The Founders knew exactly what “weapons of war” meant. They also knew that freedom without accountability is no freedom at all.
Soulia: Weapons of war: What the founders really knew about firearms
Timothy Page
VT Treasurer targets Trump meme stock—but here’s why your pension is safe
Trump Media makes up a minuscule 0.02% of the Russell 3000 total index—If its stock value went to zero tomorrow, the pension fund would lose less than two-hundredths of one percent.
Cohen: Vermont’s ‘Green New Scam’ scuttled
Trump blocks Bernie Sanders’ pet taxpayer-funded ‘climate initiative’
Essex County Sheriff pushes back against Vermont immigration policy
Colby, who oversees a 10-deputy department, says the rules simply don’t work in Essex County, where federal officers are often the only backup available.
VT Headlines: First responders credit VTRANS employees with saving cardiac arrest victim’s life
Police say a Vermont substitute teacher has been cited after finding cocaine in classroom; Police, fire marshal investigate suspicious mobile home fire in Eden; Mount Snow spreads Oktoberfest fun over two Saturdays
Governor Scott focuses on mental health initiatives in Newport
The Front Porch provides a 24/7 co-occurring program supporting individuals across the lifespan, offering a safe and welcoming alternative to emergency rooms.
Barton man receives deferred sentence in shooting, threats case
A Barton man who fired multiple shots through a neighbor’s home where a toddler was present received a deferred sentence after pleading guilty to assault charges.
CLG: Trump admin says U.S. engaged in ‘armed conflict’ with drug smugglers
Israeli navy intercepts boats attempting to break Gaza blockade and arrests activists; Covid jab caused 35% increased risk of thyroid cancer, risk rose to 53% and 68% for lung and prostate cancers respectively – Korean study; NYPD cop on sick leave snuck into Ryder Cup in full tactical gear, claimed he was on Trump security; Rep. Maxine Waters admits Dems forced government shutdown to get ‘health care for everybody’ – including illegal immigrants
DOE axes $5.2 Million in Vermont grants
Inside the national purge hitting BETA and UVM
Lawmakers dump Tylenol stock before autism controversy
Before President Trump warned pregnant women to avoid taking Tylenol, three members of Congress dumped stock in the Fortune 500 company that makes the popular painkiller — sell-offs that saved them from incurring sizable losses, an investigation by The Center Square found.
Sanders, Balint Welch blame GOP for government shutdown
All three members of Vermont’s congressional delegation blame Republicans for the ongoing Federal government shutdown, citing cuts in subsidized healthcare coverage and other government programs they say Americans depend on.
Bethel Psychologist charged with $600K Medicaid fraud
Robert Vaillancourt, 76, of Bethel, pleaded innocent Tuesday in state court on four felony counts of Medicaid Fraud following a state investigation into his psychological practice.
Nearly 5,000 Vermont Federal employees begin working without pay—essential programs face cuts next
As of October 1, 2025, the federal government is shut down. For Vermont, this presents a two-stage problem: a manageable short-term disruption that could quickly become a severe long-term crisis.
VT Headlines: New mental health urgent care to open in Newport next month
Central Vermont Job Fair introduces candidates to employers and resources; Activists note ICE’s absence at Burlington airport in recent months
Gervais mounts challenge to Dame for Vermont GOP Chair
The Vermont Republican Party is heading for a leadership showdown as Joe Gervais, an Arlington resident and party activist, announced he will challenge incumbent chair Paul Dame for the top job.
Fishing restricted in part of Hatchery Cove to protect spawning salmon
The closure aims to provide a safe corridor for the landlocked Atlantic salmon that gather in Hatchery Cove before migrating up the nearby Hatchery Brook to spawn each fall.
Ellis: Government shutdown blues
Or…I talk to a Senate insider about how a shutdown works, why it happens and the political stakes for the rest of us.
Addison County prosecutor to resolve her DUI case
Embattled Addison County State’s Attorney Eva P. Vekos reached a tentative agreement Wednesday to end her 20-month legal battle over a driving while intoxicated arrest when she responded to a homicide to help police.
Kinsley: A piece of the puzzle?
