The Dartmouth Independent covers campus life, local news, culture, and sports at Dartmouth College. Serving Hanover, NH and the Upper Valley since 2004.https://dartmouthindependent.com/en-ushttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/brattleboro-hospital-nurses-vote-to-strike-amid-contracthttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/brattleboro-hospital-nurses-vote-to-strike-amid-contractNurses at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital vote to strike over wage cuts, but delay setting a date to allow renewed contract negotiations.Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:01:47 GMTcultureLabor StrikeNurses UnionBrattleboro Memorial HospitalVermont HealthcareContract DisputeSofia Martinezhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/trump-signs-executive-order-to-curb-mail-in-votinghttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/trump-signs-executive-order-to-curb-mail-in-votingPresident Trump signed an executive order targeting mail-in voting, directing federal agencies to compile citizen lists and imposing new ballot tracking rules.Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:00:32 GMTcultureMail-In VotingExecutive OrderElection LawVoting RightsDonald TrumpSofia Martinezhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/nh-disability-care-providers-demand-more-abuse-investigatorshttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/nh-disability-care-providers-demand-more-abuse-investigatorsNew Hampshire disability care providers warn a shortage of abuse investigators is causing months-long backlogs, leaving residents and workers in uncertainty.Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:00:31 GMTcultureDisability CareNew Hampshire PoliticsAdult Protective ServicesAbuse And NeglectDevelopmental DisabilitiesSofia Martinezhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/ice-detained-wrong-people-in-vermont-raids-judges-rulehttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/ice-detained-wrong-people-in-vermont-raids-judges-ruleFederal judges freed four of five people swept up in Vermont ICE raids after finding the government's legal justifications potentially unconstitutional.Tue, 31 Mar 2026 12:00:33 GMTcultureImmigration EnforcementIce RaidsHabeas CorpusVermont NewsCivil LibertiesAmara Okaforhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/vermont-long-covid-patients-seek-senate-reformhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/vermont-long-covid-patients-seek-senate-reformVermonters suffering from long Covid testified before the Senate Health Committee, pushing for reforms as millions nationwide remain without clear treatments.Mon, 30 Mar 2026 09:02:27 GMTcultureLong CovidVermont SenatePublic HealthCovid-19Healthcare ReformEmma Greenehttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/vermonts-first-black-female-police-chief-retireshttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/vermonts-first-black-female-police-chief-retiresNorma Hardy, Vermont's first Black female police chief, retires after rebuilding Brattleboro's department and launching innovative public safety programs.Mon, 30 Mar 2026 09:01:32 GMTculturePublic SafetyVermontBrattleboroPolice ReformTrailblazersDiego Bellohttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/vermont-pushes-back-on-federal-tax-changes-to-avoid-33m-gaphttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/vermont-pushes-back-on-federal-tax-changes-to-avoid-33m-gapVermont lawmakers propose breaking from new federal tax provisions to prevent a $33 million shortfall in the state's fiscal year 2027 budget.Mon, 30 Mar 2026 09:00:33 GMTcultureVermont PoliticsFederal Tax PolicyState BudgetOne Big Beautiful BillLegislative Fiscal OfficeAmara Okaforhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/vermont-act-181-debate-reveals-rural-urban-dividehttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/vermont-act-181-debate-reveals-rural-urban-divideVermont lawmakers clash over Act 181, a 2024 land use law, as rural landowners demand repeal and the Senate votes to delay its implementation.Sun, 29 Mar 2026 09:02:18 GMTcultureVermont PoliticsLand Use PolicyAct 181Rural Urban DivideProperty RightsAmara Okaforhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/no-kings-day-rallies-draw-millions-in-anti-trump-protestshttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/no-kings-day-rallies-draw-millions-in-anti-trump-protestsMillions joined No Kings Day protests across the US, with over 3,000 demonstrations nationwide opposing what organizers call Trump's consolidation of power.Sun, 29 Mar 2026 09:01:23 GMTcultureNo Kings DayAnti-Trump ProtestsDonald TrumpPolitical DemonstrationsHarry DunnSofia Martinezhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/thousands-join-no-kings-day-protests-across-vermonthttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/thousands-join-no-kings-day-protests-across-vermontAround 10,000 