and capital nowhere," Daley writes.
Opinion — Connor Daley: Vermont’s nonprofits are the backbone of our communities. Let’s support them like it.
I see potential everywhere and capital nowhere.
“I’m excited to be part of the voice that is working to uphold the law of the land and the Constitution,” said a new citizen and Middlebury College professor.
Vermont welcomes 20 new American citizens - VTDigger
“I'm excited to be part of the voice that is working to uphold the law of the land and the Constitution,” said a new citizen and Middlebury College professor.
The requirements would have mandated dealers sell an increasing percentage of electric vehicles starting with model year 2026, ultimately banning the sale of new gas-powered passenger cars by 2035.
In executive order, Gov. Phil Scott pauses electric vehicle sale mandates - VTDigger
The requirements would have mandated dealers sell an increasing percentage of electric vehicles starting with model year 2026, ultimately banning the sale of new gas-powered passenger cars by 2035.
Vermont utility companies are seeing a rise in cyberattacks.
Final Reading: Is Vermont’s electrical grid safe from hackers? - VTDigger
Vermont utility companies are seeing a rise in cyberattacks.
While the state announced a grant for installing solar energy on affordable housing units, U.S. House Republicans worked to shred the funding that made the Vermont program possible.
Solar for All distributes more than $22 million in funding but remains under threat - VTDigger
While the state announced a grant for installing solar energy on affordable housing units, U.S. House Republicans worked to shred the funding that made the Vermont program possible.
Several employees who were laid off decried what they called a “disrespectful” and “humiliating” process. The mayor said it was the most difficult week of her tenure.
Burlington layoffs generate backlash as mayor presents balanced budget to City Council - VTDigger
Several employees who were laid off decried what they called a "disrespectful" and "humiliating" process. The mayor said it was the most difficult week of her tenure.
In addition to requests for double-digit premium increases, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont is also cutting back on coverage of popular weight-loss drugs on some plans.
Health insurers ask to increase health plan premiums, amid rising health care costs - VTDigger
In addition to requests for double-digit premium increases, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont is also cutting back on coverage of popular weight-loss drugs on some plans.
A stuckage can shut down the road for hours. It takes careful choreography to get a truck back down off the mountain.
The Deeper Dig: How to get a truck unstuck from Smugglers Notch - VTDigger
“GPS is the craziest thing,” said George McRae, who’s helped truck drivers get unstuck on Route 108. “They send these trucks all kind of places that they don’t belong.”
The emerald ash borer chews its way through forests with little regularity; it often spreads as a result of human activity, being carried on infested firewood or logging timber. They are most likely to use ash trees, which make up 6% of Vermont’s trees by volume, as hosts for larvae.
How Vermont towns are handling the emerald ash borer - VTDigger
The bugs have been spotted in 96 out of the state's 247 municipal areas.
OPINION — "If we want to protect our small businesses and employers, we need to work together to take collective steps on climate action," Kimmich writes.
Opinion — Jen Kimmich: The Vermont economy demands climate action
If we want to protect our small businesses and employers, we need to work together to take collective steps on climate action.
OPINION — "Let’s show the next generation that Vermont isn’t just a great place to raise a family — it’s the best place," Parini writes.
Opinion — Oliver Parini: What Vermont risks losing if we cut education
Let’s show the next generation that Vermont isn’t just a great place to raise a family — it’s the best place.
The latest legal salvos follow a civil lawsuit Joe Swanson filed earlier this month seeking $5 million in punitive damages, alleging that he was unlawfully ousted from his job and “maliciously maligned” by town officials.
Woodstock trustees’ report says former police chief failed to serve as town ‘role model’ - VTDigger
The latest legal salvos follow a civil lawsuit Joe Swanson filed earlier this month seeking $5 million in punitive damages, alleging that he was unlawfully ousted from his job and “maliciously maligne...
Mitchal Shedrick was ordered held without bail Monday after pleading not guilty to second-degree murder in the early Saturday morning fatal shooting of 37-year-old Joshua Many.
‘Why did you shoot me?’: Witness reports hearing slain Swanton man ask his accused killer - VTDigger
Mitchal Shedrick was ordered held without bail Monday after pleading not guilty to second-degree murder in the early Saturday morning fatal shooting of 37-year-old Joshua Many.
A day after the judge’s ruling, Rümeysa Öztürk touched down at Boston Logan International Airport. She had been held in an immigration detention facility in Louisiana for six weeks.
