International migration to Chittenden County plummeted last year, new data shows; Brattleboro nurses union prepare to give 10-day strike notice; Pilot program could help fill law enforcement need in rural areas
VT Headlines: Scott’s return-to-office order violated union rules, labor relations board says
Thompson: No one is coming to save rural Vermont — because the plan is to empty it
Three forces — Vermont’s Act 181, the UN’s 2030 Agenda, and Project 2025’s Mandate for Leadership — are converging on the same outcome: the managed hollowing-out of rural life.
Car crashes into pottery shop/ Accused murderer remains jailed
A Bristol man was cited for driving under the influence Tuesday, March 31 after crashing his vehicle into a Main Street business in Waitsfield late Tuesday afternoon, according to the Vermont State Police.
Testimony is heard in the Senate on psilocybin
Vermont lawmakers heard testimony Wednesday on a proposal that would allow patients to access certain clinically appropriate psilocybin-based therapies in the event of federal approval.
Senate approves secure facility for mentally ill suspects
Prompted by a mother of a Bennington murder victim, the Vermont Senate Wednesday approved S.193 by a 29-1 roll call vote.
Breaking: Second defendant arrested in major Vermont smuggling case
The U.S. Border Patrol arrested Armando Paulino Estudillo, 35, in Lancaster, N.H. as part of a smuggling conspiracy that led to the arrest of a leader with Migrant Justice in Burlington last week.
Vermont native, serial killer, Ted Bundy’s latest victim identified 52 years late
Ted Bundy was born to an unwed mother in Burlington, Vermont in 1946
A doctor baffled by vaccine reactions and other stories about COVID-19 protocols
Also, a mother and son coerced into taking shots to stay employed or at school respectively.
CLG: Trump vows to hit Iran ‘extremely hard’ as Tehran denies talks
Bullet used to kill Charlie Kirk did NOT match rifle allegedly used by Tyler Robinson, court filing claims; Mystery of scientists dead or missing rises to 8 as 2 more men tied to America’s most coveted secrets join the list; Suspected Ukrainian drones have crashed in Finland – prime minister; Trump says Iran war will end ‘shortly’ as he rips into allies for lacking ‘courage’ on Strait of Hormuz: ‘Just take it’; Massive oil tanker struck by Iranian drone near Strait of Hormuz as U.S. unleashes 2,000-pound bunker buster bombs on ammunition depot; Pentagon ‘prepares for major escalation in Iran War with ground operations set to last for weeks’ as U.S. Marines arrive in the Middle East
North: The choice couldn’t be clearer
These examples continue to emphasize the need for the Vermont legislature to wake up and squarely address the affordability crisis in Vermont. The House majority party continues to block our efforts to do exactly this. Stay tuned as we fight the affordability battle for you. The choice couldn’t be clearer.
SHORTS: VT lags on dementia screening
Also, UVM students raise $100K; SBA honors local innovators
Education group reveals Vermont school disguises CRT as anti-racism
White River Valley Supervisory Union’s controversial policy in question – the “C30 – Anti-Racism Policy” – states that its purpose is to “provide a call to action and a plan to address all forms of racism” within the Supervisory Union and its member school districts, according to documents obtained by Defending Education.
Carroll: S.193 and the need for a forensic treatment facility
Our current system is also failing those in need of those mental health services, as well as the victims impacted by these cases. Individuals are often effectively warehoused in correctional settings while refusing or unable to participate in evaluations, resulting in prolonged court delays without meaningful treatment or progress toward restoration. At the same time, victims and families are forced to relive their trauma again and again through repeated postponements — often stretching on for years with no resolution in sight. This ongoing cycle is not only ineffective, it is deeply harmful — to the individual, to the courts, to public safety, and to the victims who are left waiting for accountability and closure.
Poll: Majority of VTers non-religious, want church/state separation
Currently, 67% of Vermonters report they never attend religious services, with only 9% attending weekly or more.
You can work from home, labor board tells state employees
“The State has refused to bargain in good faith and interfered with employees’ exercise of rights…., through unilaterally implementing changes to telework protocols,” The VRLB said.
BREAKING: Convicted drug dealer loses race for Alburgh Selectboard
The two men, both running as write-in candidates on Vermont Town Meeting Day, had tied 144-144 forcing the run-off election.