rallied at Vermont's Statehouse while thousands more joined 50 events statewide, part of 3,000+ nationwide anti-Trump demonstrations.Sun, 29 Mar 2026 09:00:29 GMTcultureNo Kings DayVermont PoliticsTrump ProtestsMontpelier RallyPolitical DemonstrationsDiego Bellohttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/vermont-school-transportation-costs-whats-driving-the-spikehttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/vermont-school-transportation-costs-whats-driving-the-spikeA nonprofit news investigation reveals why Vermont school transportation costs have surged, uncovering market consolidation and private equity involvement.Sat, 28 Mar 2026 16:00:35 GMTcultureVermont EducationSchool TransportationInvestigative JournalismPrivate EquityRural CommunitiesNoah Sullivanhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/campus/trump-defends-mail-in-vote-while-pushing-ban-on-mail-votinghttps://dartmouthindependent.com/campus/trump-defends-mail-in-vote-while-pushing-ban-on-mail-votingTrump told reporters he voted by mail 'because I'm president' while his administration pushes legislation to ban universal mail-in voting for Americans.Sat, 28 Mar 2026 09:01:53 GMTcampusMail-In VotingDonald TrumpSAVE America ActVoting RightsElection PolicySofia Martinezhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/vermonters-protest-act-181-land-use-law-at-statehousehttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/vermonters-protest-act-181-land-use-law-at-statehouseHundreds of rural Vermonters rallied at the Montpelier Statehouse demanding repeal of Act 181, a 2024 land-use reform law facing growing opposition.Sat, 28 Mar 2026 09:01:03 GMTcultureAct 181Vermont Land UseRural CommunitiesVermont PoliticsLand Use ReformLiam Whitehttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/nh-senate-passes-bill-to-improve-disability-system-oversighthttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/nh-senate-passes-bill-to-improve-disability-system-oversightSenate Bill 670 heads to the NH House after bipartisan Senate approval, targeting abuse, neglect, and preventable deaths in the disability care system.Fri, 27 Mar 2026 16:00:49 GMTcultureNew Hampshire PoliticsDisability RightsSenate Bill 670Healthcare OversightDevelopmental DisabilitySofia Martinezhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/senate-scrambles-on-dhs-funding-as-airport-lines-worsenhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/senate-scrambles-on-dhs-funding-as-airport-lines-worsenA six-week partial shutdown is straining TSA staffing and airport security lines as Senate negotiators exchange new DHS funding proposals.Fri, 27 Mar 2026 09:02:00 GMTcultureGovernment ShutdownDepartment Of Homeland SecurityAirport SecuritySenate NegotiationsTsa FundingSofia Martinezhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/tech/ayotte-signs-executive-order-for-nh-nuclear-energy-roadmaphttps://dartmouthindependent.com/tech/ayotte-signs-executive-order-for-nh-nuclear-energy-roadmapNew Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte signed an executive order directing the state to develop a nuclear roadmap focused on advanced nuclear energy technologies.Fri, 27 Mar 2026 09:01:00 GMTtechNuclear EnergyKelly AyotteNew Hampshire PoliticsSmall Modular ReactorsEnergy PolicySofia Martinezhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/campus/student-commutes-5-hours-by-bus-and-bike-to-reach-classhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/campus/student-commutes-5-hours-by-bus-and-bike-to-reach-classBrad Hubbs travels 75 miles twice a week via three buses and a bike to attend CCV in Winooski—without ever owning a car.Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:02:35 GMTcampusCommunity College Of VermontPublic TransitStudent LifeVermontNontraditional StudentsNoah Sullivanhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/vermont-alt-weekly-letters-capture-a-community-in-2026https://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/vermont-alt-weekly-letters-capture-a-community-in-2026From ICE raids to small plates and AI ethics, Vermont readers' letters to their alt-weekly reveal a community deeply engaged with local and national issues.Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:01:38 GMTcultureLocal JournalismVermont CommunityImmigration EnforcementLetters To The EditorAlt-WeeklyDiego Bellohttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/ben-jerrys-fight-to-break-free-from-unileverhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/ben-jerrys-fight-to-break-free-from-unileverBen Cohen is waging a legal battle to reclaim Ben & Jerry's from Unilever, threatening the brand's identity and progressive political independence.Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:00:36 GMTcultureBen And Jerry'sCorporate LawFood IndustryProgressive ActivismUnileverDiego Bellohttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/vermont-judges-hire-lobbyists-for-legislative-retentionhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/vermont-judges-hire-lobbyists-for-legislative-retentionVermont Superior Court Judge Rachel Malone hired a lobbyist to secure reappointment after the Judicial Retention Committee declined to recommend her.Wed, 25 Mar 2026 09:02:12 GMTcultureVermont judiciaryjudicial retentionlobbyistsRachel MaloneVermont StatehouseDiego Bellohttps://dartmouthindependent.com/politics/tsa-officers-demand-congress-end-shutdown-end-missed-payhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/politics/tsa-officers-demand-congress-end-shutdown-end-missed-payTSA union leaders say 44,000 officers are missing paychecks, with some selling plasma for food as the partial government shutdown stretches into weeks.Wed, 25 Mar 2026 09:01:24 GMTpoliticsTSAgovernment shutdownfederal workersAFGECongressSofia Martinezhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/rural-vermonters-push-back-against-act-250-land-reformshttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/rural-vermonters-push-back-against-act-250-land-reformsRural Vermont residents rallied at the Statehouse demanding lawmakers repeal or delay Act 181 reforms they say block development on their private land.Wed, 25 Mar 2026 09:00:35 GMTcultureVermontAct 250Act 181land userural communitiesDiego Bellohttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/vermont-community-providers-fill-substance-use-treatmenthttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/vermont-community-providers-fill-substance-use-treatmentAs private providers exit Vermont, community organizations expand outreach and medication-assisted treatment to protect people in recovery from dangerous disruptions.Tue, 24 Mar 2026 09:02:42 GMTnewssubstance use treatmentVermontopioid use disordercommunity healthmedication-assisted treatmentAmara Okaforhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/politics/supreme-court-hears-case-on-migrant-asylum-rights-at-borderhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/politics/supreme-court-hears-case-on-migrant-asylum-rights-at-borderThe Supreme Court heard arguments in Noem v. Al Otro Lado, a case that could allow border officials to turn away asylum seekers before they enter U.S. soil.Tue, 24 Mar 2026 09:01:41 GMTpoliticsSupreme Courtasylumimmigrationborder policyNoem v. Al Otro LadoSofia Martinezhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/burlington-city-council-questions-chief-over-ice-raidhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/burlington-city-council-questions-chief-over-ice-raidBurlington's interim police chief defended his officers before city council over their role in a controversial South Burlington ICE raid that injured protesters.Tue, 24 Mar 2026 09:00:35 GMTcultureBurlingtonICE raidimmigration enforcementBurlington Police DepartmentSouth BurlingtonDiego Bellohttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/vermont-bill-h606-would-tighten-gun-laws-in-the-statehttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/vermont-bill-h606-would-tighten-gun-laws-in-the-stateVermont's House Judiciary Committee advanced H.606 along party lines, a bill targeting gun theft, machine guns, and mental health-related firearm restrictions.Mon, 23 Mar 2026 09:02:33 GMTnewsVermontgun controlH.606firearm legislationmental healthNoah Sullivanhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/vermont-schools-still-skipping-required-radon-testinghttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/vermont-schools-still-skipping-required-radon-testingNearly 25% of Vermont public schools missed a 2021 radon testing mandate, exposing gaps in enforcement, funding, and student safety.Mon, 23 Mar 2026 09:01:28 GMTnewsradon testingVermont schoolsschool safetypublic healthlung cancerSofia Martinezhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/woodstock-police-chief-demotion-upheld-appeal-expectedhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/woodstock-police-chief-demotion-upheld-appeal-expectedThe Woodstock Village Board upheld Chief Joseph Swanson's demotion to patrol officer, citing serious workplace violations. A lawsuit and appeal are expected.Mon, 23 Mar 2026 09:00:40 GMTnewsWoodstock PoliceJoseph Swansonpolice chief demotionVermont newslocal governanceLiam Whitehttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/vermont-senate-backs-incremental-health-care-cost-reformshttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/vermont-senate-backs-incremental-health-care-cost-reformsVermont's Senate Health Committee unanimously advances two bills targeting hospital pricing and primary care to ease crushing insurance premium costs.Sun, 22 Mar 2026 09:02:22 GMTcultureVermont health careSenate Health Committeehealth care reformS.190hospital pricingDiego Bellohttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/bennington-agency-pays-483k-over-disability-care-failureshttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/bennington-agency-pays-483k-over-disability-care-failuresUnited