A reaction to Scott’s Executive Order on Housing
Joe Gervais running for Chair of the Vermont Republican Party
Gervais: Vermont Republicans: let’s build a stronger, grassroots-powered future together
Governor Scott appoints 78 to boards and commissions
The Governor’s office is currently soliciting applications to fill vacancies and upcoming term expirations.
VT Headlines: Police search for missing boater at Somerset Reservoir
Today’s Fire Danger Risk: Moderate to very high; A Burlington resident looks out for those less fortunate; Champlain College launches financial literacy academy
Red Sox fans new chant for Wild Card Series with Yankees: Ticketmaster Sucks!
The Yankees enacted a restrictive ticket policy that left thousands of fans, including many here in Vermont, locked out in order to minimize the number of Red Sox fans in Yankee Stadium.
Vermont sports betting revenue below projections
Bettors, particularly during the popular football season, performed significantly better than models anticipated, which directly reduced the state’s share of the proceeds.
‘Unofficial’ smallmouth bass catch smashes state record
If Andrew Oestringer of Barnet had brought his bass to a certified scale before filleting the fish, he would probably hold a new state record.
Despathy: Vermont carbon policy is legal plunder
Vermont has both the lowest energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in the country. Vermont does not need a greater tax burden. Period.
Roper: Data and analysis? Not so much in Montpelier.
Auditor’s report shows increase in homeless spending increases homelessness.
Page: Autism and the New Eugenics
The echoes of Nazi policies in the modern quest to “cure” and “eradicate” Autism.
VT Headlines: Ex-Hartford police lieutenant accused of sexual harassment banned from law enforcement work
Troubled Rutland City elder care home group is back in receivership; Tractor trailer stuck on Smuggler’s Notch in Cambridge, officials say; Barre group hits fundraising goal to buy vacant downtown building
Soulia: Vermonters’ right of self-defense
What the Second Amendment and Article 16 mean for Vermonters
Is a Congressional power play about to end Vermont’s hemp industry?
A federal ban would override Vermont’s carefully crafted state system. The “total THC” rule could make much of the hemp grown by Vermont farmers illegal overnight.
Procaccini: Who really benefits from the Gaza War?
There is a shocking 38-page document, published in the Washington Post, that outlines exactly what the plan by Israel/US was and still is for Gaza, including the removal of the entire population of Palestinians; and constructing the “Trump Gaza Riviera”.
St. Albans dairy strike strikes at heart of national power struggle
The walkout was targeted at a facility already weakened by legal and environmental troubles, and it employs a sophisticated legal strategy that could have consequences for workers across the country.
Bennett: My vote goes “clunk”
An older Vermonter hopes he lives long enough to see the Turning Point tide roll across Vermont.
VT Headlines: Burlington mural vandalized one day after it was painted
White River Junction VA Medical Center unveils $16M renovation; University of Vermont women’s soccer wins first America East Conference game of 2025; Walk to End Alzheimer’s was back in Shelburne
Deal: Military leadership overdue for a reset
Are you worried about the president’s meeting with more than 800 senior generals and admirals tomorrow? Consider this: how our military prepares for global conflict hasn’t changed since the Obama era.
Callers vent frustration to legislator about homeless, easy benefits, cost of living
One caller disputed a Democrat lawmaker’s assertion that Vermont isn’t attractive to out-of-state people looking to take advantage of Vermont’s generous public offerings.
Singing the WORST. SONG. EVER.
A live music showdown of the best attempts at the very worst songs is coming back to the Barre Opera House in November.
Giant pumpkin squashes past record at Sam Mazza’s weigh-off
Growers gathered at Sam Mazza’s Farm last Saturday to see who had the biggest pumpkin.
Mesick gets out of trouble again
Tovi Rose Mesick, formerly known as Christopher M. Mesick, claimed self-defense when Stephen Furtado, now 47, was shot inside his residence at the Salmon Run Apartments on Riverside Avenue in Burlington in February 2023.
Roper: Repeal the Renewable Energy Standard in 2026? Yes, please!
Senate Republican Leader outlines some agenda items for next year.
FDA confirms abortion pill review
This comes in response to 22 state attorneys general who asked the FDA to review the drug. These officials cited concerns over new studies showing much higher rates of adverse events than the studies which were used to justify the drug’s initial approval.
MacDonald: Gov. Scott’s climate road-to-Damascus moment
Governor Scott dropped two bombshells on Vermont’s climate cult.
