A free online screening of the documentary 15 Days: The Real Story of America’s Pandemic School Closures on Thursday, April 16 at 7:00 p.m.
Pandemic school closures, new disease policies subject of online documentary tonight
Guy Page
Guy Page is the editor and publisher of the Vermont Daily Chronicle.
Baruth takes final shot at gun control legislation
S.329, “criminal procedures involving firearms,” was introduced today, Wednesday April 15.
UPDATE: Grand Isle County prosecutor ordered into court for suspected DUI
DiSabito is now the second elected state’s attorney among the 14 serving in Vermont to face a charge of DUI in just over two years.
Election Integrity Town Halls in Chester, at State House
Attend at the Fullerton Inn in Chester 6 PM Thursday, or at the Vermont State House noon Friday.
Main Street fentanyl den busted
A search of 296 South Main St. yielded evidence of drug use, drug distribution, and a firearms offense.
BREAKING: Grand Isle County prosecutor suspected of DUI
St. Albans City Police reportedly received a call around mid-day about DiSabito had arrived at Vermont Superior Court in St. Albans and may have been under the influence.
BREAKING: House chair supports Act 181 road rule repeal
“I’m looking at repealing the Road Rule and Tier Three,” Rep. Amy Sheldon, Chair of House Environment, said this afternoon.
Former Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie pens protest song targeting Act 181
Referencing a sharp increase in property taxes, the song opens: “Property taxes jumped forty-one percent in five years flat / While we’re bustin’ our backs just to keep the lights on, that’s a fact.”
Coordinated, brazen retail theft hits Kohl’s
Three individuals entered the store, filled shopping carts with merchandise, and then exited without attempting to pay.
Trump Jesus? Truth Social publishes controversial pic
The Truth Social posts are deeply troubling to Christians who have supported Trump for his pro-life stance and Supreme Court selections and his opposition to LGBTQ advocacy.
Supreme Court votes to suspend Vekos law license
Suspension follows her conviction for a driving while intoxicated arrest more than two years ago.
HOTP Feedback Friday: Who REALLY writes the big, controversial bills?
We’re seeing a pattern. Bills show up already polished, already supported, already moving. And it raises a bigger question: who helped write them?
FedEx driver killed in crash with beemer-driving teen – DUI suspected
Preliminary investigation indicates Vestal was at fault in the crash. Troopers reported observing signs of impairment and determined that Vestal had been operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Floor challenge looms as GOP, Guv, and rural Dems back Act 181 Road Rule, Tier 3 repeal
“Repeal the road rule and repeal Tier 3 this session. Trust has been broken,” Neil Ryan says.
School board passes communicable disease policy – VSU pushes back
According to the policy language, measures may include vaccination requirements for staff, mask wearing, social distancing, screening testing, quarantine and isolation protocols.
Elderly man solicits sex from women soliciting money, cops say
The man, driving a maroon vehicle, approached women who were soliciting money and allegedly offered payment in exchange for sexual acts.
Manfacturers’ concerns, fresh face in Senate race topix on Hot Off The Press this week
Listen on WDEV AM 550, FM 96.1, and wdevradio.com. Listeners are invited to call in anytime at 802-244-1777.
Trump order would end universal mailed ballots
The executive order requires the United States Postal Service to deliver absentee and mail-in ballots only to voters included on those lists.
Scott laughs off Dem criticism that he’s to blame for high taxes, low affordability
In an exchange with Vermont Public reporter Peter Hirchfeld at last Wednesday’s press conference in the Vermont State House, Scott responded with laughter and testy answers to accusations that he, and not the Democrat majority, are responsible for the state’s increasing financial, housing, and affordability problems.
At Easter, Vermont Catholic Church welcomes many new converts
In a state with a declining birth rate and an aged population, data from the Diocese of Burlington indicates that conversions among adults are increasing at a rapid rate, and enrollment at Vermont Catholic schools is up.
Roper: House votes to spend another $83,000,000 on homeless
Time for new thinking — and maybe some new lawmakers — not just new money.
Murder victim’s mom lists suspected mentally ill killers, urges secure forensic facility
Elijah Compagna was found not competent and deemed dangerous, yet was placed in a community-based group home in 2025. While there, he was able to lure a young woman into the home and stab her to death — in a setting not designed or staffed to manage that level of risk – just one example of a pattern of inadequate state care for the dangerously mentally ill, Carroll said.
Watch Artemis/Orion flight LIVE
This stream started as Artemis II began its ascent into space and will conclude shortly before Orion splashes down into the Pacific Ocean.
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.
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.
