Explore

Rapid Read Rapid Read
Vermont Governor Phil Scott Directs State Police to Patrol Burlington Amid Safety Concerns

Vermont Governor Phil Scott Directs State Police to Patrol Burlington Amid Safety Concerns

Governor Phil Scott of Vermont has directed the Vermont State Police to patrol downtown Burlington, a decision that surprised Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak. The directive was issued after Scott held discussions with community and business leaders who expressed concerns about public safety in the area. The patrols are set to run from July 29 through mid-August, coinciding with significant events such as the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers meeting and the return of University of Vermont students. Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak, although not informed directly by the governor, has expressed support for any state efforts to enhance safety in Burlington. This move follows previous initiatives by Scott to address public safety in the city, which were deemed successful by state officials.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Vermont Governor Phil Scott's Executive Order Promotes Local Media Support

Vermont Governor Phil Scott's Executive Order Promotes Local Media Support

Governor Phil Scott of Vermont has signed an executive order directing state agencies and contracted marketing vendors to prioritize local media outlets when allocating state advertising funds. This initiative aims to bolster local journalism, which is considered vital for democracy and community engagement. The order includes support for local newspapers, TV, and radio stations, which are facing challenges in the digital age. Scott emphasized the importance of local news in maintaining informed communities and highlighted the trust Vermonters place in their local media. The executive order is seen as a pioneering move at the state level to support local media infrastructure.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Governor Scott Directs State Police to Patrol Burlington Without Mayor's Notification

Governor Scott Directs State Police to Patrol Burlington Without Mayor's Notification

Vermont Governor Phil Scott has directed state police to patrol downtown Burlington, a decision made without prior notification to Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak. The patrols aim to supplement the Burlington Police Department's efforts and are expected to continue through mid-August. This move is part of a broader public safety strategy, but it has sparked discussions about communication and collaboration between state and local authorities. The mayor has expressed a desire to work with the governor to optimize the use of state resources and address public safety concerns effectively.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Chittenden County State's Attorney Race Highlights Debate on Progressive Prosecution

Chittenden County State's Attorney Race Highlights Debate on Progressive Prosecution

The race for Chittenden County State’s Attorney in Vermont is drawing attention as incumbent Sarah George faces a challenge from Franklin County State’s Attorney Bram Kranichfeld. George, known for her progressive approach to prosecution, has focused on reducing mass incarceration and addressing racial and economic disparities. Kranichfeld argues that George's policies have led to increased crime and disorder, particularly in Burlington. The Democratic primary winner is expected to have an easy path to victory in the general election, as there are no Republican candidates. The race has sparked debate over the role of a state's attorney in shaping policy and the balance between reform and public safety.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Winooski Man Charged in Online Fraud Scheme Involving Identity Theft

Winooski Man Charged in Online Fraud Scheme Involving Identity Theft

Tyrin Smith, a 22-year-old man from Winooski, Vermont, has been charged with multiple offenses related to an online fraud scheme. According to Vermont State Police, Smith deceived two residents of Moretown into granting him access to their bank accounts, subsequently transferring $18,000 into an account he opened using another person's identity. During a search of Smith's home, police discovered evidence of the fraud and a firearm, which he was prohibited from possessing due to a prior burglary conviction. Smith faces charges including grand larceny and identity theft, and is being held on $8,000 bail.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Vermont Prepares for Severe Storm with Urban Search and Rescue Teams

Vermont Prepares for Severe Storm with Urban Search and Rescue Teams

Vermont authorities have deployed Urban Search and Rescue teams in Ludlow and Wilmington in anticipation of severe weather and potential flooding. The state is expecting heavy downpours that could lead to flash flooding, particularly in the southern Green Mountains and southeastern Vermont. The rescue teams are equipped to handle various emergencies, including swiftwater rescues and structural support. The deployment is a precautionary measure to ensure rapid response and public safety in the event of flooding.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Governor Phil Scott Signs Executive Order to Support Local Media in Vermont

Governor Phil Scott Signs Executive Order to Support Local Media in Vermont

Governor Phil Scott of Vermont has signed Executive Order 06-26, which prioritizes local media for state advertising spending. This order, developed in collaboration with the Vermont Journalism Coalition and the Vermont Association of Broadcasters, aims to ensure that state entities include local media and broadcast outlets in their paid media purchases whenever feasible. The initiative is part of Scott's broader 'buy local' strategy, which he believes is as important for local newspapers and stations as it is for local businesses. The order also calls for an assessment of state spending on paid media across all agencies to provide insight into the current investment in local media. This move is seen as a way to sustain essential community resources and ensure that Vermonters, especially in rural areas, are reached effectively.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Federal Judge Rules Vermont's Federal Grants Cannot Be Rescinded Due to Political Shifts

Federal Judge Rules Vermont's Federal Grants Cannot Be Rescinded Due to Political Shifts

A U.S. District Judge has ruled that federal grants awarded to Vermont cannot be rescinded based on changes in political priorities. This decision follows the abrupt termination of an $877,000 Environmental Protection Agency grant intended for infrastructure projects in northern Vermont. The ruling asserts that agencies cannot cancel secured funding based on new program goals or agency priorities identified after the award. This decision provides Vermont with protection against arbitrary grant cancellations, which had previously disrupted planned projects.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Heather Mac Donald Discusses Teen Takeovers on The Michael Medved Show

Heather Mac Donald Discusses Teen Takeovers on The Michael Medved Show

Heather Mac Donald appeared on The Michael Medved Show to discuss the issue of 'teen takeovers,' a term used to describe incidents where large groups of teenagers gather and engage in disruptive or criminal activities. This topic was part of a broader discussion on the show, which also covered various political and social issues. Mac Donald, known for her commentary on social and political matters, provided insights into the causes and implications of these events, highlighting concerns about public safety and societal impacts.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
San Diego Police Implement Progressive Steps to Address Homeless Encampments

San Diego Police Implement Progressive Steps to Address Homeless Encampments

San Diego's Neighborhood Policing Division is addressing the city's homeless encampment issues through a series of progressive steps. Officers respond to 800-1,000 complaints weekly via the city's Get It Done app. Sergeant Chris Smith leads efforts in East Village, a hotspot for encampments. The approach begins with offering shelter and documenting interactions, escalating to warnings, citations, and potential criminal charges if individuals refuse shelter. The strategy aims to balance enforcement with support, although challenges remain, such as drug use and limited resources.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
New England Faces Severe Storms and Flooding Risk Amid Heavy Rainfall

New England Faces Severe Storms and Flooding Risk Amid Heavy Rainfall

Severe thunderstorm warnings are in effect for parts of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont, with a flood watch in place for Massachusetts and Connecticut through Wednesday. The region is experiencing several days of heavy rain due to a slow-moving low-pressure system. The heaviest rain is expected on Wednesday, raising the risk of flash flooding across Massachusetts. Winds are also expected to increase, with gusts up to 35 mph, particularly near the Cape and Islands.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
University of Vermont Secures $60 Million for Tarrant Center Construction

University of Vermont Secures $60 Million for Tarrant Center Construction

The University of Vermont (UVM) has announced that it has secured $60 million in financial commitments towards the construction of the Tarrant Center, a multi-purpose events space. This development brings UVM more than halfway to its $100 million fundraising goal. The Vermont state government has allocated $10 million from the treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Fund to support the project, with the condition that the funds be returned if the remaining amount is not raised. The UVM Board of Trustees is scheduled to vote in October on whether to officially restart construction, contingent on meeting the fundraising target.