Embattled former Woodstock Village Police Chief Joe Swanson’s appeal of his latest demotion by Municipal Manager Eric Duffy will be heard in Vermont Superior Court at the end of this month. The Village Trustees voted 5-0 earlier this year to support Duffy’s decision, but Swanson has appealed the demotion as groundless. He wants to be reinstated as chief of a department where he has worked for two decades. Duffy has said he wants Swanson gone.
Vermonters have every reason to be frustrated with the state’s healthcare system. Costs continue to climb, insurance premiums consume a growing share of household budgets, and access to care remains uncertain for many families. That frustration helped fuel support for S.190. But good intentions do not always produce good policy. Breaking down the problem with S.190 will help Vermonters understand the Governor’s veto and why this legislation was not a real solution.
Some reading this might be familiar with stories which may have, over time, taken on an almost mythical quality regarding George Washington’s apparently indestructible nature. But for those who aren’t, we will look at a few of these instances which, when seen amidst the whole tapestry of divine orchestration in the weaving together of our republic, must certainly be regarded as one of the most spectacular threads.
Catholic diocese to sell its South Burlington headquarters as part of bankruptcy; Thunderstorms hit Vermont, downing powerlines and causing a flash flood warning in Bennington County; A new Women’s Premier Soccer League team competing in Vermont for its inaugural season; Minor flooding expected in parts of northern Vermont
Today is my last day hosting Hot Off the Press 11 AM on WDEV AM 550. On Monday, I debut “Chronicle Conversations” on WVMT AM 620 at noon Monday-Friday. However, Hot Off the Press will continue full force with a dedicated team of hosts. On this coming Monday you’’ll hear Renee McGuinness of the Vermont Family Alliance interviewed anti-Marxist activist Ed Wheeler. The following Monday Mary Hahn Beerworth of Vermont Right to Life will settle in behind the microphone and interview informed, involved guests. Renee and Mary will trade off Mondays.
Scott vetoed his third bill this week Thursday, denying the Vermont State Employees’ Union exclusive access to solicit corrections officers’ membership in prison parking lots. He also signed into law the state transportation spending bill, the ‘yield’ bill setting a seven percent statewide property tax hike, and the education reform bill encouraging but not requiring school district mergers.
Vermont International Film Festival’s Musical Silents provides a new way of exploring an age-old medium.
Never seen alive after leaving Barre.
Vermont college alum’s second failed race
The “Vibrant Lives: Discovering Our Roots of Black Vermont” photography exhibit will be on display at the public library this summer.
The state’s signature housing law promised to measure whether Vermont is closing its housing gap. The first report landed in May — and it shows production falling, public money propping up its best recent year, and the one question that matters most still unanswerable in most of the state.
Jakiy Keith, 26, of Hartford, Connecticut, was sentenced Monday in U.S. District Court in Burlington to 13 years and one month behind bars. Keith had pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute cocaine and fentanyl and to carrying a firearm during a drug crime.
An arborist, who fell about 35 feet while cutting a dead tree at 301 U.S. 2 in Grand Isle said he was fortunate to have a Guardian Angel protect him from serious injury during his unexpected flight.
The man charged with trying to kill a Grand Isle County deputy sheriff by running him over with a car in March has been released on bail.
Shutdown shock to Franklin County economy
Woman injured after stray bullet hits home in Swanton, police say; A timeline for Champlain Parkway opening; Developer floats Amazon warehouse for former Macy’s building in Burlington; 4 Vt. dams targeted for removal
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today introduced the American AI Sovereign Wealth Fund Act to give the public a 50% ownership in the largest artificial intelligence (AI) companies in our country.
Vermont State Police are investigating several incidents across the state this week, including a dealership burglary in Clarendon, charges involving a Dorset man accused of offenses against a teenager, and a shooting in Swanton Town that left a woman injured.
Like Biff in a Back to the Future sequel, Becca falls into cow poop, again.
After his veto of a hospital cost control bill, the Vermont NEA went all scorched earth on the Affordability Governor.
