Held without bail.
Man charged with sex assault over 6-year-period
VT Headlines: Police seek info after reported illegal dumping at state forest
VSP: missing man last seen in Duxbury; Judge denies bid by suspect’s lawyers in border patrol agent killing to change records screening process; Vermont manufacturers react to President Trump announcing new tariffs on Canadian goods; Vermont is not educating students with disabilities up to federal standards
Predator Poachers online sting group nabs suspected sex offender in Brattleboro
The video depicts police leading away a Main Street, Brattleboro resident on July 18, with Predator Poachers president Alex Rosen describing how the group posed as an 11-year-old open to a sexual encounter.
Barre Heritage Festival & Homecoming Days returns today through Saturday, celebrating Barre and Vermont pride
The festival offers something for everyone, from exploring Vermont’s granite history at the Vermont Granite Museum to enjoying live performances and local flavors in the heart of the city.
Appeals court reverses Mahdawi decision- says judge overstepped authority in deportation case
Mahdawi still free, but now must argue case in immigration courts.
Balint introduces bill to protect Vermont’s small businesses from Amazon and other retailers
Balint, who chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus’s Ending Corporate Greed Task Force, joined with New York Democrat Rep. Nydia Velázquez and several other Democratic lawmakers to introduce what they call the Online Sellers’ Bill of Rights Act of 2026.
Vermont F&W hearings on Bear Rule changes
The changes proposed by the Fish and Wildlife Board would eliminate the consecutive “early” and “late” seasons to create one bear season extending from September 1 through the last day of the regulated deer seasons.
Thayer: Memo to VT’s DSA – capitalism works, socialism doesn’t
Your website declares you want to get rid of the Presidency, the U.S. Senate, Homeland Security and ICE, State and local Law Enforcement, private businesses, prisons, our United States Constitution. What world will we live in with your ideas?
FEMA approves NEK flood repair reimbursements
The funding approved included $3.6 million to the state of Vermont to reimburse the Town of Lyndon to repair one bridge on Red Village Road and replace another washed away by the late July 2024 flooding.
Legislative crackdown on Health Care Sharing Ministries could raise costs for ratepayers, taxpayers
As Vermont’s health care insurance rates climbed higher than neighboring states, the Vermont Legislature this year tried to crack down on what some Vermonters of faith consider a more preferable, more cost-effective alternative: the health care sharing ministry (HCSM).
Bernie Sanders’ former Jewish-Outreach Director accuses him of promoting antisemitic candidates
In an interview with Jewish Insider at the Aspen Security Forum, Joel Rubin didn’t mince words, claiming that the Jewish senior Vermont U.S. senator and his movement are harming American Jews by boosting “anti-Israel, antisemitic candidates.”
Scott names former National Guard commander as Special Advisor
Governor Phil Scott also announces 144 appointments to State boards and commissions
VT Headlines: Authorities seek information about Waterbury debit, credit card thefts
Pilot rescued by residents after small plane crash in Morgan; Tractor-trailer crash closes Route 22A in Benson for hours; Youth-centered space prepares to open in Montpelier; Gas prices increase in Vermont once again
Judge eases release conditions for MA teen accused of drug-related shooting
Prosecutors argued that Said, who faces a homicide charge in the death of Christina Chatlos, 38, should not receive any additional leniency. Caledonia State’s Attorney Claire Burns told the court that the state had originally sought to hold Said without bail and remains concerned about public safety and the possibility that he could flee while living in Massachusetts.
12th Annual Brewfest brings community together to support local patients
The 12th annual Brewfest will take place July 25 from 3 to 9 p.m. at The Barn at the Top of the World, located at 1073 Upper Quarry Road in Newport. The venue is operated by Hilarie and Todd Wright, who donate its use for the charity.
Despathy: Questions to ask political candidates
It’s campaign season. You can’t swing a dead cat without hitting a candidate looking for your vote. Here are a few questions to ask.
Third Planet Hank video lampoons crypto king contribution in Balint’s 2022 campaign
$991,000 of the $1.1. million contribution to the LGBTQ Victory Fund was spent on behalf of Balint’s primary campaign, helping her defeat Molly Gray. Balint won easily in the general election.
Former top Sanders campaign aide arrested for trying to take cop’s gun during traffic stop
During the struggle, Healy reached toward an officer’s duty belt, grabbed the officer’s holstered firearm and attempted to remove it from the holster, police say.