Turkish graduate student ordered released from federal custody by Vermont judge returns home to Massachusetts - VTDigger
A day after the judge’s ruling, Rümeysa Öztürk touched down at Boston Logan International Airport. She had been held in an immigration detention facility in Louisiana for six weeks.
The submissions come after 67 previous child sex abuse lawsuits prompted the state’s largest religious denomination to pay out $34.5 million in settlements and push for bankruptcy protection.
Vermont’s Roman Catholic Diocese faces 118 more clergy misconduct claims - VTDigger
The submissions come after 67 previous child sex abuse lawsuits prompted the state’s largest religious denomination to pay out $34.5 million in settlements and push for bankruptcy protection.
Troy Caruso pleaded guilty to the charge of conspiracy to commit honest services fraud for paying bribes.
Ludlow business owner begins 20-month term in federal prison - VTDigger
Troy Caruso pleaded guilty to the charge of conspiracy to commit honest services fraud for paying bribes.
From Williston Observer: The paper is available in the cafeteria and library, as well as put in teachers’ mailboxes for them to distribute to their homeroom students.
Press on: Students launch CVU newspaper - VTDigger
The paper is available in the cafeteria and library, as well as put in teachers’ mailboxes for them to distribute to their homeroom students.
This week’s Young Writers Project entry is “Home, community, inclusion” by Jaquira Earley, 17, of West Rutland. Artwork is “Hidden in Plain Sight” by Bradee Traverse, 16, also of West Rutland.
Young Writers Project: ‘Home, community, inclusion’ - VTDigger
This week’s Young Writers Project entry is “Home, community, inclusion” by Jaquira Earley, 17, of West Rutland. Artwork is “Hidden in Plain Sight” by Bradee Traverse, 16, also of West Rutland.
Shirley Squires has collected $478,007 for the AIDS Project of Southern Vermont since her son, former Rep. Ronald Squires, died in 1993. This month she’s reaching for a new milestone: a half-million dollars.
This 94-year-old Vermonter is the great-great-grandmother of all fundraisers - VTDigger
Shirley Squires has collected $478,007 for the AIDS Project of Southern Vermont since her son, former Rep. Ronald Squires, died in 1993. This month she’s reaching for a new milestone: a half-million d...
From News and Citizen: The university recently announced a 15% increase in new students, with the nursing program among those receiving the most interest, even as the program is being built.
Vermont State University-Johnson swaps library space for nursing labs - VTDigger
The university recently announced a 15% increase in new students, with the nursing program among those receiving the most interest, even as the program is being built.
OPINION — "This moment demands so much more from all of us, and Gov. Phil Scott, it most certainly demands more from you," Kaplan writes.
OPINION — Dana Kaplan: It isn’t ‘rhetoric.’ It’s real.
This moment demands so much more from all of us, and Gov. Phil Scott, it most certainly demands more from you.
OPINION — "Reinvestment from incarceration into community care can finally fulfill the dream of deinstitutionalization," Rep. Cina writes.
Opinion — Rep. Brian Cina: From incarceration to community care — reinvest in health, justice and the common good
Reinvestment from incarceration into community care can finally fulfill the dream of deinstitutionalization.
OPINION — "Let’s be clear from the start: The Constitution’s protections — including the First Amendment — apply to all individuals on U.S. soil, regardless of citizenship or immigration status," Diaz and Martin Diaz write.
Opinion — Jay Diaz and Jill Martin Diaz: What Vermonters should know about free speech and immigrants’ rights
Let’s be clear from the start: The Constitution’s protections — including the First Amendment — apply to all individuals on U.S. soil, regardless of citizenship or immigration status.
OPINION — "Managers tend to cost facilities quite a bit more than actual nurse providers," MacEachern writes.
Opinion — Mellie MacEachern: Health care administrator, fire thyself
Managers tend to cost facilities quite a bit more than actual nurse providers.
For Marianna Holzer, the bind between books, memory, resistance and human connection is clear.
Family’s bookbinding business a page turning story of resistance, resilience - VTDigger
For Marianna Holzer, the bind between books, memory, resistance and human connection is clear.
The effort to make Canada the 14th colony had proved a failure. Although it was never a colony, Vermont, not Canada, would become the 14th state.
Then Again: Ethan and Ira’s Canadian debacles - VTDigger
The effort to make Canada the 14th colony had proved a failure. Although it was never a colony, Vermont, not Canada, would become the 14th state.
From Friday's Final Reading: What do the many tourists who visit the Golden Dome each year really think about the place?
