Tom Evslin: Two lessons half learned in 2022
The collision between Fed policy and congressional vote-buying may well lead to a recession — which will, of course, be an excuse for more spending. A lesson half-learned.
Vermont’s hourly minimum wage rises to $13.18 in new year
Vermont’s hourly minimum wage rate increased again in 2023, following a trend that has been taking place within the state in recent years from legislation.
Letter: A New Year’s prayer for our community
Let us pray, that by your choice, our collective power will be respectful, not controlling; inclusive, not discriminating; and organically natural, not agenda driven.
Paul Dame: The future of fossil fuels
Fossil fuels still play a unique role in a diversified energy portfolio, because in emergency situations, like when the supply chain of electrical power has been disrupted, fossil fuels are still the one form of energy that can be most easily stored and transported.
Task force issues recommendations as Vermont’s dairy industry struggles
The Task Force to Revitalize the Vermont Dairy Industry proposed a series of recommendations, which will be sent by way of a report to the state Senate Agriculture Committee in January before potentially advancing to other channels in state government.
Wetland functions and values: The gifts that keep on giving
Marking where land and water meet, wetlands may be saturated or flooded by water year-round or for a few weeks of the year. Spanning over 300,000 acres, Vermont’s wetlands range from marshes and bogs to forested swamps.
Conservatives scored massive victories in the battle over education in 2022
In 2022, conservatives flipped dozens of school boards across the county, enacting conservative priorities and amending school policies to increase transparency in the classroom.
Supreme Court allows pandemic-related border security policy to stand for now
The Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling allows the Title 42 public health policy to remain in effect after President Joe Biden planned to rescind it earlier this month.
Richmond’s robot army looks to fight climate change in the ocean
You might wonder what an ocean robotics company is doing in quaint, landlocked Richmond. Despite the perceived impracticality, Greensea Systems Inc. has been operating from Richmond for the past 16 years and is only expanding.
Alison Despathy: Blood elements, blood power and blood money
I implore Vermont to reconsider this overwhelming and all encompassing drive to lock into an electric future and to stand up to the corporations and governments responsible for this gross abuse of humans and the environment.
Vermont State Parks seeks public input for parks modernization study
This study will provide a comprehensive assessment of the state park system including park amenities, operations, maintenance, revenue, and program delivery.
New Hampshire panel axes funding for regional commuter rail
The New Hampshire Executive Council has nixed a plan to connect Boston’s commuter rail system to the Granite State, which some have described as a “boondoggle” for the state’s taxpayers.