Independent journalists Feldman and Collier discuss on Chronicle Conversations how the attack and its aftermath have been portrayed by Vermont political leaders, activists and media.
Three years after October 7 attack on Israel, Chronicle Conversations looks at how Vermont response changed from sympathy to condemnation
VT Headlines: Abuse survivors’ attorneys fight Burlington Catholic Diocese move to dismiss bankruptcy
UVM Medical Center and support staff unions reach contract agreement; Milton fuel delivery service fined for illegal dumping; A change in Vermont high school athletic uniforms could mean no more white shorts; New senior housing coming to Brattleboro on site destroyed by Irene flooding
Vermont spends more than twice as much per student as Mississippi. Mississippi’s fourth-graders score higher on national tests.
Vermont’s eighth graders still lead. Vermont’s own education agency points to Mississippi’s reading overhaul as the model to follow.
Roper: The really ugly side of the “Second Home” Tax
This has been a topic of conversation under the Golden Dome for at least the past couple of years, and the reasons behind it expose some really ugly sides to our collective character. It also illustrates the important difference between the concepts of “Democracy” and our Constitutional Republic.
Domestic assault, DUI prevalent this week
To the troopers who stopped a wrong-way driver on I-91 in the middle of the night, the dispatchers on the receiving end of twenty-plus abusive calls, the officers who dealt with the same Montpelier man twice before breakfast, and every deputy, agent and municipal officer who answered a call in between: thank you. Your work keeps Vermont’s roads, homes and schools safer, and it rarely gets the credit it deserves.
Woman who missed court due to being in labor later abandoned 12-day-old infant, police say
On September 26, police found the infant inside a room and determined that Merrill had allegedly locked herself in a bathroom for several hours while the baby was crying and needed care. Witnesses told police Merrill later left the residence without the infant and did not return.
Halloween Wildlife Festival & Jack-O-Lantern Lit Hike
Vermont Fish and Wildlife is inviting families to attend its Jack-O’-Lantern Lit Nature Hike at the Kehoe Conservation Camp, 636 Point of Pines Road in Castleton on Friday, October 23, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Canadians returning to Vermont. Vermont’s exports to Canada aren’t.
Jasper Hill Farm in Greensboro, one of Vermont’s best-known cheesemakers, shows what that gap looks like for one business. Co-founder Mateo Kehler told CTV News Ottawa, in a story published Oct. 5, that the company’s Canadian sales “went from gangbusters to zero cases.” He put the loss at hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Thurston: Prop 4 and EQS would put the nails in the coffin of literacy improvement
Vermont schools are failing to teach reading: Prop 4 threatens to make the problem permanent
Molly Gray family farm investigated for migrant farmworker housing conditions
A Vermont Agency of Agriculture investigation identified a series of problems with worker housing on the Gray family farm. UPDATE: Molly Gray says the conditions have been brought up to code, and that Rodgers’ criticism was “a new low.”
VT Headlines: Vermont Treasury awards $3.4 million in higher education funding, scholarships
Barre school district board approves fourth budget proposal; Sen. Peter Welch visits Brattleboro for first listening session event in Windham County; Vermont State University sees consistent increase in enrollment
Parti Québécois returns to power, reviving Quebec sovereignty debate
The election marks a significant shift in Quebec politics. Since taking over leadership of the Parti Québécois, St-Pierre Plamondon has sought to rebuild support for the sovereignty movement, arguing that Quebec should become an independent country. He has pledged to hold another referendum on independence, though he has indicated he would wait until President Donald Trump is no longer in office before asking voters to weigh in on the issue.
Right for Vermont Foundation announces statewide information sessions on Proposal 3
Free community events in Middlebury, St. Johnsbury, Charlotte, Chester, and Montpelier will help voters understand the proposed constitutional amendment before November 3
Newbury yogurt maker expands
When Diane Wyatt bought a family cow in 1998, she thought it would be just that – for the family. But home cheesemaking turned to yogurt making, one cow turned into two, and by 2009, the family had built a processing plant and was selling Sweet Cow Yogurt at markets around Vermont.
