Could Vermont contribute to the advancement of nuclear energy? The Trump administration is committed to enhancing American energy, partly by reviving or constructing new nuclear power plants, and Vermont is one of the states investigating a nuclear future. Vermont Yankee, the state’s sole nuclear facility, was decommissioned approximately ten years ago and subsequently dismantled. Nevertheless, Vermont utilities continue to obtain around 20% of their power from out-of-state nuclear sources. The Vernon-based Vermont Yankee, a 620-megawatt reactor, began operations in the 1970s and once supplied one-third of Vermont’s electricity. Public and political backing for Vermont Yankee diminished after the discovery of leaking underground pipes, leading the Legislature to effectively vote for its closure in 2014. These renewed discussions about nuclear energy arise as Vermont lawmakers have enacted mandates requiring that all our electricity be derived from renewable resources to lower carbon emissions. However, it is important to note that nuclear power is not classified as renewable.
Vermont health care regulators are currently reviewing the budget for the UVM Medical Center, the largest hospital in the state. For fiscal year ’26, the hospital has proposed a 7.9% reduction in commercial insurance rates, indicating a decrease in revenue from procedures compared to last year. Concurrently, they plan to raise procedure prices by 3%. The Green Mountain Care Board will release approved hospital budgets on September 15, with written decisions expected by October 1st.
Green Mountain Power is enhancing its storm protection this summer. Crews are working statewide to bury power lines to maintain service during storms. As extreme weather events increase in Vermont, power lines in central and southern regions are often damaged, leading to more frequent power outages for customers. GMP initiated this project several years ago, but progress was slow, with teams burying only about 400 feet daily. Now, aided by a trencher capable of burying up to 4,000 feet per day, they are accelerating their efforts. The underground work will persist through the fall and into next year.
A 35-year-old man from Brattleboro was arrested on Friday for failing to stop for Vermont State Police on Interstate 91. Kyle Patton faces charges of eluding and violating conditions of release after the incident, which took place around 4:43 p.m. near mile marker 11.2 on the northbound side of Interstate 91. Police attempted to pull over the vehicle after witnessing a traffic violation, but it did not stop and continued northbound. All efforts to halt the vehicle were abandoned. The investigation later found the vehicle at Shag Bark Hill in Putney, where Patton was identified as the driver. He was subsequently arrested and taken to the Westminster Barracks for processing.
At the 59th commencement of the School for International Training on Saturday, 32 graduates were awarded their master’s degrees in a ceremony that encouraged them to rely on the lessons learned to face challenges and “serve for the common good.” The event was held on the front lawn of SIT’s Brattleboro campus, where staff and faculty from across the globe joined over 100 guests to honor students who earned their master’s degrees in climate change, international relations, humanitarian assistance, international education, sustainable development, and intercultural service and leadership.
A series of new hunting regulations will soon be implemented in New Hampshire. The modifications for the 2025-2026 season will commence on September 1. Among the new regulations, hunters will be permitted to utilize air rifles for hunting moose, deer, and bears. Additionally, the final weekend of September has been designated as youth hunting weekend for pheasants. Furthermore, children from any state are allowed to take part in this weekend alongside a licensed adult.
WTSA SPORTS FOR WEDNESDAY AUGUST 13th 2025
THE REDSOX DEFEATED THE ASTROS LAST NIGHT 14 – 1. THE SOX AND ASTROS WRAP UP THEIR SERIES TONIGHT AT 7:10PM THE SOX WILL HAVE THURSDAY OFF AS THEY RETURN TO FENWAY ON FRIDAY TO START A 3 GAME SERIES WITH THE MARLINS.
YANKEES BEAT THE TWINS YESTERDAY 9 – 1, YANKEES AND TWINS WRAP UP THEIR 3 GAME SERIES TONIGHT, FIRST PITCH AT 7:10PM
THE PGA TOUR BMW CHAMPIONSHIP STARTS UP ON THURSDAY , AT THE CAVES VALLEY GOLF CLUB IN BALTIMORE MARYLAND.