Orleans County Senate candidate steps away
“It all came down to fundraising. It was disheartening,” Bathalon told VDC on Sunday.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ram Hinsdale: Where 100% of Vermonters agree
This isn’t about urban versus rural. Every part of Vermont depends on working lands, housing, open space, and economic opportunity.
Repeal Act 181 protest noon Tuesday
Act 181 opponents home to fill the State House lawn Tuesday at noon.
Elderly driver dies in collision during spring blizzard
The impact caused catastrophic damage to Pellerin’s vehicle, with the cab separating from the frame.
Pay Act boosts state salaries – guv to earn $243,520
Salary increases for Vermont’s statewide elected officials are moving forward as part of a broader biennial bill that adjusts state employee wages based on collective bargaining agreements (CBAs).
Roper: VT Democrats have a rural voter problem. Clinging to Act 181 won’t help
The ‘Cave Dwellers’ are catching on.
Pass Save America Act – call senators NOW!
Call your senators and Sens. Thune and Fetterman – phone numbers provided.
Drag Queen Story Hour canceled due to security concerns
Beeman Elementary has canceled the entire DEI unit due to alleged communications that threaten the safety of students and staff.
Vergennes man pleads innocent to human trafficking
Memoli has a sex crime record going back as far as 2008.
Cops take down barricaded assault suspect with non-lethal munitions
Belmore threw a liquefied petroleum gas cylinder at police then advanced on them with a blunt metal object.
50 huskies rescued
Malnourished huskies rescued in raid on Hyde Park barn.
Hooper: Photo of legislator rolling around committee room floor led to resignation
To illustrate the rug/dress color coordination, Hooper said, the member got down on the floor of the committee room and rolled around.
Lawmaker to resign over sexual harassment finding
All but three House Democrats signed a letter calling on Hooper, a Vietnam veteran and lawmaker representing North Burlington since 2019, to resign his seat in the Legislature
Oil truck catches fire in Waterbury
Smoke and fire pouring out of the truck greeted I-89 exit 10 traffic – including this reporter.
Tell your Covid-19 mandate story at State House Wednesday, March 25
Six years after Covid-19 began, it’s time to be heard.
Nutmeg State drug, indecent exposure suspects arrested
CT teenager charged with felony drug possession after raid on drug house jailed – for now.
Grace Potter joins LG candidate at site of his life-changing ski accident Tuesday
The evening event will feature a special performance by Vermont musician Grace Potter.
Prison nurse busted for giving drugs to inmate
Baker was suspended from her position the same day the drug was discovered and resigned three days later, on Oct. 27, 2025.
Secret Service seeks EBT card fraud in VT next week
If a skimming device is discovered during a visit, trained personnel will remove and collect the device for further analysis.
19-year-old charged with sex with minor
According to investigators, authorities received a report that Stryker had been involved in a sexual relationship with a juvenile.
Road rule can kicked down the road
The road rule would be delayed, and rural properties affected by develop regulation would be taxed accordingly.
Sportsmen’s banquet Saturday night
The event helps support the organization’s efforts to promote Vermont’s outdoor traditions and provide youth education programs.
EXCLUSIVE: House Rep resigns from committee after sex harrassment probe
Krowinski commended the complainant, who is not named in the letter, for “an extraordinarily courageous action.”
Burlington mayor clamps down on online criticism of police role in ICE raid
Without local police on site, the mayor warned, the situation could have spiraled into the kind of unchecked escalation seen in Minneapolis during past ICE engagements, where absent municipal support reportedly contributed to extreme violence and civilian deaths.
Purple paint property posting proposal pulled
Heffernan left the Senate chamber shortly after Pro Tem Phil Baruth announced the vote on Prop 4.
Vermont, who is thy neighbor?
For years, the state has made itself unusually welcoming to people who are in the country illegally – and less welcome to rural families who have lived here for generations.
ICE raids South Burlington home
As the wanted car fled, it collided with a vehicle traveling south.
Pit bull kills elderly man
Family members were inside the home at the time of the attack, including the dog’s owner, who was able to stop the attack and secure the animal, police said.
Parents seek accountability after son’s fatal motorcycle crash
The Messenger states that according to a crash report from the State of Vermont, Paradee was traveling north on Duffy Hill Road when a vehicle entering the intersection from Taylor Branch Road allegedly failed to stop and struck the motorcycle.
Drag Queen Story Hour scheduled at elementary school
The DQSH is part of an “identity unit” DEI week at Beeman Elementary School in New Haven.
State trooper hurt in crash
4:34 p.m. on Vermont Route 279.