VT Headlines: Police arrest suspect in arson, assault at Winooski gas station
Protesters testify on police response to South Burlington ICE operation; After Ferrisburgh fire, officials say brush fires high in spring; Vermont Journalism Trust, VTDigger Guild reach second collective bargaining agreement; Car hits local business in Waitsfield
Milton legislator resigns/ Fight over housing/ Wetland amendment/ House OKs $82 million for homeless
Rep. Chris Taylor (R-Milton) has resigned from the Legislature due to work conflicts.
The best take on Vermont’s 14-Year-Old gubernatorial candidate came from West Virginia
Dean Roy is a 14-year-old freshman at Stowe High School who is running for governor of Vermont — something the state’s constitution permits, since it sets no minimum age for candidates. Roy didn’t join either major party. He founded his own, the Freedom and Unity Party; a refreshing departure from the two-party system.
Motorcyle gang Easter egg hunt a misfit for selectboard
The Select Board cited several concerns, including public safety, police relations, and, perhaps most memorably, wardrobe choices.
What is Election Integrity? Panel members disagree
“in order for us to have faith that the outcome of the election reflects the will of the people we need as many people as we can possibly get to vote. I think we should be aiming for 100% participation.,” Copeland-Hanzas said.
Vermont engineering firm advances cryogenic tech for NASA’s moon missions
As NASA prepares for the Artemis II mission—the first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo 17 in 1972—Vermont is showcasing its direct historical connection to the Apollo program through a special public display of rare lunar samples. At the same time, a Vermont-based engineering firm is contributing cutting-edge technology to support the broader Artemis program’s goal of sustainable lunar exploration.
Breaking: Supreme Court rules conversion therapy ban violates first amendment
Vermont law now bans conversion therapy
Higley: These bills and laws infringe on property rights
Concerns for aspects of Act 181 and its recent Rally at the State House has awaken rural Vermonters and landowners to the real possibilities of additional severe restrictions on their property rights.
VT Headlines: Man sentenced to 5 1/2 years in prison for Burlington convenience store robbery
Crews spend hours battling brush fire in Ferrisburgh/ Attorneys debate Vermont Climate Superfund Law at Rutland Federal Court/ St. Johnsbury put under ‘precautionary’ boil-water notice/ New terminal at Burlington airport officially opens
Former Burlington City Councilor running for State’s Attorney against Sarah George
Franklin County State’s Attorney and Burlington resident Bram Kranichfeld announced Monday, March 30, that he will challenge incumbent Sarah George in the Democratic primary for Chittenden County State’s Attorney.
BLOTTER: 6-year-old hit by pickup on Stowe Mountain Rd/ Fatal crash/ Store fracas
The child was taken to the UVM Medical Center for treatment.
House passes bill to regulate data centers
The bill, H.727, introduced by Rep. Laura Sibilia (D-Windham 2), seeks to regulate data centers requiring 20 or more megawatts by mandating annual reporting and requiring operators to enter into large load service equity contracts. These contracts would hold data centers accountable for paying their fair share of grid and infrastructure costs while ensuring that Vermonters aren’t subsidizing their electricity use.
Roper: VT Democrats are NOT for affordability. Are VT Republicans?
Childcare licensing bill is a real head scratcher.
Failed late-stage Wealth Tax amendment raises business concerns
Although the amendment has been withdrawn and is expected to be taken up in Ways and Means, its implications remain important for Vermont’s business community.
VT dairy farms have to wait for their AI herding collars
Halter makes solar-powered GPS collars for cattle. Farmers use a smartphone app to draw virtual fence boundaries on a satellite map of their land.
Peyton: Right to farm and clean food
At the Statehouse, a coalition is forming to bring forward a constitutional amendment which will take another biennium before it can be introduced, but the time is now to promote it. The primary purpose for it is to fulfill this goal: to put Vermont at the helm of progress, to initiate a growth of small- and medium-scale organic farming, to encourage and expand local gardens, and to totally dedicate ourselves to the cause of sustainability in harmony with Nature.
Page: Outside money and radical networks fuel VT “No Kings” protests
The Vermont protests were not spontaneous local uprisings. They were coordinated through the national “No Kings” coalition — a network of roughly 500 groups with an estimated $3 billion in combined annual revenues — and included direct participation from radical socialist organizations tied to controversial national and international funding streams.