Soulia: The economic impact of Act 59
Signed into law in June 2023, Act 59 sets ambitious goals to conserve 30% of Vermont’s land by 2030 and 50% by 2050. These targets align with the international “30 by 30” initiative but extend Vermont’s commitments even further by setting a 50% benchmark for mid-century.
Livingston: Vermont’s climate trap is a man-made policy disaster
Vermont has been trapped. Not by ice, not by storms, not even by the natural cold that shapes who we are — but by the kind of law that looks good on paper and bleeds us dry in practice.
VT Headlines: Propane tank hit by construction equipment in Shelburne; two homes evacuated
Vermont man sentenced after accepting plea deal in South Burlington attack; Vermont agriculture secretary says federal relief will likely be requested for famers due to drought; Fire ravages Sugarbush Golf Course
Suspected drugs-for-guns ringleader jailed
Fifth defendant picked up on indictment
India native remains in jail for now in Barre gun case
A Barre resident from India will continue to be held behind bars as his criminal case for reportedly lying during an attempt to buy a semiautomatic pistol at a Washington County firearms shop plays out in federal court.
Main man in Murder for Hire plot has sentencing postponed
One accomplice in Danville homicide ordered to serve over 9 years
CLG: Former FBI Director James Comey indicted on charges of lying to Congress, obstruction of justice
Charlie Kirk suspect’s trans lover has VANISHED – new photos show abandoned home; Rifle behind Charlie Kirk’s killing may be untraceable relic from WWI; Anti-ICE shooter Joshua Jahn used Nazi battle rifle in deadly Dallas attack – experts
Fireovid: Blinded by the artificial light
As currently written, the plans developed by our ruling class will make the inevitable decrease in our average standard of living even worse.
Vermont Dairy 4-Hers bring home ribbons and respect from the Big E!
Vermont 4-H youth showcased their talents, dedication and prize livestock at the 2025 Eastern States Exposition, better known as The Big E, held in West Springfield, Massachusetts. They brought home enough ribbons to fill a milk can – or two.
Body of missing kayaker recovered from Lake Memphremagog
Chief Travis Bingham of the Newport Police Department said the Vermont State Police Dive Team located the remains of Charles Arnold, 70, at about 12:20 p.m. Monday. His body will be taken to the Vermont State Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington to determine the cause and manner of death.
Cohen: Vermont hospital chief flameout 2.0
The ousted chief of Vermont’s largest hospital is now two strikes away from a final out trying to run health-care companies.
BREAKING: Officer identified in Burlington Police shooting
Burlington Police Officer Brady McGee was identified as the police officer involved in a shooting that injured a city man on Sunday, Vermont State Police said this afternoon. State police also confirmed in the news release that Aaron Loucks, 32, of Burlington was the wounded man. Vermont News First had reported on Monday that Loucks had been shot the night before.
VT Headlines: Jewish community celebrates Rosh Hashanah at Burlington’s waterfront
Brattleboro’s Teamsters Union Local 597 unanimously votes to ratify contract with Travel Kuz; Vermont officials say recent rain helps, but drought is far from over; Shelburne warns about charger safety after lithium-ion battery explosion
The hidden cost of care
New book reveals how lobbying drives up healthcare prices
Fernandez: The Gaza “Genocide” is a lie
Now a political weapon, threadbare and cliche, it is shamelessly misused by high school and college students and faculty, anarchists, like Antifa, as well as the likes of Washington representatives Ilhan Omar (D-MI) and Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY).
Klar: Charlie Kirk taught colleges how to teach
His campus events proved that universities are failing America’s youth.
Roper: Both sides have nut jobs, but only one side cheers them on
Thoughts on Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
Vermont’s congressional delegation rated worst in the nation for Bible-aligned legislation
Currently, Wyoming’s delegation is ranked first nationally with a 90.65% alignment, while Vermont’s delegation is ranked the worst with just 0.66% alignment.
VT Headlines: Burlington musician Kevin Bloom launches early bid for Chittenden County sheriff
Vermont grapples with the potential end of Covid-era federal subsidies for marketplace health insurance; Missing Vermont man found dead in Orange; A Norwich car theft leads to a party invitation; Standoff suspect threatened to kill neighbors, court records show
The full story behind the Shaftsbury Solar decision
Why the elected town government, acting on behalf of all its constituents, would trade its opposition for nearly a quarter-million dollars in annual revenue and other benefits.
