If you're looking for "I Spys," dating or LTRs Tags: Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInBURLINGTON (WCAX) - Vermont lawyers took to Church Street Saturday to defend constitutional rights and marginalized communities Organizers say 750 people showed out for the Vermont Attorneys March for Rule of Law to listen to lawyers speak and attorneys reaffirm their oath It’s meant to signal their commitment to protecting the rule of law amidst challenges under the Trump Administration Rally goers gathered outside Chittenden Superior Court marching along Church Street to the Federal Courthouse Expected leaders in attendance include representatives from ACLU Vermont and Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark ROYALTON — A 30-year-old Vermont man was seriously injured when the vehicle he was driving north on I-89 between Sharon and Bethel left the roadway on Friday night according to a news release from Vermont State Police crashed into the median around mile marker 19.4 at about 8:30 p.m He was not wearing a seat belt and “suffered significant injuries” in the crash First responders transported him to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center South Royalton Fire & EMS and Sharon Fire Department responded to the call I-89 northbound between Sharon and Bethel was closed for more than an hour due to the crash Witnesses are asked to contact Trooper Trinity Poole at the Royalton State Police barracks. Tips can be reported by calling 802-748-3111, or anonymously by texting keyword VTIPS to 274637 (CRIMES) or by going to https://cityprotect.com/forms/state.vt.us/anonymous you agree with our use of cookies to personalize your experience measure ads and monitor how our site works to improve it for our users A Massachusetts woman died and a New Hampshire man was seriously hurt in a rollover crash on Interstate 91 in Vermont on Saturday were wearing seatbelts and were only taken to the hospital as a precaution has been cited on a charge of gross negligent operation resulting in death It wasn't immediately clear if he had an attorney who could speak to the charge A Pontiac GTO headed south hit a guardrail on the rainy highway and flipped over while Hamilton was rushed to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center with suspected major injuries Get updates on what's happening in Boston to your inbox with our News Headlines newsletter which remained under investigation Saturday evening was asked to contact police at 802-222-4680 Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInEAST MONTPELIER (WCAX) - Police say a missing woman from East Montpelier has been found safe Troopers on Friday asked the public for help finding Erika Blake Friends and family had not been able to reach her since Tuesday police reported that Blake was found and she is OK Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInMONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) - The Vermont Book Awards are being handed out tonight These annual prizes recognize outstanding literature by Vermont authors published last year Prizes are awarded in four categories: poetry Editor's note: On Wednesday, April 30, a federal judge in Vermont ordered Mohsen Mahdawi's release while his case proceeds The April 14 detention of Columbia University student Mohsen Mahdawi was caught on video as he flashed a peace sign while being taken from an immigration office in Colchester He told NPR's Morning Edition he'd arrived thinking an interview there would be his final step to becoming a U.S citizen after 10 years of living and learning in the United States Instead, after sitting for a naturalization interview and signing a document pledging allegiance to the U.S. and to protecting and defending the Constitution, he was arrested by masked agents in Homeland Security jackets In the first media interview with any of the Trump administration's student detainees – all at risk of deportation — Mahdawi spoke to Leila Fadel in the Northwest State Correctional Facility in St where he's awaiting a court hearing Wednesday in a petition that argues government officials violated his First Amendment right to free speech and his right to due process he said he had been meditating to find calm While I still know deeply that this is a level of injustice that I am facing I have faith that justice will prevail," said Mahdawi who co-founded Columbia's Palestinian Student Union and was president of the Columbia University Buddhist Association resident who grew up in a Palestinian refugee camp in the occupied West Bank is among multiple international students facing deportation – ostensibly over their advocacy on several campuses against Israel's war in Gaza His lawyers are arguing in federal court in Vermont that Mahdawi was detained "in retaliation for his speech advocating for Palestinian human rights" and that his arrest and detention are part of a policy "intended to silence and chill the speech of those who advocate for Palestinian human rights." The Justice Department Monday submitted new court filings that included a two-page letter from Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that the "activities and presence of Mahdawi in the United States undermines U.S policy to combat antisemitism." It added that protests like those Mahdawi led at Columbia "potentially undermine the peace process underway in the Middle East," where efforts for a ceasefire have stalled Right now some 59 hostages taken from Israel are still being held by Hamas in Gaza about half are believed dead according to Israel Meanwhile Israel has been withholding aid from Gaza for eight weeks and Palestinians are going hungry as they