As of 3 p.m. on Friday March 28, the School for International Training (SIT) campus has reopened 12 buildings, offering additional accommodation for students who were displaced by a fire that took place two days earlier. The American Red Cross intends to maintain its temporary shelter and supply food to those impacted until early next week. By Friday afternoon, SIT and the Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC) were collaborating to organize housing for the displaced individuals, thereby decreasing the number of people residing in the shelter.
On Thursday afternoon, the Vermont House granted preliminary approval to the 2026 budget bill, passing it 104 to 38. This $9 billion spending plan aligns with the governor’s proposal and allocates $30 million for emergency housing and $77 million to reduce property taxes to 1.1% temporarily, pending an education reform plan. A final vote was anticipated on Friday before it moves to the Senate.
Vermont House Democrats announced on Thursday that they cannot address the state’s education system this year and will instead focus on studying reform proposals over the summer. Governor Phil Scott, who has consistently called for prompt action, stated he will not end the session without a plan. Democrats argue that the intricate proposals, such as a major restructuring of school districts, require further examination. They intend to vote on the study proposal by the week’s end.
Vermont Senator Peter Welch asserts that President Trump’s modifications to the Environmental Protection Agency will negatively impact the environment while favoring large corporations. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin recently announced plans to eliminate regulations affecting the oil and gas sector, wastewater standards for coal power plants, and measures aimed at reducing mercury and other harmful air pollutants from coal facilities, labeling it “the largest deregulatory announcement in U.S. history.” Welch emphasizes that these regulations are essential for public health and safety, preventing premature deaths. While he advocates for practical and effective reforms to EPA policies, he believes that the Trump administration’s cuts will fundamentally alter the nation’s climate policy.
A Vermont man has been charged following a crash that resulted in his hospitalization and minor injuries to another driver. Travis Allen, 37, of Athens, was charged with negligent operation on Wednesday, over a month after the incident on February 11 on Route 121. Investigators reported that Allen’s vehicle crossed the center line and collided with an oncoming car. He was airlifted to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, while the other driver received treatment for minor injuries at Springfield Hospital. Allen is scheduled to appear in court at the end of April.
Funding is now available for organizations in the Brattleboro area through the Crosby-Gannett Fund grant program, aimed at enhancing the community’s vitality. This fund, which revised its giving strategy two years ago, now grants $7,500 annually to one applicant for three years, totaling $22,500. The initiative seeks to offer consistent support for innovative ideas and community organizations that foster significant improvements in Brattleboro. For more details, visit vermontcf.org or call 802-388-3355.
A man from New Hampshire is facing charges related to several burglaries. Lebanon Police responded to a reported burglary on Peabody Street earlier this month and to a break-in at the Carter Country Club on Mechanic Street on Monday. The suspect, identified as 43-year-old Jonathan Charles Joy-Pagliarulo, from Belmont, has 10 outstanding warrants and was arrested on Thursday afternoon.
WTSA SPORTS FOR SATURDAY MARCH 29th 2025
THE BRUINS ARE BACK ON THE ICE TONIGHT IN DETROIT AGAINST THE RED WINGS, THEY DROP THE PUCK AT 8:00PM
REDSOX PLAY GAME 2 OF THEIR 3 GAME SERIES TONIGHT AGAINST THE RANGERS AT 7:05PM FIRST PITCH
THE YANKEES PLAY THE BREWERS IN GAME 2 THIS AFTERNOON AT 1:05PM,
THE CELTICS ARE IN SAN ANTONIO TONIGHT AGAINST THE SPURS TIP OFF AT 8PM.
NASCAR CUP SERIES THIS SUNDAY ITS THE COOK OUT 400 AT MARTINSVILLE SPEEDWAY IN VIRGINIA, RACE TIME AT 3PM