VTDigger

Brendan Kinney, the new CEO of VTDigger, explains his commitment to Vermont's independent journalism and urges readers to support the organization. The article highlights reader appreciation for VTDigger's work and outlines upcoming projects, including a collaboration with FRONTLINE on Vermont's flooding impacts and election coverage.

Finch Paper is closing its pulp mill in Glens Falls, New York, impacting Vermont's logging industry by reducing demand for low-grade pulp wood. Vermont loggers warn this will exacerbate industry challenges, following regional mill closures over decades. The company will now purchase pulp externally instead of producing it.

The article argues that animal rights groups use misinformation to criticize Vermont's hunting, trapping, and wildlife management practices. It cites surveys showing most Vermonters are satisfied with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department (3% dissatisfaction in 2015, 5% in 2022) and claims animal rights groups prioritize their agenda over conservation. The author, a Vermont resident, defends hunters, trappers, and anglers as responsible conservationists.

Vermont’s Roman Catholic Diocese seeks court approval to sell Rice Memorial High School to a nonprofit, RMHS Inc., to protect the school from liquidation. The diocese, reorganizing finances under Chapter 11 bankruptcy, aims to preserve the school’s Catholic identity and operations ahead of the 2026-2027 academic year.

The Vermont Democratic primary for lieutenant governor features Molly Gray, Ryan McLaren, and Esther Charlestin. Gray, a former lieutenant governor, and McLaren, a former school board member and Senate aide, highlight their experience. Charlestin, a former gubernatorial candidate, emphasizes consulting experience. Gray leads in fundraising and a recent poll, while many voters remain undecided.

Vermont's Act 170, signed into law as H.955, mandates school district merger study committees and cooperative educational service areas (CESAs) by 2026, but lacks efficiency targets, oversight, and accountability mechanisms. Critics argue structural gaps, such as conflicting CESA and merger group boundaries, could undermine savings potential, despite identified $9M-$10M in back-office savings for Chittenden County districts.

A proposed Office of Management and Budget rule could jeopardize federal funding for research and programs in Vermont, including medical research at the University of Vermont and rural hospital funding. The rule would subject federal grants to review by political appointees aligning them with presidential priorities, potentially disrupting peer-reviewed processes and impacting over one-third of Vermont’s state budget reliant on federal funds.

The demolition of a former grain mill in South Royalton, Vt., is delayed due to asbestos found on the site, requiring proper removal before proceeding. The property owner, Eric Jacobs, failed to complete a required asbestos assessment, prompting state intervention. Residents express frustration over delays and lingering odors from the site.

Vermont's vehicle inspection system has been updated to prioritize immediate safety risks over cosmetic or non-safety issues, aiming to reduce costs and burdens for vehicle owners. The changes, effective August 1, include passing vehicles with minor defects and notifying owners of non-safety deficiencies.

Democratic candidates in Vermont's Chittenden Central Senate district, including Nikhil Goyal and Elaine Haney, have raised significant campaign funds, with Goyal setting a legislative fundraising record at nearly $138,000. Concerns are growing among lawmakers about the potential impact of increasing financial spending on local politics, as several challengers in other districts also report unusually high campaign contributions.

Green Mountain Birthing Center, a nonprofit in Waterbury, was established by former Copley Hospital nurse-midwives to provide perinatal care. The center aims to open Vermont's first freestanding birth center by 2028 and currently offers prenatal and postpartum care in a Morrisville clinic.

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld state bans on transgender athletes in Idaho and West Virginia, but Vermont maintains protections for transgender students under state law and anti-discrimination policies. Vermont’s approach emphasizes inclusion, allowing transgender students to participate in school sports aligned with their gender identity, contrasting with broader efforts to exclude transgender people from public life.

South Burlington Deputy Police Chief Sean Briscoe's body camera footage captured his experience during a tense standoff between law enforcement and protesters outside a Vermont home raided by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The footage, part of over 100 hours released by local and state police, reveals mundane police interactions alongside public anger directed at officers, highlighting the complex dynamics of immigration enforcement and community tensions.

Chris Helali, high bailiff of Orange County, Vermont, traveled to Iran to attend Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's state funeral and posted a social media message saluting Iran's 'holy war' against the U.S. Helali, an academic and journalist living in Moscow, claimed to be the only U.S. public official present at the funeral and described his attendance as part of his 'ceremonial duties.'

Vermont is experiencing an emergency blood shortage due to a summer donation lull, with half of available blood donation appointments unfilled. The American Red Cross reported a 25% national blood supply drop in June, exacerbated by increased summer demand from accidents and reduced donations as people vacation.

Windham County is implementing the Rapid Accountability Docket, a 90-day initiative to resolve criminal cases faster by coordinating with multiple agencies and social service providers. The program aims to reduce recidivism by expediting court processes for defendants with multiple pending cases.

The Ben & Jerry’s Foundation will shut down by year-end after its parent company, Magnum Ice Cream Co., cut funding and evicted staff, citing governance issues from an audit. The foundation, which provided $600,000 annually to Vermont organizations, is challenging the decision in a pending lawsuit alleging interference with the brand’s social mission.

A Vermont judge denied Jason Eaton's request for a new lawyer in his trial for shooting three Palestinian students. The trial is set to begin on September 10, with Eaton pleading not guilty to three counts of attempted murder. The judge previously rejected a similar request and ruled that Eaton can pursue an insanity defense.

UVM Health is considering eliminating GLP-1 medication coverage for weight management to save $19 million annually. The author argues this decision overlooks long-term healthcare cost savings from improved patient outcomes, such as reduced specialist visits and chronic disease risks.

Washington County has switched from Green Mountain Transit to Tri-Valley Transit to improve rural public bus service and financial stability. The change aligns with a statewide effort to assign rural transit services to specialized providers, as outlined in Act 148 from the 2024 legislative session.