Walker was operating with his lights and siren activated near the intersection with Kocher Drive when his cruiser was involved in a collision with a second vehicle.
Woman dies weeks after crash on icy road
The driver lost traction on black ice on a curve.
School tuition choice lawsuit, Medicaid fraud, crossover on Hot Off The Press Today
Lots of news to talk about today, Monday March 9, on Hot Off The Press on AM 550, FM 96.1, Wdevradio.com at 11:05 AM. Call us at 802-244-1777.
VTDigger editor leaves – 4th editor in 16 months starts work in June
Anand succeeded interim editor Neal Goswami. His predecessor, Paul Heintz, departed in February, 2025. When Susan Allen starts work in June, she will be the fourth editor-in-chief in 16 months at VTDigger.
Detransition conference invites VT participation
Organizers say the conference is particularly relevant for Vermonters because debates over gender identity policies in schools, health care and government in the Green Mountain State have intensified in recent years.
‘Burtt Amendment’ to vax bill urged
The amendment is expected to be considered when H.545 returns to the House floor, potentially on Tuesday.
Call in at 802-244-1777 at 11:05 to Feedback Friday
The crooks know our seniors are susceptible to fraud.
Blotter: DUI, domestic assaults
State and local police busy with DUI, domestic abuse cases this month.
Rally for veteran charged with domestic terrorism
Millet was charged following comments authorities allege he made during a phone call to the Veterans Crisis Line, the national suicide prevention hotline for military veterans.
Valley: We’re subsidizing Ghost Town schools
Colchester taxpayers are absorbing double-digit tax hikes to heat, plow, and staff half-empty buildings in rural counties that have lost 40% of their students but flat-out refuse to consolidate.
Two towns close schools/ ICE feared at non-citizen voting polls/ Woodstock votes new school
In Burlington, poll workers and an education non-profit kept watch for federal immigration agents during Town Meeting Day voting.
Two men jailed on drug, eluding charges after police chase
Officers reported finding a large amount of cash, a small quantity of crack cocaine and a jar of petroleum jelly inside the vehicle.
Rutland voters rise above write-in chaos, pick Donahue as mayor
Donahue, following a long career in public life in Rutland, notably gained an endorsement from Governor Phil Scott.
Town Meeting: School budget votes mixed, first VT black mayor elected
Meanwhile, residents in Waterbury overwhelmingly approved spending more than $4.3 million on a flood mitigation project aimed at protecting homes, businesses and infrastructure from future disasters.
Readers: I need YOUR help with Town Meeting issue this morning
If you know if your local school budget passed or failed, email results and (if you have them) totals RIGHT NOW to news@vermontdailychronicle.com.
Woman run over by dump truck dies of abdominal trauma
The woman had been brought to Copley Hospital by a friend after suffering significant abdominal trauma.
Mid-Vermont Christian girls Reach hoop semis
Shut out of tourney play because they wouldn’t play against a team with a male player, Mid-Vermont Christian was reinstated after a court settlement and is now vying for the state championship.
BREAKING: Gen. ‘Raisin’ Cain praises Green Mountain Boys role in attack on Iran
In the case of the Vermont Air National Guard and the 15th fighter wing, they were mobilized for Operation Absolute Resolve, and then were tasked to take their F-35As across the Atlantic, instead of going home, in order to be prepared for this operation,” Cain said.
Sales tax on services would net $497 million, state report says
If the Legislature seizes on the JFO report to enact a broadbased sales tax on services, the state’s next budget could hit $10,000,000,000 – its first-ever 11 figure budget.
Campus group founded by activist Mahdawi urges “Death to America” following attack on Iran
CUAD wrote on X: ‘Marg bar Amrika.’ In Persian, the statement means ‘Death to America.’
Vote to close school in Windham County
Small town faces small school closure at Town Meeting.
Delinquent taxes spike town tax rate despite budget cuts
The Town of Cambridge cut municipal spending, but paying taxpayers are still looking at a big tax hike.
Rutland Mayor Election Focus: Tom Donahue, Robert Reynolds talk growth, taxes
Donahue: longtime alderman, endorsed by Gov. Phil Scott. Reynolds: electrician and entrepreneur. Just two of the candidates in the all-write-in election for Rutland mayor.
Gov. Scott will vote no on Town Meeting school budget
“At this point I will be voting no,” Scott said, citing a projected increase of $250/$100,000 of home values.
Suspected drug trafficker, child abuser sought in theft of 20 firearms
Emerson is already wanted on a $25,000 warrant for failure to appear in court on outstanding fentanyl trafficking and child abuse charges.
