A legislative proposal aimed at alleviating medical debt for low-income residents of Vermont has successfully passed through the state Senate. This initiative seeks to eradicate $100 million in medical debt, with the state’s financial contribution amounting to just $1 million, without the need to increase taxes or fees. Treasurer Mike Pieciak was present at the Statehouse on Tuesday to advocate for the plan as it moves forward to the House.
Vermont Senator Peter Welch is raising concerns about the Trump administration’s intention to dismantle FEMA. This follows Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s statement to CNN that the agency is at risk of being eliminated. Sen. Welch, an advocate for FEMA reforms, argues that the administration’s approach to natural disasters is unacceptable. He warns that removing FEMA’s disaster response capabilities would have devastating effects on victims across the country, including those affected by floods in Vermont, hurricanes in the Carolinas, tornadoes in Kansas, and wildfires in California.
A Pownal woman, Crystal Mahar, has been charged with negligent firearm storage after a child brought a handgun to school last week. The incident occurred when a Pownal Elementary School student was taken out of class, revealing a 9 mm handgun and 67 rounds of ammunition in their backpack. Authorities were alerted after the student posted about the gun on social media, prompting another student to notify school officials.
Vermont lawmakers and media outlets aim to retain advertising funds within the state. A bipartisan coalition, featuring Republican Lt. Gov. John Rogers and Democratic Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas, will hold a press conference to support H.244. This bill mandates that 70% of state advertising funds be allocated to Vermont-based news organizations, excluding job and tourism ads intended for out-of-state audiences.
Three hikers were rescued on Sunday in Madame Sherri Forest after becoming lost, as reported by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Juliana Bergeron, 72, and Arto Leino, 86, both from Keene, along with 18-year-old Andrine Ahlquist from Risør, Norway, called for assistance shortly before 3:20 p.m. A Conservation Officer arrived at the Anne Stokes Loop trailhead, located the hikers before 6 p.m., and safely guided them back by approximately 6:35 p.m. Officials urge hikers to carry essential gear, even for brief excursions. More safety tips are available at hikesafe.com
The Brattleboro Winter Farmers’ Market will conclude its season on Saturday, March 29, featuring special guest Roger Allbee, former Vermont Secretary of Agriculture. Allbee will discuss and sign his new book, “Turning the Soil: 250 Years of Vermont Agriculture,” which reflects on his deep ties to farming in Brookline, VT, and highlights key moments in Vermont’s agricultural history, linking past lessons to the current landscape. For more information visit BrattleboroWinterFarmersMarket.org
WTSA SPORTS FOR WEDNESDAY MARCH 26th 2025
THE BRUINS ARE BACK ON THE ICE TONIGHT IN ANAHEIM AGAINST THE DUCKS PUCK DROPS LATE AT 10:00PM
THE CELTICS ARE IN PHOENIX TONIGHT AGAINST THE SUNS TIP OFF AT 10PM.
REDSOX FIRST REGULAR SEASON GAME TOMORROW ON THURSDAY IN TEXAS AGAINST THE RANGERS FIRST PITCH AT 4:05PM
THE YANKEES HOST THE BREWERS IN THEIR OPENER TOMORROW, FIRST PITCH AT 3:05PM
PGA TOUR HOUSTON OPEN STARTS UP ON THURSDAY, MARCH 27th THROUGH MARCH 30th AT THE MEMORIAL PARK GOLF COURSE WITH A 9 MILLION 500 THOUSAND DOLLAR PURSE.