How Democrats secured a historic majority in the VT House; VSECU members approve merger by narrow margin; Scott won reelection by widest margin yet

Vermont's online nonprofit news daily. Please support our reporting. Politics How Democrats secured a historic majority in the Vermont House by Lola Duffort Democrats have never held this many seats in the lower chamber, and no single party has controlled this many districts in the chamber since 1966, according to state records. Read more... Looking for Vermont Covid-19 data? Visit VTDigger's Covid dashboard, updated on weekdays when new data is available. Politics Phil Scott won reelection by his widest margin yet by Sarah Mearhoff In securing his fourth term, the popular incumbent governor outperformed his Democratic opponent Brenda Siegel in every Vermont city and town. Read more... Politics Nearly every Vermont town gave majority support to reproductive rights amendment by Riley Robinson Town-by-town results for the measure, known as Proposal 5 or Article 22, revealed a broad base of support for the state constitutional amendment, even in conservative areas. Read more... Business & Economy By a narrow margin, Vermont State Employees Credit Union members approve a merger by Fred Thys Opponents argued that joining with New England Federal Credit Union would bring an end to VSECU's historical vision. Read more... Health Care Covid levels in Vermont 'low' for 2nd week in a row by Natalie Williams The state's Covid levels returned to "low" last week after two weeks of "medium" levels. Read more... Education Brattleboro Union High School fires principal without explanation by Kevin O'Connor Windham Southeast School District leaders dismissed Steve Perrin seven months after placing him on paid leave from his $120,000-a-year position. Read more... Politics Chittenden County voters approve $22 million bond for a new recycling facility by Auditi Guha According to uncertified results submitted by town clerks to the Chittenden Solid Waste District, 82% of voters supported the measure. Read more... Crime and Justice Attorneys agree Pownal man charged in slashing death is not competent to stand trial by Tiffany Tan The finding came after two psychologists evaluated Darren Pronto, 34, who is accused of killing Emily Hamman, 26, during broad daylight in downtown Bennington. Read more... Politics Franklin County sheriff results remain unclear; 2 incumbents ousted in Windsor, Orange counties by Juliet Schulman-Hall Two write-in candidates challenged John Grismore, the former deputy fired from the Franklin County Sheriff's Office in August after kicking a man in custody. Read more... Politics Mark MacDonald defends Orange County Senate seat from challenge by John Klar by Ethan Weinstein The Democratic incumbent had been off the campaign trail for the last month after suffering a stroke. His Republican opponent ran an aggressive, highly visible digital campaign focusing on the clean heat standard and cultural issues popular among national Republicans. Read more... Politics Vermont Conversation: The abortion election and male allies by David Goodman Abortion was on the ballot in this week's midterm elections and the results were emphatic: Voters, even in conservative states, want abortion rights over abortion bans. Read more...   [News Briefs] None today.   [Obituaries] Benjamin R. Naylor, Korean War veteran, researcher, school board chair, grandfather As a specialty food pioneer, Ben spearheaded and then led the Vermont Specialty Food Association for several years.   Read more   [Commentary] Peter Berger: Edward, Ben, and what they saw for the future Hitler explained that big lies like Trump's work because decent, ordinary people can't believe anyone would lie so outrageously. You've been deceived and used by people you trust. Duane Sherwood: Step away from the label, and nobody gets hurt There is more to politics than political labels and sweeping generalities. If our politicians cannot break the gridlock of labels, then I fear our divided house will not stand. Michael Shank: On social media, Vermonters pan Gov. Phil Scott It's beyond clear that Scott is failing working-age Vermonters on all fronts and in all the ways mentioned here. It's past time for a change. Narain Batra: Big lies may have big consequences What role did major news media organizations such as Fox Corp. play in the 2020 presidential elections in diminishing voters' trust in the electoral system and, consequently, people's faith in democracy?   [Press Releases] Get into the holiday spirit with a Canine Christmas Doggie Slumber Party, Historic Inn Tours and the Manchester Merriment Light Up Tractor Parade   [About VTDigger]   Our mission is to produce rigorous journalism that explains complex issues, holds the government accountable to the public, and engages Vermonters in the democratic process.  VTDigger is a project of the Vermont Journalism Trust, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our mailing address is VTDigger.org | 26 State Street, Suite 8 | Montpelier, VT 05602   Forward this email to a friend Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. Copyright © 2022 VTDigger, All rights reserved. Want to change how you receive these emails? 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