“People vs. Big Tech” town hall series starts October 1
A new statewide town hall series, People vs. Big Tech: Vermont, will raise the issue of data privacy, digital advertising, and artificial intelligence to communities across the state.
B-2 flyover thrills Norwich football crowd
A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber electrified the crowd at Norwich University’s Homecoming football game this weekend, soaring directly over Sabine Field in a thunderous flyover that left thousands of spectators cheering.
VT Headlines: Police search for missing kayaker on Lake Memphremagog
Charlie Kirk’s friends praise slain activist’s faith, mark on conservative movement; Vermonters donate to annual ‘Pedals for Progress’ collection drive
Keelan: How we can break Vermont’s dependency on Washington
Not a day goes by that we read/hear about another Vermont institutional sector sounding the alarm that its sustainability is in jeopardy due to the possible lack of federal funding. The major sectors are healthcare, cultural arts, education, food distribution, environmental and preservation agencies, public safety, disaster relief, etc. The list goes on.
Illegal immigrant attempts to buy firearm at Barre gun store
Hartamal Singh, 34, of West Street appeared in U.S. District Court in Burlington late Thursday for a federal criminal complaint for making false statements about his immigration status during the attempted purchase of the Ruger at R & L Archery on Smith Street in Barre on Oct. 12, 2023, the ATF reported.
Ellis: Violence and Charlie Kirk
When will we act?
Large crowd gathers in Newport City for candlelight vigil in memory of Charlie Kirk
About 200 area residents, united in grief and respect, gathered on the Newport waterfront Saturday for a candlelight vigil in memory of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Support needed for Vermont’s $5 ski hill
Known for its incredibly low-priced $5 lift tickets, the Brattleboro Ski Hill provides an affordable entry point for new skiers and local families.
Wilson Castle: Proctor’s monument to the Gilded Age
It is called a castle, but it never was. Wealth built it, and filled it with the finest that the Old and New Worlds had to offer, but even the Robins’ fortune couldn’t satisfy “Doctor” Johnson’s unbridled ambitions.
Out-of-state men busted for Rutland drug ring
Vermont woman arrested for providing base of operations
Roper: When “Green” is not sustainable
Seven Days ran an article recently about Vermont’s solar industry and the impact of federal cuts to the subsidies they’ve enjoyed for years. The headline authors called the cuts an “attack.” No, it’s not an attack. No private business is entitled to taxpayer funds to keep it afloat.
VT Headlines: Calls to conserve water as Vermont’s drought continues worsening and expanding
Safety alert issued at Vermont State University on Thursday; Oktoberfest returns to Burlington with new venue in the South End; Rutland’s newest sculpture honors local doctor who identified first polio epidemic in the US
Klar: The demon in dysphoria
As the transgender debacle spirals into greater chaos in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s murder, the time is ripe to openly discuss its absurdity before more children are inculcated into this dangerous delusion.
Blotter: AG clears St. J police captain in shooting
Homeless woman assaults cops, hospital worker; Ejected from bar, spike strips employed; $5,000 bail for release violation, suspended license
VT demographics offer warning, little hope
Unless bold measures are taken to attract a younger and more diverse population, the state risks facing a future that is both expensive and grim.
CLG: Trump considers designating Antifa a ‘major terrorist organization’
Man arrested for threatening to kill NH GOP governor with ‘weapon of mass destruction’; 8 employers that fired staff for mocking Charlie Kirk’s assassination; Charlie Kirk shooting suspect ‘was living with trans partner who handed over texts about assassination plot to police’; 5 police officers shot, 3 dead in Pennsylvania, FBI investigating
Deputy involved in Springfield shooting didn’t have commission
“Clearly, some things did not get done,” Palmer told the Standard on Tuesday afternoon, one day after the initial news report. “It’s on me, I dropped the ball.”