Counseling Service settles with Vermont for $483,464 over repeated supervision failures in care for adults with developmental disabilities.Sun, 22 Mar 2026 09:01:16 GMTnewsUnited Counseling Servicedevelopmental disabilitiesVermont Attorney GeneralMedicaid fraudBennington CountyAvery Chenhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/politics/nh-house-passes-bill-easing-zoning-for-home-child-carehttps://dartmouthindependent.com/politics/nh-house-passes-bill-easing-zoning-for-home-child-careThe New Hampshire House passed HB 1195, removing certain zoning barriers for home-based child care programs and small centers licensed for 30 or fewer children.Sun, 22 Mar 2026 09:00:32 GMTpoliticsNew Hampshirechild carezoningHouse Bill 1195home-based careSofia Martinezhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/vermont-prosecutor-eva-vekos-faces-immediate-licensehttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/vermont-prosecutor-eva-vekos-faces-immediate-licenseVermont's disciplinary counsel seeks immediate suspension of Addison County prosecutor Eva Vekos over a DUI conviction and alleged professional misconduct.Sat, 21 Mar 2026 09:02:02 GMTnewsEva VekosVermont prosecutorDUIlaw license suspensionAddison CountyAmara Okaforhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/vermont-ev-mileage-fee-what-drivers-need-to-knowhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/vermont-ev-mileage-fee-what-drivers-need-to-knowVermont lawmakers are advancing a 1.4 cents-per-mile fee for EV drivers, estimated to cost the average driver about $154 annually to fund road repairs.Sat, 21 Mar 2026 09:01:20 GMTnewselectric vehiclesVermontEV feetransportation fundingmileage taxNoah Sullivanhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/vermont-panel-pushes-to-renegotiate-215m-abraxas-contracthttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/vermont-panel-pushes-to-renegotiate-215m-abraxas-contractVermont's House Human Services Committee urges renegotiation of a $21.5M contract with Abraxas Youth Services amid abuse allegations in Pennsylvania.Sat, 21 Mar 2026 09:00:31 GMTnewsVermontAbraxas Youth and Family Serviceschild welfareDepartment for Children and FamiliesWest River HavenAmara Okaforhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/rodolphe-rod-james-vallee-88-dies-in-georgia-vermonthttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/rodolphe-rod-james-vallee-88-dies-in-georgia-vermontRod Vallee, a beloved Franklin County businessman and conservationist who built the Maplefields brand, died peacefully at home on March 12, 2026.Fri, 20 Mar 2026 16:02:32 GMTnewsobituaryVermontFranklin CountyR.L. Vallee IncMaplefieldsSofia Martinezhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/vermont-town-meeting-turnout-vs-november-electionshttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/vermont-town-meeting-turnout-vs-november-electionsVermont leads the nation in November voter turnout at 71%, yet town meeting participation rarely tops 20%. John Bossange asks why locals skip local votes.Fri, 20 Mar 2026 16:01:44 GMTnewsVermonttown meetingvoter turnoutlocal democracycivic engagementDiego Bellohttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/federal-government-investigates-vermonts-abortion-mandatehttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/federal-government-investigates-vermonts-abortion-mandateThe U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is investigating Vermont's abortion coverage mandate, giving the state 20 days to respond to federal scrutiny.Fri, 20 Mar 2026 16:00:49 GMTnewsabortionVermontHHSWeldon Amendmentabortion coverage mandateAvery Chenhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/politics/nh-executive-council-approves-130m-rural-health-contractshttps://dartmouthindependent.com/politics/nh-executive-council-approves-130m-rural-health-contractsNew Hampshire's Executive Council unanimously approved $130 million in contracts for the GO-NORTH rural health initiative after brief transparency concerns.Wed, 18 Mar 2026 09:02:29 GMTpoliticsNew Hampshirerural healthExecutive CouncilGO-NORTHKelly AyotteSofia Martinezhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/vtdigger-wins-7-nenpa-awards-for-reporting-and-photographyhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/vtdigger-wins-7-nenpa-awards-for-reporting-and-photographyVTDigger earned seven New England Newspaper & Press Association awards, including three first-place finishes in photography, protest coverage, and racial reporting.Wed, 18 Mar 2026 09:01:19 GMTnewsVTDiggerNENPAjournalism awardsVermont newsNew England mediaZoe Kimhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/fix-our-forest-act-reform-or-logging-free-passhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/fix-our-forest-act-reform-or-logging-free-passThe Fix Our Forest Act heads to a Senate vote, sparking debate over whether it