endure daily attacks Monday's court filing did not provide any evidence of the accusations against Mahdawi in the letter including those of threatening rhetoric and intimidation of pro-Israeli bystanders The government argues that the federal court in Vermont should not grant Mahdawi's request for release because it does not have jurisdiction in foreign policy matters said the accusations in the letter are "completely false." Mahdawi has been very vocal in his opposition to antisemitism Mahdawi is a person of complete and full principle who believes in the human dignity of every person," she told NPR "The government's just scraping at the bottom of the barrel to try to find something anything that is simply leading to punishment of students for their advocacy for Palestinian rights." The following interview was lightly edited for length and clarity On his confidence that justice will prevail: the people in the United States raising their voices saying this is unjust and we don't accept it gives me faith I believe in a system of democracy and I have faith in the justice system here is seeing the resilience and the strength in my people in Gaza After all of the pain and destruction and the genocide that they went through they still hold on hope and they have strong faith Note: Mahdawi calls what is happening in Gaza a genocide It's also what Israeli and international human rights groups like B'tselem the Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories and Amnesty International have deemed Israel's response in Gaza after Hamas attacked Israel The 2023 assault killed nearly 1,200 people and Hamas took 251 hostages On a decade of experiencing of American liberties: But the actual experience of freedom of movement to travel among 50 states freedom to breathe the breeze of the ocean This is the first place I have experienced this freedom of speech where I will not be actually retaliated against or punished for saying my mind but to the American people who care about freedom I have the hope that this country will fulfill its promise When I get the appointment the first thing was uh… is this a trap or is it legit And I realized directly that I am dealing with two extreme opposite poles One is becoming a citizen with full rights and the other one is being detained and having no rights and I want the American people to see this that I have prepared and studied for the Constitution and that I went willingly and respected the law did everything the way how it's supposed to be done And when he says injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere And the injustice that I am facing here and the injustice that the antiwar movement is facing is also connected to the injustice that the Palestinian people are going through We're talking about 55,000 people have been killed And when I signed on the Pledge of Allegiance I signed to protect and defend the Constitution I am practicing here my constitutional rights Note: Gaza health officials say more than 52,000 people have been killed since Oct On the government's allegations that his continued presence in the U.S would have adverse consequences on foreign policy and that he allegedly "advocated for violence The government is gaslighting the American people and especially the American Jewish communities we had so many Jews and Israelis who actually joined us in saying ceasefire now So they are actually weaponizing antisemitism in order to destroy the hope that this America has which is universities and liberal institutions They are part of the checks and balances actually of this country On his hopes of becoming an American citizen:  my desire to become an American in a place that I call home in Vermont And the American government has denied me this opportunity by setting me up So now it's up to the American people to decide what path they would want to take whether to have the path where they welcome me as a citizen of this country or not the definition of the government in the Constitution we the people and I am counting on the people who I've got the chance to know Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security She said: "It is a privilege to be granted a visa or green card to live and study in the United States of America glorify and support terrorists that relish the of killing Americans and you should not be in this country." McLaughlin did not respond to NPR's request that the government provide evidence for its allegations that Madhawi's actions amounted to antisemitism and led to violence Mahdawi and his lawyers say those allegations are false Become an NPR sponsor was detained and ordered deported despite not being charged with crime Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian green-card holder and Columbia University student who was detained for his activism walked out of immigration detention on Wednesday after a federal judge in Vermont ordered his release Mahdawi had been detained and ordered deported by the Trump administration on 14 April despite not being charged with a crime “The two weeks of detention so far demonstrate great harm to a person who has been charged with no crime,” said Geoffrey Crawford Mahdawi was arrested by Ice in Colchester, Vermont, while attending a naturalization interview. Read moreHe is one of a number of international students who have been detained in recent months for their advocacy on behalf of Palestinians. The Trump administration is attempting to deport them using an obscure statute that gives the secretary of state the right to revoke the legal status of people in the country deemed a threat to foreign policy Crawford stated that the evidence before the court “suggests