VT Headlines: Vermont’s congressional delegation, for the first time, calls Israel’s war in Gaza a ‘genocide’
Chester Police Department seeks help with nicknames for new puppies; Drought creating worries about cyanobacteria, water quality; Foreign disinformation about Charlie Kirk’s killing seeks to widen US divisions; Hybrid model chosen for Mad River Valley Active Transportation Corridor
Blotter: Cops bust home-invading, drug-using armed robbery suspect
Also, a woman is charged with assaulting the Waterbury fire chief, and motorcyclist flees police at 100 MPH.
Vermont State Police to hold annual presentation of awards & promotions
Scheduled speakers include Gov. Phil Scott, Commissioner of Public Safety Jennifer Morrison and Col. Matthew T. Birmingham, director of the state police. They will honor members of the agency and others for acts of heroism and community service, and recognize 23 sworn members of the state police who have received promotions since last year’s awards ceremony was held in September 2024.
Citing need for more housing, Scott slows push for heat pumps
Currently, a quarter of Vermont renters spend more than 50% of their income on housing costs, which will continue to trend in the wrong direction if action isn’t taken, a Scott spokesperson said.
Soulia: VTDigger’s golden parachute raises questions about nonprofit stewardship
When Vermonters are asked to donate to VTDigger, they’re told they’re supporting independent journalism. But recent IRS filings by its parent, the Vermont Journalism Trust (VJT), reveal a separation agreement with founder Anne Galloway that raises questions about how donor money is used.
Letters: VT GOP mourns, organizes after Kirk assassination
As we mourn the death of our heroes, cringe at our communities in turmoil or wince at the anger and barbs frivolously thrown by some of our fellow citizens, we will prevail.
Shelburne Museum celebrates 70th anniversary of the steamboat Ticonderoga’s arrival
n 1955, the Ticonderoga made its remarkable overland journey from Lake Champlain to Shelburne Museum, where it has remained “docked” in its grassy basin ever since. Today, the 220-foot landmark remains one of the most iconic and beloved structures on the museum’s campus.
VT Headlines: $25,000 gift from Charlotte church will support housing program
Jerry Greenfield resigns from Ben & Jerry’s; Vermont aims for share of $50 billion in federal funding for rural health; St. Albans creamery works to address ongoing odor complaints
Despathy: Vermont’s climate trap
What are the people to do when a law creates a trap that plunders precious resources and hard earned money and brings harm to Vermonters, all for zero beneficial environmental impact?
The poisonous Virginia Creeper: like most bad things, VT dogs don’t know to avoid it
This year, the prevalence of Virginia Creeper feels particularly pronounced, raising the need for public awareness about its hidden dangers for Vermont families and their unsuspecting dogs.
Soulia: Vermont at a crossroads
One year of FYIVT
Mayors back end to tariffs
The Union of Quebec Municipalities and Vermont Mayors Coalition held a joint press conference at Granby City Hall on September 5, where elected officials testified to the negative impact tariff measures are having on local economies, businesses and residents.
VT Headlines: Vermonters feel impacts of record low water levels
New mental health urgent care opening in Newport; Backlogged bonds pass in Shelburne
Appointments for seven deputy sheriffs never filed
Deputy involved in fatal shooting among them
Join the Light Radio Network for its 40th anniversary concert
On Saturday, September 27, The Light is celebrating its 40th anniversary by throwing a concert party at the Barre Auditorium in Barre, VT.
Three arrests, a thousand overdoses: The Sinaloa Cartel’s hidden war in Vermont
The cartel’s devastating impact isn’t measured by arrests, but by the ever-climbing number of overdoses in every corner of the Green Mountains.
Stratton and Sugarbush Resorts owner is taking the housing crisis into it’s own hands
Alterra Mountain Company recently announced a capital plan of more than $400 million for the 2025-2026 season, a significant and recurring theme is investment in workforce housing.
Roper: Education reformers say they’re data driven, but are they?
Cuz the data says more charter schools, flexibility to adapt and incentives to perform.
VT Headlines: UVM, Middlebury College field hockey offenses clicked on all cylinders
Doxxing website aims to get people fired for posting about Charlie Kirk’s murder; UVM Men’s Soccer team launches subscription service for fans; Crews work to repair water main break in Montpelier; Green Mountain Care Board approves 2026 hospital budgets
Vermont’s ice-age icon, the Mount Holly Mammoth
Designated Vermont’s state terrestrial fossil in 2014, the mammoth continues to inspire research into the region’s Ice Age past.
