A case before the U.S. Supreme Court could impact homeless policies in Vermont and nationwide. The case originated in Grants Pass, Oregon, where individuals were fined for sleeping in public parks. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals deemed this law unconstitutional, stating that it constituted cruel and unusual punishment. In Vermont, authorities have also been issuing tickets to individuals camping on public lands. In response to the appeals court’s ruling, some cities, like Montpelier, have attempted to direct camping to specific areas.
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, accompanied by President Biden, unveiled the Solar for All initiative, which aims to offer a greater number of Vermonters the opportunity to fully harness the power of solar energy. This program, backed by a $7 billion investment, will extend grants or loans to working-class families, enabling them to afford the installation of solar panels or participate in community-based solar projects. Sanders predicts that this endeavor will result in savings of over $8.7 billion in electric bills throughout the lifespan of the solar panels. Furthermore, Vermont is set to receive a substantial sum of over $62 million from this program.
As Vermont addresses its drug crisis, there is a debate on decriminalizing drugs. Oregon’s initiative to address addiction as a public health issue, rather than through incarceration, provides lessons for Vermont, which is also tackling addiction and overdoses. Oregon’s voters approved measure 110 in 2020, paving the way for innovative approaches to addiction treatment.
Efficiency Vermont launched a new resource on Earth Day to help Vermonters improve their homes’ energy efficiency. The Incentive Calculator, developed by Rewiring America, allows Vermonters to check if they qualify for energy efficiency programs, incentives, and discounts. The service was introduced at the State House, with representatives from Rewiring America present. Vermonters can visit rewiringamerica.com to use the Incentive Calculator by entering their city, zip code, income, and tax filing status to determine their eligibility for state and federal resources. Incentives cover a range of products from heat pumps to electric vehicles, making energy-efficient home improvements more accessible.
Vermont sugar makers reflected on a challenging but successful season as they celebrated Earth Day. Steve Palmer, owner of Shelburne Sugarworks, tapped his first trees on February 1, earlier than usual. The weather presented unexpected challenges, including windstorms and a late-season blizzard during the Maple Open House. Allison Hope, director of the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association, noted that sugar makers in higher elevations likely fared better than those in lower elevations.
A single vehicle crash on Route 100 resulted in the arrest of a Dover man for suspected DUI. Vermont State Police received a call at 1:09 a.m. regarding an accident involving a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The driver, Charles Lanouette, 25, was taken to Brattleboro Memorial Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Lanouette was found to be intoxicated during the investigation and was subsequently arrested for DUI. He has been issued a citation to appear in Vermont Superior Court Windham Criminal Division on June 25.
WTSA SPORTS FOR WEDNESDAY APRIL 24TH 2024
THE BRUINS AND THE MAPLE LEAFS PLAY GAME 3 OF THE PLAYOFFS IN TORONTO TONIGHT, PUCK DROP AT 7PM
THE GUARDIANS BEAT REDSOX YESTERDAY 4 – 1 GAME 2 OF THE 3 GAME SERIES IS TONIGHT AT 6:10, FIRST PITCH
THE YANKEES BEAT THE ATHLETICS YESTERDAY 4 – 3. GAME 3 OF THEIR 4 GAME SET IS TONIGHT AT 7:05 FIRST PITCH.
THE CELTICS PLAY GAME 2 TONIGHT AGAINST THE HEAT TIP OFF TONIGHT AT 7PM.