Struggling with medical debt? If you reside in Vermont, relief may be on the way. Tens of thousands of residents are burdened by medical debt, but a new law enacted by the Legislature this year aims to assist over 60,000 individuals. Low credit scores, anxiety about checking the mail, and avoiding medical care due to fear of accruing more debt are challenges highlighted by Vermont Treasurer Mike Pieciak that those with medical debt are currently experiencing. One million dollars allocated to the treasurer’s office will be redirected to alleviate up to $100 million in medical debt for Vermonters. To be eligible, the debt must be at least 18 months old, and individuals must have an income at or below 400 percent of the poverty line. For a family of four, this means an income of less than $128,600, while for individuals, it is less than $62,600.
This week, Vermont Congresswoman Becca Balint introduced a new bill aimed at addressing President Trump’s deportations that target free speech. Named the Land of the Free Act, the legislation seeks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act. It would empower the Secretary of State to deport visa holders and legal permanent residents whose presence may pose significant foreign policy risks to the nation. Balint criticized the current Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, for misusing this authority. The bill was presented in collaboration with Rep. Deborah Ross from North Carolina and members of the House Judiciary Committee.
According to a recent analysis, New Hampshire is ranked last in the nation for funding public higher education. The New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute indicated that the newly approved state budget may lead to further cuts in public higher education spending. Key findings from the analysis reveal that New Hampshire allocates slightly more than $4,600 for each full-time student, which is the lowest amount in the country for 2024.
A New Hampshire man, accused of murdering his sister-in-law and two young nephews at the age of 16, is expected to plead guilty to second-degree murder. Eric Sweeney, now 19, was residing with his older brother’s family in Northfield when prosecutors allege he fatally shot Kassandra Sweeney, 25, along with her sons, 4-year-old Benjamin and 1-year-old Mason, in August 2022. He was originally set to stand trial for first-degree murder next month but will instead plead guilty to the lesser charges during a hearing at Merrimack County Superior Court. Sweeney, whose legal team had contemplated an insanity defense, could face a life sentence when he is sentenced at a later date.
Flags in Vermont are at half-staff to pay tribute to former Governor Tom Salmon, who passed away peacefully at the age of 92 this past January, surrounded by family. During his tenure as the 75th governor, Salmon emphasized tax reform as a significant achievement, easing the financial strain on lower and middle-class residents. He famously declared, “Vermont is not for sale,” in an effort to prevent out-of-state developers from acquiring land. Governor Phil Scott has announced that flags will be lowered at sunrise and raised to full staff at sunset on Sunday.
The Vermont Employee Ownership Center has officially welcomed Putney Mountain Winery into Vermont’s community of employee-owned businesses, following its acquisition by the “Fermented Five,” a worker cooperative, on July 29th. Established by Charles and Kate Dodge in 2005, the winery specializes in fruit wines, emphasizing the use of locally sourced fruit, and has recently incorporated distilling into its operations. Charles Dodge first explored the employee ownership exit strategy after attending a seminar organized by VEOC in 2014.
WTSA SPORTS FOR SATURDAY AUGUST 16th 2025
THE REDSOX BEAT THE MARLINS YESTERDAY 2 TO 1. GAME 2 OF THEIR 3 GAME SERIES IS THIS AFTERNOON, FIRST PITCH AT 4:10PM
YANKEES BEAT THE CARDFINALS YESTERDAY 4 – 3. GAME 2 OF THEIR 3 GAME SERIES IS TONIGHT, FIRST PITCH AT 7:15PM
THE PGA TOUR BMW CHAMPIONSHIP RUNS THROUGH SUNDAY AT THE CAVES VALLEY GOLF CLUB IN BALTIMORE MARYLAND.
THE PATRIOTS ARE IN MINNESOTA THIS AFTERNOON FOR A PRESEASON GAME WITH THE VIKINGS, KICK OFF AT 1PM.
NASCAR CUP SERIES TONIGHT, ITS THE COOK OUT 400 AT RICHMOND SPEEDWAY IN VIRGINIA, RACE TIME AT 7:30PM ON THE USA NETWORK.