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Kayce Bradley: Stop attacking our independent schools
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/15/kayce-bradley-stop-attacking-our-independent-schools/
Published: January 15, 2026 23:53
We need a mix of public and independent schools to meet studentsā diverse needs.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Kayce Bradley: Stop attacking our independent schools.
Loralee Tester: Kindness canāt fix a state in crisis
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/15/loralee-tester-kindness-cant-fix-a-state-in-crisis/
Published: January 15, 2026 23:52
We are falling behind in ways that directly affect how people live, work and raise families.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Loralee Tester: Kindness canāt fix a state in crisis.
Final Reading: Facing growing uncertainty, Vermont food assistance leaders seek new funds. Lawmakers say money is tight.
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/15/final-reading-facing-growing-uncertainty-vermont-food-assistance-leaders-seek-new-funds-lawmakers-say-money-is-tight/
Published: January 15, 2026 23:36
The head of the House agriculture committee said that while hunger is ābecoming more and more critical,ā heās constantly reminded thereās ānot a lot of wiggle roomā in this yearās budget.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Final Reading: Facing growingā¦
Vermont organizations merge accessible recreation and conservation goals in āfirst-of-its-kindā outdoor center in Rochester
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/15/vermont-organizations-merge-accessible-recreation-and-conservation-goals-in-first-of-its-kind-outdoor-center-in-rochester/
Published: January 15, 2026 23:07
āWe hope it's a space for everybody and all the populations of people that we serve. We could do some really fun and creative adventure and learning there,ā Vermont Adaptiveās executive director said.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Vermont organizationsā¦
Candidates to lead Vermont National Guard say theyād resign if facing unlawful order
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/15/candidates-to-lead-vermont-national-guard-say-theyd-resign-if-facing-unlawful-order/
Published: January 15, 2026 20:26
Deputy Adjutant General Henry āHankā Harder and Col. Roger āBrentā Zeigler are running for the post as some guard members are deployed under a controversial Trump administration directive.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Candidates to lead Vermontā¦
Champlain Valley schools face federal investigation over transgender athlete policy
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/15/champlain-valley-schools-face-federal-investigation-over-transgender-athlete-policy/
Published: January 15, 2026 17:08
Student and advocacy groups are pushing back on what they see as further federal attacks on trans youth.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Champlain Valley schools face federal investigation over transgender athlete policy.
Ryan McLaren, former aide to Peter Welch, enters lieutenant governor race
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/15/ryan-mclaren-former-aide-to-peter-welch-enters-lieutenant-governor-race/
Published: January 15, 2026 16:00
The Essex Junction resident will face one-time Lt. Gov. Molly Gray in the Democratic primary for the stateās second highest office.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Ryan McLaren, former aide to Peter Welch, enters lieutenant governor race.
Valerie Ann Sevene
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/15/valerie-ann-sevene/
Published: January 15, 2026 15:15
Valerieās grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her life; she loved and cared for each of them from the moment they were born.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Valerie Ann Sevene.
Stephanie Jill Mapes
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/15/stephanie-jill-mapes/
Published: January 15, 2026 15:00
In her words: "Each of us must become the flickering light that is needed to find our better future.ā
Read the story on VTDigger here: Stephanie Jill Mapes.
Vermont school bus companies are hard to come by. The lack of competition is causing transportation costs to rise.
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/15/vermont-school-bus-companies-are-hard-to-come-by-the-lack-of-competition-is-causing-transportation-costs-to-rise/
Published: January 15, 2026 11:51
Private equity firms have in recent years bought out some of the few school transportation companies available to school districts, sparking worries among advocates.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Vermont school bus companies are hard to come by. Theā¦
Brian Bloomfield: Equity means giving the shorter kid a stool
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/14/brian-bloomfield-equity-means-giving-the-shorter-kid-a-stool/
Published: January 15, 2026 00:27
The question for Vermonters is not whether inclusion matters, but how we will sustain it
Read the story on VTDigger here: Brian Bloomfield: Equity means giving the shorter kid a stool.
Vermont Conversation: Cartoonist Alison Bechdel on hope, humor, and āwaking upā in dark times
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/14/vermont-conversation-cartoonist-alison-bechdel-on-cultivating-a-little-oasis-of-queer-freedom/
Published: January 15, 2026 00:17
āWho can draw when the world is burning?ā the Vermont author asks in her new graphic novel, "Spent."
Read the story on VTDigger here: Vermont Conversation: Cartoonist Alison Bechdel on hope, humor, and āwaking upā in dark times.