Under pressure, Democrat Senate primary candidate allegedly scrubbed pro-Israel social media
Benjamin and Simon make no bones about their anti-Israel viewpoint in their article, accusing the Jewish state of “genocide in Gaza.”
Truth & Reconciliation Commission collects truth-telling tears, burns tissues
According to the commission, tissues collected during its public and private truth-telling sessions — symbolizing the tears shed as Vermonters shared their experiences — will be offered in a ceremonial fire as a gesture of healing.
VT Headlines: Vermont State Police investigating Vernon mail thefts
Memorial grows for teen killed in Burlington e-bike crash; VSP: Gun discharged accidentally into Highgate apartment; Vermont Green women finish inaugural season as national runners up; Vermont Green FC Men’s Soccer advances to USL2 Eastern Conference Finals
Homeless man with long arrest history held for assault on woman with kids present
Prior arrests for the man with ‘kill rats’ tattooed on his face include domestic assault with a deadline weapon, arson, fleeing scene of a crash.
Town Meeting initiative puts students at the center of school funding
The non-binding initiative asks whether Vermont should move toward a student-centered education funding system in which education dollars follow each child rather than being allocated primarily to school districts.
Paper mill closure bad news for Vermont forest products industry
Veteran Vermont forester and author William Sargent is warning that the closure of the Finch Wood Yard in Glens Falls could have far-reaching consequences for the Northeast’s forest products industry, calling it one of the most significant events of his more than 50-year career.
As Hawaii burns oil, Vermont gets GWSA
Perhaps electrical grids are more complicated than the mandates.
Swenson: VT healthcare system can’t handle population growth
Vermont makes a serious mistake when it treats more housing and a larger population as automatic progress. Every subdivision cut into a field, forest edge, hillside or former farm permanently removes part of the landscape that makes this state worth living in.
Two busted for drugs in South Burlington by Burlington PD
Interim Burlington Police Chief Shawn Burke said the two men were arrested following a month’s long investigation into a drug trafficking organization operating in the downtown area of the Queen City.
Kathie Lee Gifford memoir forgives hubby Frank, who trained with New York Giants in Colchester
The New York Giants and their legends made Colchester the team’s preseason home away from home in the 1950s.
Roper: Vermont: The best place to live people are fleeing
Does CNBC’s “Best States” ranking make any sense?
Prop 3 will empower plans for a general strike
Education. Government. Health care. Prop 3 would clear obstacles to a general strike freezing activity in all three sectors.
Firefighter, motorist restrain knife-wielding transient
When the ranking firefighter confronted him assaulting the woman, Butchino allegedly threatened him with a large hunting-style knife.
Bear hound group offers reward in sow dumping case
The Vermont Bear Hound Association announced it is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the person or people responsible for illegally shooting and dumping the bear.
Kids injured when drunk young woman drove SUV into pool: cops
20 year old New Jersey woman charged.
Cops: 53-time repeat offender started fracas at library
Two years ago the suspect pleaded guilty to 53 charges, mostly stemming from alcohol-induced behavior.
UVM dumbs down application process amid declining enrollment
Vermont’s ranking state university is facing pushback over plans to stop requiring hopeful freshmen to submit essays with their applications.
Teenager on e-bike killed in crash
Police identified the victim as Shiloh Skalka, 16, of Burlington. Authorities said Skalka died Thursday evening from injuries suffered in the collision.
VT Headlines: Burlington protest following shooting deaths of two by ICE agents
Vermont man accused of assault with hammer, threatening baby during fight; Vermont man arrested in New York for DWI, illegal weapons possession; 25 Vermont communities could become “opportunity zones”; E-biker seriously injured after Burlington crash; Rutland County Agricultural Society shares plan to upgrade old infrastructure at Vermont State Fair; Middlebury Festival on the Green back for 47th year
Matthew Lyon, early freedom of the press champion, honored Saturday
The celebration, organized by the Fair Haven Historical Society, will begin at 11 AM in the town park with remarks from state leaders and journalists about the importance of First Amendment rights. Scheduled speakers include Gov. Phil Scott, Senate Minority Leader Brian Collamore, House Minority Leader William Canfield, and Vermont Press Association Executive Director Michael Donoghue.
