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Wetland rules are set to change—making it easier to build housing near these areas after a heated year of debate. The administration initially wanted to allow construction in unmapped wetlands and slash buffer zones from 50 to 25 feet, sparking legal threats from environmental groups. After negotiations, the unmapped wetland plan was dropped, but reduced buffers for villages and downtowns remain. Lawmakers still oppose it, calling it a violation of legislative intent and separation of powers, citing lack of scientific backing. Yet, the Agency of Natural Resources moves forward—with environmental and housing groups now on board. New rules take effe...

Vermont’s bold “Raise the Age” law, designed to keep teens and young adults up to 22 out of adult criminal justice systems for nonviolent offenses, is now on indefinite hold—stalled at 19 due to a critical lack of resources. Without robust support systems for drug treatment, mental health care, and housing, officials fear forcing legal adults (age 18+) into programs they can’t compel participation in. Lawmakers and state agencies have repeatedly delayed expansion, citing systemic gaps that make rehabilitation nearly impossible without intervention. A key hearing this Wednesday at the Statehouse may reveal the path forward—or confirm that these ambiti...

Vermont’s governor and environmental groups have struck a deal to shrink wetland buffer zones from fifty to twenty-five feet in targeted housing areas, ending a months-long legal standoff and paving the way for faster home construction without sacrificing flood protection or natural resources. After facing lawsuits and legislative rejection, the administration negotiated with conservationists to avoid costly court battles, agreeing to also update outdated wetland maps for clearer development guidelines. This compromise balances urgent housing needs with environmental stewardship, opening up nearly two thousand acres while committing to long-term ecological safeguards.

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Rutland Plaza is cracking down on long-term parking with tickets, boots, and towing—unless you’re shopping—with a clear goal: push drivers toward the downtown parking deck. Property managers say it’s part of a city-wide effort to revitalize downtown by making parking easier and encouraging exploration. Theater execs agree—it’s the most convenient spot for showgoers. But officials admit more marketing could help get the word out about the tall, clearly marked garage.

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Vermont just dropped a bold new tourism brand—“State of Inspiration”—to lure more visitors with its stunning landscapes, thriving arts scene, and down-to-earth charm. Featuring hand-drawn letters shaped like iconic landmarks like Camel’s Hump, the logo feels authentically local, echoing Vermont’s beloved hand-painted signs. This is the first dedicated tourism brand for the state, seen as a smart move to boost the economy and stand out from neighbors. Ads are hitting NYC subways and LA streets, spotlighting farm-to-table eats and natural wonders. The goal? Turn wanderlust into real trips—because Vermont’s magic deserves to be experienced, not...

A Mexican man named Armando Paulino Estudillo has pleaded guilty to helping smuggle his girlfriend into the U.S. from Canada, admitting he paid Vermont immigrant rights activist José Ignacio De La Cruz $2,000 to arrange it. Both men were arrested in April—Estudillo in New Hampshire, De La Cruz in Essex—with De La Cruz now facing multiple smuggling and document fraud charges while remaining free on bond. Estudillo, who’s been deported three times before, claims he’d already spent $5,000 and had $3,000 more ready for the trip, though the first attempt failed and he later got a $2,000 refund. Border Pa...

The Catholic Diocese of Burlington is drowning in debt, with $2 million spent on legal fees—raising alarms that abuse survivors may get left holding the bag. Critics question how long the diocese has dodged accountability, while a judge warns victims could walk away with nothing. Calls are mounting for media scrutiny and state intervention, especially as Saint Michael’s College hosts the bishop’s offices amid this scandal. Vermont’s Attorney General is being urged to investigate whether funds meant for victims are being hidden. Justice must not be delayed—or denied.

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Acting AG Todd Blanche is one step away from confirmation after the Senate Judiciary Committee cleared his nomination — but not without drama. Republicans held up the vote over fears of a Trump-backed fund for politically targeted allies, demanding written assurances it wouldn’t happen. Blanche responded with an order denying its existence, yet critics argue he hasn’t fully shed his role as Trump’s personal lawyer. Now, the full Senate faces a tight vote: Blanche needs just two Republican votes to survive, complicated by Mitch McConnell’s hospitalization. Democrats remain wary, insisting Blanche’s order doesn’t permanently block future f...

Apple’s iOS 27 is heating up with a massive Messages overhaul—beta testers are already buzzing. Get one-tap photo, email, note, and calendar suggestions based on your chats, plus cross-device chat fixes, real-time sending progress bars, and digital drawing support. And Siri just got smarter: it drafts messages and can even mimic your voice. Your everyday conversations are about to get way smoother.