that Mr Mahdawi is neither a flight risk or a danger to the community and his release will not interfere with his removal proceedings” Crawford wrote that the government “failed to demonstrate any legitimate interest in Mr Mahdawi’s continued confinement” and that his “continued detention would likely have a chilling effect on protected speech” Crawford ordered that Mahdawi be released from prison on bail pending the resolution of his case in federal court The order allows Mahdawi to continue residing in Vermont and to travel to New York to attend school and meet with his lawyers His case in federal court will continue alongside separate immigration proceedings Mahdawi greeted supporters and thanked them for their support this is a light of hope and faith in the justice system in America,” he said in a brief address “We are witnessing the fight for justice in America and the fight for justice for Palestinians which means that both liberation[s] are interconnected because no one of us is free unless we all are.” one of Mahdawi’s attorneys said outside the courtroom on Wednesday that “today’s victory cannot be overstated” “The court’s order to free Mohsen today is a victory for Mohsen in his just pursuit of continued advocacy for Palestinian lives and it is a victory for all people in this country invested in their ability to dissent and speak and protest for causes they are morally drawn to,” Abboushi Dallal said “We will continue our legal battle for Mohsen until his constitutional rights are fully vindicated.” Attorneys for Mahdawi, a lawful permanent US resident, argued that he was being unlawfully detained in “retaliation for his speech advocating for Palestinian human rights” and say that it was “part of a policy intended to silence and chill the speech of those who advocate for Palestinian human rights” The Trump administration is seeking to deport 34-year-old Mahdawi, claiming that his presence and activities in the US “would have serious adverse foreign policy consequences and would compromise a compelling US foreign policy interest” Critics say that the crackdown that swept up Mahdawi constitutes an unprecedented assault on free speech In a statement following Mahdawi’s release the Department of Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin declared: “No judge is going to stop the Trump administration from restoring the rule of law to our immigration system.” Free newsletterA deep dive into the policies controversies and oddities surrounding the Trump administration This week, the Vermont senate voted to condemn “the manner and circumstances” of Mahdawi’s arrest Several Democratic members of Congress – joined by Senator Bernie Sanders – rallied outside of the state department this week on his behalf “He has used his voice to advocate for peace justice and dignity for Palestinians and Israelis” Sanders said “Not only was this action cruel and inhumane a Jewish history professor at the University of California who has been involved in Israeli-Palestinian dialogue efforts with Mahdawi said he was overjoyed at the release of his friend He called Mahdawi’s detention “a profound miscarriage of justice” given his extraordinary commitments to non-violence and acknowledging the humanity of all,” he said in an email then the edifice of democracy in the United States has completely crumbled.” Mahdawi immigrated to the US over a decade ago and began attending Columbia University in 2021 he was “an outspoken critic of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and an activist and organizer in student protests on Columbia’s campus until March of 2024 after which he took a step back and has not been involved in organizing” Mahdawi, who was born and raised in a refugee camp in the West Bank, spoke with NPR this week from the Northwest State correctional facility in St Albans internally I am at peace,” Mahdawi told NPR “While I still know deeply that this is a level of injustice that I am facing Also this week, a federal judge in New Jersey ruled that a lawsuit filed by the Columbia University graduate and Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, who is also challenging his detention and deportation order, can proceed The Tufts University graduate student Rümeysa Öztürk and Georgetown scholar Badar Khan Suri also remain detained and continue to fight against their deportation which the Trump administration is pursuing on the same foreign policy grounds A federal appeals court has paused a judge's order to bring a Turkish Tufts University student from a Louisiana immigration detention center back to New England this week so it can consider an emergency motion filed by the government ruled Monday that a three-judge panel would hear arguments on May 6 in the case of Rumeysa Ozturk She's been detained for five weeks as of Tuesday A district court judge in Vermont had earlier ordered that the 30-year-old doctoral student be brought to the state by Thursday for hearings to determine whether she was illegally detained Ozturk's lawyers say her detention violates her constitutional rights said that an immigration court in Louisiana has jurisdiction over her case Congress limited federal-court jurisdiction over immigration matters Yet the Vermont judge's order "defies those limits at every turn in a way that irreparably harms the government." Ozturk's lawyers opposed the emergency motion that temporary pause could last many months," they said in a news release Immigration officials surrounded Ozturk as she walked along a street in a Boston suburb March 25 and drove her to New Hampshire and Vermont before putting her on a plane to a detention center in Basile Ozturk was one of