All but three House Democrats signed a letter calling on Hooper, a Vietnam veteran and lawmaker representing North Burlington since 2019, to resign his seat in the Legislature
Lawmaker to resign over sexual harassment finding
VT Headlines: Addison County crash leaves one dead, another seriously injured
Josh’s House celebrates five years of supporting veterans; Vermont lawmakers narrowly advance bill increasing gun restrictions and crimes; Strong wind Monday could lead to scattered power outages
Oil truck catches fire in Waterbury
Smoke and fire pouring out of the truck greeted I-89 exit 10 traffic – including this reporter.
Senator defends state funding of news media
Digger, VDC ‘not going to cover Vermont high school basketball game,’ Perchlik says
Tell your Covid-19 mandate story at State House Wednesday, March 25
Six years after Covid-19 began, it’s time to be heard.
Gray, McLaren neck-and-neck in fundraising for Dem LG race
The two top Dem fundraisers challenging John Rodgers for lieutenant governor both have received $$ from backers of U.S. senators past and present.
Nutmeg State drug, indecent exposure suspects arrested
CT teenager charged with felony drug possession after raid on drug house jailed – for now.
Hide your bird feeders, here come the bears!
“Do not wait to take down your birdfeeders and bearproof your yard until a bear comes to visit,” said Jaclyn Comeau, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department’s bear biologist.
North: House of cards in flames
As cross-over day in the VT Legislature came and went on Friday and more electric buses burst into flames, so did many of our hopes for any real progress this legislative session toward solving Vermont’s affordability crisis. To make any significant change we need more legislators who are serious about addressing this crisis.
Grace Potter joins LG candidate at site of his life-changing ski accident Tuesday
The evening event will feature a special performance by Vermont musician Grace Potter.
Election integrity forum Friday in Burlington
How do we make it easy to vote, but hard to cheat? Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas, Rob Roper, Montpelier City Clerk John Odum, and Ron Lawrence will explain their positions.
CLG: Trump sends 5,000 Marines to Strait of Hormuz
4 Army drone systems stolen from Kentucky base ; Iran war death toll climbs to 13 after all crew onboard U.S. refueling plane died in crash; Italy’s Meloni breaks with Trump over Iran war; Zelensky considering suspending elections for years
A drink for Vermonters
While Vermont is now well-known for its breweries, the state has a complicated history when it comes to alcohol. It boasted one of the longest prohibitionary periods, even before the arrival of Prohibition in 1919, and out of that environment came a Burlington company that became well known for its drinks throughout Vermont and New England: M. & F.C. Dorn Company.
Herron: Decoding the Declaration’s rights before modern dictionaries watered them down
When Thomas Jefferson wrote, “they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness,” the definition of those words mattered. All 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence had to understand exactly what the document claimed, and agree with it, before they would sign their Lives, Fortunes, and sacred Honor to defend its cause.
Prison nurse busted for giving drugs to inmate
Baker was suspended from her position the same day the drug was discovered and resigned three days later, on Oct. 27, 2025.
Secret Service seeks EBT card fraud in VT next week
If a skimming device is discovered during a visit, trained personnel will remove and collect the device for further analysis.
19-year-old charged with sex with minor
According to investigators, authorities received a report that Stryker had been involved in a sexual relationship with a juvenile.
Book Review: ‘Rack’ by Jim Hogue
The novel may be abrasive, but it is also alert, literate, and deeply rooted in Vermont — just not the Vermont we usually like to imagine.
Road rule can kicked down the road
The road rule would be delayed, and rural properties affected by develop regulation would be taxed accordingly.
Sportsmen’s banquet Saturday night
The event helps support the organization’s efforts to promote Vermont’s outdoor traditions and provide youth education programs.
Mechanical fire caused quadruple EV-bus blaze
The Champlain Valley School District, which operates a fleet of about 60 buses including eight leased electric models (valued at roughly $400,000 each through a partnership with Highland Electric Fleets and EPA grant funding), has grounded its remaining electric buses as a precaution.