Final Reading: Should Vermont end its first-of-a-kind PCB testing program in schools?
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/14/final-reading-should-vermont-end-its-first-of-a-kind-pcb-testing-program-in-schools/
Published: January 14, 2026 23:36
"The bottom line is, if we're going to do this, we've got to put our money where our mouth is, and say we're going to pay for everything," the House Education Committee chair said.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Final Reading: Should Vermont end itsā¦
Senators interrogate Vermont Supreme Court nominee about prosecuting on behalf of Trump
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/14/senators-interrogate-vermont-supreme-court-nominee-about-prosecuting-on-behalf-of-trump/
Published: January 14, 2026 23:03
āI was doing my job even though it was unpopular,ā said Michael Drescher, the former top federal prosecutor in the state for the last year.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Senators interrogate Vermont Supreme Court nominee about prosecuting on behalf ofā¦
New plan for Vermont homelessness would largely end the use of motel rooms
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/14/new-plan-for-vermont-homelessness-would-largely-end-the-use-of-motel-rooms/
Published: January 14, 2026 22:39
The bipartisan bill would also cover travel for people experiencing homelessness to leave Vermont if they have ties to another state.
Read the story on VTDigger here: New plan for Vermont homelessness would largely end the use of motel rooms.
Drought cost Vermont farmers $15.9M
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/14/drought-cost-vermont-farmers-15-9m/
Published: January 14, 2026 22:35
The majority of Vermont farmers claim 2025 was the worst drought theyād ever seen. Now, agricultural advocates are asking the state to fiscally support farmers facing climate extremes.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Drought cost Vermont farmers $15.9Mā¦
Gov. Scottās $75 million property tax buydown could become bargaining chip in budget talks
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/14/gov-scotts-75-million-property-tax-buydown-could-become-bargaining-chip-in-budget-talks/
Published: January 14, 2026 21:10
The governor is proposing to use the annual budget tuneup as a vehicle for a proposal to use surplus revenue to blunt this yearās projected property tax increase.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Gov. Scottās $75 million property tax buydown could becomeā¦
Activists target ICE digital surveillance site in Williston
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/14/activists-target-ice-digital-surveillance-site-in-williston/
Published: January 14, 2026 19:21
Over the last two months, activists have increased their actions against an ICE office in the White Cap Business Park.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Activists target ICE digital surveillance site in Williston.
Marv Greenberg: Fact-finding travel to Israel isnāt unethical
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/13/marv-greenberg-fact-finding-travel-to-israel-isnt-unethical/
Published: January 14, 2026 00:55
Our legislators should be allowed to see for themselves whatās happening on the ground
Read the story on VTDigger here: Marv Greenberg: Fact-finding travel to Israel isnāt unethical.
Signed, sealed, delayed: Montpelier Post Office struggles with long wait times ā again
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/13/signed-sealed-delayed-montpelier-post-office-struggles-with-long-wait-times-again/
Published: January 14, 2026 00:25
The Montpelier post office is facing a staffing shortage on four of its delivery lines.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Signed, sealed, delayed: Montpelier Post Office struggles with long wait times ā again.
Final Reading: Christina Nolan, Vermont Supreme Court hopeful, explains why she brought a gun to court
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/13/final-reading-christina-nolan-vermont-supreme-court-hopeful-explains-why-she-brought-a-gun-to-court/
Published: January 13, 2026 23:46
Gov. Phil Scottās nominees for the Vermont Supreme Court faced questions from senators about their background and how they see the stateās court as a safeguard against executive actions.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Final Reading: Christina Nolan,ā¦
Vermont sees increase in flu as cases around the country surge
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/13/vermont-sees-increase-in-flu-as-cases-around-the-country-surge/
Published: January 13, 2026 23:06
State health officials say itās not too late to get a vaccine to protect against the worst impacts of the illness.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Vermont sees increase in flu as cases around the country surgeĀ .
What do you call the top federal prosecutor in Vermont? Well, that depends.
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/13/what-do-you-call-the-top-federal-prosecutor-in-vermont-well-that-depends/
Published: January 13, 2026 22:53
The new office head, like the last one, doesnāt have the U.S. Attorney for Vermont title or President Donald Trumpās nomination.
Read the story on VTDigger here: What do you call the top federal prosecutor in Vermont? Well, that depends.Ā .
