More than $20 million of delayed FEMA funds allocated to Montpelier and VTrans
The stalled FEMA funds had delayed the replacement of the Montpelier City Hall elevator, which has been out of commission since the 2023 flood.
Brattleboro hospital and its support staff avert strike by signing first contract
Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, which recently announced a similar agreement with a union representing its nurses, still faces the challenge of a $14.5 million budget deficit.
Barre city manager resigns for role in South Burlington
Barre City Manager Nicolas Storellicastro led the city through one of the worst flooding events in its history.
Northeast Kingdom Human Services settles Medicaid fraud allegations for $65,000
It’s the second claim of fraud the designated agency has faced in recent months, as the federal government takes a critical eye to Medicaid fraud, waste and abuse in Vermont.
Declining enrollment is driving a $12 million budget deficit at the University of Vermont
The university expects to see a 15% decline in freshman undergraduate students this coming fall compared to last year, and a 7% decrease across all undergraduate grade levels.
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Vermont House votes to partially repeal Act 181
Lawmakers learned that the conservation measures they enacted in Act 181 “were alienating rural landowners and were not the right tool for the job,” said Rep. Amy Sheldon, D-Middlebury.
Barre candidates weigh needs against tight city funds
Granite City residents face competing visions for housing, flood recovery and school spending in upcoming vote.
Vermont Conversation: Shepherd, farmer and award-winning author Helen Whybrow on life, death and belonging
The Fayston author discusses the history of Vermont’s hill farms as one of struggle and subsistence, and how life as a shepherd helped her deal with the grief of losing her mother.
In food shelf visit, Sen. Welch backs nutrition assistance amid rising prices for Vermonters
“This is all about the affordability crisis,” Vermont’s Democratic senator said. “If you’re working hard, you should be able to pay your bills.”
Senate advances bill to keep private equity out of the clinic
Also in Final Reading: Adjournment wish-casting and drug discounts.
Enosburg Falls cream cheese producer agrees to pay the state $265,000 for allegedly releasing untreated wastewater
Franklin Foods was accused of repeatedly violating its pretreatment permit, including releasing untreated liquid waste to the Enosburg Falls wastewater treatment facility.
Opinion
Commentaries and letters to the editor written by community members and regular contributors.
Vermont’s future depends on restoring legal immigration
As federal immigration restrictions tighten, Vermont is losing the workers, students and neighbors it needs to survive.
In defense of Act 181
The wild animals we share this land with didn’t get a vote. Act 181 gives them a voice.
Burtt amendment gives Vermont farms long-overdue Act 250 relief
A surprise floor amendment to S.325 exempts farms from Act 250 permitting for recreational and educational events. It’s long overdue.
The new face of nicotine in our schools
The days of catching kids smoking behind the gym are over. Now the problem is harder to spot, and teachers need help.
Vermont Conversation: Going fast and breaking barriers
The documentary “Best Day Ever” features the world’s first adaptive mountain bike trail network and the athletes who are changing lives.
Barre’s proposed school district budget fails — again
Voters also re-elected Mayor Thom Lauzon and city councilor Sonya Spaulding in the city’s annual election.
Vermont’s congressional members are rich. But they don’t buy stocks.
Sens. Peter Welch, Bernie Sanders and Rep. Becca Balint have found other ways to make money.
Statehouse’s portrait collection now features Vermont’s first Black female lawmaker
Also in Final Reading: Food dyes won’t be banned in schools and transportation funding.
Obituaries
Death notices and celebrations of life.
Overdose deaths in Vermont drop by 25% in 2025
“Our treatment, our intervention, our harm reduction, our recovery services, those are working,” said Vermont Department of Health Interim Deputy Commissioner Shayla Livingston.