four students who wrote an op-ed in the campus newspaper last year criticizing the university's response to student activists demanding that Tufts "acknowledge the Palestinian genocide," disclose its investments and divest from companies with ties to Israel A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said in March that investigations found that Ozturk engaged in activities in support of Hamas Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInBRATTLEBORO (WCAX) - A man is hospitalized after reportedly being found with a gunshot wound Brattleboro police say they got a report of a man who was shot in the abdomen at 54 South Main Street around 9:45 p.m Police say the victim was conscious and alert on arrival when they got there and he was taken to the hospital Investigators say the roadway between Groundworks and Lawrence Street was closed for about 2 hours while they investigated They say they believe the shooting was an isolated incident Anyone with any information is encouraged to call the Brattleboro Police Department tip line at 802-251-8188 or Det Game Recap: Women's Lacrosse | 5/3/2025 3:57:00 PM Thanks for visiting The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here Long before the days of Costco and Amazon delivery, Americans shopped at their closest general store, a one-stop shop selling everything they needed. For Vermonters this meant stocking up on essentials that could not be farmed or produced at home With many of these stores doubling as a local Post Office or restaurant general stores also evolved into spirited social hubs While modern stores like Walmart certainly feel like they have everything we need, they also lack the coziness and hospitality that general stores are famous for. Luckily, for those seeking the charms of a general store in 2025, you can still find a pretty spectacular collection preserved throughout the Green Mountain State From authentic 19th-century country stores to more modern shops modeled after the past these enchanting Vermont attractions invite you to ditch your online shopping cart and wander back to a time of penny candy and old-fashioned soda fountains Perched proudly in the heart of Main Street Stowe Shaw's General Store has been a staple of the community since 1895 Stowe’s stunning mountain scenery made it a popular summer resort Shaw saw his chance to open a mercantile store in the up-and-coming town the two sold everything the town needed: clothing Shaw’s success soon allowed him to buy out Simmons and take on additional community projects his beloved General Store remained his main legacy and has been family-owned and operated ever since When Stowe eventually transitioned into a famous ski destination Shaw's son converted part of the general store into the town’s first ski shop in 1936 the shop’s fifth-generation owner has made additional changes to update the place he is equally committed to maintaining the original general store atmosphere Even the floors and countertops are the originals walked and wiped by Howard E giving the place an authentic blend of old and new Stowe Mercantile is a more recent business with all the charms of an old-fashioned general store soon expanding to include five stores collectively known as Stowe Mercantile the business has since become a family affair Stowe Mercantile sells a mix of old and new but the overall feel is that of an old-timey general store while the rest of the store offers the more traditional goods one would find in a classic general store Customers can browse long wooden counters lined with jars of penny candy and shelves stacked with jellies With the time-honored motto "Your money's worth or your money back,” F. H. Gillingham & Sons is another historic general store preserving its past. Founded in 1886 by Frank Henry Gillingham, this Woodstock landmark prides itself on being one of Vermont’s “Oldest Same Family-Run General Stores.” Today sharing a devotion to hospitality and quality at a fair price Gillingham & Sons has adapted its inventory to suit the times without deserting historic favorites the store’s long wooden shelves are neatly striped with penny candy jars while modern reach-in coolers keep locally sourced cheeses fresh grocery shelves are packed with all the essentials With goods arranged on checkered tablecloths and displayed in rustic barrels these simple touches transport visitors back in time a family of developers saw potential in the hamlet deciding to revitalize the unincorporated town by giving its historic businesses a fresh identity Among these included the South Woodstock Country Store preserving a nearly 200-year history while bringing South Woodstock into the 21st century the South Woodstock Country Store was rebranded giving the rustic shop/cafe a more chic edge historic preservation was also heavily prioritized While trendy menu items like Pesto Chicken Salad Wraps were added the modern twist was balanced with classic menu favorites like the cafe’s signature simple grilled cheese Other rustic elements have been preserved in the store including its creaky floors and built-in wood cabinets visitors can find a mix of simple and stylish goods from handmade soaps and crafts to artisanal housewares and wines shoppers can also browse the more typical goods like cleaning products and groceries the best thing maintained in this historic country store is its mission to offer an inclusive space for people to connect Inspired by nostalgia for his father’s general store Vrest and his wife Mildred Ellen Orton founded their own in 1946 was one of the earliest examples of a restored rural general store as many had been phased out by increased urbanization and