H.710 got very little testimony in the House Energy & Digital Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee, with a brief stop in the Senate Finance Committee. As it passed through the various committees, it was clear that legislators did not understand the bill. There was much confusion about what it meant.
How the Hurricane of 1938 devastated Vermont’s forests — and how the government tried to save them. When catastrophe strikes, what does it take to bring things back from the brink?
Gov. Phil Scott signs bill that will restructure Vermont’s homelessness response; Police investigate fatal crash in Leicester; State police seek information after reported Swanton crash; World Cup races will return to Killington Thanksgiving weekend
Governor Phil Scott on June 16 signed a slew of bills into law but vetoed a bill meant to impose price controls on hospitals.
The vehicle was traveling east in a single-lane construction zone as the pedestrian was crossing the road.
Monday morning, FYIVT published an article examining Vermont’s latest “Tax the Rich-ish” campaign and the economic data behind it. By the end of the day, FYIVT had experienced the largest coordinated login attack recorded in the site’s history.
“Jon and Chelsea recently experienced an unimaginable tragedy. Following a devastating car accident, they lost their two precious daughters, Oliviah (8) and Rylin (2). Jon remains hospitalized and is receiving ongoing medical care.”
When timelines and details matter
Benson was tapped by Governor Phil Scott earlier this year to fill a vacancy in the Orange County district.
Ted Kohn, one of the country’s leading Theodore Roosevelt scholars, appears throughout the History Channel’s “Theodore Roosevelt” — newly added to Netflix ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
On June 17 of 1891, the last stone was placed in the building of the Fairbanks Museum of Natural History in St. Johnsbury.
During the course of an unrelated investigation, it was revealed Malik Daley, 39, of Barton, had inappropriate conduct with an adult female sometime between the months of March and April 2026 at a residence on Glover Road in Barton, state police said.
A combination of disorientation and exhaustion and the time of day led her to play it safe and call for help. From Stowe Mountain Rescue
Jobs, revenue, and the future Governor Scott just protected
Police arw trying to identify a man who smashed a window of a VSP van, injuring a trooper.
The published agenda reads: Proposed Site Development; Battery Storage, Data Center and mini nuclear power plant.
Mayor Gwinn Tries Unsuccessfully to Eject Whitaker from Meeting; Vermont man charged in deadly New York stabbing; Chittenden schools can avoid forced mergers if they act fast; Boil-water notice in effect in Richmond after ‘unexpected’ break during water work
Gov. Phil Scott this week signed into law bills continuing state-only authority for renewable power projects, postponing required testing for PCBs in public schools, and giving unaccompanied teens more access to state services.
Police said the unauthorized transfer was initiated using Taylor Darling’s iPhone and the money was deposited into an account belonging solely to Blake.
Also, Feds say rare wetland plant has recovered, and $32 million in fed funds for ag, timber flood assistance
LaClair is among the three Republicans seeking the nomination for the three-seat district. He, Christopher Neddo of Barre Town, and Peter Schmeekle of Stowe will face the winners of the contested Democratic primary: incumbents Ann Cumming, Andrew Perchlik, Anne Watson, and challenger Gabriel LaJeunesse.
Chair Jen Morway and board member Ellen Howrigan said at the meeting last week they had received phone calls from people upset with the town providing taxpayer funds to a for-profit business.
Tanner Hart, 32, of Burlington was picked up on a state parole warrant after the short swim and also was cited for a charge of resisting arrest, the sheriff’s department said. He is due in Vermont Superior Court on July 23.
Everyone still has the same rights except non-citizens who arrived illegally, but when the US Supreme Court declared that it is unconstitutional and a violation of the Voting Rights Act to use discrimination (race) as a means of drawing congressional districts, Vermont had to act.
Ringleader gets 10 years.
Vermont is more likely to see extreme rainfall and flooding than a drought this summer, based on the current seasonal precipitation outlook.
Vermont state treasurer discusses Trump Accounts and First Steps Forward pilot; Vergennes battery project on hold; Vermont Senior Games return to Burlington
The quote was parody. The vote was real.
