Vermont schools are nearing a cell phone ban. State lawmakers are anticipated to soon vote on a miscellaneous education bill aimed at prohibiting cell phones in classrooms. This initiative is part of a broader national movement to enhance student engagement and mental well-being. The proposed legislation would mandate school boards to present a strategy to the state detailing how they will enforce the phone ban during school hours. However, some students and parents have raised concerns regarding communication during emergencies. Governor Phil Scott has expressed his support for this measure.
The entire state of Vermont, along with three of its cities, has been included in a new Department of Homeland Security list that identifies sanctuary jurisdictions across the United States. However, Vermont officials assert that their policies comply with federal immigration laws and foster trust with immigrants. This list, which comprises over 500 cities and states labeled as sanctuary cities, schools, or states, is viewed by the Trump administration as “defying federal immigration law,” as stated in a Department of Homeland Security press release. According to the department, sanctuary cities shield dangerous criminal illegal aliens from facing repercussions and jeopardize law enforcement, and it is “committed to exposing these lawless jurisdictions to the public and holding them accountable for not upholding the rule of law.” The list was created in response to President Donald Trump’s executive order on April 28, which directed federal authorities to identify sanctuary jurisdictions nationwide that are “deliberately obstructing the enforcement of federal immigration laws and endangering American citizens.” The Trump administration has threatened to suspend or terminate federal funding to these schools, cities, or states. Although Vermont has not officially declared itself a sanctuary state, it “fully complies with federal law while safeguarding the Constitutional rights of citizens and the State,” as stated by Amanda Wheeler, spokesperson for Gov. Phil Scott.
Residents in and around the town of Brattleboro are facing mail delivery delays, which have recently extended up to a week, due to staffing shortages at the United States Postal Service in Brattleboro. George Carvill expressed on social media, “I have not received any postal mail since last week.” Prudence Baird also noted, “We haven’t had mail delivery since last Thursday,” mentioning that her husband visited the post office and learned that mail might be delivered soon. “He inquired about collecting any mail available, but most of the mail for our district had not yet been sorted. He returned home with just a handful of junk mail.” With two new employees starting this week and another position posted that is expected to be filled shortly, operations should normalize. Tim Carpenter, the branch president of the National Association for Letter Carriers Branch 521, stated that postal carriers are doing their utmost within the hours they are allotted to ensure mail delivery. “We are doing our best, but we are human beings,” he remarked. “The primary issue we face is staffing. If we were fully staffed, everyone would be working 40 hours a week, and people would receive their mail daily.” Carpenter explained that there are two categories of carriers servicing areas around Brattleboro: city carriers who drive to a location and deliver mail on foot, and rural carriers who deliver mail using a vehicle. He noted that a new carrier must learn the route, which can delay delivery. “It takes time for a new employee to become experienced and proficient in their duties.”
Craft beer and cider enthusiasts did not let a little rain dampen their fun. The annual Brattleboro Brewers Festival, which began in 2010, drew large crowds to the fairgrounds in Guilford this past Saturday. Organizers say there were dozens of brews to sample – specialty foods – good music – lawn games – and even a keg toss competition. Ticket holders voted on who they thought should win the people’s choice prize, based on their favorite brew of the day. The Brattleboro Brewers festival runs annually on the last weekend in May.
An Idaho woman has been arrested in connection with a theft from Orange Massachusetts. The incident took place in the summer of 2023, amounting to $338,000 from the town’s funds. According to the Orange Massachusetts Police, 51-year-old Jennifer Grasmick from Nampa, Idaho, was recently apprehended on a warrant in Nampa. This warrant was issued following a felony indictment for larceny in the Greenfield Mass Superior Court. Orange Police report that there is probable cause to believe Grasmick defrauded the town of $68,000. She is scheduled for arraignment in Greenfield Superior Court later this month.
Vermont is known for its chocolate and cocoa products, ranking among the state’s leading food exports. However, cacao does not grow in Vermont, and climate change has been affecting the global supply chain. Consequently, Vermont businesses dependent on cocoa are adapting. Miller Farm, a dairy farm located in Vernon, is one such business. Their chocolate milk is a top seller, but in February, production nearly ceased due to a shortage of cocoa powder. Peter Miller, one of the farm’s owners, reported that their usual supplier had run out. “I couldn’t find it anywhere,” he stated. “I was informed there was a shortage caused by climate change.” Eventually, Miller sourced cocoa powder from an alternative supplier, but he described the process of altering the chocolate milk recipe on short notice as “frightening.” Lake Champlain Chocolates, one of the largest chocolatiers in Vermont, is also facing challenges in sourcing cocoa. As supplies dwindle, they are seeking innovative solutions. “We produce our own marshmallows and dip them in chocolate,” said communications manager Meghan Fitzpatrick. “We are focusing on creating delicious confections that may not require as much chocolate, emphasizing our caramels and other products that do not need solid chocolate.”
WTSA SPORTS FOR MONDAY JUNE 2nd 2025
THE REDSOX BEAT THE BRAVES YESTERDAY 3 – 1 THE REDSOX START A 3 GAME SERIES WITH THE ANGELS AT FENWAY TONIGHT FIRST PITCH AT 7:10PM.
THE YANKEES HAVE THE NIGHT OFF AND ARE BACK ON THE FIELD TUESDAY AT HOME TO START A 3 GAME SERIES WITH THE GUARDIANS, FIRST PITCH AT 7:05PM ON TUESDAY.
THE NBA FINALS STARTS UP ON THURSDAY WITH GAME ONE WITH THE PACERS AND THE THUNDER, TIP OFF THURSDAY AT 8:30PM IN OKLAHOMA