By Vermont Treasurer Mike Pieciak As Vermont’s Treasurer, I am committed to making investments that lower costs, strengthen our economy, and support healthier communities. I believe every Vermonter deserves a fair shot at success, regardless of the situation they are born into. Yet, for too many Vermonters, the cost of health care stands in the…

President Trump’s warning of tariffs on neighboring countries, Mexico and Canada, and critical trading partner China got off to a false start on Monday, Feb. 3, with the current administration putting the plan on hold after conversations with Mexico and Canada. A trade war is already brewing with China, who countered with tariffs on U.S.…

Dear Editor, I am a conservation biologist with a specific interest in wildlife. Last April, I wrote and submitted a paper to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife board (FWB) summarizing the results from numerous studies across the U.S. and Canada indicating that anticoagulant rodenticide (AR) threatens fisher populations. Vermont had the highest exposure rate among…

Dear Editor, Editor’s note: the following letter was addressed specifically to members of the Mountain Views School District. As the vote on the MVSD budget approaches, we wish to further clarify the decisions that were made in the creation of this budget. Through months of meetings with the administration and board members, and consideration of…

“I can’t afford to live here” and “It’s not worth it” is what I often hear when talking about property taxes. It is one of the main reasons I ran for office — to find a better, more sustainable way to pay for public education. The bulk of most property tax bills is the statewide…

By Ekaterina Raikhovski Editor’s note: This story is via a partnership with Community News Service, a University of Vermont journalism internship Christian Poupart grew up in Contrecoeur, Quebec, a small city where “there’s more people on the ice during the winter than in the village.” But even people like Poupart, who’s been ice fishing his…

Rudolph “Rudi” Michael passed away on Jan. 20. A free and uninhibited spirit, Rudi was a jester and mentor to a large circle of close and devoted friends, young and old, who join in remembering him for his generosity and his rascally humor. Rudi was born July 1, 1938, in Plymouth Notch, Vermont, the second…

Rutland Regional Medical Center (RRMC) installed the first Mamava Lactation Pod in Rutland County on Jan. 27, offering a private and accessible space for nursing parents. The state-of-the-art pod is located on the main level near the Allen Street entrance and accessible via the Mamava app. The initiative began in September 2024 when a new…

By Kevin O’Connor/VTDigger Seeking an epic story? The Rutland Free Library can offer Homer’s “The Odyssey,” a sprawling saga of angry gods and mythical monsters. Or J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit,” a page-turner rife with man-eating trolls and boulder-throwing giants. Or J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, a seven-part crusade against an evil wizard and a deadly curse.…

By James Duff Lyall Editor’s note: This commentary is by James Duff Lyall, executive director of the ACLU of Vermont. The ACLU of Vermont has been defending the civil liberties of everyone who calls this state home for almost 60 years. Right now, many in our communities are understandably worried and afraid of the threat…

By Deborah J. Benoit The middle of winter, with snow covering brick-hard, frozen ground, may seem like an odd time to plan a new garden bed, but it’s the best time. If you make decisions now, you’ll be ready when the weather warms and the ground is workable. Putting in a new garden bed takes…

Saturday, Feb. 8 at 8 a.m.—KILLINGTON—Park Affair, a snowboard progression camp rooted in community and empowerment, returns to Killington for a full day of skill-building, camaraderie, and fun. This event, designed for all ability levels, welcomes snowboarders 14+ who feel comfortable in a women-led space. The day kicks off with check-in from 8-8:45 a.m. at…

Thursday, Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m.—LUDLOW—Vermonters facing food and housing insecurity take center stage in “Just Getting By,” a new documentary by Bess O’Brien, screening at Ludlow Town Hall auditorium on Feb. 6. Director O’Brien will participate in a post-film Q&A. The film provides an intimate and urgent look at the daily struggles of working…

Saturday, Feb. 8 at 3 p.m.——WOODSTOCK—Experience the vibrant world of Frida Kahlo at the Film & Food Soirée on Saturday, February 8, at Billings Farm & Museum. The evening begins at 3 p.m. with a screening of “Frida,” an Oscar-shortlisted documentary exploring the legendary Mexican artist’s life, art, and legacy through lyrical animation and her…

Saturday, Feb. 8 at 10 a.m.— Whether you’re a seasoned textile artist or a curious beginner looking to unravel the mysteries of weaving, the Vermont Weavers Guild has an exciting lineup of events to help expand your creative horizons. With free public presentations from nationally recognized weavers and hands-on workshops designed to elevate skills, there’s…