VT Headlines: Ice jam, rapid flooding in St. Johnsbury
32 candidates become new citizens at Chittenden naturalization ceremony; Several detained during protest of ICE operation in South Burlington; $4 million announced for Brattleboro workforce housing project; Burlington mayor confirms use-of-force review involving one police officer
Hot Off The Press today: Feedback Friday
House rep’s resignation after a harassment probe, a key senator defending the controversial “road rule” on rural development, and Burlington’s mayor shutting down online criticism of police in an ICE raid.
Road rule ‘not going anywhere,’ key senator says
The road rule is the sticking point in Act 250 reform legislation. The current law, Act 181, strictly limits rural development on parcels with 800 ft. or more of on-property or adjacent road.
Full slate of House bills on Crossover Friday
It’s Friday of Crossover Week, and the Vermont House has a very full agenda of legislation up for action today.
School choice backers to hold press conference, urge parent participation
A Vermont school choice advocacy group is asking concerned Vermonters to contact their legislators and attend a Tuesday press conference as the Legislature considers school choice legislation.
Roper: The VT Left would rather make a statement than a difference
Latest evidence: Their overdose prevention center fiasco….
EXCLUSIVE: House Rep resigns from committee after sex harrassment probe
Krowinski commended the complainant, who is not named in the letter, for “an extraordinarily courageous action.”
Burlington mayor clamps down on online criticism of police role in ICE raid
Without local police on site, the mayor warned, the situation could have spiraled into the kind of unchecked escalation seen in Minneapolis during past ICE engagements, where absent municipal support reportedly contributed to extreme violence and civilian deaths.
Beta Technologies lands major airline deal: Hawaii to get first electric passenger flights
The deal that positions the Vermont company to move from test flights to commercial airline operations.
Purple paint property posting proposal pulled
Heffernan left the Senate chamber shortly after Pro Tem Phil Baruth announced the vote on Prop 4.
Sophisticated phishing scam steals $3M from Vermont’s largest solid waste district
The Chittenden Solid Waste District (CSWD), Vermont’s largest solid waste management entity, has fallen victim to a highly sophisticated phishing scam, losing $3 million—nearly 20% of its $15.6 million fiscal year 2026 budget.
Electric school buses destroyed in late-night fire at Williston school, over $2M damage
Four electric school buses were destroyed in a fire late Wednesday night at Allen Brook School in Williston, causing an estimated $2 million in damages to the vehicles and their charging stations.
VT Headlines: Vermont lawmakers consider banning machine gun parts
Immigration lawyers accuse Vermont prisons of impeding their work; More calls for Addison County State’s Attorney Eva Vekos to resign following DUI plea; Vermont introduces AI guidelines for schools; Vermont Gov. Phil Scott applauds Amanda Janoo for running for governor
Vermont, who is thy neighbor?
For years, the state has made itself unusually welcoming to people who are in the country illegally – and less welcome to rural families who have lived here for generations.
Vermont among 12 states explicitly allowing teacher strikes
Twelve states explicitly allow teacher strikes, including Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Vermont. In a few states, such as South Carolina, Utah and Wyoming, the legality of strikes is not clearly defined in statutes or case law.
North Country Hospital team raises over $6,000 at Jay Peak cancer fundraiser
The hospital’s team, NCH Heroes for Hope, brought in $6,164 with 14 participants, surpassing its $5,000 goal. The team placed eighth out of 23 teams at the event, which brings together groups from across the region for a day of skiing and fundraising to support people and families affected by cancer.
Letters: Klar on Vance Derangement Syndrome
Also: Dyer on the Dome of the Rock, and McCormick on H.740
CLG: Blast outside U.S. Embassy in Oslo investigated as possible terrorist attack
FBI alerted California law enforcement to brace for potential Iranian drone strikes in retaliation for U.S. war; 140 U.S. troops wounded in Iran War, Pentagon confirms; France’s Macron Orders Major Naval Deployment to Middle East
Secretary of State warns Vermont businesses of phishing scam impersonating state regulators
Anyone who receives a suspicious email or phone call claiming to be from a Vermont state agency should not click any links, open attachments, or respond to the message.
