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Vermont Governor Phil Scott Signs Executive Order to Boost Local Media Through State Advertising

Vermont Governor Phil Scott Signs Executive Order to Boost Local Media Through State Advertising

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 advertising dollars are spent on local media outlets whenever feasible. The order is part of a broader effort to support local journalism, which plays a crucial role in informing Vermonters about state programs, health and safety messages, and other public services. The executive order also mandates a review of state spending on paid media to better understand the current investment in local media.

Democrat-Led States Continue Taxing Tips and Social Security Despite Federal Changes

Democrat-Led States Continue Taxing Tips and Social Security Despite Federal Changes

A year after President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill became law, several Democrat-led states, including Rhode Island, continue to tax tips, overtime, and Social Security benefits. The federal law aimed to provide tax relief by eliminating federal taxes on these income sources, but states like Connecticut, Minnesota, and Vermont have maintained their state-level taxes. This has resulted in a patchwork of tax laws across the country, affecting workers and retirees differently depending on their location.

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.

Severe Storms and Flood Watch in Effect for New England

Severe Storms and Flood Watch in Effect for New England

Severe thunderstorms are impacting parts of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont, with a flood watch in place for western Massachusetts and Connecticut through Wednesday evening. A slow-moving low-pressure system is bringing heavy rain and storms to the region, with the heaviest rainfall expected on Wednesday, particularly in Greater Boston. Rainfall totals could reach 2-3 inches in some areas, accompanied by wind gusts of 30-35 mph, especially near the Cape and Islands. The system is also bringing increased humidity and cooler temperatures, with highs in the 80s on Tuesday, dropping to the upper 60s and lower 70s on Wednesday and Thursday (NBC Boston, 2026-07-28).

Hardwick Town Leader Kristen Leahy Receives National Award for Flood Safety Efforts

Hardwick Town Leader Kristen Leahy Receives National Award for Flood Safety Efforts

Kristen Leahy, the floodplain administrator for Hardwick, Vermont, has been awarded the 2026 Larry R. Johnston Local Floodplain Manager of the Year Award by the Association of State Floodplain Managers. This national recognition highlights her significant contributions to flood risk reduction and floodplain management at the local level. Leahy has been instrumental in guiding Hardwick through recovery efforts following floods in 2023 and 2024, working closely with residents and coordinating with state and federal partners. Her leadership has not only benefited Hardwick but has also served as a resource for other Vermont communities facing similar challenges. Leahy's efforts include advancing resilience strategies and sharing knowledge gained during recovery efforts across the state.

Brattleboro Hospital Faces $30 Million Budget Deficit Amid Financial Struggles

Brattleboro Hospital Faces $30 Million Budget Deficit Amid Financial Struggles

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital in Vermont is grappling with a multiyear budget deficit that has risen to at least $30 million. The hospital missed its state budget submission deadline and is reporting significant shortfalls for the last fiscal year and the current year. Acting co-CEOs Elizabeth McLarney and Tony Blofson attribute the financial issues to disorganized financial reporting systems. The hospital is considering closing its birthing center, which is projected to incur a substantial loss, as part of cost-cutting measures. The situation has prompted discussions about potential municipal tax hikes to support the hospital.

Vermont Faces Flash Flood Risk Amid Heavy Rainfall

Vermont Faces Flash Flood Risk Amid Heavy Rainfall

Vermont is experiencing a First Alert Weather Day due to the risk of flash flooding from heavy rainfall expected through midweek. Areas such as Rutland and Windsor County are forecasted to receive between 1.5 to 4 inches of rain, with localized totals potentially exceeding 5 inches. The rain is anticipated to develop during the afternoon and evening, with additional rounds of showers and heavy downpours continuing through the night into Wednesday. While northern Vermont is expected to receive less rain, southern Vermont could see significant rainfall, raising concerns about flash flooding, especially in low-lying and poor drainage areas.

Contagious Cancer Discovered in North American Catfish Raises Environmental Concerns

Contagious Cancer Discovered in North American Catfish Raises Environmental Concerns

Researchers have identified a transmissible melanoma in the brown catfish (Ameiurus nebulosus), marking the first documented case of contagious cancer in fish and in a freshwater ecosystem. The discovery was made after an unusually high number of catfish with black lesions were found in Lake Memphremagog, which straddles Vermont and Quebec. Genetic analyses revealed that the tumors shared a genetic identity distinct from their hosts, indicating a transmissible clonal cancer. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the origins of the cancer, initially thought to be linked to environmental pollutants.

Vermont’s Most Expensive Home Is This Epic 400-Acre Farm

Vermont’s Most Expensive Home Is This Epic 400-Acre Farm

The $29 million estate near Barnard has several residences, an equestrian complex, and an FAA-registered heliport.

Vermont Community Mourns the Passing of Entrepreneur Ellie Martin

Vermont Community Mourns the Passing of Entrepreneur Ellie Martin

Elouise 'Ellie' Ann Martin, a prominent figure in Vermont's community, passed away at the age of 85. Born in Morrisville, Vermont, Ellie was a dedicated family woman and a successful entrepreneur. She began her career in real estate at 19 and later founded the Vermont Shade Art Studio and Vermont Grass Roots LLC. Her contributions to the community included organizing events and promoting bipartisan political dialogue. Ellie was also the chair of the Underhill Republican Party, where she worked to support candidates and foster discussions on important issues.

Scientists Identify First Transmissible Cancer in Wild Catfish, Raising Environmental Concerns

Scientists Identify First Transmissible Cancer in Wild Catfish, Raising Environmental Concerns

Researchers have discovered the first known transmissible cancer in wild catfish, specifically in brown bullhead catfish from Lake Memphremagog, which spans the border of Vermont and Quebec. The study, published in Nature, found that 23% to 37% of sampled catfish had melanoma lesions. Initially, environmental factors were suspected due to regional flooding from Tropical Storm Irene in 2011. However, the study suggests that cancer cells may be transferring directly between fish. This discovery marks the first instance of a transmissible cancer in a freshwater setting. The cancer cells appear to originate from a single line and spread among the fish, although the exact transmission method remains unclear.

Researchers Discover Contagious Cancer in North American Catfish, Raising New Research Opportunities

Researchers Discover Contagious Cancer in North American Catfish, Raising New Research Opportunities

An international team of researchers has identified a transmissible melanoma in the brown catfish (Ameiurus nebulosus), marking the first documented case of such a cancer in fish and in a freshwater ecosystem. The discovery was made after an unusually high number of catfish with black lesions were found in Lake Memphremagog, a body of water between Vermont and Quebec. Initial suspicions pointed to environmental factors like pollution, but genetic analyses revealed that the tumors shared a genetic identity distinct from their hosts, indicating a transmissible clonal cancer. This finding suggests that the tumors may have originated from a single cancer that learned to spread among individual fish.