Drowning in North Hero
The first deputy to arrive located the man in the water, swam out to reach him, and brought him back to shore.
Tanker fire shuts down Interstate
Vermont State Police responded at about 3:15 AM on July 17 to reports of a truck on fire in the roadway. A preliminary investigation found that a small tanker truck traveling southbound experienced an apparent mechanical problem that ignited the vehicle. The cause of the mechanical failure remains under investigation.
Son remembers….No chocolate cake like Mom’s
“July 20th was my mother and her mother’s birthday,” VDC reader recalls.
BREAKING: Massachusetts man guilty on 10 felony drug and gun counts in Vermont
It includes using 6 juveniles to sell his crack cocaine in Rutland County
New cancer drug shows promise in Mesothelioma trial
Vermont team controls disease in 67% of patients—by attacking cancer energy system
ICE looked at Derby for office space. Vermonters in the Kingdom are asking what that means.
A federal notice names Derby among sites ICE is scouting for office space. It surfaces as two ICE shootings in Maine and Texas sharpen nerves along the border.
Suspected gangster from India busted in Vermont
According to the FBI, he is accused of being a member of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria Organized Crime Group, a transnational criminal organization that originated in India’s Punjab state.
Vermont Secretary of State’s office hosting free summer speaker series on Vermont history
The speaker series, titled “Those Who Came Before: 250 Years of Vermont History,” will explore the quest for liberty, equality, justice, and acceptance in Vermont. Speakers will use archival records, including those held by VSARA, to tell the stories of individuals, communities, and our nation.
Burlington Republicans to nominate Justice of the Peace candidates
GOP justice of the peace nominating meeting July 20.
Author claims cancer is a parasite: Kill it with the safe, over-the-counter antiparasitic Fenbendazole
Fenbendazole Can Cure Cancer presents Case Reports of people who have treated their own cancers along with other articles to help understand how fenbendazole works to treat cancer.
VT Headlines: Sanders denies endorsing Molly Gray for Lt. Governor
Burlington ranks number 6 in top towns to visit list; Group accuses Chittenden County sheriff’s campaign of transphobic speech against primary opponent; Ben & Jerry’s Foundation says it will shut down amid legal dispute with parent company
Fed $$ to help repurpose old high school into childcare/senior center
Governor Phil Scott and the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) earlier this week announced $3,547,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding through the Vermont Community Development Program (VCDP).
BREAKING: Stabbing and shooting in Middlebury; Man with mental history in custody
Initial reports indicated that one man, Puma’s father, James, was stabbed and taken to Porter Hospital, apparently by his wife, Janet.
Pro-Ayatollah Orange County high bailiff moved to Russia after election
Since his November write-in election to the unpaid county post, and after he accompanied an anti-Israel activist Mohsen Mahdawi to a detention hearing in Colchester in April, 2025, Helali was reported by a Vermont community newspaper to be living in Russia.
Letters: Papal fallibility
Also, Woodstock’s budgetary correspondence. and Balint’s budgetary record.
Flagger struck by truck on Route 105 in Jay
Renee Orzolek, 49, of Craftsbury was conducting flagging operations for road maintenance near Leavitt Circle at about 3:55 p.m. when she was struck by a 2025 GMC Canyon driven by Colby Currier, 88, of Troy, according to police.
Cohen: No wonder Bernie is so hot – he’s surrounded by old people like him
Twenty-three percent of Vermont residents are over 65, placing it second nationally to Maine, with 24 percent.
Tailgating road rager points gun at another driver on I-89
Police say Mississippi woman rolled down her window and pointed a gun at Shelburne man.
Forest fires cause smoke plume, emit tons of carbon
The largest contributor to Vermont’s hazy, smoky plume remains the dozens of active wildfires in Canada, where 34 fires are burning across nearly 24,812 acres.
VT Headlines: Multiple roadways closed this morning due to downed trees, wires
Vermont housing crisis is subject of candidate forum; Richmond still under boil water notice; Manchester Police Chief Owns retiring; Lt. Blanchard to assume leadership
Vermont State Police get new leader
Shawn Loan replaces retiring Col. Matthew Birmingham
Bernie to blame for Hillary’s 2016 catastrophe, Trump victory: Carville
Will Bernie win the Democratic nomination in 2028? Hear Mark Halperin explain why he thinks so on Chronicle Conversations at 12:30 ttoday on WVMT.