Vermont’s tax-the-rich bill would miss most of Vermont’s rich
The wealthiest people in Vermont’s real estate market own places like ski chalets in Stowe and lakefront estates in Quechee. They pay their income taxes in New York and Massachusetts.
Orleans County Senate candidate steps away
“It all came down to fundraising. It was disheartening,” Bathalon told VDC on Sunday.
VT Headlines: Bus carrying students from Jay Peak catches fire on Interstate 93
No Kings’ rallies protest the actions of President Trump; Police cite woman for allegedly assaulting hospital staff in Berlin; Vermont officials want to break with some new federal tax changes to avoid revenue shortfall
Gervais: Covid protocols took my Mom, my brother-in-law, and the truth
Today marks five years to the day since I lost my mother and my brother-in-law to the same hospital machine.
Have you moved out of VT? Thinking about it? Tell us why on HOTP today
We talk with people who have left Vermont, or are thinking about it, on Hot Off The Press on WDEV at 11:05 AM today. Call us at 802-244-1777.
Transgender shooter in NH Border Patrol incident due in court
Blu Zeke Daly, 26, also known as Cullan Zeke Daly, of Manchester, N.H. is facing felony charges of attempted murder of a federal officer and assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon in connection with the shooting in Pittsburg, east of Canaan, Vt., federal court records note.
Soulia: How Bernie used an AI to agree with himself
A recent video shows Vermont’s senior senator in conversation with Claude about AI and privacy. When the same questions were tested against unprimed instances of the same AI, the answers came out differently — sometimes dramatically so.
$150K ‘energy coaching’ passes Senate
Spearheaded by the Vermont Public Service Department, the program would give energy navigator services to Vermont residents. Energy navigators are trained professionals or volunteers who inform residents how to make their homes more energy efficient, such as with weatherization projects or installing heat pumps. Under the bill, they would also inform clients about rebates and incentives.
Smokies nab homeless woman suspected of hitting cop with car/ Man threatens to ‘take out’ first responders
Police say Tardif made threats about using firearms against responding troopers before their arrival. When officers reached the scene, they secured a victim inside the home and encountered Tardif outside, where he allegedly refused commands and resisted arrest.
Johnson: The most basic truth that no one talks about
Sometimes I wish we Christians had more courage
Kinsley: House moving away from forced mergers
The draft includes a notable protection for communities with small schools: articles of agreement must prohibit school closures for three years without approval of the electorate in the town where the school sits. After three years, closure requires a union district-wide vote.
MacDonald: Another COVID lie no one will apologize for
A practice that looks as if it has produced wide-scale and unnecessary chronic disease among kids they will have to live with their entire lives. A problem that the vaccine or bust crowd isn’t even willing to talk about, people who shout conspiracy theory if you suggest we consider safety trials that have never been done.
135 acres in Orwell to become forever wild
Donated land to be called Wolf Tree Wilderness Sanctuary.
Woolf: Counting Vermont’s county populations
Given that the state has only added 1,698 people since 2020, a decline of 6,000—or more if we include vacation homes in non-ski towns—it is very likely that Vermont will have fewer residents in 2030 than in 2020. And since most of the ski towns are in southern Vermont counties, their population picture will look even grimmer than it does today.
Homeless rumble behind church
The back lot of a church with a history of housing Montpelier’s homeless was the site of a violent fracas Saturday evening.
3 children, adult struck by suspected impaired driver
Police said Stanley’s vehicle struck a parked car and then hit four pedestrians.
BREAKING: Chittenden Sheriff seeks re-election
The 45-year law enforcement veteran leads one of the busiest and most diverse agencies in the state.
Two men busted for Jolley-Stewart’s armed robberies
Clapper and Marrier were jailed without bail.
Vermont only state without secure treatment facility for violent offenders who can’t stand trial
The victim’s mother wrote that S.193 “missed crossover after valuable committee time was spent on the Burlington ICE hearing instead of advancing time-sensitive public safety legislation.”
Citing ICE ‘brutal agenda,’ Welch votes no on Mullin
“We can’t have a repeat of what happened in Minneapolis, where ICE terrorized a city and killed two people,” Welch said, referring to the incidents. He added that he could not support a nominee who would “continue to carry out this brutal agenda.”
