Vermont news

• Who checks the software’s work?

  03-11-2026 23:42 via VTDigger
  
  Dear Editor,A recent report published by VTDigger on a Brattleboro manufacturing roundtable described employers and educators working to strengthen the talent pipeline. One missing measure is whether beginners learn to spot problems that automated systems overlook.In a recent employment study, Anthropic reported that the share of its technical hires who were junior fell from 27% to 9% as artificial intelligence agents took on more work. Vermont manufacturers face different conditions, but the q
  
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• Flights halted at Burlington airport and across US due to air traffic control communications problems

  13-11-2026 23:55 via VTDigger
  
  A commercial passenger jet lands at the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport in South Burlington in Aug. 2021. File photo by Glenn Russell/VTDiggerThe Federal Aviation Administration grounded all flights in Vermont and nationwide Friday afternoon because of communications problems at regional air traffic control centers.The FAA notice said the ground stop was being imposed “due to extraordinary circumstances and for reasons of safety.”Federal officials have not indicated the stopp
  
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• Legal action against owner of Corinth’s historic village store building forthcoming

  13-11-2026 23:33 via VTDigger
  
  A photo of the Maitland Hardware Store from the movie “Beetlejuice” is affixed to a pole across from the filming location, the former East Corinth General Store, which is in disrepair in East Corinth, Vt., on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026. The Corinth Selectboard voted to find the building’s owner in violation of the Dilapidated Building Ordinance in August. Photo by Alex Driehaus/Valley NewsThis story by Sofia Langlois was first published in the Valley News on Nov. 12, 2026. CORINTH — Amid
  
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• Hunters prepare for major rule change in Vermont’s deer rifle hunting season

  13-11-2026 23:16 via VTDigger
  
  Casey Morits of West Bolton examines the rack of a 165-lb. buck taken by Derek Villeneuve in Essex at the big game reporting station at the Jericho General Store in Jericho in November 2019. File photo by Glenn Russell/VTDiggerBARRE—Shoppers at R&L Archery knew what they were here for: a hunting license, a box of ammo, synthetic deer urine and, for some, a homemade pie. Vermont’s 16-day rifle deer hunting season begins Saturday. For Joe Sanborn, that means hundreds of customers through
  
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• National hatchery closure in Bethel has Vermont officials concerned

  13-11-2026 22:09 via VTDigger
  
  The White River National Fish Hatchery in Bethel held a re-opening ceremony on Friday afternoon after completing repairs from Irene damage. Speakers included Senator Patrick Leahy and Representative Peter Welch. (Herald / Ben DeFlorio)This story by Wilder Grimes was first published in The White River Valley Herald on Nov. 12, 2026.Plans to place the White River National Fish Hatchery in Bethel on inactive status have raised concerns among Vermont fishery officials, who say the state’s remaini
  
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• The myth of the fleeing rich just won’t die

  13-11-2026 20:17 via VTDigger
  
  Dear Editor,Ali Jalili’s recent letter repeats a seemingly immortal contention: that raising taxes on high-income earners will drive them out of state. It’s simply wrong on all counts, but it just won’t die. In fact, the evidence against it is overwhelming. Americans move in large numbers every year. The Census Bureau tracks these moves and lists explanations. The top reasons given are housing, family, jobs and weather. Taxes do not even appear on the list.  There have been numerous ac
  
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• Vermont adds homeless shelter capacity, but it’s still not enough to meet the need

  13-11-2026 11:15 via VTDigger
  
  The Upper Valley Haven hopes to open its new Patrick and Marcelle Leahy Shelter and Resource Center in White River Junction by the end of November. April McCullum/Vermont PublicCarly Berlin covers housing and infrastructure for Vermont Public, in partnership with VTDigger.This week, some of the season’s first snow flurries are forecast to fly in Vermont. Across the state, emergency shelter operators are finalizing their plans to offer warm beds to people experiencing homelessness this winter.
  