The property remained vacant following what became known as the Kingdom Con Ponzi scheme.
U.S. Intelligence confirms dozens of American-funded biolabs in Ukraine, Director of National Intelligence Gabbard releases classified documents
The pot calls the maple trees black.
Authorities allege that Campbell’s dog, “Jack,” had a known pattern of aggression before attacking and killing Stephen Campbell at the family’s Brigham Hill Road home.
What a dissident Quaker, the Salem Witch Trials, and today’s disinformation debate have in common
Father Paolo Benanti, a Franciscan Friar of the Third Order and a well-respected author and teacher of moral philosophy recently noted in his article, appearing in the Wall Street Journal, “What we cannot predict becomes what we must fear.”
Two juvenile passengers in Ross’s vehicle, his daughters age eight and two, were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Close to 50 attendees drove to Becky Kinkead’s barn to see this Paddock Paradise example on Thursday, June 4. The workshop, hosted by University of Vermont Extension Center for Sustainable Agriculture and the Vermont Grass Farmers Association, attracted people of all ages with varying experiences in caring for horses.
Also, why even a life-long Democrat sees the need for a Republican Senate.
Vermont’s blotter this week ran heavy on drugs, break-ins and impaired driving. A federal judge handed down a six-year sentence in a Windham County guns-and-drugs case, troopers chased down a wanted man at a Newbury burglary, and a Rutland man was charged with torching a community center.
Vermont’s net metering decision just made solar harder; $4 million in FEMA funding coming to Vermont; Kingdom East School District narrowly approves $53.2M revised budget; Vermont State Police investigating ‘road rage’ incident in Middlesex
Neither Mahdawi nor the ACLU mention state police citing his attempt to return from an overseas trip over a decade ago with illegal drugs and a large amount of cash in his possession. Nor do they mention the police report (cited and brushed aside by the federal judge in his decision) about his alleged effort to work for a Vermont gun repair shop, also over a decade ago, citing his expertise acquired in his homeland.
A Connecticut man, who is charged with defrauding the office of the Vermont State Treasurer out of nearly $475,000, had his federal court hearing postponed Thursday when he tested positive for drugs.
Outrage as Netanyahu is caught spying on Trump’s Iran negotiators – as JD Vance reveals a chilling truth about Israel; Trump calls off Iran strikes, tells The Post U.S.-Tehran deal is ‘all wrapped up’; Senate wants to force U.S. to share sensitive intel with Israel
She was riding a 2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster southbound when she struck a guardrail.
“Even if our two countries are now like an old married couple who sleep in separate rooms and use separate doors, no matter which door we use it is inside that we will as always meet in friendship.”
Sunny Lowdown is going to open the show with a solo performance. After a quick set with my old bandmates, we’re going to have a Blues Jam where local players can try their hand at wooing the crowd. There are slew of other great players, too numerous to mention, who are playing on supporting the Vermont Blues Society’s event.
There is so much about our great nation to celebrate, particularly in this 250th year since its birth.
Despite political differences, descendants of longtime lawmaker, prosecutor ‘intend to keep the race cordial”
Vermont woman sentenced on firearms offense following fatal shooting; Haskell Free Library holds ribbon cutting for new Canadian citizen entrance; Several roads washed out in Vermont after overnight storms Wednesday; Franklin Foods’ Enosburg Falls plant set to close in August
The investigation began May 19, when troopers and the Vermont Department for Children and Families launched a joint inquiry into a report of suspected sexual abuse involving a child.
“If my choice of words offended some people, I understand that. But the truth is, my frustration doesn’t come from a bad place, ” Coester said in response to Dame’s condemnation of a profanity -laced critique of a reporter and lawmakers.
An advocacy group’s new poll put the issue at the center of the Chittenden County State’s Attorney race. The August vote turnout will be the real test.
The danger of raising a generation of victims
Investigation has shown Crooker was fatally shot at a home shared by Nickles and Lisa Akey and his body was later burned, records show. Vermont State Police later found some bones, but detectives were unable to locate the skull. The investigation continues.