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A shooting and assault in Newbury, Vermont, have authorities hunting a bright yellow pickup truck with a ladder rack and rust on the driver’s side—believed to be linked to both crimes. One man was injured, and 41-year-old Amanda Belville of Cabot received medical treatment after being physically assaulted. Police say the incident wasn’t random and believe the suspects knew each other. No threat to the public. If you recognize the truck or know its owner, contact state police in St. Johnsbury at 802-748-3111 or submit an anonymous tip online.

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A preacher with a bold vision and a checkered financial past is trying to turn an old college campus into a global Christian university—despite mounting skepticism from locals and red flags about his track record. Tommie Zito claims he’s saved millions and has a million-dollar donor lined up, but his previous ministries collapsed under debt and lost tax-exempt status for failing to file reports. With operating costs in the millions and a history of failed big dreams—including a whiskey resort that fizzled out—residents are watching closely, wondering if this time will be different—or just another di...

New York’s cops are hitting the roads hard this week for Speed Week—aiming to slash speeding crashes as summer crowds and school-free teens hit the streets. With one-third of all crashes tied to speeding, officials are handing out over 56K tickets last year alone, including 14K for speeding. Even a few MPH over the limit can cost you points, hikes in insurance, or suspension. Stay alert, use tech like GPS alerts or cruise control, and remember: slow down to enjoy the season safely.

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Two brothers fishing off Cape Cod pulled in a jaw-dropping surprise: a juvenile tiger shark—normally found in the Caribbean. This five-foot predator, capable of growing to over 15 feet, signals a major shift as warming waters push tropical species northward. Scientists are now tracking whether these waters are becoming a nursery for young sharks—and not just sharks, but great whites and black sea bass too. For the Rouettes, it was an unforgettable catch—and a chilling glimpse into how fast our oceans are changing.

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New York’s bold move to mandate federal agents show ID and ditch masks for transparency just got shut down by a federal judge — who ruled states can’t regulate how federal law enforcement operates. This echoes California’s earlier failed attempt, both blocked under the Constitution’s supremacy clause. Despite the ruling, New York’s top officials stand firm, arguing masked agents don’t make communities safer, and are now weighing their next legal steps. The state’s law, enacted in June as part of broader police reforms, has already drawn fire from the Justice Department, which is suing other stat...

A New Jersey mom’s nightmare: her 9-year-old son caught deadly “rabbit fever” after a tick bite in the yard—no wild rabbits near their home, yet he suffered 10 days of brutal fever and neck pain before doctors diagnosed tularemia. With only 200 cases nationwide each year, this rare but serious illness is on the rise this tick season. Health officials urge everyone to wear long sleeves, pants, and gloves outdoors—and avoid sick or dead rabbits—to stay safe.

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Vermont’s primary election is August 11th — your chance to pick your party’s candidate for the November general election. If you’re a U.S. citizen aged 18 by Nov. 3rd and live in Vermont, you can vote without being registered with a party — just choose one primary. Register in person at your town clerk’s office before Aug. 11, or on election day at your polling spot. Online registration via the Secretary of State’s site is also available — do it early to avoid delays. First-time voters must take an oath and show a photo ID. Early voting started June 29th and en...

Vermont voters head to the polls on August 11 for a pivotal day of primaries, choosing candidates across local, state, and federal offices. In the U.S. House race, Democrat Becca Balint faces no opposition, while Republicans Mark Coester and Gerald Malloy battle it out. Governor Phil Scott runs unopposed as the Republican nominee, but Democrats Amanda Janoo and Aly Richards are locked in a heated contest to challenge him. The lieutenant governor’s race sees three Democratic contenders—Esther Charlestin, Molly Gray, and Ryan McLaren—while incumbent John Rodgers faces no opposition. Attorney General Charity Clark and Republican H. Brooke...

Burlington City Council just passed a controversial resolution called “Burlington Forward,” aimed at cracking down on homelessness and public drug use—with a stark seven-to-five vote along party lines, despite the mayor’s opposition. Critics slammed it as “Burlington Backwards,” warning it prioritizes enforcement over compassion and could harm vulnerable residents. Supporters argue the status quo is unsafe, citing business failures and community fears, especially downtown. The resolution calls for increased police presence, stricter rules on public camping and drug use, and even pushes to exclude needle exchanges from the city center. Now headed to four committees for review by September...

Governor Kathy Hochul is rallying to bring the Winter Olympics back to Lake Placid by 2042, investing $75 million to upgrade facilities and tapping into the region’s Olympic legacy. With personal ties to the area and a vision to revitalize the Adirondacks through tourism, jobs, and economic growth, she’s leading a year-long committee to assess the feasibility of a third Games — echoing the spirit of her childhood memories and aiming to make Lake Placid extraordinary once more.