reduces wildfire risk or weakens environmental oversight of logging.Wed, 18 Mar 2026 09:00:32 GMTnewsFix Our Forest ActNEPAforest managementenvironmental policyloggingAvery Chenhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/politics/gop-food-aid-cuts-threaten-farm-bill-coalitionhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/politics/gop-food-aid-cuts-threaten-farm-bill-coalitionHouse Agriculture Committee passed a farm bill 34-17, but Republican SNAP cuts made outside negotiations threaten the decades-old rural-urban coalition.Tue, 17 Mar 2026 09:02:23 GMTpoliticsfarm billSNAPfood assistanceHouse Agriculture Committeebudget reconciliationSofia Martinezhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/vermont-rep-bob-hooper-to-resign-after-sexual-harassmenthttps://dartmouthindependent.com/culture/vermont-rep-bob-hooper-to-resign-after-sexual-harassmentVermont State Rep. Bob Hooper plans to resign after a House panel found he violated sexual harassment rules, as Democrats demand his immediate departure.Tue, 17 Mar 2026 09:01:33 GMTcultureBob HooperVermont LegislatureSexual HarassmentVermont PoliticsHouse DemocratsDiego Bellohttps://dartmouthindependent.com/politics/seabrooks-neighbors-weigh-in-on-new-hampshire-nuclear-planshttps://dartmouthindependent.com/politics/seabrooks-neighbors-weigh-in-on-new-hampshire-nuclear-plansAs New Hampshire debates advanced nuclear energy, Seacoast residents with decades of experience living near Seabrook Station offer a unique perspective.Tue, 17 Mar 2026 09:00:34 GMTpoliticsnuclear energySeabrook StationNew Hampshiresmall modular reactorsKelly AyotteSofia Martinezhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/ice-activity-in-south-burlington-sparks-protest-on-dorset-sthttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/ice-activity-in-south-burlington-sparks-protest-on-dorset-stAround 150 protesters formed a human chain outside a South Burlington home as ICE agents conducted an immigration enforcement operation on Dorset Street.Mon, 16 Mar 2026 09:02:50 GMTnewsICEimmigration enforcementSouth BurlingtonprotestVermontZoe Kimhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/freedom-of-information-day-support-a-free-presshttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/freedom-of-information-day-support-a-free-pressFreedom of Information Day kicks off Sunshine Week, highlighting the vital role of public records access and independent journalism in democracy.Mon, 16 Mar 2026 09:01:45 GMTnewsFreedom of Information DaySunshine Weekpress freedomVTDiggerpublic recordsDiego Bellohttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/vermont-soldiers-last-letters-from-the-korean-warhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/vermont-soldiers-last-letters-from-the-korean-warDave Jennings wrote his last letter home hours before dying in Korea on his 23rd birthday. His preserved letters offer a haunting glimpse into the war.Mon, 16 Mar 2026 09:00:37 GMTnewsKorean WarVermont historyDave JenningsWorld War lettersmilitary historyAvery Chenhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/vermonts-all-payer-health-care-experiment-key-lessonshttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/vermonts-all-payer-health-care-experiment-key-lessonsVermont's 8-year all-payer health care model ended in 2025. What did nearly $100 million and OneCare Vermont's experiment actually teach us?Sun, 15 Mar 2026 09:02:15 GMTnewsVermont health careall-payer modelOneCare Vermonthealth care reformaccountable care organizationAmara Okaforhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/politics/6-us-troops-killed-in-kc-135-crash-in-iraq-during-iran-warhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/politics/6-us-troops-killed-in-kc-135-crash-in-iraq-during-iran-warSix American service members died when a KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq, raising the US death toll in the Iran war to 13.Sun, 15 Mar 2026 09:01:26 GMTpoliticsIran warKC-135 crashUS militaryOperation Epic FuryIraqSofia Martinezhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/vermont-act-181-backlash-lawmakers-eye-implementation-delayhttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/vermont-act-181-backlash-lawmakers-eye-implementation-delayRural Vermont communities push back against Act 181, as a Senate committee faces a deadline on whether to delay the land use law's implementation.Sun, 15 Mar 2026 09:00:37 GMTnewsAct 181Vermont LegislatureAct 250land userural VermontEmma Greenehttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/ashley-andreas-green-building-housing-advocacy-lifelonghttps://dartmouthindependent.com/news/ashley-andreas-green-building-housing-advocacy-lifelongHartford Selectboard member Ashley Andreas overcame poverty and setbacks to find her passion in environmental building and community advocacy.Sat, 14 Mar 2026 09:01:33 GMTnewsAshley Andreasenvironmental buildinghousing advocacylifelong learningVermontZoe Kim