big box retailers Vrest sought to recreate the cozy atmosphere that had since been lost to less intimate chain stores This nostalgia for simpler times was apparently sought by others as well an additional location was opened in Rockingham both locations prioritize old-fashioned hospitality employing “Purveyors of the Practical and Hard-to-Find.” Whether shopping for fun or necessity visitors can find an impressive range of personal care items and just about anything else you can think of the Marshfield Village Store has been a mainstay of the rural community offering a place to socialize and shop for essentials with countless Vermont general stores shutting down due to COVID-19 and economic hardships the Marshfield Village Store faced the same risk when it went up for sale Eddleman McCormick and several others fundraised $700,000 to purchase it in 2022 They have since converted the Marshfield Village Store into a worker-owned cooperative with the goal of maintaining a sense of community and offering affordable and accessible goods much of the store’s offerings remain the same: fresh coffee Marshfield residents can also find all the essentials and extras for daily life the Marshfield Village Store is a living representation of Old Vermont preserving a time when Walmarts and Targets were nowhere in sight While no longer open for business in the traditional sense the Coolidge Family Store is still a remarkable landmark worth visiting Tucked away in the Green Mountains village of Plymouth the Coolidge Family Store now serves as a museum and gift shop within the Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site the two-story clapboard building was owned by the Coolidge Family serving the local community as a general store for many years The building’s immaculate preservation is impressive in itself, although most visit the site for its ties to Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States The attached residence was the birthplace of the former president and it was also where Calvin’s father conducted the presidential oath to his son in 1923 Open to the public from late-May to mid-October this historic general store is a must-see for any history lover Although shopping at big-box stores is a huge convenience these multi-billion dollar businesses lack the charm and sense of connection you are guaranteed at Vermont’s general stores as more and more of these historic gems shut down for good the closer we are to losing this part of Vermont’s heritage While shopping at large chains is often incredibly accessible the next time you find yourself near a general store These stores may be a bit more out-of-the-way but the service and quality are well worth the detour photos and original descriptions © 2025 worldatlas.com The Middlebury women's golf team surged up the leaderboard in Sunday's final round of the NESCAC Championship carding a field-best 311 to take home its first conference crown in program history who sat two strokes behind the lead coming into the day five shots ahead of runner-up Bowdoin (941) Middlebury earns the automatic bid to the NCAA Championship with the full field scheduled to be released on Monday Thanks for visiting – The Bellows Falls Woman’s Club will hold its final meeting of the club year on May 13 The executive board will host a luncheon beginning at 12 p.m two directors and two officers for the 2025-2026 club year will be installed Members are reminded to return the survey of program ideas and contact information for the next club year which was distributed at the April meeting emphasizing the need for a clearly defined contract with the person conducting the sale Members brought donations of nonperishable food which were delivered to the Fall Mountain Food Shelf There were several initiatives taken for concluding the club year The club will continue sponsoring a Little Library of multi-aged books at the health center People may take books for reading pleasure The annual art show at Bellows Falls Union High School included artwork from other schools in the district Judging has occurred and awards will be given A fundraiser in the form of an afternoon tea was held on April 27 with proceeds earmarked for a scholarship given to a graduating student at each of two area high schools – Fall Mountain Regional High School and Bellows Falls Union High School you must love adorable snoring and the excited goofy unique sounds she makes She is a goofy ball of love and will bring lots of enjoyment to her family Athena is heartworm positive and has to remain in Vermont We cover her treatments at our vet in Rutland Join us in front of Shaw’s in Springfield for our annual Mother’s Day Bake Sale and Basket Raffle on May 10 www.spfldhumane.org Match Recap: Women's Tennis | 5/4/2025 3:47:00 PM Thanks for visiting Match Recap: Men's Tennis | 5/4/2025 3:27:00 PM Thanks for visiting Game Recap: Baseball | 5/4/2025 3:10:00 PM Middlebury's Ben Slaughter came up clutch on Sunday smacking a two-run homer to left-center field in the seventh inning to break a 5-5 tie and lead the Panthers to a 9-5 victory over Tufts in game three of the NESCAC Quarterfinals the team moves on to the conference's double-elimination championship weekend set to begin on Friday at Bowdoin Middlebury advances to the double-elimination NESCAC Championship weekend Thanks for visiting Thanks for visiting – Gallery at the VAULT is excited to welcome new watercolor artist Kim Eng Yeo with her beautiful paintings Eng Yeo is a watercolor painter who has exhibited in shows within the United States Her artistic contributions have included international organizations such as UNICEF and UNIFEM and her paintings have