VT Headlines: Slate Ridge owner Daniel Banyai excused from release condition he was accused of violating
Stowe student running for governor is first teen to get on Vermont’s general election ballot; Swanton issues health alert after toxic insulation found at fire site; Structure fire shuts down Main Street in Fairfax
The DHS shutdown is ending, but the damage to Vermont’s airport isn’t
The Senate voted overnight to fund TSA. But nearly 500 officers quit nationally, BTV ran a food pantry to keep its checkpoint open, and the workforce won’t recover quickly.
Feedback Friday at 11:05 AM – Call in 802-244-1777
House Majority says no to tax credit, yes to Wealth Tax vote, and takes $1.7 million in local revenue for property tax reappraisal.
House Dems reject school choice tax credit, back wealth tax vote, route local revenue to reappraisal
The Vermont House gave preliminary approval Thursday to H.949, the education finance Yield Bill and its proposed 7% property tax increase, but not before three Republican amendments to cut taxes failed.
Legislature: Pre-K a “right”, but funding unclear
House Human Services advances pre-K framework while deferring cost decisions
House may adopt new policy to address crime and court backlogs
The amendment, sponsored by Rep. Eric Maguire (R-Rutland 5), aims to reduce case backlog by creating structure for an existing court model that integrates mental health and other services into the courtroom setting and could move from county to county.
Burlington officer cited in connection with August 2025 police shooting
Jeffrey Baur, 34, of St. Albans is due for arraignment Friday in Vermont Superior Court in Burlington, state police said.
Lincoln: Vermont can’t conserve working lands by undermining them
Vermont’s forest economy businesses must compete and innovate and grow just to stay viable. But too often, our regulatory system makes that harder instead of easier.
Houghton: House Dems defend ‘sustainable’ 7% property tax bill
Yesterday, many excuses were used by Republicans as to why we are in the position we are today, but there was no mention of the ten years of a Republican administration’s failure to solve the problems we’re still facing today.
Planet Hank: VT’s AG Charity Clark has filed or joined 46 lawsuits against the Feds
Charity Clark’s obsession with the Trump administration
Feds arrest Migrant Justice leader on 9 felony counts
Feds say he Migrant Justice leader they call Nacho smuggled people across international borders and fraudulently obtained Vermont identification documents for people living outside Vermont.
Dems praise House bills passed, GOP slams 7% property tax increase
Pay attention to THIS, House Dems say. No, pay attention to THAT, GOP says.
VT Headlines: Police searching for missing 14-y.o. girl
Woman pleads not guilty to animal cruelty charges in abandoned dog case; Group seeks to put pressure on ICE to leave Williston office; Report questions safety of Waitsfield Covered Bridge
Former VT town official dies of suicide
Nicholas Nadeau was hired less than a year ago after he served as Blue Hill’s town administrator. He previously served as interim town manager for his hometown of Fairfax, Vermont.
Letters: Manley on being politically punch-drunk, and election integrity fundamentals
Also, Mittica on the Act 181 rally.
Soulia: VT farms, migrant workers, and the visa problem
Behind the headlines, protests, and growing anxiety is a more basic question: how does Vermont’s dairy industry rely on migrant labor in the first place — and why doesn’t federal visa law actually fit the job?
Senate may get tough on tobacco, softer on pot, freeze ban on dyed foods
It’s Legal Consumption week in the Vermont Senate.
Grandparent scam suspect pleads innocent
Jimmy “Coop” Ylimaki, 36, fled to Nicaragua, where he was eventually captured and was recently removed to the United States to face his indictment, officials said.
Newton: Act 250 planners should save Castleton University instead
Hold press conferences and take a stand. If you don’t, it could be all over for a great institution founded over 200 years ago.
ATM heist wave hits Middlebury
Three stores targeted in weeks
Why Vermont’s electric school buses are being replaced by diesel — at least for now
In 2021, Vermont became one of the first states to put electric school buses on the road. The results were mixed from the start.
Planet Hank: Man arrested three times in one week and is still released
Vermont’s revolving door is out of control.
School transportation costs rising, bus drivers scarce
Within a new governance structure of fewer, larger districts, the state might contemplate statewide requirement for districts to provide transportation to all students who live one mile from the school (elementary) and two miles from the school (secondary).
Craftsbury library awarded $25k in honor of 1975 Boston Red Sox
These days, he and his wife Diana can be found at the white clapboard building off Craftsbury Common at least several times a week.
