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Oligarchy Trumps Independence

by RDavis | Op/Ed

The passage of the 2025 budget marks the transition from democracy to oligarchy. Once the drastic economic and social changes are in place it will be extremely difficult to make meaningful change. In order to restore democracy, if such a move will even be possible, it may require the American people to overtake the current government by force.

Complacency is no longer an option. You may fall into one of three categories. You may be a MAGA maniac and are happy with the turn of events. You may have you head under a rock and have been able to ignore all of the current news or you are in a constant state of anxiety over the direction that American government is taking.

Here’s the definition of oligarchy according to the Merriam Webster dictionary.

WSESD Board Meeting Agenda July 8, 2025

by Not Signed In | Education

Motion that the legal counsel prepare in writing a summary of all cases involving the WSESD/SU within the past 3 years. The summary should include all cases litigated, settled, considered for litigation, or currently awaiting resolution. The summary should also include the nature of the matter and any financial or policy implications to the extent permissible by law. It is understood that this summary will be discussed only in Executive Session by the WSESD Board and not revealed to the general public.

Big Beautiful Bill Passed U.S. Congress, Sent to President Trump to Sign, Now What Can Vermont Do?

by CrisEricson2016 | Op/Ed

There are many news reports to read, but I want you all to start thinking about who could be President in 2028. None of the current Democrats were strong enough to lead both sides of the aisle into defeating this Big Beautiful Bill.

There is no one currently in office who qualifies, because no one currently in an elected office stepped up to the plate to lead a bipartisan group to defeat President Donald Trump’s bill.

Brattleboro and VT COVID-19 Regional Dashboard Summary – July 2025

by cgrotke | Health

It’s the July 2025 dashboard summary. We continue semi-regular COVID-19 dashboard numbers from the Vermont Department of Health, and MA counties that surround Brattleboro, as long as they continue providing them.  New Hampshire has shut down their reporting. Numbers are low, but not zero. Scroll down the new comments for the latest.

Brattleboro Selectboard Agenda and Notes – July 8, 2025

by cgrotke | Town News

The Brattleboro Selectboard starts July with a big meeting on the 8th. They’ll spend almost a half million dollars on DPW vehicles, authorize tax collectors going after local businesses, pay for a new $476k retaining wall, and that’s just in the consent agenda. (They’ll also retroactively consider a parade permit – if it fails, do the participants need to march backwards?)

Once the meeting gets going in full, the board will hear from the Charter Revision Commission, receive an update on the old Hinsdale bridges, set a property tax rate of $1.5835 per $100, hear about increases to water and sewer rates, spend over $500k on space for police and bathrooms downtown, and more.

You can bring up other items not on the agenda during public participation.

VTrans Construction Update July 3, 2025

by Not Signed In | Town News

In observance of the Independence Day Holiday, crews will be off the road at Noon on Thursday, July 3rd and return to work Monday, July 7th.

TRAFFIC IMPACTS:

Motorists should watch for crews accessing the shoulders on Vermont Route 9, Vermont Route 30, U.S. Route 5, and Vermont Route 142 as well as all approach routes and side streets while they install construction signs.

Church Street Closure

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Utilities Division will be replacing a sewer line on Church Street beginning on Monday, July 7 through Friday, July 11.  Church Street will be closed from 6:00am to 5:00pm for this replacement.  There will be no parking on Church Street during this time and motorists should plan alternative routes .  

If you have further questions, please contact the Department of Public Works at 802 254-4255 or email Chris Severance cseverance@brattleboro.gov.

U.S. Senate Passed A Different Version of The Big Beautiful Bill So The U.S. House Has To Vote On It Again, If They Agree With It

by CrisEricson2016 | Opinion

Today, July 1, 2025, the United States Senate voted 50 Yes to 50 No to pass President Donald Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill Act, so Vice President J.D. Vance was required to vote to break the tie, and so the Republicans won.

Now, because the version of the Big Beautiful Bill Act in the United States Senate Passed with Amendments, making it different than the previous Bill the U.S. House in the United States Congress passed, now it has to go back to the Congressmen and Congresswomen in the U.S. House to decide if they agree with the Amendments the U.S. Senate made, or they can re-write the Bill again.

NECCA on NBC Today Show (Video)

by cgrotke | Media

Here’s the clip that NECCA said could be found on the Today Show video page. It is a short piece featuring Brattleboro’s NECCA and the Silver Circus, showing how folks can run away and join the circus even when they are over 60!  (Video below)

June 2025 Precipitation Report

by local | Nature

Near average rainfall for the month of June at 4.41″ compared to the NOAA normal of 4.52″.  It has been a little dry of late with only 0.21″ falling in the last 11 days of the month.  I don’t record temps but there have been some very hot days followed by big swings to cool days.

Year to date precipitation stands at 29.18″ compared to the normal of 22.13″.  Well above the average mostly from the wet month of May.  All numbers are from my location in the S.E. corner of Brattleboro and may be different where you live.

The Brattleboro VTrans Paving Project Map and Info

by Not Signed In | Town Plan

In observance of the Independence Day Holiday, crews will be off the road at Noon on Thursday, July 3rd and return to work Monday, July 7th.

TRAFFIC IMPACTS:

Motorists should watch for crews accessing the shoulders along all approach routes and side streets to Vermont Route 9, Vermont Route 30, U.S. Route 5, and Vermont Route 142 while they install approach signs.

Brattleboro July 4 Closures

by Not Signed In | Town News

In observance of the July 4th holiday, all Town offices will be closed on Friday, July 4, 2025, with the exception of emergency services.

Parking is free at all metered spaces and in the pay-and-display lots on Friday, July 4, 2024. All other violations will be enforced.