been acquired both by private and corporate clients “My watercolors are responses to the myriad forms of beauty that surround us I invite the viewer to share these moments with me as I sort and filter the shapes and colors of nature to recreate it’s essence in my watercolors My primary sources of inspiration are gardens Eng Yeo’s journey that has taken her from her birthplace in Singapore She experimented with many mediums in Thailand Then when Eng Yeo and her husband moved to Flushing I love the play of light.” She wanted to capture the essence of the flowers very short.” The resulting paintings have an astonishing level of detail and petals all coming visible in sharp relief “I went out and bought canvases and I thought ‘I think I’m just going to look up.’” These paintings are done in acrylics You can visit Eng Yeo’s website for further information on her creative process and method, at www.kimengyeo.blogspot.com For more information on the exhibit, please call 802-885-7111, email galleryvault@vermontel.net, or visit Facebook, Instagram, or our webpage www.galleryvault.org MONTPELIER — The Vermont Senate on Thursday passed its proposed state budget for the 2026 fiscal year The plan includes more state spending than in the version approved by the House earlier this year — though Senate leaders say they expect their proposal to soon get whittled down now heads to a joint committee of legislative leaders to hash out their differences how the state should pay for certain child care subsidies the full House and Senate would vote on the joint panel’s changes before a compromise budget bill would go to Scott for his consideration a Washington County Democrat who chairs the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee said he wants to avoid a showdown with the governor over state spending in the final weeks of the legislative session while lawmakers are also attempting to make sweeping changes to Vermont’s school governance and finance systems “We’re going to have a long session because of the education bill — we don’t want to we’re working with the governor’s folks to see how we can move closer in his direction,” Perchlik told reporters at the Statehouse on Wednesday “We definitely want the governor to be supportive.” has already criticized legislators’ budget proposals in recent weeks for exceeding the spending he proposed to them in late January the budget senators approved Thursday totals $9.01 billion while the Republican governor’s proposal totaled $8.99 billion Scott’s repeated criticism of spending approved by the Democratic-controlled Legislature paid political dividends after a historic number of seats in both chambers flipped toward the GOP in November’s election Democrats no longer have enough seats in each chamber to override a budget veto Vermonters expect — that legislators will work with us to find common ground,” Scott told reporters last week at one of his regular Statehouse press conferences the Senate’s 2026 budget would add about $50 million more to the state’s “base” spending — money expected to fund recurring expenses year-over-year — than Scott proposed and about $25 million more in base spending than the House added That spending includes a dozen new state government positions that Scott didn’t propose in January including at the Vermont Labor Relations Board the Green Mountain Care Board and a position at the Attorney General’s Office to support the state’s legal challenges to President Donald Trump’s administration said at the press conference last week that the number of positions in the Senate’s budget was She argued the chamber would be creating too many future spending obligations at a time the state is facing deep uncertainty over potential actions by the federal government said on the floor Wednesday that there were far more requests for new state positions than the Senate Appropriations Committee chose to put in the budget — and some state entities “made out better than others.” When the budget was up for final approval Thursday before the budget bill won initial approval he thought his committee developed “a balanced budget that we thought was good for Vermonters and put us on a stable financial path for the future.” Still he told reporters that he expects some of the Senate’s proposed positions will be cut in the upcoming conference committee process Several GOP senators echoed Scott’s concerns over the amount of spending in the budget bill ahead of the final vote Thursday The vote was also preceded by attempts by Senate Minority Leader Scott Beck to insert measures into the budget bill to make changes to existing state laws aimed at combating climate change Perchlik and Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Baruth raised objections on two separate occasions to the chamber considering Beck’s amendments saying the proposals were not relevant to the budget debate saying that Beck’s proposals were not “germane” to the legislation on the floor Beck moved twice to suspend the chamber’s rules so the amendments could be taken up But senators rejected both of those motions Senators then voted 20-10 to pass the budget with Beck and several other GOP senators backing it after telling her colleagues that she didn’t think the bill adequately prepared the state pointed to a measure in the budget that would set aside some future state revenue — an estimated $45 million — to plug federal funding gaps The Senate’s budget also includes funding for some of the measures that were in this year’s annual “budget adjustment” legislation that the House and Senate passed versions of which were then twice vetoed by Scott including flood recovery grants to certain