Explore

Vermont Poll Reveals Majority Support for New Second Home Tax

Vermont Poll Reveals Majority Support for New Second Home Tax

A recent Vermont Public poll indicates that 57% of respondents believe the state should implement a new annual tax on second homes. Conversely, 28% disagreed with the proposal, and 15% remained unsure. This issue has become a central point in Vermont's current election cycle. Amanda Janoo, the Democratic nominee for governor, advocates for taxing 'luxury second homes' and 'commercial vacation rentals' at higher rates as part of her housing platform. Molly Gray, the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor, suggests such a tax could fund universal primary care for Vermonters. Republican incumbents Governor Phil Scott and Lieutenant Governor John Rodgers, however, express caution about new taxes, emphasizing the need to control education costs and expand Vermont's tax base to reduce property taxes for primary homeowners. Support for the tax is higher among Democratic-leaning voters (70%) compared to Republican-leaning voters (43%) and independent or minor party respondents (54%).

Vermont Governor Phil Scott Trails Democratic Challenger Amanda Janoo in Latest Poll

Vermont Governor Phil Scott Trails Democratic Challenger Amanda Janoo in Latest Poll

A recent University of New Hampshire Green Mountain State Poll indicates that Vermont Governor Phil Scott is trailing his Democratic opponent, Amanda Janoo, by six percentage points in the upcoming gubernatorial election. The poll, released last week, shows Janoo with 49% support among Vermonters, compared to Governor Scott's 43%. This 6% margin has led UNH pollsters to categorize the race as a 'statistical tie.' Notably, this represents a significant 21-point swing since a July poll by the same group, which had Scott leading Janoo by 15%. Governor Scott's campaign manager, Dustin Degree, has criticized the UNH poll's methodology, particularly its partisan split, noting that 60% of those surveyed identified as Democrats, 31% as Republicans, and 9% as Independents. Degree also pointed out that a 2024 UNH poll had predicted a 28% margin of victory for Scott, who ultimately won reelection by over 50%.

Rain and Crisp Autumn Air Arrive in Vermont Friday

Rain and Crisp Autumn Air Arrive in Vermont Friday

A progressive cold front is set to move through Vermont and the North Country on Friday, bringing a 70% chance of steady rain showers in the late afternoon and evening. This system is tapping into elevated moisture levels, with precipitable water near 1.5 inches. Rain will taper off Friday night, with a 40% chance of lingering showers. The weekend will see a shift to cooler, crisp autumn weather, with sunny skies on Saturday and partly sunny conditions on Sunday. Highs will range from 62°F (16.7°C) on Saturday to 63°F (17.2°C) on Sunday, with overnight lows dropping to 43°F (6.1°C).

Spain unveils urgent housing decree amid mass protests over an 87-year-old’s eviction

Spain unveils urgent housing decree amid mass protests over an 87-year-old’s eviction

Spain's government has introduced measures to tackle the housing crisis after protests erupted over the eviction of an 87-year-old woman

Flood Risk Maps Highlight Gaps in U.S. Flood Preparedness

Flood Risk Maps Highlight Gaps in U.S. Flood Preparedness

Recent discussions have shed light on the limitations of FEMA's flood insurance rate maps, which are widely used to identify areas at risk of flooding. These maps primarily focus on the 100-year floodplain, or areas with a 1% annual chance of flooding, known as the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). However, they often fail to account for pluvial flooding caused by heavy rainfall and are based on outdated historical climate data. This has led to significant gaps in flood risk communication, leaving many properties outside the SFHA exposed to high flood risks. Additionally, the lack of digitized maps in some regions, such as Vermont, further complicates access to critical flood risk information. Efforts to improve flood risk communication, including state-level disclosure requirements, aim to address these deficiencies and provide homeowners with more accurate data about their exposure to flooding.

How can we create more Indianapolises and fewer San Franciscos?

How can we create more Indianapolises and fewer San Franciscos?

The astonishing gap between America’s fastest- and slowest-building cities.

The Columbus Dispatch

JD Vance said Republicans have done 'amazing things.' I've found 5 of them | Letters

JD Vance said Republicans have done 'amazing things.' I've found 5 of them | Letters

Letters: 5 "amazing things" JD Vance and Republicans have done. We are being burned by the flip and run. Ramaswamy is bad for our health.

Vermont Nuclear Watchdog Panel Criticized for Lack of Public Engagement on Decommissioning and Future Site Use

Vermont Nuclear Watchdog Panel Criticized for Lack of Public Engagement on Decommissioning and Future Site Use

Ann Darling, a member of the Citizens Awareness Network, has criticized Vermont's Nuclear Decommissioning Citizens Advisory Panel (NDCAP) for its lack of public engagement regarding the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant site. The plant ceased operations in 2014 and is now largely decommissioned, with 60 casks of highly radioactive waste remaining. The site's owner, NorthStar, has leased it to PowerTransitions, a Texas-based energy development company, which is considering options such as a small modular nuclear reactor, battery storage, or a data center. Darling alleges that the NDCAP, chartered to advise the governor and legislature and serve as a conduit for public information, has failed in its outreach efforts, holding fewer meetings and not actively attracting public participation. This perceived lack of transparency is occurring while Governor Phil Scott promotes legislation to define nuclear power as clean energy and seeks to repeal a statutory requirement for legislative approval of future nuclear...

Ventura County Star, Camarillo

Ojai considers tax on second homes to aid affordable housing

Ojai considers tax on second homes to aid affordable housing

The Ojai City Council is exploring a potential tax on second homes and other alternatives to help fund affordable housing.

Nor’easter Weakens, Showers Persist in Vermont

Nor’easter Weakens, Showers Persist in Vermont

A weakening Nor’easter continues to impact Vermont, bringing scattered showers and breezy conditions. The region has largely experienced the storm's outer fringes, with wind gusts reaching up to 25 mph. A Lake Wind Advisory is in effect for Lake Champlain, with north winds of 15 to 25 knots and waves of 2 to 5 feet expected to subside by the afternoon. Highs today will range from the 50s to low 60s, with showers mainly affecting southern areas. Rainfall totals through Tuesday morning could exceed 2 inches in southern Vermont, while northern areas are expected to receive less than a quarter inch. The rain is considered beneficial due to recent dry conditions. (Source: WCAX, 2026-09-27)