Warner: United We Stand Media Fest rallies for freedom
There is no better time to make the drive up I-89 to Burlington than when the leaves are changing and the weather is still warm enough to keep the windows down. The Green Mountain state transforms to the autumn creamcicle with cherries on top state as nature’s diverse colorscape parades through the foothills one more time before we return to Narnia.
Vermont is using Anthropic’s AI to help fix State software and proofread ballots
The technology secretary says developers review and test changes before applying them. Ballot proofreading used public information.
Men’s clothing shop enters its eighth decade upbeat about Vermont
And yet McNeil and Reedy, a traditional men’s fashion store, is upbeat. The Rutland-based retailer bought MK Clothing located on Church Street in downtown Burlington in July. On October 3, McNeil & Reedy celebrated its 70th anniversary with hundreds of customers and local luminaries at a celebration along Rutland’s Merchants Row.
Video: The High Stakes of Proposal 3
What does the data say about Proposal 3, the proposed collective bargaining amendment to the Vermont Constitution?
Milton Republicans cry foul on Dem candidate claiming support from deceased fire chief, legislator Don Turner
Turner, a former House Republican leader, Milton state representative, fire chief and town manager, died in 2024.
Out-of-state anti-ICE protesters due in Vermont this week
A series of protests and gatherings are planned throughout this week as part of “Shut Down ICE VT” to disrupt two ICE facilities in Vermont.
War correspondent Lara Logan to speak at Norwich today, tonight
She also will participate in a 7 PM panel discussion Monday in Mack Hall with Dr. Ike Wilson, Dr. Deborah Deacon and retired Air Force Lt. Col. Dan Hampton. LTC Chris Cadigan will moderate.
VT Headlines: Vermont highway to be renamed for fallen Border Patrol agent
Guard commander says Vermont F-35 pilots faced hostile fire over Iran; Derby Veterans Park adds monuments to honor unrecognized veterans; Driver cited with domestic assault charge hours after car fire
Gary Sinise has spent 23 years playing for troops. Vermont was state no. 49.
The actor plays bass. Around him: a Pat Metheny Group drummer, a 22-year Army Band trombonist, jazz professors — and his late son’s songs.
CLG: White House on high alert and ‘assessing options’ as airborne plague breaks out in Russia with hundreds put into quarantine
Also, Fauci’s diary reveals alarm that U.S. had aerosolized Ebola virus: ‘Never should have been done’
Letters: The Elephant in the school spending room is Administration
Also, asking Democrats why they think Democrat incumbents deserve another term.
Vermont dead last in education return-on-investment, think tank finds
Vermont is last or almost last in ROI, academic transparency, and civics education, conservative think tank says.
Tiemann: Standing with Rebecca Duprey
We at SPEAKVT congratulate and extend our appreciation to Rebecca Duprey for courageously speaking up at a school board meeting regarding Green Mountain High School’s attempt to secretly counsel her special-needs son to be transgender.
Zito finalizes purchase for Christian university in Poultney
Evangelist Tommie Zito has completed his purchase of the former Green Mountain College campus in Poultney, clearing the way for his plan to open a Christian college called Z University.
Peak color, summer-sized crowds at Lake Willoughby
Lake Willoughby looked like the middle of July on Saturday, minus the swimsuits.
Feds charge four-time felon for Burlington City Hall Park drug cases
The ATF arrests Nathaniel Santiago, 40, of Barre City on federal drug charges on Pine Street in Burlington on Friday
Cohen: Will Vermont’s Bernie go 0 for 2?
After failing miserably the first time, Bernie Sanders is trying again to influence Maine’s politics
Newport affordable housing, brownfield work costs $21.5 mil
The project combined redevelopment of the former convent with construction at two sites in Newport Center and included cleanup of two brownfield properties.
Prison guards working mandatory double shifts, union complains
Crowley said Vermont prisons have been operating with fewer than half the recommended number of security staff.
Border jumper wanted for NY sex crimes busted in NEK
Ndaiye has an arrest warrant from the New York County Criminal Court for charges related to three sex crimes stemming from a September 1, 2025 arrest, records show.
Vermont Historical Society has acquired Big Heavy World’s Collection of Vermont music
The collections holds treasures such as a 2008 field recording of the Hannaford Fife and Drum Corps in Hyde Park, The Vermont Symphony Orchestra at the Flynn in 1999, and music from venues around the state, including Nectar’s and Toast. There is also a small collection of items, including the ladle from Nectar’s and the door from 242 Main.
