State News

By the end of the week, it was clear that the Senate was moving on a different track from the House and the governor on a couple of major bills. It’s the beginning of some strong winds, not necessarily in the same direction. At his weekly press conference on Wednesday, Scott made it clear that…

Story Update: On Wednesday, April 30, Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford ordered the release of Mohsen Mahdawi from prison on bail, pending the resolution of his habeas petition. The government requested that Judge Crawford pause his release from prison for seven days by issuing a stay of the order, which the judge denied. By Ethan Weinstein/VTDigger Lawyers…

By Carly Berlin/VTDigger This story, by Report for America corps member Carly Berlin, is published via a partnership between VTDigger and Vermont Public. A bill that would fundamentally overhaul Vermont’s response to homelessness is making its way through the Statehouse. H.91 provides a potential off-ramp to the state’s mass use of motel rooms as a…

The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is reminding Vermonters that the REAL ID requirement takes effect on May 7, 2025. This means that people aged 18 and older will need a REAL ID-compliant Driver’s License or Identification Card, or another form of identification accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), for domestic air travel and to…

Newly released data from the Dept. of Health, April 15, shows that most adults in Vermont report they are in good health, but that education and income levels, disabilities and other factors can lead to stark differences in people’s health.  This data helps state officials and partners monitor trends and prioritize efforts to improve the…

For anyone who thinks that what is happening in Washington isn’t having a profound effect on life in Vermont, think again. It began with neighbors being fired from USAID and has evolved into destabilizing commerce with Vermont’s biggest trade partner, Canada. In addition, President Trump’s irresponsible rhetoric about Canada is having a profoundly negative impact…

This is that time of the session when the major money bills have passed the House and are now in the Senate for further review or amendments before heading back to the House for reconsideration. The next few weeks will tell the story of what was or wasn’t accomplished this year. These “money bills” —…

By Curt Peterson The almost 14% average education tax increase last year shocked Vermonters into taking serious interest in education finance. The governor, the Legislature and local school board members blamed each other and/or alleged bloated school budgets. Now the education system itself is the focus for all stakeholders.  One group, Vermont Rural Schools Community…

By Habib Sabet/VtDigger Cabot Creamery has issued a voluntary recall for nearly a ton of butter due to potential fecal contamination, the brand’s parent company, Agri-Mark Inc., announced April 9. The recall covers 189 cases of the iconic Vermont brand’s 8-oz. Extra Creamy Premium Butter across Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, Maine, Connecticut, New Hampshire and…

“Moving Day” in the world of golf often refers to Saturday’s third round play at the annual Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta Country Club. This is when top players often move into contention for Sunday’s final round for the championship, just like Rory McIlroy did this past Saturday with an impressive six under par performance.…

The Vermont Historical Society (VHS) announced that the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) terminated its federal funding for the Activating 21st Century Local History Training Program, effective April 8. The decision follows President Donald Trump’s recent executive order to defund several federal agencies, including IMLS. In a letter from acting IMLS director Keith…

By Auditi Guha/VTDigger Masked men in plainclothes detained an Upper Valley resident in Colchester during a scheduled citizenship interview Monday morning, April 14, despite his status as a lawful U.S. permanent resident. Mohsen Mahdawi’s lawyers filed a petition Monday alleging unlawful detention in the U.S. District Court in Vermont. Judge William Sessions III then issued a temporary restraining order saying…

National Dog Bite Prevention Week is underway (April 9–16), and the Vermont Veterinary Medical Association (VVMA) reminds families and caregivers of the importance of understanding dog behavior to help reduce the risk of bites—especially among young children. Veterinary professionals play a key role in public education, helping people recognize signs of stress, fear, or anxiety…

On April 3, a coalition of service industry professionals, lawmakers, and gun safety advocates gathered at the Vermont State House to urge the Legislature to approve Burlington’s charter change (S.131), which would ban guns in bars and was overwhelmingly supported by 86.6% of Burlington voters in 2025. Advocates are also calling for the passage of…

Killington ski legend Jon Lamb dies in accident Local skier Jon Lamb (63) suffered a fatal accident at Big Sky Resort in Montana on April 2. He was found about 200 feet below the ridge at the bottom of a rock field in the Dakota Bowl, an out-of-bounds area. Lamb was a long-time Killington local.…