The Biden administration announced $23 million to support Vermont’s Tech Hub, which aims to lead in the production of next-generation gallium nitride semiconductors used in various industries, including automotive and aerospace. Vermont is one of six Tech Hubs nationwide receiving a share of $210 million in implementation grants. Proposed projects include initiatives at the University of Vermont, GlobalFoundries, and On Logic. Official awards will be announced later this winter.
Ashuelot River Park in Keene was temporarily closed on Tuesday afternoon following a man’s death near the park entrance, as reported by Keene Police Capt. Steve Tenney. The incident, initially reported as a welfare check shortly after noon, led to a swift response from police and emergency personnel. Upon arrival, responders discovered the man with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Despite attempts to provide medical assistance, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The park was closed for about two hours for an investigation but has since reopened. The man’s identity is being withheld pending family notification, and authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the incident.
Vermont’s young children demonstrate above-average school readiness compared to the national standard, yet improvements are still necessary, as indicated by the latest State of Vermont’s Children report. Compiled by the Building Bright Futures Early Childhood State Advisory Council, the annual report highlights available opportunities for children and families, presents data on educational success, custody by the Department for Children and Families, and identifies the need for new policies. Notably, children aged three to five in Vermont exhibit superior preparedness for school, achieving high test scores in math and science relative to their peers in other states.
As the legislative session enters its second week, Democratic leaders are outlining strategies to enhance and make public education more affordable. They concur with Governor Phil Scott’s assertion that the state’s $2.3 billion expenditure on educating 83,000 students is unsustainable and that increased funding alone will not resolve the issue. The leaders emphasized a shared commitment to ensuring Vermont children receive the necessary support for success and to establish an appropriately sized education system for current and future student populations. They plan to collaborate with teachers, families, and school staff to strengthen schools, as detailed in their statement made at the Statehouse on Tuesday.
A new cybersecurity legislation has been implemented in New Hampshire. The Data Privacy Act became effective on January 1. This law empowers residents of New Hampshire to determine the manner in which companies operating within the state may utilize their personal information. To assist residents in comprehending their rights, the state attorney general has introduced a frequently asked questions page. Further information can be found at NH Dot Gov.
A deceased raccoon located in Quebec close to the Vermont border has been confirmed to have rabies, marking the first occurrence of the disease in the province in ten years. According to the CBC, the raccoon was discovered on December 17 in Saint-Armand, situated less than a mile from Highgate, where a separate case was identified the previous month. Residents in the vicinity of the border are advised to report any animals exhibiting signs of disorientation and to ensure that their pets’ vaccinations are current.
Travis Shine, a 46-year-old resident of Newfane, has emerged as the fortunate recipient of the 2024 Vermont Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License Lottery. This award grants him the privilege to hunt and fish in Vermont without any cost for the remainder of his life. He was selected as the winner from a pool of 18,496 Lifetime License Lottery tickets sold in 2024. The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department conducts this drawing on an annual basis.
WTSA SPORTS FOR WEDNESDAY JANUARY 15th 2025
THE BRUINS DEFEATED THE TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING YESTERDAY 6 – 2. THE BRUINS SIT AT 4TH IN THE DIVISION AND LOOKING FOR THEIR 3RD WIN IN A ROW WHEN THE B’S HEAD TO OTTAWA TO TAKE ON THE SENATORS ON SATURDAY, THE PUCK DROPS AT 3PM ON.
THE CELTICS ARE BACK ON THE COURT TONIGHT IN TORONTO AGAINST THE RAPTORS, TIP OFF AT 7:30PM. THE C’S WILL BE BACK HOME ON FRIDAY AGAINST THE MAGIC.
IN LOCAL GIRLS ICE HOCKEY, CRIMSOME TIDE VISITS THE BEARS LATER THIS AFTERNOON , THEY DROP THE PUCK AT 4:45PM
IN LOCAL BOYS ICE HOCKEY, H.U VISITS THE BRATTLEBORO BEARS TONIGHT. THEY DROP THE PUCK AT 7:15PM