Vermont News VTDigger

You might’ve noticed that Vermont News is taking a hiatus. In the meantime, visit VTDigger.org (http://VTDigger.org) for the latest headlines, and listen to our other podcasts The Deeper Dig and The Vermont Conversation. Thank you! 

ALSO: As part of a widespread plan to curb crime in Vermont, the state Department of Public Safety is poised to launch a public dashboard identifying communities with the highest volume of police calls; Signs promoting community control of police were included as part of a press conference last week held by Burlington City Council Progressives; Thirteen Middlebury College students are spending their January term learning about entrepreneurship.

ALSO: A new bill would require the Vermont Employment Growth Incentive program to report on what’s been called “proprietary” data; The Vermont Legislature is considering whether to allow continued pandemic-era flexibility in how and when the state’s 247 cities and towns decide local leaders, spending and special articles; Arguments about what documents have been shared and scanned stalled a hearing Monday on Monsanto’s motion to temporarily halt demolition of the former Burlington High School to preserve evidence in a high-profile contamination case.

ALSO: Colchester has pulled out of an effort to regionalize emergency dispatch services in Chittenden County; Democratic U.S. Rep. Becca Balint was sworn into office in the wee hours of Saturday morning, more than three days after she was expected to take her seat; Green Mountain Transit plans to start charging fares this summer on its bus routes in Chittenden County for the first time since the pandemic started.

ALSO: Republican Gov. Phil Scott delivered his fourth inaugural address on Thursday; Three of the Vermont Senate’s standing committees have new chairs this year; Two proposals to amend South Hero’s development regulations have renewed debate in this small island community about the density and possible locations of future building projects.

ALSO: The Vermont Department of Health reported Wednesday that Covid-19 community levels rose to “medium” this week; After approving two contradictory ballot questions in November, Plymouth residents will revote later this month on the future of their town offices; Brattleboro leaders plan to ask taxpayers to fund a “to be determined” budget line item for ambulance service.