Klar: Supporting blood cancer research in memory of my Father
Multiple Myeloma took his life early.
Stop the hearings, lawmakers urge Two Rivers-Ottaquachee board
Sen. John Benson and Rep. Mike Tagliavia sent a formal request to the commission’s chair asking that the process be stopped “until rural Vermont municipalities and residents are truly given a voice.”
Kelly: Freedom means the freedom to work and the freedom to be equal
In a free and democratic society, should an individual have to join a private organization as a condition of getting or keeping a job?
Brown: Can Vermont Afford Proposal 3?
Once you account for what things cost, people in Right to Work states take home about $3,500 more per person.
VT Headlines: A Rutland County school district recovers from cybersecurity attack
Man tied to 2018 Fair Haven school shooting plot accused of Sterling College burglary; Police say man taken into custody tried to burn down occupied camper; Record diesel prices strain Vermont school district budgets; What are those tiny flies swarming some Northeast Kingdom homes?
LaFleur: Pieciak’s ‘Vermont Saves’…or does it?
About 214 college students are losing out on funds to help them further their education and make it more affordable every year.
Bus service faces ‘Fiscal Cliff’ in Burlington, Chittenden County
The dire financial woes of Green Mountain Transit will be the subject of a public forum next week.
Letters: Klar says Burlington aid must have strings, Stearns gives Nielsen high rating
Klar on Burlington’s natural consequences of short-sighted leadership.
Cohen: Vermont’s socialists sandbagged?
Democrat Molly Gray painted by leftists as a turncoat
VT’s LURB wants to hear from you!
You do not need to know a board member, hire a lawyer, or learn a secret handshake to speak at a Vermont Land Use Review Board meeting.
BETA hopes to fly medical supplies across Lake Champlain. It’s testing the idea in North Carolina and Texas first.
UVM Health runs hospitals on both sides of the lake. BETA says the Vermont flights haven’t launched and it is working on a start date.
Attorney General Clark urges Congress to fully fund Supreme Court security
The request comes as authorities document a sharp rise in threats against federal judges. According to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, “security incidents of significant concern” for judges spiked by 57 percent in FY 2025.
Scott names senior leaders, Advisory board members
Governor Phil Scott this week announced new appointments within the administration, including senior agency leaders and per diem board members.
Scott announces $31.7M agriculture and timber disaster aid
Loss assistance program will provide recovery assistance for eligible agricultural and timber losses caused by 2023 and 2024 weather events.
Burlington downtown biz board asks Scott for more cops, homeless bed, etc.
“Immediate, substantive and collaborative action must be taken as soon as possible,” the commissioners wrote.
Eginton: Pseudo-politicians
As we enter the election’s crunch time, and Vermont’s economic, demographic and education problems metastasize, one candidate for governor has zero life experience with the issues at hand.
VT Headlines: Police searching for missing Vermont man Raymond Liberty
Missing hiker spotted again in Vermont, Lincoln police say case is closed; Fire destroys building on Elmore Road in Worcester; Medicaid changes are set to kick in for Vermonters; Free education opportunity for 3SquaresVT recipients
Socialists call out Gray for pivot on wealth tax, abolishing ICE
Before the hotly contested August 11 primary against Ryan McLaren and Esther Charlestin, Gray won support from the progressive voters when she told the GMDSA she would support a wealth tax. But just last week on the Morning Drive – having won the Democratic primary and now facing a Republican incumbent – she said she doesn’t.
UVM offers reward cash for drugged date rape info
UVM Police and Safety Teams said they received allegations involving incapacitating drugs, sometimes referred to as “date rape” drugs.
Gleason: Trump’s Executive Order has election officials terrified
Don’t believe the hype about the Supreme Court ending Trump’s effort to clean up mail-in ballots. He’s got every bureaucrat nervous and careful—and you can help.
Vermont Catholic Church files to withdraw from bankruptcy amid mounting legal costs
Since filing two years ago, the Vermont Catholic Church’s bankruptcy has developed into multiple overlapping legal battles that could have ramifications across the state for the church’s faithful.
