Mamdani, marijuana, Middlebury suicide stories focus on Hot Off The Press

By Guy Page on October 27, 2025

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By Guy Page

On today’s Hot Off The Press at 11:05 on WDEV AM 550, FM 96.1, and wdevradio.com, we discussed today’s VDC headlines –

Mamdani praises Sanders as one who ‘dared to stand alone’

The improbable winner of a northeastern city mayoral election 44 years ago urged Mamdani’s followers to work hard before November 4.

During the show, we were joined by callers Bob from Shelburne, Donald from Barre, VDC reporter Paul Bean, Fred from Williamstown, Rebecca from Waterville, and Mark of East Monkton. Thank you to everyone who called in during our 21-show stint on WDEV. The future of Hot Off The Press is up in the air – we’ll let you know as soon as we do where and how to listen to future shows.

New Poll: Scott’s 55% re-elect boost towers over Dem field in Vermont’s crossroads

Compass Vermont reports that for the last several years, state politics has been defined by the dynamic between Governor Scott and the Democratic legislature. If Scott decides not to run, that entire dynamic vanishes.

Teacher cited for giving marijuana to student at school

Troopers received a report of an “unprofessional relationship” between a teacher and a student at the school.

Middlebury College student died by suicide

The autopsy confirmed the person’s identity as Lia Smith, 21, of Woodside, California.

House leaders say state will fully fund federal food, heating benefits hit by shutdown

Representatives Kornheiser and Scheu serve on the Vermont Emergency Board, a panel that includes two senators and the governor. Lawmakers are coordinating with Governor Phil Scott and his administration to schedule an Emergency Board meeting next week to approve temporary state funding for the federal programs.

Northfield resident demands accountability amid Police Chief resignation

Following the resignation of the Northfield Police chief over alleged racial discrimination within the community, a Northfield resident has posted a list of alleged severe operational failures by the chief including zero traffic stops in two years, a refusal to wear a police uniform, and breaking public information laws.

Check out the latest Hot Off The Press podcasts on WDEV.

All Episodes

Hot Off The Press – October 24th, 2025

October 24, 2025. Feedback Friday! Allison, Tim, Kevin, Scott, Tom, Martin and Gregory weighed in on the headlines, including the looming loss of food and heat benefits due to the government shutdown.

Hot Off The Press – October 23rd, 2025

October 23, 2025. Paul Steidler of the Lexington Institute dismisses Bernie Sanders’ concerns about AI job losses. Annette Smith of Vermonters for a Clean Environment discusses the bizarre case of a ‘small wind’ developer arrested for reckless discharge of firearms. Callers included Mary from Montpelier, comparing the Sam Douglass controversy to the senate’s excommunication of Franklin County GOP Sen. Norm McAllister in 2019.

Hot Off The Press – October 22nd, 2025

October 22, 2025. Jazz harmonica player Mark Lavoie calls in to suggest the Burlington Jazz Festival be named after sax player Big Joe Burrell. Alison Despathy on AI using cell phone towers to collect Vermonters’ data. Chris Pratt on the Bridgewater Barn.

Hot Off The Press – October 21st, 2025

October 21, 2025. Kolby LaMarche, Burlington Daily News editor, discusses new backlog court, ‘free’ syringe resale by drug dealers, and North Avenue bike lane project. Chris Bradley of the Vermont Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs on gun control bills in the Vermont State House.

Hot Off The Press – October 17th, 2025

October 17, 2025. Feedback Friday – thanks to Libby, Erin, Kevin, Paul, Tom, Jude, Allison, Rebecca, Dave and Bill for calling in! Our apologies to those who didn’t get in due to technical problems and caller volume. Try again next Friday or ANY day at 802-244-1777.

Hot Off The Press – October 16th, 2025

October 16, 2025. Callers discuss Sam Douglass controversy. Hank ‘Planet Hank’ Poytras of Brattleboro News discusses startling video of fentanyl possession bust.