municipalities and funding for county courthouse upgrades A large part of the Senate’s proposed spending increase — $19 million — comes from a push to continue drawing on the state’s general fund to support subsidies to families paying for child care Scott had proposed reducing the general fund appropriation for that purpose by $19 million after a payroll tax set up to support the subsidies brought in more money than the state expected the program’s uptake was lower than expected which had drawn criticism from advocates for the state’s child care providers Defending the Senate Appropriations Committee’s move on the floor of slowly reducing the amount of general fund money — and that could destabilize the program The Senate’s budget also proposed setting aside an additional $10 million under a proposed new state framework for providing emergency housing The money is tied to a bill that cleared the House last month and provides a potential off-ramp to the state’s mass use of motels as a primary form of shelter is now being reviewed by the Senate Health and Welfare Committee Scott’s administration is opposed to putting any more money into the budget for the motel voucher program than it first proposed in January said last week during the governor’s press conference Another sticking point in budget negotiations could be the specific programs the budget funds to support new housing construction legislators have earmarked more money for the independent Vermont Housing and Conservation Board than Scott proposed — but the governor wants more money for certain programs run by the Vermont Housing Finance Agency than The House and Senate proposed different spending for some housing programs from each other something legislators said will feature in the conference committee negotiations The committee could convene as soon as Friday Baruth also echoed Perchlik’s comments to reporters the day before “It is impossible to predict what will come out of a conference committee — but if I had to predict I would say that what we will see would be fewer positions and slightly less spending,” he said based on conversations with people on both sides of the building — and understanding (Scott’s) position on this.” (WCAX) - Let’s take a look at what to do this Sunday Burlington’s Anime Fest is back today at the Doubletree Hotel There will also be a cosplay contest and the chance to meet anime industry professionals Hear the music of early Italian composer Claudio Monteverdi this afternoon. The Green Mountain Monteverdi Ensemble will be joined by Counterpoint for a performance of Monteverdi’s “Vespers of 1610.” Today’s performance begins at 4 p.m Rain or shine, get outdoors today for the Herricks Cove Wildlife Festival covering everything from pollinators and raptors to turtle traps and native plants Admission is a suggested donation of $5 per family or $3 per person See an offbeat one-act play, “[title of show]”, this afternoon at Burlington’s Main Street Landing This snappy musical follows Jeff and Hunter as they work to pen an original work for an upcoming theater festival Head to Montpelier for a séance unlike any other. This weekend is the world premiere of “Puppet Séance: An Occult Summoning and Also A Comedy Variety Show and Also An Advice Show” at Lost Nation Theater and includes the chance for audience participation Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInPLATTSBURGH (WCAX) - As the weather warms in the North Country hikers should prepare for spring conditions as they get ready to hit the trails A spokesperson with the Adirondack Mountain Club said hikers should be prepared for fluctuating temperatures river changes and also some leftover snow on the high peaks the club recommends hikers stay below 2,500 feet to avoid potential erosion at higher elevations and to bring skis if they plan to hike through the snow “Any place you have more than eight inches of snow you really need to have ski and snow shoes at this point still,” Sara Cook director of communication for the Adirondack Mountain Club Hikers can stop at any of their information centers if they have questions Thanks for visiting Winhall Town Moderator Scott Bushee conducts a special town meeting held at Winhall’s Highway Garage on Saturday The meeting was held to determine whether the town’s voters preferred to expand the town’s select board membership from three to five by a four vote margin out of 148 votes cast A paper ballot was held to count the votes during a special town meeting on Saturday in Winhall to determine whether voters wanted their select board to grow from three to five members they opted for an increase in the size of the select board Members of Winhall’s Board of Civil Authority count the votes following a paper ballot held during a special town meeting on Saturday to determine if voters preferred to enlarge the size of the town’s select board from three to five members By a four vote margin out of 148 votes cast voters in Winhall affirmed a vote initially made at their March Town Meeting and authorized an expansion of their current three member select board to five members The vote took place at a special town meeting held at Winhall’s Highway Garage on Saturday The result saw a petition to rescind the original town meeting vote defeated which consisted solely of an article on the question of expanding the size of the select board seemingly brings closure to an ongoing question of whether the town should keep its select board at three members or add two more positions “I wish it had been an overwhelming vote instead of four votes apart,” said Stuart Coleman who had hoped for a strong verdict one way or another Nearly 150 