#vtpoli
Final Reading: A review, of reviews, of the Vermont Statehouse - VTDigger
What do the many tourists who visit the Golden Dome each year really think about the place?
Lawmakers are nearing the finish line on a wide-ranging housing package.
#vtpoli
Lawmakers piece together housing bills that take on permit appeals, immigrant protection and funding - VTDigger
Here’s a look at the top changes this year’s eclectic housing package would make – including where lawmakers are still debating the details and where Gov. Phil Scott’s administration stands.
Advocates say the center needs to be in the downtown core. But one neighborhood group has argued its presence would be more appropriate near a medical facility.
#btv
Burlington's overdose prevention center has City Council approval. Now the question is where to put it. - VTDigger
Advocates say the center needs to be in the downtown core. But one neighborhood group has argued its presence would be more appropriate near a medical facility.
Friday’s decision comes in a lawsuit brought by the news organization seeking materials related to the arrest more than a year ago of Addison County State’s Attorney Eva Vekos on a drunken driving charge.
Vermont judge rules in VTDigger’s favor, orders release of police video and audio of prosecutor’s arrest - VTDigger
Friday’s decision comes in a lawsuit brought by the news organization seeking materials related to the arrest more than a year ago of Addison County State’s Attorney Eva Vekos on a drunken driving cha...
Affected organizations include Acorn Youth Crafts, the Fletcher Free Library and the Flynn in Burlington, Shelburne Museum, Henry Sheldon Museum in Middlebury, Vermont Works for Women, Vermont Folklife and the Vermont Symphony Orchestra.
Vermont organizations are reeling from federal rollbacks to arts and humanities funding - VTDigger
Affected organizations include Acorn Youth Crafts, the Fletcher Free Library and the Flynn in Burlington, Shelburne Museum, Henry Sheldon Museum in Middlebury, Vermont Works for Women, Vermont Folklif...
The union maintains that the two-year imposition violates Vermont law.
#vtedRutland school board imposes contract as teachers prepare to strike - VTDigger
The union maintains that the two-year imposition violates Vermont law.
Elijah Compagna was arraigned Friday on the charge stemming from the deadly attack a day earlier of a person he reportedly told police he had only recently met online.
Colchester man pleads not guilty to first-degree murder in stabbing death of woman - VTDigger
Elijah Compagna was arraigned Friday on the charge stemming from the deadly attack a day earlier of a person he reportedly told police he had only recently met online.
Divided views on flooding, housing, crime and poverty have shaped two local council races.
Next week, Barre voters have a choice of City Council candidates with different approaches to its biggest issues - VTDigger
Divided views on flooding, housing, crime and poverty have shaped two local council races.
The mayor, in an email to staff, said city government had “grown unsustainably” over the past 10 years, adding nearly 100 full-time positions that have contributed to persistent structural budget gaps.
#btv
Burlington cuts 25 full-time positions as city faces a difficult financial future - VTDigger
The mayor, in an email to staff, said city government had "grown unsustainably" over the last 10 years, adding nearly 100 full-time positions that have contributed to persistent structural budget gaps...
BREAKING: A federal judge in Vermont on Friday ordered that Rümeysa Öztürk, a Turkish graduate student who has spent weeks in federal immigration custody in Louisiana, be immediately released from detention.
Vermont federal judge orders Rümeysa Öztürk to be released from custody - VTDigger
The decision came early Friday afternoon. Öztürk was in a detention facility in Louisiana at the time of the ruling.
“It’s the worst possible time to breach the trust of your employees, dishonoring your commitments,” a professor said. “This is not the time to create a divided community.”
#vted
Middlebury College faculty, staff and students take action against administration’s budget cuts - VTDigger
“It's the worst possible time to breach the trust of your employees, dishonoring your commitments,” a professor said. “This is not the time to create a divided community.”
“We are going to tear down 60% of the high school in all likelihood and have to rebuild it in record time. These are areas we have to demolish. There’s no way around it,” the district’s facilities manager said.
#vted
Hartford likely to demolish large portions of high school because of PCB contamination - VTDigger
“We are going to tear down 60% of the high school in all likelihood and have to rebuild it in record time. These are areas we have to demolish. There’s no way around it,” the district’s facilities man...
OPINION — "When voters are faced with a confusion candidate, a candidate from one party who runs in another party’s primary, are there any winners?" Frank writes.
OPINION — Russell Frank: Let’s rethink our primary system
When voters are faced with a confusion candidate, a candidate from one party who runs in another party’s primary, are there any winners?
