The New Hampshire primary on Tuesday saw former President Donald Trump easily emerge as the winner, solidifying his position as the front-runner for the Republican nomination and setting the stage for a likely rematch against President Joe Biden in November. Despite investing significant time and financial resources in the state known for its independent voters, Nikki Haley came in second. She is now the only major challenger left after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis ended his presidential campaign over the weekend, giving Haley the opportunity to campaign as the sole alternative to Trump. In response, Haley stated, “This race is far from over. There are still many states left to be contested.” Trump’s victory in both Iowa and New Hampshire, two states that have traditionally led the election calendar since 1976, marks the first time a Republican presidential candidate has won both in open races. This is a clear indication of the rapid support Republicans have shown for Trump, making him their nominee for the third consecutive time.
Three men from New York City were arraigned for burglarizing a Brooks Brothers outlet in Manchester in the early morning of Friday, Jan. 19th, stealing over $21,000 in merchandise and attempting to escape from Manchester police on a low speed chase. According to the Reformer, the defendants, Gaston Jesus Moraga Bazo-57, Santiago Andres Ortega Torres-56 and Alejandro Cas-dis-cadis-45, are facing charges related to the burglary and subsequent police chase. Torres admitted to police that he had been in America for a month and needed work, while the other two men stated they were trying to get back to New York and took items from the store to sell on the street later because he “does not have money.” All three pleaded not guilty and face a maximum of 40 years in prison if convicted. They are currently being held at the Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility until their trial.
Gov. Phil Scott on Tuesday pitched an $8.6 billion budget to Vermont lawmakers. The governor outlined his plans to pay for some of the priorities he presented during his State of the State Address earlier this month, including affordability, public safety and housing. Some of the highlights include $353 million for the transportation fund, $2.4 billion for the education fund and $2.3 billion in the General Fund, a 3.5% increase. The governor told lawmakers the money in his budget is what revenue the state has without adding new taxes or fees.
Vermont lawmakers have failed to override the governor’s veto of the
state’s bottle bill reform bill. Tuesday morning, the Vermont Senate
voted 17-13 in favor of the override but that was three votes short of
the needed two-thirds majority. Lawmakers had expected the
override to be successful after the Vermont House voted
overwhelmingly in favor of it earlier this month. The bill would have
expanded the 5-cent refund to water and sports drink bottles and
added a 15-cent deposit on wine bottles. Backers said it would help
Vermonters recycle more. But Gov. Phil Scott argued it would be more
expensive for consumers and more complicated for people who don’t
live near recycling centers.
A push has been initiated in the Vermont Legislature to shorten the work week, with the aim of improving productivity and mental well-being among the state’s workforce. One lawmaker, Representative Monique Priestley, has proposed a 32-hour work week for both full-time and part-time employees as a potential solution. This would consist of four eight-hour days or five 6.5-hour days. Similar suggestions have been put forward in other states, such as Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New York, Missouri, and at the federal level. Ultimately, Rep. Priestley believes that this bill serves as a starting point for a larger conversation about achieving a better work-life balance for Vermonters in a post-pandemic world.
A big chunk of change is coming to organic farm producers in
Vermont. This week, lawmakers in the Vermont congressional
delegation– Sens. Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch, and Rep. Becca
Balint– announced a $1 million USDA grant would be going to the
Organic Farming Association of Vermont. The grant will be matched
locally for a total of $2 million to expand the market for organic maple
and dairy products and will increase consumer awareness of the value
of buying Vermont organic agricultural products.
WTSA SPORTS FOR WEDNESDAY JANUARY 24TH 2024
THE CELTICS HAVE THE NIGHT OFF AND ARE BACK ON THE COURT THURSDAY IN MIAMI AGAINST THE HEAT. THE CELTICS ARE LOOKING FOR THEIR 3RD STRAIGHT WIN, WHILE THE HEAT ARE LOOKING FOR A WIN AFTER 3 LOSSES. TIP OFF THURSDAY AT 730PM.
THE BRUINS ARE BACK ON THE ICE AT TD GARDEN TONIGHT HOSTING THE HURRICANES. THE BRUINS ARE LOOKING FOR THEIR 6 STRAIGHT WIN THEY DROP THE PUCK AT 730 TONIGHT.