Dear Editor, The Anti-Defamation League’s 2024 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents reports a deeply troubling rise in antisemitism across the country, including and especially here in Vermont. We know that many people in our community are passionate about political issues, including those related to Israel and Palestine. The local Jewish community asks that, especially in this…

Dear Editor, The debate over H.454 might seem irrelevant to Vermonters without children in school. Still, its impact stretches far beyond education—it threatens our economy, property values, and long-term tax stability. Although school consolidation and cost containment may appear fiscally responsible, both the Senate’s and the governor’s proposals provide only short-term budgetary solutions rather than…

Dear Editor, I want to extend my sincere congratulations to Bill Vines and Jay Hickory on their election to the Killington Select Board. Their longstanding ties to our community and steady approach clearly resonated with voters. I wish them both success as they begin their terms on the expanded board. Although I was not elected,…

Dear Editor, Editor’s note: This letter was originally posted by the office of the Mountain Views School District Superintendent on Saturday, May 31. It is the second letter to the school community Superintendent Sherry Sousa has sent regarding H.454, the education funding reform bill. I’m again turning to you to become involved with the education…

By Mike Pieciak, Vermont Treasurer Let me start as directly as I can: I’m sorry, Canada. You didn’t elect our president, but you’re paying the price for his policies. In Vermont, we’re feeling the consequences too. Trump’s reckless tariffs are more than economic burdens; they’re straining relationships that have taken decades to build. They’re making…

The Vermont Senate and House advance legislation (H.238) May 29 that would outlaw the use of toxic perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting gear, dental floss, cleaning products, and fluorine-treated containers—a critical step in reducing Vermonters’ exposure to these harmful substances. The Senate expanded the bill as passed by the House by adding a provision that…

The Vermont Natural Resources Council announced the latest grant recipients for the Small Grants for Smart Growth program, May 27. Grantee selections are made on a rolling basis. The committee chose the Bridport Housing Task Force, the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR), and the South Burlington Energy Committee to be awarded a combined $6,750 in the most recent…

Attorney General Charity Clark announced last month that Vermont received a total of $23,132,483.92 from tobacco manufacturers under the tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (MSA). Annually, Vermont receives monies from tobacco manufacturers from the MSA, which resolved the state’s lawsuit filed in the 1990s. The settlement funds are credited to the state’s Tobacco Fund, and the…

2025 marks a significant milestone for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Vermont (BBBSVT), which is celebrating 50 years of empowering youth through meaningful, one-on-one mentoring relationships across the Green Mountain State. Founded in 1975 through Youth Services, BBBSVT has matched thousands of “Littles” with caring adult “Bigs,” fostering relationships that help young people realize their…

The Vermont Dept. of Environmental Conservation (DEC) invites the public to comment on draft updates to the state wetland maps in 107 towns. The map update covers over 20% of Vermont and shows the approximate location and shape of wetlands. It includes major parts of Washington, Chittenden, Addison, and Rutland counties and a lesser part…

Community Health at 71 Allen St. has opened a new eye care clinic in Rutland, enhancing local access to comprehensive vision services for individuals and families in the region. The clinic is part of Community Health’s broader effort to provide high-quality, patient-centered care close to home. The new facility will offer a wide range of…

As part of Vermont’s 250th anniversary observances, the Fair Haven Historical Society continues to celebrate the life and contributions of one of the state’s most notable founding figures, Matthew Lyon. The Society has launched a series of educational and community engagement efforts throughout the spring to highlight Lyon’s impact on the town and the early…

Recently, Rutland Regional Medical Center’s education and clinical excellence team and nursing shared governance honored four extraordinary nurses with the DAISY Award. The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Foundation was started in Glen Allen, California by family members of J. Patrick Barnes, who died from complications of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a little-known but not…

The Vermont Division for Historic Preservation announces the installation of 15 new roadside historic sites markers for 2025. These iconic green and gold markers allow places and people to come alive, sharing glimpses into the history of our Brave Little State. To date, there are 335 markers placed throughout Vermont.   “The Vermont Roadside Historic Site Markers…

By Shaun Robinson and Ethan Weinstein/VTDigger After a drawn-out day of disagreements and false starts, the Vermont Legislature bailed on its plan to wrap up business for the year on Friday, May 30, failing to come to a deal, at least for now, on this year’s landmark education reform bill. So strained were the talks, the House and…