Vermont ranks among the nation’s highest for grocery-store shoplifting
According to an analysis of FBI data, Vermont recorded the seventh-highest rate of grocery-store shoplifting in the United States.
Feds charge Williston anti-ICE trespassers
The move comes after Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George refused to honor the criminal trespass citations that the Vermont State Police have issued this year to about two dozen people that troopers said blocked the facility.
Person taken into custody after lawmaker shoved at Abenaki event
The incident comes amid a dispute over Vermont’s recognition of four Abenaki tribes.
VT Headlines: Burlington Police lieutenant resigns following multiple misconduct investigations
Land Use Review Board holds meetings on new Act 250 forest criterion; College students allegedly damaging Middlebury bar; Burlington cat lounge recovers after front window is smashed; 2 drivers injured in Warren Route 100 crash
Four arrested after stolen vehicle stopped in Rutland
Four people were arrested Monday after Rutland police stopped a vehicle that Vermont State Police say had been stolen overnight from a Clarendon business.
Rail Trail trashed by well-meaning litter pickerer-upper
Police said the cleanup effort created hazardous conditions for people using the trail and left the Vermont Agency of Transportation facing a “significant financial burden” to remove the accumulated waste.
Fentanyl addict faced her addiction at Teen Challenge, now she’s clean and helping others
Calling Adult and Teen Challenge a “ministry of transformation,” Dougherty added, “I am one of those stories.”
57% back a Second-Home Tax. The poll didn’t define one — or ask who owned one.
A majority said yes. The survey never said what counts as a second home or asked whether respondents own one, a camp or a rental.
Your AI twin could save your life: UVM to build ‘Digital Twins’ to improve ICU care
“The multidimensional dynamics of immune dysfunction is too complex for a person, even an expert, to comprehend. But we can train a computational model to do that.”
Canada import ban takes effect
Alcoholic beverages, dairy products, and motorcycles were among the Canadian products banned from import into the United States, under a Trump administration measure that took effect yesterday.
Cohen: Vermont Digger under fire – from liberals!
Believe it or not, as Ripley would say.
Klar: Hamburger was more expensive under Obama. So was gasoline.
Democrats, however, don’t want voters to know that.
Rep. Troy Headrick allegedly assaulted at private Abenaki event
The Council said the situation escalated when Headrick intervened and one of the four allegedly pushed and struck him.
Rodgers to pay cannabis fine
Lt. Gov. John Rodgers has agreed on behalf of his cannabis business to pay a $2,500 fine to the Vermont Cannabis Control Board for operating at a location that had not received required state approval.
Media festival on socialism, education Oct. 3 at Main St. Landing
A media festival featuring national and Vermont speakers on education, socialism, teachers unions and two proposed amendments to the Vermont Constitution will be held Saturday, Oct. 3 at the Main Street Landing Film House in Burlington.
VT Headlines: Defense seeks reduced charge for suspect in fatal Burlington stabbing
School consolidation talks underway in Central Vermont; Advances in BTV Overdose Prevention Center, tax fairness proposals; Burlington’s ‘Hot Spot Working Group’ is making areas safer, mayor says
Man wanted for molesting child at quarry busted at border
The 12-year-old told investigators that Ouimet had inappropriately touched them Aug. 9 at the Dorset Quarry on Route 30 in Dorset, a popular swimming and cliff-jumping spot.
Culp: the urban-rural compact is broken
Over time, disparities in political power and wealth magnify as rural areas are drained of resources to enrich the core and are increasingly deprived of a voice in the political process.
Woodstock Railroad opened 151 years ago today, co-founded by the remarkable Frederick Billings
Behind the railroad was one of the most successful Vermonters of the 19th century. Billings, Montana. Billings Student Center at UVM. Billings Farm & Museum in Woodstock. Yeah, THAT Billings.
‘Mend it and keep it alive’: Inside Vermont’s growing repair culture
New state program aims to increase opportunities to reuse and repair.
Barre Granite Festival shows that the industry with a rich history is still very much alive
The event included museum exhibits, live demonstrations, and family fun.
Vermont ski company melting misfortune
Vail Resorts needs snow – and lots of it
Before polls, Americans watched the betting odds. Now the odds are back — and pricing Vermont’s races
Polymarket makes Phil Scott an 84% favorite even as one local poll has him trailing. It backs Molly Gray too — and there, the polls agree.