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• In a challenging year, Vermont’s outdoor business leaders are full of optimism

  12-11-2026 23:59 via VTDigger
  
  Chairlifts at Okemo Mountain Ski Resort. Photo via Adobe StockTheo Wells-Spackman is a Report for America corps member who reports for VTDigger.LUDLOW — For Vermont’s outdoor economy, it’s been no ordinary year.State officials estimate that the sector — which by their reckoning includes businesses ranging from ski resorts to bike shops and inns — generated roughly $2.2 billion for Vermont’s economy in 2024. But this year, federal policy has left some businesses on shaky ground, forc
  
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• Vermont to raise minimum wage by 49 cents in January

  12-11-2026 23:46 via VTDigger
  
  Chris Winters, who is now the deputy commissioner of the Vermont Department of Labor, testifies before the House Human Services Committee at the Statehouse in Montpelier in May 2025. File photo by Glenn Russell/VTDiggerThis story by Sophie Levenson was first published in the Valley News on Nov. 10, 2026.Vermont’s minimum wage will rise from $14.42 to $14.91 an hour on Jan. 1, the Vermont Department of Labor announced Monday.Though a 49-cent hourly increase could seem marginal, it amounts to a
  
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• Solar panels are an eyesore

  12-11-2026 23:19 via VTDigger
  
  Dear Editor,Have you ever ridden on a hay wagon or a tractor, or baled hay on a hot summer day? It’s hard work, but I’m fortunate to have had these experiences, and I wouldn’t change a thing. If you’ve never stepped in a pile of cow manure or had to shovel it, if you’ve never run into an electric fence — it usually only takes one time — you haven’t lived. 
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  When I see solar panels on the hillsides and fields, one question comes to mind. In a state where billboards are
  
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• Chittenden parents file lawsuit challenging Vermont’s new public tuition rules

  12-11-2026 22:48 via VTDigger
  
  Champlain Valley School District school busses in Hinesburg in Jan. 2026. File photo by Glenn Russell/VTDiggerTwo Chittenden parents are suing the Vermont Agency of Education in federal court, alleging Vermont illegally excludes religious schools from being eligible for the state’s public tuition program for private schools. The lawsuit, filed by Carrie and Greg Bishop, alleges that the requirements for private schools to receive public tuition dollars under Vermont’s 2025 education reform
  
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• Swastika found on Hartford veterans monument on Veterans Day

  12-11-2026 19:57 via VTDigger
  
  A swastika seen on Veterans Day on the side of a monument honoring Hartford residents who served in conflicts after World War II. Alex Ebrahimi/Valley NewsThis story by Alex Ebrahimi was first published in the Valley News on November 11, 2026WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — A swastika drawn in what appeared to be black marker was visible on a monument in Veterans Park on Veterans Day.The graffiti was on the park’s newer monument, which honors Hartford residents who served in the Korean War, the Vietn
  
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• Vermont needs a growth plan that adds up

  12-11-2026 19:47 via VTDigger
  
  This commentary is by Matt Swenson, the founder of Omnidex Solutions, an independent research and strategic analysis company. He lives in Vermont.Vermont voters sent a split message Tuesday. They gave Gov. Phil Scott a record sixth two-year term over Amanda Janoo, then handed Democrats a supermajority in the Legislature, enough to override his vetoes. Molly Gray took back the lieutenant governor’s office from John Rodgers by more than 20 points.That means the next two years won’t be decided
  
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• Chronic wasting disease found in wild New York deer for first time in decades

  12-11-2026 13:45 via VTDigger
  
  Stuffed deer heads mounted on the walls inside Choiniere’s Hunting Camp in Brownington in November 2025. File photo by Glenn Russell/VTDiggerTheo Wells-Spackman is a Report for America corps member who reports for VTDigger.Chronic wasting disease, a fatal illness in deer, moose and elk, has been discovered in a wild New York doe for the first time in decades.The disorder, which stems from defective proteins called prions, has never been spotted in Vermont, and with northern New York’s deer
  
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• Holly A. Freeman Jones

  12-11-2026 00:08 via VTDigger
  
  Born: 01/07/1955Potsdam, NYDied: 08/18/2026South Burlington, VTDetails of service:A memorial service will take place on June 19, 2027, at 11 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Shelburne, VT, followed by a reception.Holly A. Freeman Jones passed away on August 18, 2026, at the age of 71. She was born Jan. 7, 1955, in Potsdam, New York, to Mary and Philip Pepper and was later adopted by Richard Freeman.She was predeceased by her brother Mark and her beloved husband, Dr. Dennis Jones, whom s
  