Map: public school learning varies town to town
Newly released 2025 state assessment data compiled by EdWatch VT shows many Vermont public schools are not meeting state proficiency standards in reading, writing, math and science – even though neighboring towns have much better results.
Black Bear shot and dumped in Connecticut River
On the morning of July 13, a lactating female black bear was dumped into the river from the Newbury Crossing Fishing Access Area. The bear had died from a gunshot wound.
No-mow strategy to protect birds now backfiring
Biologist Kevin Tolan from the Vermont Center for Ecostudies tells WCAX-TV the lack of mowing is spawning invasive plants choking off the very grass that was designed to save ground-nesting birds.
Revolutionary War reenactors bring the Battle of Hubbardton to life
Over the weekend, reenactors took to a southern Vermont hillside and put on an educational show
Taxpayers’ rights group comes to Vermont
“For too long, Vermont has been part of a policy experiment that too often fails to ask a basic question: who pays?”
VT Headlines: Mosquito samples from Vergennes test positive for West Nile Virus
Burlington man pleads not guilty in alleged downtown sexual assault; British ‘Red Arrows’ pay Burlington surprise visit; UVM Medical Center resident physicians approve new contract with pay raise and benefits; Tornado safety tips that could come in handy late today
Keelan: Too many historic buildings, too little volunteers and money
Not all historic buildings will be able to be preserved
In statewide reappraisal, your house is worth whatever Vermont says it is
According to the 2026 Property Valuation and Review Report, Vermont estimates that taxable property statewide is currently assessed at only about 70% of its fair market value. That doesn’t mean your tax bill is about to jump overnight, but it does mean the state is preparing for more frequent reappraisals designed to close that gap.
Will Bernie Sanders be the Democratic nominee for president in 2028?
Right now the ‘smart money’ – AKA the investors in the bookie website Polymarket.com – give him just a one percent chance, even with Oprah Winfrey and way below seven percenter Kamala Harris. Even comedian Jon Stewart gets 2%.
Vermont ski operator Vail under fire for ‘lack of investment’
“I absolutely think that their infrastructure is underinvested in, and that these are complicated machines,” Prince – a potential buyer of Vail properties – told SummitDaily.com. “When they don’t get invested in, unfortunately, people can die.”
McDonald steps down from Campaign for Vermont, MacKenzie steps up
Campaign for Vermont Prosperity has named longtime Vermont business and civic leader Pam Mackenzie as its new president, succeeding Pat McDonald, who led the nonpartisan public policy organization for the past decade.
Everybody stops for the Whale Tails. Almost nobody knows the mountains behind them
The ridge behind the sculpture isn’t the Green Mountains. It’s a range of its own — and the state has been buying it up with federal money for years.
Chester pitcher highest Vermont MLB draft pick ever
Kaiden McCarthy of Chester was drafted by the Atlanta Braves.
No plane crash Monday in the Northeast Kingdom, after all
It remains unclear what triggered the automated emergency alert.
News report: Car pulled from resort swimming pool
The report, which includes extensive video also captured on YouTube, says that a sport utility vehicle crashed into a swimming pool, sending guests scrambling but causing no serious injuries
Danger heat expected Tuesday
Heat index values to top 100 degrees.
Congressman, Vermonters cry treason on VT elected official in Iran
According to an X post by Orange County High Bailiff Christopher Helali, he’s been in Iran since at least July 7 to “honor, salute, and pray for” Iranian leader Ayotollah Khameini slain by U.S. military forces at the outset of the 2026 Iran – US war.
Roper: Looks like “progressive” Vermont gives young people the ick
64 percent want to leave, mostly citing high cost of living and high taxes.
Police bust drunk man for disturbing Do Good Fest
Following a brief struggle, the individual—identified as Matthew Adams, 35, of Essex Junction—continued to actively resist arrest, striking and biting law enforcement officers before being taken into custody.
VT Headlines: VT man who killed Dartmouth professors at 17 seeks reduced prison sentence
Union rally in Burlington calls for safe staffing at UVM Medical Center; Morristown resident charged with abandoning child on highway; Woman rescued after falling near Lone Rock Point
Auditor: Sheriffs need more oversight after years of misconduct, financial problems
Report concludes that while “most sheriffs do not engage in behavior that warrants removal,” Vermont’s current system leaves few options for dealing with problem sheriffs.