New federal funds to help Vermont keep up with rapid changes to child care and Pre-K
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/13/new-federal-funds-to-help-vermont-keep-up-with-rapid-changes-to-child-care-and-pre-k/
Published: January 13, 2026 20:48
Building Bright Futures Director Morgan Crossman called the funding ācriticalā in a year when state lawmakers face especially tough budgeting decisions.
Read the story on VTDigger here: New federal funds to help Vermont keep up with rapid changes to childā¦
Secure your future: application deadline is February 11 for 2026-27 VSAC scholarships
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/13/secure-your-future-application-deadline-is-february-11-for-2026-27-vsac-scholarships/
Published: January 13, 2026 15:03
Need help paying for college or career training in fall 2026? VSAC offers a vast variety of 150+ scholarships. Opportunities support a wide range of students, interests, achievements, and communitiesādonāt miss out on the chance to receive free money.
Readā¦
VTDigger thanks readers for supporting our year end member drive
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/13/vtdigger-thanks-readers-for-supporting-our-year-end-member-drive/
Published: January 13, 2026 14:27
More than 3,300 members helped sustain independent journalism and supported critical community programs across Vermont.
Read the story on VTDigger here: VTDigger thanks readers for supporting our year end member drive.
Itās not all about taxes, stupid
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/12/its-not-all-about-taxes-stupid/
Published: January 12, 2026 23:25
Education transformation is about building the best education system in the U.S.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Itās not all about taxes, stupid.
Judge denies bail in deadly vehicle chase despite report blaming Rutland police
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/12/judge-denies-bail-in-deadly-vehicle-chase-despite-report-blaming-rutland-police/
Published: January 12, 2026 23:19
The ruling Monday means Tate Rheaume will remain behind bars while the murder case against him is pending.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Judge denies bail in deadly vehicle chase despite report blaming Rutland police.
Montpelier council chooses next city manager after months-long search
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/12/montpelier-council-chooses-next-city-manager-after-months-long-search/
Published: January 12, 2026 22:37
Kelly McNicholas Kury comes to the position with over a decade of municipal governance experience in Pitkin County, Colorado, where she most recently served as county commissioner. She is due to start Feb. 17.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Montpelierā¦
How Vermont pays for schools ā and how it might change
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/12/how-vermont-pays-for-schools/
Published: January 12, 2026 22:17
With lawmakers planning major changes to the stateās education finance system this year, hereās what you need to know.
Read the story on VTDigger here: How Vermont pays for schools ā and how it might change.
Lawsuit claims Burlington underrepresents Republicans on voter registration board
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/12/lawsuit-claims-burlington-underrepresents-republicans-on-voter-registration-board/
Published: January 12, 2026 22:10
The cityās motion to dismiss argues that the state statute cited applies only to boards of civil authority and claims the Board for Registration of Voters is not one.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Lawsuit claims Burlington underrepresents Republicansā¦
Hundreds gather at Upper Valley āICE Out for Goodā actions over the weekend
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/12/hundreds-gather-at-upper-valley-ice-out-for-good-protests-over-the-weekend/
Published: January 12, 2026 21:17
The events were among over 1,000 vigils and protests scheduled across the country to grieve the death of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, who was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minnesota last week.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Hundreds gather at Upperā¦
Parent Child Centers help families meet basic needs in critical moments
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/12/parent-child-centers-help-families-meet-basic-needs-in-critical-moments/
Published: January 12, 2026 16:48
Through state and federal funding and strong community partnerships, Parent Child Centers and Vermont Care Partners (VCP) network agencies help prevent crises and improve outcomes for Vermontās most vulnerable children.
Read the story on VTDigger here: ā¦
āA once-in-a-generation opportunityā: Housing infrastructure program kicks off this month
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/12/a-once-in-a-generation-opportunity-housing-infrastructure-program-kicks-off-this-month/
Published: January 12, 2026 10:00
The Community and Housing Infrastructure Program allows municipalities and developers to borrow money for infrastructure for a housing development ā and then use the property tax revenue boost from the new homes to help pay back the debt.
Read the storyā¦
Young Writers Project: āCan we be friends?ā
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/11/young-writers-project-can-we-be-friends/
Published: January 11, 2026 11:30
This weekās Young Writers Project entry is āCan we be friends?ā by Abigail Ulager, 16, of Hinesburg. Artwork is āA Momentās Pause,ā by Bradee Traverse, 17, of West Rutland.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Young Writers Project: āCan we be friends?ā.
The rise and fall and rise of Vermont-schooled skier Mikaela Shiffrin
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/11/the-rise-and-fall-and-rise-of-vermont-schooled-skier-mikaela-shiffrin/
Published: January 11, 2026 11:00
Fourteen months after crashing at the 2024 Killington World Cup, the Burke Mountain Academy graduate turned most-winning Alpine racer in history is again ascending ā just in time for her fourth Olympics.