Vermont Yankee’s buildings are almost gone. Its nuclear fuel isn’t
In everyday English, decommissioned sounds like gone. In federal nuclear rules, it means something narrower.
Who is Chris Ford?
And can he be re-elected to an office that doesn’t exist?
VT Headlines: Vermont DOC reports death of man held at Springfield prison
St. Anselm College offers free tuition to Vermont students; Missing South Burlington man with Alzheimer’s found in Shelburne; Vermont rolls out new plan to battle chronic school absenteeism
Chronicle Conversations today: Coolidge biographer Amity Shlaes, Senate candidate Irene Wrenner
Amity Shlaes is the author of four New York Times bestsellers, The Forgotten Man: A New History of the Great Depression, The Forgotten Man: Graphic, a full length illustrated version of the same book drawn by Paul Rivoche, and Coolidge, a full-length biography of the thirtieth president, which debuted at number three on the Times list and The Greedy Hand: How Taxes Drive Americas Crazy.
Which poll is right? Latest shows Scott leading Janoo
The Vermont Public survey found Scott leading Janoo 42%-32% among all respondents, with 20% undecided. Among likely voters, Scott led 44%-34%, while 16% were undecided.
Candidates, officials condemn decision to prosecute anti-ICE protesters
Clark said she’s just upholding the law and that her personal political preferences are clearly on the side of the trespassers.
Gerald Malloy challenges Becca Balint in third federal campaign
Gerald Malloy, an Army veteran who has twice previously run for US Senate in Vermont as a Republican, is seeking a seat in the US House, where he will face incumbent Democratic Rep. Becca Balint in the November 3 general election.
Dangerous SOBU man held on gun charge, again
A dangerous South Burlington man, who was sentenced to federal prison in 2022 after threatening a former domestic partner with an AK-47 rifle while on drugs, has been arrested again for a new gun charge, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Dam protecting Montpelier #2 on safety priority list. Drilling starts Oct. 5.
Wrightsville Dam ranks second of 18 on the state’s own dam safety priority list, behind only the East Barre Dam. The drilling is part of the state’s effort to learn more about the vulnerabilities and potential failure scenarios identified in its assessment.
State court overturns Police Chief Swanson’s demotion again
For the second time in less than a year, a Vermont court has overturned efforts by Municipal Manager Eric Duffy and the Village Trustees to demote Woodstock Police Chief Joe Swanson to a patrol officer.
Vandalism reported at retired Woodstock chief’s home
Police investigate it as a possible hate crime
Green: Prop 4 grants rights for some, not all
Vermont legislators seem to have an uncanny knack for crafting constitutional amendments which are touted as noble and necessary to uninformed voters, but are, in fact, neither.
Couple’s love story 40 years in the making
Friends from second grade reconnect decades later to form a new special bond and got recognized by Variety Magazine’s Favorite Couple Contest.
State employee union vows fight on “Return to Commute”
Executive Director: “State employees struggling under the weight of ever-increasing costs and a failing economy under Governor Scott can’t give up the fight, and neither will their union.”
Shorts: Fairlee woman winning the reading wars
Also, a silent film series gets underway.
Poll says Scott, Rodgers both trail Dem challenges
Because Janoo’s six-point advantage falls within the poll’s margin of error, the Survey Center characterized the race as a statistical tie.
VT Headlines: More than 3,000 could strike at UVMMC if vote approved
Car damaged in gunfire incident on Maple Street in Essex Junction; Vulnerable adult reported missing in South Burlington
Supreme Court backs Scott Return to Work order
Requiring stare employees to return to the office is not an unfair work practice, the Supreme Court rules.
Airport bomb threat prompts brief South Burlington school lockdown
An informed source said South Burlington dispatch received a threat involving a bomb at the airport. Authorities responded under normal emergency procedures but quickly determined the threat lacked credibility.
Bookkeeper challenges Health Care chair for House seat
Working with individuals and small businesses gives me a close-up view of what rising costs, taxes and fees are doing to Vermonters,” Mack said.
Thayer: Vermont cannot afford to say no to prosperity
Data Centers should not automatically be treated as the enemy.
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