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• ‘In memory of the greatest generation’: Rutland unveils new WWII memorial

  12-11-2026 00:00 via VTDigger
  
  World War II vet Bud Taggert kisses the hand of fellow vet Marion Wright during an unveiling of a WWII memorial in Rutland on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDiggerRUTLAND — A towering, tangible reminder of what one generation gave for the generations to come now stands in the city.  Main Street Park hosted more than 300 neighbors, government officials, military service members and veterans Wednesday for the unveiling of a 10-foot granite monument honori
  
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• Vermont Conversation: ‘Freedom in America is never guaranteed.’ Garrett Graff on America’s many revolutions

  11-11-2026 23:56 via VTDigger
  
  
  The Vermont Conversation with David Goodman is a VTDigger podcast that features in-depth interviews on local and national issues. Listen and subscribe for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get podcasts.Vermont author Garrett Graff explores the revolutions that remade America in his latest book, “America in 25 Revolutions.” Courtesy photoThe blue tsunami of Democratic victories in last week’s midterm elections included a number of notable firsts: the election of
  
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• Elliot Russell sentenced to life in Ulysses Ivey murder

  11-11-2026 23:48 via VTDigger
  
  The defense speaks with Russell’s sister and brother-in-law during the hearing. Photo by Jeff McRae/Bennington BannerThis story by Jeff McRae was first published in the Bennington Banner on Nov. 10, 2026.BENNINGTON — Elliot Russell, 50, will be spending the rest of his life behind bars for the pre-meditated shooting death of Ulysses Ivey, 39, of Bennington following a sentencing hearing on Monday afternoon.At the hearing, Russell maintained his innocence and members of his family were allow
  
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• Don’t blame immigrant students for rising education costs

  11-11-2026 23:18 via VTDigger
  
  This commentary is by Caitlin MacLeod-Bluver, a teacher at Winooski High School. She is the 2025 Vermont Teacher of the Year and the 2026 Vermont History Teacher of the Year. In the WCAX debate on Oct. 28, Gov. Phil Scott incorrectly claimed that the Winooski School District offers 17 languages, unlike smaller, more rural districts that may offer only one or two. This is false. Winooski offers one language, French. Elementary school students have no language opportunities, middle school stude
  
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• Shaftsbury man accused of driving into his friend denies manslaughter charge 

  11-11-2026 23:15 via VTDigger
  
  The Vermont Superior Court building in Bennington. Photo by Mike Dougherty/VTDiggerA Dorset man is facing a charge of involuntary manslaughter for allegedly losing control of his vehicle in his friend’s driveway, striking and killing him.Arthur Coons, 67, of Shaftsbury, pleaded not guilty earlier this month to the felony charge and was released on conditions, including that he keep the court informed of his address and phone number.Vermont State Police issued Coons a citation into court for t
  
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• I live in my barn so I can afford to stay in Vermont

  11-11-2026 23:12 via VTDigger
  
  Dear Editor,I have one message for anyone in the Legislature talking about taxing second-home owners more. I am on the edge of having to sell up and move south because property taxes are almost as much as my mortgage.I bought my home on 18 acres in 2007: a very simple ranch house, a run-down garage apartment and a small horse barn. After a breakup, I needed to buy my partner out, but I couldn’t afford to keep living in the house. So I took what was left in my 401(k), hired some cowboys to mak
  
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• Vermont receives $190M in the second year of federal rural health awards

  11-11-2026 22:16 via VTDigger
  
  The Gifford Medical Center in Randolph seen on Monday, November 2, 2026.Vermont is set to receive nearly $190 million in 2027 from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in the second year of the federal rural healthcare transformation program. In 2026, CMS awarded Vermont $195 million, which the state has just finished awarding to more than 200 projects statewide. The second year of the five-year program is expected to look a lot like the first, according to Vermont’s Medic
  
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• More than 5,000 Vermonters have lost SNAP benefits

