By Julia Purdy On Tuesday, Jan. 19, Congressman Peter Welch hosted a live town hall meeting by telephone to take the public pulse on the takeover of the U.S. Capitol of January 6. Call-in “town meetings” are a service of Congressman Welch and others to stay in touch with their constituents in a direct and…

The 1st Squadron, 172nd Cavalry, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), a.k.a. "the Vermont Brigade," is now authorized to recruit women. This marks the first time in the National Guard’s 384 year history that a combat arms battalion sized unit can enlist women. “I am incredibly proud of the soldiers and senior leaders of our…

By Sen. Alison Clarkson Last week’s successful presidential inaugural celebration on Jan. 20 was a powerful reminder of how precious our democracy is. Central to its viability is the peaceful transfer of power. Until now, I am not sure I’ve fully appreciated this. After the attempted violent insurrection in Washington DC on Jan. 6 –…

By Rep. Jim Harrison Last week, state economists presented revised state revenue forecasts that will be the basis of next year’s budget. The good news is that the forecast was adjusted significantly upward from the one done last August. Total revenues in all funds are now expected to be only $20 million below pre-pandemic FY21…

By Xander Landen/VTDigger State economists had good news Tuesday, Jan. 19, for Gov. Phil Scott and lawmakers who set Vermont’s revenue forecasts. Tax revenues in the state are expected to come in $254 million higher this year than fiscal analysts had projected in August. The boost is thanks, in large part, to the massive infusion of federal…

By Xander Landen and Lola Duffort/VTDigger A long-awaited report recommends wide-ranging reforms to make Vermont’s state taxes fairer and more resilient in a changing economy. The Vermont Tax Structure Commission proposes broadening the sales tax and expanding Vermont’s income tax base by promoting the state as a destination for remote workers. But the top-line recommendation is eliminating the homestead property…

By Andy Kirkaldy Gov. Phil Scott eased some restrictions on school and recreational sports practices, effective Jan. 18. Among the changes, outdoor ski teams will be allowed to compete this winter, Scott said in his Jan. 15 news conference. Nordic skiers from Otter Valley union high schools could begin to hit the trails soon. OVUHS…

By Brooke Geery Kamala Harris made history as the nation’s first female, Black and Asian-American vice president on Inauguration Day in a politically unifying purple coat by rising-star designer Christopher John Rogers. So why was Vermont U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders making all the fashion headlines? Among a sea of couture gowns, expensive sneakers and  designer…

Record number of candidates vie for Rutland mayor, every elected position contested By Polly Mikula Rutland City residents are stepping up to lead. At this year’s Town Meeting every elected position is being contested, giving voters many choices. Seven candidates will face off for mayor. Eighteen seek the six seats on the board of aldermen.…

By Brett Yates Rutlanders who enjoyed the colorful, pedestrian-friendly reconfiguration of Center Street last summer may find a similar sight downtown in 2021, if the city finds a way to pay for it. The Rutland Redevelopment Authority (RRA) applied last week for a “placemaking” grant from the Vermont Dept. of Housing & Community Development, which,…

By Merisa Sherman It’s cold. And not just a little bit cold but the kind of cold where you can put your hand on the wall of your house and feel the outside seeping in. It’s the kind of cold where you learn all the little cracks and crevices that will need to be re-caulked…

We’re now one month removed from Christmas. At my house, however, one gift from that morning continues to have repercussions several weeks later. Prior to the holidays, I spent a good chunk of time trying to pick out gifts for my wife and son. The lockdowns had made our lives dull and repetitive, so I…

By Mary Ellen Shaw When I meet someone on the street or in a store they often like to reminisce about the “good old days.” For my age group that pretty much covers the period from the 1950s through the 1970s. A common topic of conversation is how much fun it was to shop in…

The Treasury Department prints millions of notes. The following information was obtained from U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing and details what goes into creating a $20 bill and when its lifespan ends. Paper A $20 bill starts out life as part of a large sheet of paper. While most paper is made primarily from…

Staff report, VTDigger An environmental court judge has ordered that, for now, Daniel Banyai must stop paramilitary training activities at Slate Ridge, which has operated without a permit for several years in West Pawlet. Following court proceedings that have lasted more than a year, the judge on Thursday, Jan. 21, issued a preliminary injunction, which states…