residents filled the Highway Garage some taking a break from Green Up Day activities The lively meeting saw one person ejected from the meeting for talking out of turn and had Town Moderator Scott Bushee reminding voters to observe the ground rules several residents spoke in favor of expanding the select board Emily Schriebl said she had admiration for the time and effort the current board put into their work in town government but the town’s growth suggested that the time had come to bring more people to the select board table “Adding two new seats to the board gives the opportunity for new voices at the same time it gives us the opportunity to benefit from continuity,” she said adding that it might also give some of the town’s younger residents a chance to learn more about town government voters passed an article calling for the select board to expand to five members grew out of a citizen’s petition from an earlier vote by the select board taken during a meeting of the board on Dec where the select board voted 2-1 to strike from an original version of the warning an article calling for the two-member expansion That petition garnered enough signatures to override the select board’s vote and placed the question before voters at March Town Meeting where it got a thumbs up by a 20 vote margin another petition was circulated to rescind that expansion vote and successfully gathered enough signatures to force a second vote on the question leading to the special town meeting held last Saturday Voting “yes” meant to approve the overturning of the March Town Meeting vote; voting “no” meant the original outcome in March would be upheld and voters approved for a second time through a public vote an expansion of the board The issue of how this might impact select board members’ ability to discuss town business outside of an official public meeting was one referenced by a couple of the voters who weighed in at the meeting on Saturday they should only discuss town business during a publicly warned meeting No binding decisions on town business can be made outside of such a warned meeting they essentially represented a quorum of the board then two members meeting would not be a quorum opening the door to a possible conversation about town business But no action or decision can be made outside of an official meeting Town resident Janet Hurley pointed out that the select board could adopt a rule that said no member could talk about town business outside of an official meeting It was more important to expand the representation on the select board to reflect the broader community that Winhall has become had helped push for the original vote at March Town Meeting to expand the size of the select board After the conclusion of the special town meeting on Saturday he emphasized the importance of the process that had led to a second vote on the issue of the size of the select board “I think it’s a wonderful tradition that these motions can be considered by towns thoroughly and vote together as they have in two town meetings “I’m delighted with the outcome of the vote for the benefit of the town and it was a wonderful discussion before the vote.” a current member of the town’s planning commission said he planned to run for one of the new seats created on the select board A special election to fill the two new seats voters have created will be held and I’m going to stand up for my community and do my best like I always do,” she said speaking of her plans to run for one of the two new positions on the town’s select board brought to you every morning by the Manchester Journal We'll send breaking news alerts to you as they happen Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device acclaimed Inuit music and dance group Pamyua will take the stage at Next Stage Arts for a special performance known for blending traditional Inuit melodies with contemporary R&B vocals promises an unforgettable evening of cultural celebration and music that transcends boundaries Founded in 1995 by brothers Phillip and Stephen Blanchett Pamyua has grown into a world-renowned ensemble that seamlessly blends the soulful rhythms of Inuit drum and dance with modern vocal arrangements sharing their unique sound and Indigenous knowledge through music With a commitment to cultural preservation and celebration Pamyua’s performances honor their Alaskan roots while embracing modern influences The upcoming performance will showcase Pamyua’s signature “Inuit Soul Music,” a powerful fusion of traditional melodies reinterpreted with contemporary instrumentation and vocalization Audiences will experience a celebration of Inuit culture with songs and dances that reflect the group’s deep connection to their environment As pioneers of Inuit cultural representation Pamyua has earned widespread recognition for their contributions to the arts They have performed in countless concerts worldwide and served as cultural ambassadors for Indigenous traditions Their music has been featured on popular shows like Life Below Zero: First Alaskans and Flying Wild Alaska as well as the PBS Kids show Molly of Denali Their unique sound has been described by Rolling Stone Magazine (Italy) as that of “the most famous Inuit band in the world.” “Pamyua’s music is not just a performance – it’s an expression of who we are and a message of unity through song and dance,” says Phillip Blanchett “We are honored to share this tradition with the world.” Tickets for the event are discounted in advance, and available at the door. A livestream option is available for purchase. Tickets and more information can be found at www.nextstagearts.org Next Stage Arts is located at 15 Kimball Hill