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A 26-year-old theater kid in Essex, Vermont, pulled off a wild stunt—faking threatening texts to shut down his own Rocky Horror Picture Show production. Turns out, he was the one sending the messages to his own phone, just to bail on the show. Now facing misdemeanor charges for false reporting, his scheme disrupted a community effort and exposed how easily chaos can erupt behind the scenes—even when it’s all staged by the star himself.

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A musical director faked anonymous threats to sabotage his own show—leading to a canceled production, legal trouble, and a shattered cast. Kenneth Grenier, 26, sent fake texts claiming safety risks and licensing issues, all traced back to his home. The theater lost $11K and the cast’s months of rehearsal—and now they’re left wondering what could’ve been if he’d just spoken up.

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Vermont’s Covered Bridge Week is bigger and bolder than ever, spotlighting over a hundred historic bridges—more per square mile than anywhere else in the nation—to inspire pride, preservation, and community exploration.

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In Vermont, Eric Jones is crafting guitars that blend art, science, and soul—each instrument a symphony of innovation and craftsmanship that redefines what a guitar can be.

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After nearly 90 years as a silent sentinel at the Middlebury Snowbowl, the historic Hubbard Cabin has been lovingly relocated and reborn — now poised to become the new home base for Middlebury’s alpine ski team. Originally built in 1938 as the main lodge, it later served as a ski club hub before falling into storage. Thanks to generous alumni donations and campus leadership, the cabin was carefully moved next to Starr Lodge, placed on a fresh foundation, and set to receive a new addition — all in time for the upcoming ski season. For longtime locals like Derrick Cram and college offici...

A tragic e-bike accident in Burlington claimed the life of 16-year-old Shiloh Skalka, a bright, artistic teen beloved by her community. Her father, shattered by grief, battles writing a eulogy while the family seeks justice as the minivan driver, 79-year-old Douglas Knapp, faces negligent operation charges. Amid outpourings of community support and growing calls for police transparency, Shiloh’s funeral looms — a haunting reminder of how swiftly life can vanish.

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Vermont’s political race heats up as primary numbers reveal stark financial divides: Governor’s race sees Aly Richards outraising Amanda Janoo, backed by big-name donors vs. organized labor; Republican Gov. Phil Scott runs unopposed with a war chest. Lieutenant governor candidates McLaren and Gray spend more than they’ve raised—possibly due to timing—and smaller contenders like Esther Charlestin and John Rodgers operate on tighter budgets. TV ads dominate spending, with Richards, Gray, and McLaren pouring nearly $300K into commercials. Secretary of State’s office tracks filings, with county candidates lagging—another update expected soon.

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A mysterious political action committee has dumped over $230,000 into Vermont’s governor’s race just weeks before the primary, fueling controversy as it backs Aly Richards without her knowledge or coordination. The PAC, Time for a Change, funded by just five major donors — only one based in Vermont — is running digital ads and texts to boost Richards’ campaign, despite her past stance against accepting PAC money. Her opponent Amanda Janoo calls it hypocrisy and a sign of the “sad state of politics.” The PAC’s treasurer insists Richards never asked for their help, saying it was formed by her friends and supp...

Burlington’s City Council is set for a fiery showdown over a new public safety plan that aims to boost police presence and crack down on illegal activity downtown — but the Progressive Caucus is firmly against it, arguing that harm reduction programs like needle exchanges are the real path to safety, health, and dignity. The vote looms Monday night, pitting enforcement against compassion in a battle that could reshape the city’s future.

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Governor Kathy Hochul is reigniting New York’s Olympic dreams, touring Lake Placid with USA Hockey leaders to show serious backing for a potential dual-host bid between Lake Placid and NYC. An exploratory committee will deliver its findings within a year, with the earliest possible Games set for 2042—putting New York on the global athletic map once again.

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Over 20 states and D.C. are suing the Trump administration over a controversial rule that would let federal agencies access deeply personal data—like immigration status and Social Security numbers—of families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits. Worth $16 billion annually, this vital anti-poverty program supports cash aid, job training, and more for struggling families. Critics argue the rule weaponizes aid programs to target vulnerable populations, not help them. Filed in federal court, the lawsuit challenges the administration’s move to expand data sharing with other government branches or private entities. The agency overseeing the program has yet to res...

