Protesters are opposing a proposed women’s prison in Essex. On Thursday morning, criminal justice reform advocates gathered at the Statehouse to express their support for public health over punishment. They aim to eliminate prisons in favor of community-centered solutions and will submit a letter against the $97 million prison plan. The Vermont Department of Corrections argues that the existing facility in South Burlington requires replacement, with the new facility intended to focus on rehabilitation.
The Town of Brattleboro is pleased to announce the appointment of Jay Symonds to the role of Fire Chief of the Brattleboro Fire Department. Symonds brings an extensive record of experience in fire and emergency medical services, disaster response, and leadership. Symonds will begin his new role on April 7, 2025. Brattleboro Town Manager John Potter said “Chief Symonds has a track record that matches the excellence of the team at the Brattleboro Fire Department,”. “He’s joining our community with decades of experience as a paramedic, firefighter, educator, and member of the National Guard.”
U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, held a roundtable in Newport, Vermont, with business leaders from Vermont and Canada to address the impacts of President Trump’s Trade War and the detrimental effects of the Administration’s tariffs on workers, families, and farmers.
Free speech is at risk on college campuses in Vermont and nationwide, as critics argue that the Trump administration has equated opposition to Israel’s treatment of Palestinians with antisemitism. Last spring, students at the University of Vermont, Dartmouth, Middlebury, and other institutions organized pro-Palestinian rallies, calling for divestment from Israel. A year later, under President Trump, such protests may carry greater consequences. Historically, student protests, from the Vietnam War to the Gaza conflict, have been seen as acts of resistance. However, expressing dissent or educating others on these issues could now expose students, educators, and institutions to scrutiny from the Trump administration. On March 4, the president threatened funding cuts, expulsion, arrest, or deportation for those participating in “illegal” protests.
Ben & Jerry’s is suing its parent company, Unilever, after the removal of its CEO. In a recent federal court filing, the Ben & Jerry’s board asserts that Unilever’s decision breaches their merger agreement, which requires consultation with the board prior to such actions. This lawsuit amends a previous one from last fall, which accused Unilever of suppressing Ben & Jerry’s support for Palestinians during the Gaza conflict.
On Thursday, Senate Republicans approved SB 134, which aims to reinstate ineffective work requirements that will incur higher costs than savings and result in thousands losing their insurance. In contrast, Senate Democrats, led by Deputy Senate Democratic Leader Cindy Rosenwald, are prioritizing healthcare affordability and successfully passed the Help for Low Income Seniors Act. Deputy Leader Rosenwald stated, “Medicaid work requirements will cost us more than they save. The last implementation cost the state nearly $4.5 million to manage, with only a 1% contact rate for eligibility verification. This approach will not enhance state fund efficiency; rather, it will reduce healthcare access for Granite Staters, increasing costs for everyone. Less coverage leads to higher uncompensated care, raising premiums and forcing hospitals to cut services. Currently, this program serves its purpose, with an average enrollment duration of 9 months. We should concentrate on reducing living costs, as demonstrated by my Help for Low Income Seniors Act, which passed on Thursday and aims to lower healthcare expenses for low-income seniors.”
A potential crisis was averted at Pownal Elementary School in Vermont on Wednesday when students informed teachers that a classmate had brought an unloaded handgun and 67 rounds of ammunition to school. Bennington County Sheriff James Gulley reported that the student was taken out of class, and the firearm was confiscated from his backpack. The sheriff noted that the student had posted about the gun on social media. Authorities praised the school for its swift response and the students for their vigilance.
WTSA SPORTS FOR FRIDAY MARCH 21st 2025
THE CELTICS ARE IN UTAH TO TAKE ON THE JAZZ TONIGHT, TIP OFF AT 9:30PM.
THE BRUINS ARE IN SAN JOSE ON SATURDAY AGAINST THE SHARKS PUCK DROPS LATE AT 10:30PM ON SATURDAY
REDSOX AND PIRATES IN SPRING TRAINING TONIGHT FIRST PITCH AT 6:05PM
MARCH MADNESS CONTINUES THIS AFTERNOON, IT’S BAYLOR AND MS STATE AT 12:15PM
IN NASCAR THIS SUNDAY ITS THE STRAIGHT TALK WIRELESS 400 AT THE HOMESTEAD MIAMI SPEEDWAY WITH 267 LAPS, RACE TIME AT 3PM