We can solve the nation’s health problems if we establish gold standard science.
But if AI becomes simply the newest tool for satire, parody and political commentary, banning it outright could collide with the First Amendment.
Vermont Green FC plays Canada’s national soccer team in World Cup tuneup; New animal cruelty law to take effect in Vermont next month; From players to family: The lasting Impact of the Lake Monsters Host Program
99 dairy products processing jobs and 142 health care positions are being eliminated in two unrelated layoffs announced this week.
Back to the woodstove? Not quite…
Vermont Public, VT Digger, and Seven Days have done their legislative session wrap-ups. In the year rural Vermonters found their voices, these outlets are mostly disinterested in rural perspectives.
Platner, 41, an ex-Marine whose Nazi tattoo, misogynistic behavior and anti-establishment rhetoric have raised questions over his fitness for public office, nonetheless trounced Maine Gov. Janet Mills by winning roughly 70 percent of Tuesday’s vote.
Four people, including a career criminal, were arrested during a drug raid at 501 Pleasant Street in Newport City on Tuesday, police said.
Whether we live in Swanton, Guilford, Pownal, or anywhere in between, Vermonters take pride in our self-sufficiency and resilience. When we see a problem, we fix it, whether it’s a broken fence or a broken economy. The next two years of the Trump administration will almost certainly see Washington punishing so-called “blue states” like Vermont with less federal help than ever. No one is coming to save us, so it’s up to us to invest in ourselves, and our communities.
A federal-grant project led by UVM Extension will map what Vermonters need to thrive, drawing in part on Local Minutes, an AI tool that searches municipal meeting records. The tool’s own disclaimer says it should not be the sole basis for important decisions.
An Open Letter to the Cabot School Board, June 8th, 2026
Study shows Republicans and Democrats can agree on something.
Ellen E. Willson, 39, of Federal Street has pleaded not guilty in Vermont Superior Court in North Hero to charges of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of gross negligent operation: one with death resulting and one with serious bodily injury, all from the June 15, 2025 crash.
“President Donald Trump also embraces giving the public a stake in AI’s growth,” reports the Brattleboro Reformer.
VTGOP Chairman Paul Dame has joined the weekly rotation of hosts on WDEV’s “Vermont Viewpoint” program from 9am to 11am. The station has already given a platform to Vermont Democrat Chair Lachlan Francis for several weeks, and Dame is being added to the weekly rotation for the foreseeable future.
Man arrested after reported arson at Rutland rec center; Meal program remains in Burlington park despite mayor’s concerns; Riders on the Storm Drains: Barre Turns to ‘Adopt-a-Drain’ to Reduce Flooding; Montpelier’s former post office is up for auction this month. Its lead contender has doubts about the property’s condition; Franklin County Field Days cancelled again
“I think we’re all coming around to the fact that some take a different route and heading to college right off may not be the best path for everyone,” Scott said.
Springfield Police, assisted by the heavily armed Vermont State Police SWAT Team, conducted an early morning drug raid at 26 Litchfield St. on Friday.
The horses’ owners arrived and told responders the animals had broken out of a containment fence.
Platner, wounded by yet another allegation of questionable behavior, avowed he’s not being pressured to drop out.
Ingalls confirmed to VDC today that he is starting a platform, and that he never said he was starting a party.
Vermont man dies from injuries sustained in May single-car crash; One UVM lab’s surprise discovery led to flu science breakthrough; Play it again, Sam: A Vermont picture palace reels in new money with old movies; Skatepark becomes stage during Burlington Discover Jazz Festival
Kurt Wright returns to AM talk radio; Speaking of graduation; Civics Bee today in Stowe
In any given year, roughly 1 in every 430 Black Vermonters is directly targeted in a bias-motivated crime. In a small, close-knit community, that’s not a distant statistic — it’s a neighbor, a coworker, a family member.
And dump the VTNEA!
As the state’s four-year campuses cut programs and ran deficits, CCV grew. The reasons are structural — and they’re reshaping the choices facing Vermont families.
We bring the data. You form the opinions.
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