Ellis: Bernie Sanders, an origin story
He is the second most recognized political figure in the world and yet we know little about him. But a new book changes all that.
Dame: Property tax revolt didn’t fade. It got focused.
Vermont Republicans are committed to moving toward the allowable growth formula in Act 73 that more closely aligns a community’s spending with the with taxes. If that change doesn’t happen, future legislatures may run out of tricks to keep taxes down, and voters may need to send another message to the Democratic Majority in Montpelier.
Book Review: When the Trees Came Back: The Great Battle to Save Vermont’s Forests
The Vermont Historical Society is pleased to announce When the Trees Came Back: The Great Battle to Save Vermont’s Forests by Robert Mello. This book explores the long campaign to reverse the deforestation that decimated Vermont’s ancient forests after the arrival of settlers in the mid-1700s.
Illegal immigrant identified in South Burlington
Arrested after day-long stand-off
ICE raids South Burlington home
As the wanted car fled, it collided with a vehicle traveling south.
Pit bull kills elderly man
Family members were inside the home at the time of the attack, including the dog’s owner, who was able to stop the attack and secure the animal, police said.
Parents seek accountability after son’s fatal motorcycle crash
The Messenger states that according to a crash report from the State of Vermont, Paradee was traveling north on Duffy Hill Road when a vehicle entering the intersection from Taylor Branch Road allegedly failed to stop and struck the motorcycle.
VT Headlines: Sarah George announces re-election bid
Man killed by dog in Essex, Vermont; State liaison working to lower health care costs at UVM Medical Center; Legal concerns slow effort to limit Vermont National Guard’s role in foreign wars
A satirical website is promoting phony bus tours of VT ICE facilities. But is it funny?
An anonymous group is spending real money to advertise fictional guided tours of Chittenden County’s very real DHS infrastructure. Seven Days says the tours are coming. The creators aren’t talking.
Vax bill passes House, Burtt amendment rejected by roll call
The Vermont House Tuesday morning gave preliminary approval to H.545, the vaccine bill rejecting the federal vaccine guidelines proposed by AHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy. It also voted against the bill’s proposed [Rep. Greg of Cabot] Burtt amendment, requiring more parental information about child vaccination.
Lawmakers target AI in health care and mental health services
Lawmakers are weighing two bills – H.814 and H.816 – that would create a new set of protections from neurotechnology in Vermont and regulate usage of artificial intelligence in mental health services, respectively.
VT Senate examines new Investment Income Tax
The discussion centered on S.282, legislation that would introduce several tax changes affecting upper-income taxpayers. The bill’s centerpiece is a 4% “wealth proceeds tax” on investment income, modeled on the federal 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax.
Drag Queen Story Hour scheduled at elementary school
The DQSH is part of an “identity unit” DEI week at Beeman Elementary School in New Haven.
War Department continues support for Scouting America after policy changes
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said the decision followed discussions between Pentagon officials and the organization’s leadership regarding compliance with Executive Order 14173, signed Jan. 21, 2025. The order, titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” directs federal agencies to ensure that programs connected to federal funding or support do not include race- or sex-based preferences or policies the administration considers discriminatory.
Kranichfeld won’t run in Franklin County
May run for Chittenden County State’s Attorney
State trooper hurt in crash
4:34 p.m. on Vermont Route 279.
Walker was operating with his lights and siren activated near the intersection with Kocher Drive when his cruiser was involved in a collision with a second vehicle.
VT Headlines: Mad River ice jam still stuck in Moretown
First Democrat announces run for Vermont governor; Beta Technologies selected for federal pilot program, set to fly in Vermont this year; Special Olympics Vermont Winter Games kick off in Wilmington; Zach Weight announces run for Franklin County State’s Attorney
Vax parental consent rejected; rodenticide bill watered down; purple paint posting a priority
Vermont’s lawmakers are all back from their Town Meeting break and bracing for Crossover Week, when bills (with a few exceptions) must be voted out of committee in order to proceed to passage this year. Here are just a handful of developments as of this morning.