Young Vermonters eyeing the exits as affordability concerns mount, poll finds
A new statewide poll suggests Vermont may be facing a growing “brain drain,” with nearly two-thirds of young adults saying they are likely to leave the state within the next five years, driven largely by high housing costs and the overall cost of living.
Stowe golf course ends public playing privileges amid major renovation
The iconic Stowe Country Club has reopened after a massive redesign, albeit now as a private course for the first time in its more than seven decades.
2 arrested on drug charges in Barnet
Ashley Williams, 31, of St. Johnsbury, was found outside the residence and was in possession of a trafficking weight of a substance that tested positive for fentanyl, police said. Osvaldo Andino Rodriguez, 43, of Meriden, Connecticut, was found inside the residence, police said. Approximately 115 grams of a substance that field tested positive for cocaine base and over $47,000 in currency were seized, police said.
Community National Bank turns free balloon rides into $2,500 for NEKCA Food Shelf
Pilots Joe Doerer and Hélène Viens inflated Doerer’s balloon, Dream Chaser, on Saturday, July 4, to offer free tethered rides to visitors at Gardner Memorial Park.
From the mountains to the desert: How Dug North’s Vermont upbringing prepared him for a grueling survival challenge
North put skills learned in his youth to the test on the History Channel’s “Alone” series. Now he’s passing them along.
BREAKING: AG Charity Clark wants to block social media creator
One 49-second video posted on social media by Poitras apparently got under the skin of U.S. Rep. Becca Balint, D-Vt.
Vermont man cited for hate-motivated crime: “It’s Jew Hunting Season”
Warning: this news story contains profanity and language of religious bigotry.
Father finds stalker’s tracker on daughter’s license plate
19-year-old charged with stalking.
Dog found tied to sign at 3 AM – cops seek info
Do you know anything about this dog found tied to a street sign?
Father imprisoned for DUI crash killing two daughters faces new drug charge
Couture pleaded guilty in 2024 to negligent homicide in the deaths of his daughters, Kyriana Couture, 10, and Kelsey Couture, 7.
USDA cracks down on SNAP errors – Vermont safe from similar action
Vermont should learn if it seeks to avoid California’s $1.4B penalty
Youngblut’s lawyer fears lost evidence in Border Agent homicide case
Teresa Youngblut, 22, of Seattle, Wash., wants to make sure she can have a proper defense, Assistant Federal Defender Steven Barth said as part of a 16-page motion filed in U.S. District Court in Burlington this month.
Vermont official in Iran in support of slain leader
Elected official in Iran poses in front of Kill Trump sign.
VT Headlines: Street flooding in Barre, Lyndon leads to road closures
Burlington man recovers after beaver attack while swimming in Lake George; Tree damage in Northeast Kingdom; U.S. Route 5 closed in Windsor County due to downed wires; Burlington man charged with excessive speeding, eluding police
To boldly brew where others have brewed before
When a Vermont brewery says it’s the only one making non-alcoholic beer in-state, the interesting story may not be the beer. It’s what the claim quietly admits about the category’s economics.
Vermont Agency of Education announces Summer Meals Program available to all children
This federally funded program ensures that children across the state have access to nutritious meals throughout the summer. Meals are served at a wide range of locations including schools, parks, housing complexes, and libraries.
How do you build a mile and a half of trail in a Vermont State Forest and go unnoticed for five years?
A $35,000 settlement over an illegal bike-trail network on Mount Mansfield closes the case this week. The state’s own court filing answers the harder question — and it isn’t reassuring.
Governor Phil Scott announces Commerce Sec. Lindsay Kurrle is leaving, names Tayt Brooks as new Secretary
Tayt Brooks has worked for the Scott administration since 2017. He started as director of affordability and economic initiatives, then became deputy secretary of ACCD in 2021. He will officially become secretary on July 27.
Vermont gets $1.3M from CashApp settlement
Vermont will receive approximately $1.3 million as part of a $45 million multistate settlement with Block Inc., the company behind Cash App, over allegations the payment platform misled consumers about its fraud protections and failed to adequately safeguard users, Attorney General Charity Clark announced Wednesday.
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