Vermont’s governor just vetoed one of the nation’s strongest data center regulations — a bill that passed both chambers with bipartisan backing — but lawmakers are undeterred. The legislation, H.727, was tougher than its original draft, mandating that utilities shield ratepayers from data center costs and requiring massive on-site renewable energy use. Governor Scott claimed it imposed unnecessary burdens, but the bill targeted only AI data centers — not other businesses — and filled critical regulatory gaps left by existing laws. With 52 Republicans joining to override the veto, the bill died — leaving Vermonters exposed to rising energy costs and pollution, and setting the st...

Vermont Green FC just pulled off an epic feat—winning their second straight USL championship with a 2-1 thriller over Flint City Bucks on August 1st, becoming the first team in over two decades to back-to-back the crown.

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Twenty-five states are suing the Trump administration over new double-digit tariffs targeting 59 countries and the EU, claiming they’re a legal loophole to skirt a recent Supreme Court ruling. The move, timed right as old tariffs expired, is framed by the White House as a fight against forced labor—but state leaders like New York’s AG Letitia James accuse it of illegally taxing families and businesses again. With the legal battle heating up, the outcome could reshape trade policy and set a precedent for how administrations navigate judicial limits.

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In a high-stakes race for Chittenden County’s State’s Attorney seat, Bram Kranichfeld is challenging incumbent Sarah George, who’s championed progressive reforms like ending cash bail and limiting traffic stop charges—but critics say those policies have hurt public safety. Kranichfeld, a former colleague turned Franklin County prosecutor, vows to strike a “community first” balance: compassionate but firm, prioritizing victims and safety without abandoning reform. His campaign pivots on accountability—tracking outcomes, releasing prosecutorial data, and tackling ICE coordination—with plans for an accountability court and record-sealing clinic. The election comes after controversy over George’s decision not to prosecute o...

Sarah George, Chittenden County’s progressive prosecutor, is running for a third term and proudly calls herself an “activist,” arguing that all prosecutors advocate for the values voters support. She defends her data-driven, community-focused approach—eschewing cash bail and targeting large-scale drug operations rather than individual users—as “smart on crime,” not soft. Facing a tougher-on-crime challenger who questions her policies, George remains steadfast, citing improved police cooperation and declining violent crime as proof her methods work. She also highlights the court system’s recovery from pandemic disruptions, signaling renewed momentum in justice reform.

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The Trump administration is reportedly drafting sweeping changes to Head Start, the decades-old program that serves low-income children with education, health screenings, and family support — potentially slashing federal standards and shifting control to states. Critics fear the overhaul could gut the program’s core mission, turning it into something unrecognizable despite keeping its name. While still in draft form and subject to public comment and legal hurdles, these proposed cuts — including new burdens for homeless or unemployed parents — threaten to unravel a bipartisan pillar of early childhood development.

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Spider-Man: Brand New Day shattered box office records with a jaw-dropping $360 million opening weekend in North America—surpassing even Avengers: Endgame’s previous record. Sony’s Tom Rothman celebrated the milestone, calling it proof that records are meant to be broken. The film not only exceeded projections but also outperformed its own predecessor, No Way Home, while boosting ticket sales for co-starring films like The Odyssey. With overall box office revenue up 15% year-over-year and over $6.2 billion already earned, the industry is riding a wave of momentum led by this Spider-Man blockbuster.

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A shocking hate crime unfolded in South Burlington, Vermont, when a 52-year-old man allegedly assaulted two Muslim women wearing hijabs, hurling anti-Muslim slurs and using a dog leash to strike one before smashing her phone. Footage helped identify him, and authorities are now charging him with assault and hate-motivated crimes. In response, the Islamic Society of Vermont is beefing up mosque security as community members demand protection. His court date is set for October — a moment that underscores the urgent need for safety and solidarity in the face of rising hate.

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Vermont Democrats are rallying behind a bold new tax plan targeting second homes, arguing it’s not just about revenue—but fairness and housing access. With every gubernatorial and lieutenant governor candidate on board, the proposal aims to force owners to either rent or sell their vacation properties, freeing up housing for locals while funding critical services like healthcare and schools. The state is set to introduce a new tax category for second homes by 2029, potentially tapping into the wealth of property owners who leave their homes vacant for months. Supporters say it’s long overdue—especially since some towns’ p...

Get ready for the return of the Vermont Circus Festival, hitting Brattleboro and Putney from November 1–8 with circus arts, community fun, and unforgettable shows. Kick off with a free Community Circus Day featuring classes for all ages and a family-friendly performance at The Trapezium. Enjoy eight diverse circus acts—including former Ringling Bros. talent and youth crew Circus Smirkus—plus a special “Beta Night” for visiting performers. New this year: a storytelling workshop with The Moth and The Retreat Farm, where you’ll craft and share your own circus tales. And with over 60 hands-on workshops in mime, trapeze, aerial silks, and m...