Letter: Teacher recalls dark days of Covid
Six years ago, the month of March felt much gloomier than it does this year.
Roper: Nothing’s funnier than politicians discussing ethics legislation
When “shining a light” is a blinding distraction.
Swenson: Vermont’s fiscal reckoning is already here
Vermont keeps buying time. The structural problems keep compounding.
Environment committee members cry foul after chair shuts down vote on land conservation bill
According to members of the committee and available footage, a motion was seemingly made and the committee adjourned without addressing it. However, the Chair of the committee denies breaking any rules.
Page: Burlington’s new Sanctuary District?
Echoes of dystopia: Sanctuary Districts in DS9 and Burlington’s permanent homeless pods
Flood plain properties uninsured
Only about 12 percent of structures carry flood insurance compared to approximately 60 percent of eligible properties nationwide with National Flood Insurance Program policies.
Share your Covid story at State House public hearing
Six years after our state was locked down and government officials imposed mitigation measures to “slow the spread” and “flatten the curve” of the Covid-19 virus, Vermonters are finally being invited inside the statehouse to share how the restrictions imposed by our local government officials impacted their lives.
State House comic book unveiled for Civic Learning Week
This week (March 9 – 13) is Civic Learning Week, an annual nationwide nonpartisan event that brings together students, educators, policymakers, and leaders in the public and private sectors to highlight and promote the movement for civic education.
Woman dies weeks after crash on icy road
The driver lost traction on black ice on a curve.
VT Headlines: New recovery shelter opening in Burlington
Vermont child care inspectors undercount ‘serious’ violations, audit finds; Ice jam builds in Mad River Valley near Moretown and Waitsfield; Leadership change at Vermont National Guard as some members remain deployed overseas; Vermont Senator Alison Clarkson retiring at end of session
School tuition choice lawsuit, Medicaid fraud, crossover on Hot Off The Press Today
Lots of news to talk about today, Monday March 9, on Hot Off The Press on AM 550, FM 96.1, Wdevradio.com at 11:05 AM. Call us at 802-244-1777.
Congress demands Medicaid fraud info from Scott, Human Services secretary
The move comes as federal lawmakers raise concerns that Vermont’s $2.3 billion program may be vulnerable to the same “industrial-scale” fraud recently uncovered in states like Minnesota.
Contractor registry, ratepayer disconnection, free ID for pre-trial inmates face Crossover scrutiny
This week is the last opportunity for new bills to pass between chambers, so this means that time is limited and committees often work long hours with few breaks. However, this excludes “must-pass” bills, like the budgets, which are given extra time.
Letter: Lynn on Voter ID law
Vermont is one of only fourteen states that don’t have any requirement for voter ID when voting.
CLG: UK has just TWO DAYS’ worth of natural gas stored
Wall Street braces for huge sell-off as oil hits highest level in four years and gas prices hit $8-a-gallon; Kansas City International Airport is evacuated as passengers flee on to tarmac and flights are grounded; Trump says ending Iran war will be ‘mutual’ decision with Netanyahu; Ali Khamenei’s son Mojtaba is confirmed as Iran’s next Supreme Leader
Lawsuit claims Act 73 narrows tuition school choice
The lawsuit, filed in Vermont Superior Court, argues the new law significantly narrows that option and violates the Vermont Constitution by arbitrarily limiting which schools families can choose.
Vermont braces for prolonged energy pain as Iran conflict halts global oil flows
Vermont produces six times less energy than it consumes and depends on trucked-in petroleum for both transportation and home heating.
Keelan: Why I would not build residential rental housing
The Vermont political leadership, at the federal, state, and local levels (except for Governor Phil Scott’s administration), has made numerous announcements about how they wish to control residential rental housing in Vermont. They have made it their mission to stigmatize those who are residential rental landlords with comments such as, “they are gouging their tenants, making huge profits while providing minimum services.”