Read the story on VTDigger here: The rise and fallā¦
Student-charged bill would give voting rights on school boards
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/11/student-charged-bill-would-give-voting-rights-on-school-boards/
Published: January 11, 2026 10:30
Although the idea may be new to Vermont, itās not entirely unheard of in the country, said Rep. Leanne Harple, D-Glover, a member of the House Committee on Education.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Student-charged bill would give voting rights on schoolā¦
Final Reading: Those sketchy, too-good-to-be-true ticket sites? They are ā and some lawmakers want them gone.
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/09/final-reading-those-sketchy-too-good-to-be-true-ticket-sites-they-are-and-some-lawmakers-want-them-gone/
Published: January 9, 2026 23:57
Scams are costing the stateās event venues tens of thousands of dollars.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Final Reading: Those sketchy, too-good-to-be-true ticket sites? They are ā and some lawmakers want them gone..
State issues probation to Bennington program caring for people with intellectual disabilities
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/09/state-issues-probation-to-bennington-program-caring-for-people-with-intellectual-disabilities/
Published: January 9, 2026 23:02
Due to cited safety concerns and inadequate staff training, United Counseling Service has until March to address the issues in its group living homes.
Read the story on VTDigger here: State issues probation to Bennington program caring for people withā¦
Vermontās pagans find comfort and creativity in new surge of interest in witchcraft
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/09/vermonts-pagans-find-comfort-and-creativity-in-new-surge-of-interest-in-witchcraft/
Published: January 9, 2026 21:13
Contemporary paganism is on the rise nationwide ā and Vermontās witches say itās taken root here as well.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Vermontās pagans find comfort and creativity in new surge of interest in witchcraft.
Signaling or substance? Vermont lawmakers propose restrictions on ICE, but enforcement is questionable.
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/09/signaling-or-substance-vermont-lawmakers-propose-restrictions-on-ice-but-their-enforcement-is-questionable/
Published: January 9, 2026 11:52
Lawmakers have already sought to restrict immigration arrests at courthouses. Other states have attempted additional restrictions with varying success.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Signaling or substance? Vermont lawmakers propose restrictions onā¦
Stevie Paquette: When ethics are questioned, Vermonters deserve answers ā not sponsored narratives
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/08/stevie-paquette-when-ethics-are-questioned-vermonters-deserve-answers-not-sponsored-narratives/
Published: January 9, 2026 00:12
Palestinians have the right to exist, return, thrive and live with full human dignity.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Stevie Paquette: When ethics are questioned, Vermonters deserve answers ā not sponsored narratives.
Final Reading: House tax chair weighs potential revenue losses due to Trumpās āOne Big Beautiful Billā
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/08/final-reading-house-tax-chair-weighs-potential-revenue-losses-due-to-trumps-one-big-beautiful-bill/
Published: January 8, 2026 23:50
āOur wealth divide has done nothing but grown,ā said Rep. Emilie Kornheiser, who expressed particular concern at some corporate taxes loosening.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Final Reading: House tax chair weighs potential revenue losses due to Trumpāsā¦
Rep. Casey Toof, Vermont Houseās No. 2 Republican, to resign
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/08/rep-casey-toof-vermont-houses-no-2-republican-to-resign/
Published: January 8, 2026 22:16
The St. Albans Town representative has a new job, and a larger family, which he said contributed to his decision to step down.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Rep. Casey Toof, Vermont Houseās No. 2 Republican, to resign.
Citing damning report of police actions, attorney calls for release of suspect in crash that killed Rutland officer
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/08/citing-damning-report-of-police-actions-attorney-calls-for-release-of-suspect-in-crash-that-killed-rutland-officer/
Published: January 8, 2026 22:09
ā(I)t is now beyond dispute that the initiation and conduct of the pursuit leading to the fatal crash was unlawful and conducted in violation of applicable statutes, rules, and policies,ā the attorneyās filing stated.
Read the story on VTDigger here: ā¦
School districts would face spending caps under bill by Vermont Senateās leader
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/08/school-districts-would-face-spending-caps-under-bill-by-vermont-senates-leader/
Published: January 8, 2026 21:19
S.220, introduced by Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Baruth, D/P-Chittenden Central, would put a cap on school district spending in fiscal years 2028 and 2029, based on districtsā spending in the prior year.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Schoolā¦