VT Headlines: 3 ATMs stolen from Middlebury stores in recent weeks
Gov. Scott signs bill to allow Vermont to make its own vaccine recommendations: In visit to Vermont Statehouse, Japanese diplomats talk business and baseball; ICE agents chased the wrong man into a South Burlington home, court filings say; Brattleboro nurses union approves potential strike; Rutland community and city leaders weigh in on plans for new Walmart Supercenter in Rutland town
Post rally, Senate ponders road rule repeal vs. extension
House to consider $9.3 billion state budget, 7% property tax hike.
Armed robbers hit Enosburgh Stewarts, again
Second time in three days.
Road rage suspect waived gun out car window
Following an investigation, troopers arrested Malik O. Hardy, 25, of Bennington, on charges including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking with a deadly weapon, reckless endangerment, grossly negligent operation, criminal threatening, and disorderly conduct.
Roper: House Democrats vote for “Clean Heat Standard 2.0”
“Foundational” first step toward Cap & Invest Carbon Tax passes on a near party line vote after Republican fight.
House bills change hunting laws, create peer mental health support, pay inmates minimum wage
Get tough on youthful offenders, ban paraquat, address truancy and recidivism
CLG: Trump ‘seeking one-month ceasefire in Iran’ as U.S. submits 15-point peace plan
Pentagon expected to send thousands of soldiers from U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division to Middle East; Emergency playbook for worldwide crises quietly released: ‘Get ready for lockdown 2.0’; Pentagon asks White House for $200Billion as Trump considers deployment of thousands of troops for next phase in war with Iran
Dobrovich: Find out how Act 181 will impact your land
Some worry that an overemphasis on environmental protection will violate existing property owners’ rights and force everyone into dense, restricted living situations—sometimes described as “concentrated animal feeding operations” (CAFO), a term usually reserved for large agricultural facilities.
Klar: Colorado struggles with prostitution law
The push to legalize the world’s oldest profession fizzles (for now).
VT Headlines: BTV’s Frog & Toad childcare center closed amid abuse investigation
Six taken to hospital after Arlington, Vermont bus crash; Burlington Police Department receives 121 complaints following ICE operation on Dorset Street; Former Northeast Kingdom Human Services employee sues agency over alleged Medicaid fraud; Vermont sues U.S. Department of Agriculture
Shrinking fentanyl supply making drug weaker, fewer overdoses
Since their peak less than three years ago, opioid overdose deaths dropped nearly by half as of October, according to a Stateline analysis.
Before big Act 181 reform rally, key Democrat senator supports road rule repeal
Some senators want to repeal the road rule. Others seek to delay implementation until 2030.
VT blocks Federal scholarship tax credit amid rising education costs
Lawmakers on the House Ways and Means Committee have moved to block participation in a new federal tax credit program that could direct private donations toward student scholarships.
Wrongful-death suit at Rutland hospital
The estate of a local man, who claims he died from mistreatment at the Rutland Regional Medical Center in February 2025 has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the hospital.
Keelan: To close our school is not only about money
The cost of operating public schools in Vermont has been “a runaway train,” and no one seems to be able to get on board to control it. However, cost also comes in other forms that are not necessarily quantifiable in dollars and cents.
Supreme Court rules for state trooper over State House protestor
After warning her, Zorn used a “rear wristlock” technique—placing her arm behind her back and applying pressure—to lift her to her feet.
Masked man threatens clerk, demands cash
The incident occurred shortly after midnight when a masked man entered the store, displayed a weapon, threatened the clerk and demanded money.
VT Headlines: Third migrant detained by ICE in South Burlington ordered released
Middlesex man seriously injured in I-89 crash; Norwich University women’s hockey clinches Frozen Four berth; When Vermont’s treatment landscape shifts, community providers step up; Old North End Restaurant Week,’ Connecting people and businesses through food
Letters: Smith on reparations for slavery
Also, Mittica on Act 181.
Ryan: VNRC put out a silly piece of propaganda today.
VNRC isn’t listening to Vermont. They’re doubling down.
Planet Hank video: McDonald’s employee overdoses, gets Narcaned, gets back to work
Explicit language warning on Brattleboro News/Planet Hank report about fast food workers overdosing.
Hartford CT fugitive from justice busted in prison
Ayala, 34, of Hartford had an extraditable arrest warrant out of the state of Connecticut for a parole violation.
New wetlands mapping covers 45% of VT – how about your town?
The wetlands updates are required by the Flood Safety Act, Act 121, passed in 2024.
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