Federal government slashes staffers at critical heating program for Vermont

Vermont officials are assessing how residents may be affected after the mass firing of federal workers who administer the LIHEAP program, which provides millions of dollars in heating assistance to low-income households in the state. 

High egg prices drive interest in raising backyard flocks

By CHRISTINA DOLAN

WEST LEBANON — On Thursday, the first of a seasonal series of monthly chick delivery days at West Lebanon Feed & Supply, a cacophony of chirps greeted customers as they stopped in to pick up their orders.

Alerts to crime victims in Vermont are full of flaws

By CHARLOTTE OLIVER

On a Sunday night Kelsey Rice found her abuser at her home again, out on bail after an arrest hours earlier. The courts had ordered him to stay away. He didn’t.

Local group expected to acquire Burke Mountain ski resort

By HABIBSABET

A local group that includes longtime Burke Mountain benefactors and community stakeholders is on the cusp of acquiring the Northeast Kingdom ski resort, according to people familiar with the deal. 

Judge praises NH’s progress cutting down wait times for inpatient mental health care

By PAUL CUNO-BOOTH

A federal judge says New Hampshire is making good progress toward eliminating wait times for inpatient mental health care.

Grafton man dies after suffering burns in house fire

GRAFTON — A 73-year-old Grafton man died Thursday following a house fire last week that left him with severe burns.

Bridge work to alter traffic patterns between Woodsville and Bath

WOODSVILLE — Beginning later this month, construction will result in daytime lane closures and alternating traffic patterns on Route 135 on the Raymond S. Burton Bridge between Bath, N.H., and Woodsville.

Upper Valley community nurses seek to help people stay safe at home

By LIZ SAUCHELLI

WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — Joan Ponzoni wasn’t feeling well when she arrived at the Bugbee Senior Center one day in January.

Vermont legislative lawyer calls Phil Scott’s executive order on motels unconstitutional

By CARLY BERLIN

The Legislature’s chief lawyer has deemed Gov. Phil Scott’s move to extend motel voucher eligibility for a narrow segment of unhoused Vermonters an “unconstitutional consolidation of power.” 

Hundreds of Vermont schools and child care facilities do not meet herd immunity threshold for measles

By ERIN PETENKO

The United States is in the midst of a surge in measles cases driven by unvaccinated children. 

No bet limits and slot machines possible changes to New Hampshire’s casinos

By SRUTHI GOPALAKRISHNAN

At New Hampshire casinos, bets on poker, blackjack and other games of chance are currently capped at $50 — but that could change.

Police update timeframe for death of baby found in New Hampshire pond

By TODD BOOKMAN

A newborn girl found in Manchester's Pine Island Pond last Thursday was likely placed there up to 48 hours prior, according to a new timeline released by the Manchester Police Department.

Hartford Selectboard mulls closing road off Sykes Mountain Ave

By EMMA ROTH-WELLS

WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — The Selectboard is considering a developer’s request to close off part of a residential road in anticipation of an influx of new residents from a permitted 240-unit apartment complex.

Upper Valley groups plan to participate in nationwide protest Saturday

By MARION UMPLEBY

WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — Upper Valley residents are planning to join protests on Saturday, April 5, as part of a national movement, Hands Off!, against policy changes enacted by President Donald Trump and billionaire businessman Elon Musk.

Man faces sexual assault charges in Lebanon

LEBANON — A 24-year-old man who was residing in a Winter Street apartment in Lebanon with a 14-year-old was arrested in Massachusetts and extradited back to New Hampshire to face multiple sexual assault charges.

Bills targeting childhood vaccine and mask requirements advanced by NH House Republicans

By WILLIAM SKIPWORTH

During a busy two days of voting last week, the New Hampshire House of Representatives approved several Republican-backed bills seeking to lift or prevent certain public health-centered requirements for children.

Renewable energy grants for rural businesses unfrozen after weeks of uncertainty

By MARA HOPLAMAZIAN

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is releasing some funding for grants that helped farms and other businesses in New Hampshire build solar arrays and other small renewable energy systems.

Planned Parenthood says Trump officials froze family planning funding in NH, Maine

By PAUL CUNO-BOOTH

Planned Parenthood of Northern New England says the Trump administration has frozen around $500,000 in family planning funds for its health centers in New Hampshire.

Chris Pappas announces bid to succeed Shaheen in US Senate

By KATHY McCORMACK

Four-term Congressman Chris Pappas announced his bid Thursday to succeed retiring U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a fellow Democrat, next year.

End of winter motel season means hundreds of unhoused people must move out

By CARLY BERLIN and ELODIE REED

A chilly wind swirled around the Travelodge parking lot in South Burlington on Tuesday morning as several residents packed up their things.