  11-11-2026 19:07 via VTDigger
  
  Dear Reader,Today, you can support two worthy causes with one donation. Make a year-end gift to VTDigger and you will also provide 10 meals to the Vermont Foodbank.
  Donate and send 10 meals
  Last fall, when the government shutdown disrupted food assistance, I spoke with Vermonters flooding to the state’s food shelves, and watched leaders in Montpelier approve emergency funding to restore benefits.Since then, provisions in the federal budget law known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act have furt
  
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• Burlington City Council confirms Geraci as new police chief with 10-2 vote

  11-11-2026 00:33 via VTDigger
  
  Anthony Geraci chats with Burlington City Councilor Allie Schacter, D-East District, after being ratified as the new police chief at City Hall in Burlington on Monday, November 9, 2026. Photo by Glenn Russell, VTDiggerBURLINGTON — Anthony Geraci started Tuesday as Burlington’s new police chief amid some concerns about accountability related to a previous position of leadership.In a 10-2 vote after 8 p.m. Monday, the City Council confirmed Progressive Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak’s appointme
  
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• Annual count finds slight decline in homelessness in Vermont 

  11-11-2026 00:00 via VTDigger
  
  The cold weather shelter at the Miller Center in Burlington in Jan. 2026. File photo by Glenn Russell/VTDiggerCarly Berlin covers housing and infrastructure for Vermont Public, in partnership with VTDigger.For the second year running, an annual tally found a modest decrease in the number of people experiencing homelessness in Vermont. “On its face, this is an encouraging finding. We certainly want to see fewer people experiencing homelessness in Vermont, and any movement in that direction is
  
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• A broken heart, and a strong backbone

  10-11-2026 23:54 via VTDigger
  
  Veterans’ Advocate Garry DuFour examines a 1980s map that details the number of Veterans Administration locations available in each section of the country. Photo by Danielle M. Crosier/Vermont News and MediaThis story by Danielle M. Crosier was first published in the Bennington Banner on Nov. 9, 2026.PAWLET — In 1968, Garry DuFour was drafted into a war that he strongly opposed. More than half a century later, he has found that he never stopped serving. Disillusioned from the start, DuFour�
  
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• Vermont can’t build its way to affordability

  10-11-2026 23:40 via VTDigger
  
  Dear Editor,Act 250, now maligned by builders, real estate agents and financiers, has kept unmitigated growth and sprawl at bay in Vermont for years. It was enacted by people who wanted to keep the natural beauty of Vermont’s woods, fields and open spaces protected from the wanton destruction of urban growth and capital greed.And it worked. But the Vermont of half a century ago is gone. The idyllic, romantic view of old rural Vermont has somehow persisted while our towns have become cities a
  
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• Kid Governor shows our future voters that their voices matter now

  10-11-2026 23:28 via VTDigger
  
  This commentary is by Sarah Copeland Hanzas, Vermont’s secretary of state. Think of a problem that’s too big for you to solve alone. One that requires bringing people together and participating in collective action to propose solutions. This is really the crux of civics and democracy. It’s the question I pose to Vermont’s students whenever I visit classrooms, and some of those students are answering it on a public stage right now — fifth graders, to be exact.Vermont’s Kid Governor
  
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• Why do only 2 health insurers sell plans on Vermont’s exchange?

  10-11-2026 23:09 via VTDigger
  
  Left: BlueCross BlueShield of Vermont headquarters in Berlin in Oct. 2025. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger. Right: A building for the MVP insurance agency on State Street in the downtown section of Schenectady, New York, captured Oct. 2, 2020. Photo by Tyler A. McNeil via Wikimedia Commons.Over the weekend, Andrew Garland, an executive at BlueCross and BlueShield of Vermont, found himself at Home Depot staring down the array of tools that “all seemed to do the same thing,” he said. DeWalt?
  
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• Mya Adams is soaring toward a career in aviation

  10-11-2026 16:11 via VTDigger
  
  Mya Adams first considered a career as a pilot after watching an aviation documentary. She watched another, and another, and soon her mom was calling it her new hobby. Mya was intrigued by the risk management aspect of flying. “There is this saying that ‘the rules and regulations are written in blood,’” she said. “Each one was put in place because there are lives in your hands when you operate a plane. It’s a big responsibility.” Encouraging her passion at Habitat for Aviation Af
  
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