State leaders told lawmakers some version of the model might help in the rest of the state, but Chittenden County’s uniqueness as an urban hub made it well-suited for the pilot.

Many still fear future restrictions on access and are working with the Legislature to safeguard Vermont’s ability to buy and administer the vaccines to those who want and need them.

Legislators, without an agreed upon proposal to consolidate school districts, are working to find a new starting point. Lawmakers are also mulling how to hold education costs steady.

The Republican governor spoke at his annual address kicking off the legislative session.

While lawmakers gear up to chart the future of public schools, some school-aged kids trade the classroom for the chambers to watch the start of the session.

This legislative session will shape the future of Vermont’s schools under Act 73 and how the state responds to shifting federal funding.

The Senate Ethics Panel “did not find probable cause an ethical violation occurred” while Sens. Seth Bongartz and Scott Beck were negotiating education reform legislation last session.

The specter of rising property taxes, potentially declining tax revenue and unfinished work on education reform loomed over the first day of the session.

What to expect this year from VTDigger’s daily insider guide to the statehouse. #vtpoli

Nolan formerly served as the top federal prosecutor in Vermont in the first Trump administration while Drescher has held that role in the second.

OPINION — Michael Long writes, "Leveraging a “housing crisis” to scrap environmental protection or other community values makes no sense at all." #vtpoli

OPINION — Jerry Ward and John Bossange write, "Growth will inevitably continue in Vermont, but is growth something we want to promote or try to manage?" #vtpoli

From her quiet studio, Kathy Chapman restores century-old church windows while nurturing a deeply personal art practice (via Community News Service).

Olympian Ben Ogden “just might be on the verge of taking American cross-country skiing where it hasn’t been before,” the New York Times recently reported. His hometown of Landgrove, population 177, knows how he got there.

“We’re coming back to the basic hierarchy of needs here,” said Rep. Theresa Wood, who chairs the House Committee on Human Services. #vtpoli

U.S. forces captured Venezuela’s leader Nicolás Maduro in a nighttime raid over the weekend. #vtpoli

It may be home to Ben & Jerry’s Factory Store, but the town’s last three dairy farms were driven out of business (via Community News Service).

John Benson will represent Orange County in the Senate and Val Taylor, of Mendon, will represent the Rutland-11 House district. #vtpoli

“Thank you for inspiring our nation,” the Vermont senator told the new mayor. #vtpoli

The wounded 18-year-old man was reported to be hospitalized in stable condition and also facing assault-related charges.

“There are no ceremonial offices right now,” Gray, a Democrat, said in an interview last week. “No one can afford to sit it out or stand on the sidelines.” #vtpoli

OPINION — A.M. Derrendinger writes, "Start treating social media like cigarettes and every other addictive product on the market."

OPINION — K. Thomas Randall writes, "Public service is measured by outcomes and community impact."

These stories broke news, uncovered accountability gaps and captured moments that shaped public conversation across the state.

“Sustained and consistent mixed-use or compact housing development will bring the TIF district into balance over the long run and result in higher overall annual revenues,” wrote Ilona Blanchard, the city’s community development director.

Data shows state workers are staying in their jobs. But critics argue the change is a waste of money and an unneeded burden.

Green Mountain shoppers feared change when the Aubuchon chain acquired a string of locally owned businesses. They didn’t expect the biggest shift would be the arrival of cats with their own timely fundraiser.

The online educational materials for students in grades 3-12 were created by members of the four groups recognized as Abenaki by Vermont’s state government.

The town’s conservation commission anticipates the work could cost roughly $25,000 to complete.

The one-time money is among the most per-capita that any state has received.

OPINION — Amy Guala writes, "Service is an attitude. Not a desk."

Our independent reporting is powered by VTDigger readers who believe Vermonters deserve clear, fact-based coverage of the decisions shaping their state.

Half the financial relief requests since 2020 were staffing related. Vermont has used contract staffing at the highest rate in the nation in recent years.

OPINION — Carolyn Van Vleck writes, "Cities rise and fall, but it is a real loss to see Burlington fall this far. I miss the city it used to be." #btv

Working conditions for roughly 750 unionized corrections staff was the issue top of mind for members, according to a Vermont State Employees’ Association leader.

The Montpelier Police Department announced over the weekend that Melissa Bounty was charged with embezzling more than $70,000 from the Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation, where she served as executive director from 2022 to 2025.

The specter of a lengthy court dispute can throw cold water on housing construction. Vermont’s new Act 250 board thinks it can resolve these disputes faster.

OPINION — Jess Frey writes, "If full-time work doesn’t pay enough to live here while others keep raising rents for profit, this isn’t an economy — it’s exploitation."

OPINION — Dan Jones writes, "Suing the state over discomfort caused by an administrative requirement signals a troubling disconnect between public employees and the democratic system funded by taxpayers."

The ice cream plant in Waterbury topped the list released this month by the state with 130 violations, due to a failure to submit a number of sampling reports (via the Waterbury Roundabout).

Co-owners Andrea Jones and Sandy Scott carry forward a 36-year legacy of community, resilience and friendship (via the Community News Service).

Backyard birding can be a wonderful winter pastime, but it’s important to do it safely — for your sake and the birds’.

Eric Duffy had been a finalist for both city manager of Montpelier and town manager in Winchester, Massachusetts. Shortly before the contract update, he withdrew from consideration for both positions.

With lawsuits overshadowing Vermont’s first-of-its-kind climate legislation, new state leaders have begun trying to decipher the costs of a warming planet

OPINION — Michael Gaughan and Katy Hansen write, "Instead of waiting for federal aid that might never come, Vermont communities can reduce risk before disasters strike and build resilience on their own."

A telecom company based in Springfield has donated $5,000 among 10 rural food pantries in Vermont this month.

“We cannot forget the human aspect of all this. Our neighbors may be asked to kill somebody’s neighbors 2,000 miles away,” Colchester resident Sherri Wormser said.

OPINION — Jill Martin Diaz writes, "Trump knows many of these policies won’t survive judicial review. That’s not error — it’s strategy." #vtpoli

“I’m not going to play coy and say ‘No, I’ve never thought about it,’ — of course I think about it,” Balint told NOTUS’ Reese Gorman (via @notus.com).

OPINION — Paula Marks writes, "Changes and challenges are coming quickly. Here’s what you can do now."