Chamber: Vermont’s economic moment is now
From planning to policy
Hospital nurse pleads innocent to fentanyl fraud
Brittney Roberts, also known as Brittney Metivier, 36, of Barre, was arraigned March 5 in Vermont Superior Court on one felony count of fraud or deceit involving a regulated drug.
Springfield and state police raid 78 Valley Street again
State fire safety officials revoked occupancy in residence.
VTDigger editor leaves – 4th editor in 16 months starts work in June
Anand succeeded interim editor Neal Goswami. His predecessor, Paul Heintz, departed in February, 2025. When Susan Allen starts work in June, she will be the fourth editor-in-chief in 16 months at VTDigger.
Detransition conference invites VT participation
Organizers say the conference is particularly relevant for Vermonters because debates over gender identity policies in schools, health care and government in the Green Mountain State have intensified in recent years.
‘Burtt Amendment’ to vax bill urged
The amendment is expected to be considered when H.545 returns to the House floor, potentially on Tuesday.
VT Headlines: Barre nurse charged with drug offenses
Audit finds widespread inconsistency and delays in oversight of Vermont’s child care facilities; Dorset community fundraiser for Grand Kyiv Ballet of the Ukraine; Annual Spice on Snow music festival returns to Montpelier
Noem ousted as secretary of Homeland Security
Sen. Pete Welch said Noem’s leaving office is overdue.
Mail carrier cited for discarding mail in dumpster
A mail carrier has been cited on multiple theft and unlawful mischief charges after allegedly discarding mail in a dumpster on a regular basis dating back to October 2025.
Call in at 802-244-1777 at 11:05 to Feedback Friday
The crooks know our seniors are susceptible to fraud.
Blotter: DUI, domestic assaults
State and local police busy with DUI, domestic abuse cases this month.
Police seek senior fraud, burglary suspect
Police say the suspect is believed to have entered apartments in a 55-and-older residential community and taken property belonging to residents.
Grand Isle driver pleads innocent to attempted murder of deputy sheriff
Deputy sheriff continues to recover from injuries
AI data center construction could be prohibited until 2030
S.205 would ban centers over 100 megawatts while their energy use and water consumption is studied
In an age of online learning, could driving follow suit?
Students and experts offer testimony on a bill that would allow for online driver education
Staying connected when the grid fails
Mesh networks like Meshtastic offer Vermont a potential practical backup for communication during storms and outages
Rally for veteran charged with domestic terrorism
Millet was charged following comments authorities allege he made during a phone call to the Veterans Crisis Line, the national suicide prevention hotline for military veterans.
Valley: We’re subsidizing Ghost Town schools
Colchester taxpayers are absorbing double-digit tax hikes to heat, plow, and staff half-empty buildings in rural counties that have lost 40% of their students but flat-out refuse to consolidate.
Two towns close schools/ ICE feared at non-citizen voting polls/ Woodstock votes new school
In Burlington, poll workers and an education non-profit kept watch for federal immigration agents during Town Meeting Day voting.
VT Headlines: Jasper Hill, others take home top awards at World Championship Cheese Contest
Winooski police look for driver involved in hit-and-run with pedestrian; Barre school budget fails; why board member says he’s not surprised; Vermont governor kicks off maple season in Canaan; Delegation asks FEMA to explain why it denied aid for Vermont’s 2025 flooding damage
Corrections medical contractor legally under fire for inmate death
Lawsuit claims Wellpath negligence killed Vermont inmate with untreated diabetes
Deputy sheriff hit, dragged by vehicle in South Hero
Driver flees, but caught in Grand Isle
Diagnosing an intriguing historical mystery
This spring, VHS collections staff are focusing intensely on the items we’ve selected for the “50 for 250” project. One of these objects is a cane that was present at the famous St. Alban’s Raid, the northernmost Confederate action in the Civil War.
Two men jailed on drug, eluding charges after police chase
Officers reported finding a large amount of cash, a small quantity of crack cocaine and a jar of petroleum jelly inside the vehicle.
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