Explore

New York Bill Proposes 10% Discount for Self-Checkout Users at Major Retailers

New York Bill Proposes 10% Discount for Self-Checkout Users at Major Retailers

A new bill introduced by Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas in New York aims to provide a 10% discount to customers using self-checkout lanes at food retail stores. The proposal targets major retailers such as Wegmans, Costco, and Walmart, among others. The bill is designed to incentivize the use of self-checkout, potentially reducing operational costs for stores. While some shoppers welcome the potential savings, others express concerns about possible negative impacts on employment and service worker hours. The bill is still in its early stages and has not yet been discussed by the full state legislature.

Heinen's Tops Consumer Reports as Best Grocery Store Chain in Midwest

Heinen's Tops Consumer Reports as Best Grocery Store Chain in Midwest

Heinen's Tops Consumer Reports as Best Grocery Store Chain in Midwest

The Founding Story of America's Oldest Private Military College

The Founding Story of America's Oldest Private Military College

Norwich University, located in Northfield, Vermont, holds a significant place in American educational history as the oldest private military colleg...

FEMA Buyout Program Facilitates Home Demolitions in Waterbury to Mitigate Flood Damage

FEMA Buyout Program Facilitates Home Demolitions in Waterbury to Mitigate Flood Damage

In Waterbury, Vermont, two flood-damaged homes on Union Street were demolished as part of a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) buyout program. This initiative allows homeowners in flood-prone areas to sell their properties at pre-flood market value, after which the homes are demolished. The town will own the vacant parcels and maintain them as open green spaces. The federal government covers 75% of the buyout costs, with the state covering the remaining 25%. This program is part of Waterbury's broader effort to reduce future flood damage, following several major floods in recent years. Some residents have opted for buyouts, while others have chosen to renovate their homes to make them more resilient to flooding.

Vermont House Race: Three Democrats Compete for Two Seats in Burlington

Vermont House Race: Three Democrats Compete for Two Seats in Burlington

In the upcoming elections, voters in the New North End of Burlington, Vermont, will decide between three Democratic candidates vying for two seats in the Vermont House. The candidates include incumbent Carol Ode, who is seeking her sixth term, and newcomers Amy Bielawski-Branch and Ali Dieng. Ode, a seasoned legislator, has a background in education and law and has been involved in various committees, including the House Ways and Means Committee. Bielawski-Branch, with a career in mental health and crisis services, emphasizes her ability to communicate across political divides. Dieng, a former Burlington city councilor, brings experience in education and community health advocacy. The race is set against a backdrop of local and national issues, including healthcare, housing, and environmental concerns.

Vermont's New Tourism Logo Sparks Debate Over Its Simplicity and Effectiveness

Vermont has unveiled a new tourism logo designed by the global place branding agency DNCO. The logo, characterized by its hand-lettered style, features elements such as a winding road in the 'e', mountain peaks in the 'm', and a moon over the hills in the 'o'. Despite its seemingly simplistic design, which some critics liken to a quick sketch, the logo has been crafted over a nine-month period. The design aims to convey a sense of authenticity and human touch, reminiscent of hand-lettered signage at roadside farm stands. This approach contrasts with the polished, symmetrical logos typically used by state and city tourism boards.

Why Norwich University Is Called the Birthplace of ROTC

Why Norwich University Is Called the Birthplace of ROTC

Norwich University, located in Northfield, Vermont, is widely recognized as the "Birthplace of ROTC" (Reserve Officer Training Corps). This distinc...

Swanton First Responders Honored for Life-Saving Efforts

Swanton First Responders Honored for Life-Saving Efforts

First responders in Swanton, Vermont, are being recognized for their heroic efforts in saving a man's life after he suffered a cardiac arrest. On July 10, Missisquoi Valley Rescue crews responded to an emergency at a local Hannaford store, where a man in his 60s had collapsed. The responders performed CPR, administered medication, and used a defibrillator to shock the man's heart ten times, ultimately reviving him. The patient made a full recovery and was discharged from the hospital four days later. The town will honor the responders in a ceremony at the Swanton Municipal Complex Auditorium.

Casella's PFAS Emission Testing at Coventry Landfill Proceeds Without State Limits

Casella's PFAS Emission Testing at Coventry Landfill Proceeds Without State Limits

Casella Waste Systems is conducting tests on new technology designed to remove PFAS from contaminated liquid at its Coventry landfill in Vermont. Despite the potential environmental impact of PFAS, state regulators have decided not to impose limits on air emissions from the facility. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals that have been linked to adverse health effects. The decision by state regulators not to set limits on PFAS emissions has raised concerns among environmental groups and local communities about the potential risks to public health and the environment.

Vermont's Black Bear Population Exceeds State Goals for Fifth Year

Vermont's Black Bear Population Exceeds State Goals for Fifth Year

Vermont's black bear population has surpassed the state's management objectives for the fifth consecutive year, according to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. The current population is estimated between 7,500 and 8,900 bears, exceeding the target range of 3,500 to 5,500. The department uses data from hunter harvests and bear-related incidents to monitor population trends. In response to the growing numbers, biologists have launched a study on black bear reproduction, with results expected by 2031. The Fish and Wildlife Board is considering extending the bear hunting season and allowing hunters in high-density areas to harvest two bears per season.

Great Vermont Corn Maze Celebrates America's 250th Anniversary with New Design

Great Vermont Corn Maze Celebrates America's 250th Anniversary with New Design

Great Vermont Corn Maze Celebrates America's 250th Anniversary with New Design

Partial Solar Eclipse to be Visible Across Vermont and North Country

Partial Solar Eclipse to be Visible Across Vermont and North Country

A partial solar eclipse is set to be visible from Vermont and the North Country on August 12, 2026. The eclipse will not be total in this region, with maximum obscuration ranging from 15% to 24%. The event provides an opportunity for residents to use eclipse glasses from previous eclipses. The partial eclipse will begin at 12:53 p.m., reach its peak at 1:48 p.m., and conclude at 2:40 p.m. While the eclipse will be partial in the U.S. and Canada, it will be a total solar eclipse in Greenland and parts of Europe.