Vermont’s congressional delegation is urging the Trump administration to restore staff responsible for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), which aids approximately 6.2 million Americans with high utility costs. Vermont typically receives around $21 million annually for this program. However, the recent proposal for 10,000 layoffs at the Department of Health and Human Services includes all LIEAP personnel. In a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the delegation emphasized the need to reinstate these staff members promptly to ensure the distribution of LIEAP funds, preventing Vermonters from having to choose between essential needs like food, medication, and heating during winter.
Today at noon, House Democrats will rally at the State House to unveil the “Better Budget,” a bold and responsible alternative to the House GOP’s disastrous budget proposal that slashes essential services and core state functions. The Better Budget restores critical programs cut by House Republicans, invests in New Hampshire children, families, and communities, contains no new or increased taxes, and rejects harmful policy changes added to the budget by Republicans.
A 12-year-old who brought a gun to school claimed he was being bullied, leading to his mother pleading not guilty to negligent firearm storage. On March 19, the Bennington County sheriff responded to Pownal Elementary School after staff discovered a 9 mm handgun and 67 rounds of ammunition in a student’s backpack. Authorities reported that the student had shared a message about the gun on social media, prompting another student to alert school officials. During a police interview, the boy stated he found the gun in his mother’s closet and took it to intimidate a bully. His mother, Crystal Mahar of Pownal, contends the gun was stored in a safe but was temporarily removed when she relocated the safe. Police assert she is accountable for the gun’s security. Mahar has entered a not guilty plea regarding the negligent firearm storage charge.
Former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu has announced that he will not pursue a U.S. Senate seat in 2026. He stated, “I’ve done eight years, and it was a hard eight years as governor. To sign up for the Senate means committing to 12 more years, which I hadn’t considered, and it’s not the right time for my family.” This announcement follows President Donald Trump’s recent comments expressing hope that Sununu would run, despite their previous disagreements.
Beavers have constructed their own dams affecting state operations, prompting Vermont’s Agency of Natural Resources to intervene. The agency manages around 100 dams, with beavers building dams around approximately 25% of them. These beaver dams can disrupt debris flow and water levels, putting additional strain on human-made structures. Consequently, the state has implemented regulations that may require the removal or alteration of beaver dams to ensure compliance.
Planned Parenthood of Northern New England (PPNNE) announced today that it will permanently close its St. Johnsbury, Vermont health center on June 3rd, 2025. Over the past five years, PPNNE has faced numerous operational challenges in providing reproductive and sexual health care services in St. Johnsbury. In addition, devastating flooding, as well as inadequate reimbursement rates for services provided have made it increasingly difficult to sustain essential care for the community.
The Vermont State Police responded to reports of threatening behavior by Londonderry resident Ivory King, 35, on March 26 at 1:18 p.m., discovering he had violated his Conditions of Release. On April 7 at 12:37 p.m., officers were called to a domestic assault incident involving King on Overlook Drive. He was issued a criminal citation and processed at the Westminster barracks. King appeared in Vermont Superior Court, Windham Criminal Division, today, receiving new Conditions of Release. He is currently held at the Southern State Correctional Facility with a $1,000 bail.
WTSA SPORTS FOR WEDNESDAY APRIL 9th 2025
THE CELTICS BEAT THE NEW YORK KNICKS LAST NIGHT IN OVERTIME 119 – 117, THE CELTICS ARE IN ORLANDO TONIGHT AGAINST THE MAGIC, TIP OFF AT 7:00PM.
THE BRUINS BEAT THE DEVILS LAST NIGHT 7 -2, THE BRUINS HAVE THE NIGHT OFF AND ARE BACK ON THE ICE TOMORROW ON THURSDAY AGAINST THE BLACK HAWKS, THEY DROP THE PUCK AT 7:00PM.
THE BLUEJAYS DEFEATED THE REDSOX YESTERDAY 6 – 2 GAME 3 OF THEIR 4 GAME SET IS TONIGHT AT 6:45PM FIRST PITCH.
THE TIGERS BEAT THE YANKEES YESTERDAY 6 – 0. YANKEES WRAP UP THEIR 3 GAME SERIES THIS AFTERNOON AT 1:10PM.