Developing news on the Politico story…
Affidavit alleges YR chat turned over under duress
Guy Page
Guy Page is the editor and publisher of the Vermont Daily Chronicle.
Coester: GOP knee-jerk reaction ‘appalling’
Be aware: the youth will not look kindly on any of the “alleged” leaders who threw Sam under the bus in the blink of an eye.
GOP executive committee retracts Chair Paul Dame’s statement about Sam Douglass
“The VTGOP Executive Committee unanimously supports this statement and issues a full, complete retraction of the previously issued statement by Chairman Paul Dame,” the executive committee said.
Douglass: “I apologize so deeply”
“I completely denounce and fully condemn the vile and disgusting comments included in the POLITICO article and I have cut all ties with those involved,” Douglas said.
Iowa’s guv bans buying junk food with food stamps. Could Phil Scott?
Make Vermont Healthy Again? We discuss healthy options for food stamp purchase and other initiatives with John Klar today on Hot Off The Press.
Burlington airport won’t run Noem video blaming Dems for government shutdown
“We will continue to do all that we can to avoid delays that will impact your travel. And our hope is that Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening the government,” Noem said.
Gervais drops run for GOP state chair, endorses Ingalls
“After speaking with Russ, it is clear that we have a fearless advocate with the vision needed to lead our Party into 2026 and beyond,” Gervais said.
Scott, GOP leaders call for GOP senator to resign following social media comments
“We are in agreement with Gov. Phil Scott. Sen. Sam Douglass’ statements as reported by Politico are unacceptable and deeply disturbing. They cannot be excused and are inconsistent with Vermont values and what Vermont Republicans stand for,” GOP House and Senate leaders said.
37 Vermont-bound cats in horrific crash/ dust explosion/ cop attacker sentenced
Thirty two cats are currently accounted for, and the Furrkids staff is attempting to recover the 5 missing cats.
Suspected lawnmower thief jailed after 30 release violations
A man cited October 3 in connection with a lawnmower theft in Highgate was arrested again last week after allegedly violating court conditions 30 times tied to numerous prior charges and probation cases. This time, he was jailed on $2000 bail.
Housing, food co-op get state/fed grant $$
The Caledonia Food Cooperative would be on the site of a former drug store on Railroad Street, the commercial district of Caledonia County’s largest town.
Burlington cops and DEA bust 2 out-of-staters for intent to sell crack cocaine charges
Found hiding in a shower fully clothed with multiple large chunks of crack cocaine.
Ingalls: No substitute for GOP victory
The Vermont Republican Party has the policies Vermonters want to rally around, and we need to make sure our messaging matches the moment.
Breaking: Three hats in ring for VT GOP chair
The new candidate is a real estate exec and radio station owner.
HOTP today: AI concerns, covering the worst of all news
In the first half hour, I will cover the weekend and Monday morning’s top headlines, and VDC columnist Alison Despathy and I will discuss her latest post warning against the ‘dumbing down’ and energy consumption downsides of AI. In the second half hour, the Media Monday segment, listeners and I will discuss the pros and cons and rights and wrongs of sharing information following fatal accidents.
Activists join Vermont Stands Up/ Simmonds gets new owner/ Goat cheese market growing
Simmonds is expected to generate $350 million in revenue for the calendar year ending December. The Company employs about 900 people.
Erick Erickson guest speaker at GOP awards night
The ‘Bernie Sanders state’ could have a Republican-controlled Legislature next year, Erickson noted.
Customs & Immigration training building tagged with threatening messages
The USCIS Training Facility at 237 Harvest Lane serves as a pivotal center for training and education related to U.S. immigration and citizenship services.
Former high school athlete dies in DUI crash
The two played high school sports together. Now one is dead and the other charged with DUI death resulting.
School shorts: Free tuition at VSU/ Golf champ/ BLM mural defaced
The new Freedom & Unity program, launched by the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) in partnership with Vermont State University (VTSU), covers full tuition for Vermonters with household incomes of $65,000 or less.
Letter: Windsor GOP couple says ‘thanks’
The county’s Republican spirit is growing strong — and we’re so proud to have accomplished our goal of having Republican Legislators that reflect the commonsense conservative voice of Windsor County.
Teacher pleads innocent to cocaine possession in school
The school resource officer said Martin appeared impaired, with rapid speech, erratic movements, and a heart rate of 130 beats per minute—symptoms consistent with cocaine use.
Act 73 ‘Future of Public Education’ committee publishes online survey
The Committee on the Future of Public Education created by the Legislature has launched its public engagement and input-gathering this week with an online survey to collect feedback from Vermonters regarding education reform and the redistricting.
Today is Feedback Friday – call in to Hot Off The Press
No guests on Feedback Friday – only callers! Call in at 802-244-1777 from 11:05 AM – noon.
Parents, educators sharply divided on LGBTQ messaging in school
Vaillancourt argued that despite increased spending, “our children continue to be well below proficiency.”
Police find three dead men Tuesday
The bodies of three men who died in different ways and in different places are all found by Vermont State Police on the same day.
Burlington rugby star Ilhona Maher immortalized in Barbie doll
“Confidence is a muscle,” Maher said. “You build it through hard work, mistakes, and showing up as your full self — and that’s what I hope girls see in this doll.”
‘Virulent’ anti-Trump Vermont diner triggers firestorm over ‘political menu’
“May every one of you filthy Rebs die screaming in a fire,” Bartner added.
Vermont Department of Health says ‘autism isn’t something that needs to be cured’
On September 22, Pres. Donald Trump and Kennedy announced “bold actions to tackle the autism epidemic,” which they said has surged nearly 400% since 2000 and now affects 1 in 31 American children.
10/24 HOTP: Feedback Friday callers speak out on government shutdown
Allison, Tim, Kevin, Scott, Tom, Martin and Gregory weighed in on the headlines, including how the looming loss of food and heat benefits due to the government shutdown could affect people truly in need.
Man charged in serial supermarket shoplifting has police record of heroin use
Berlin police have cited Scott Haldane, 60, of Washington, Vermont, in connection with nine separate thefts from Price Chopper/Market 32 on Ames Drive.
16-year-old girl killed in crash
The collision occurred Sunday afternoon on Richardson Road in Orange.
Firefighters battle mountaintop blaze, rescue injured driver from fiery wreck
A Milton firefighter pulled the seriously injured driver out of his burning pickup truck after it crossed into the oncoming Lane and struck a car driven by a woman who died in the crash.
Bank robbery spree partner sentenced
The man and woman executed a spree of bank robberies up and down the Connecticut River Valley.
Breaking: Suspected shooter of German Shepherd says he thought he shot a bear
Witnesses told troopers they saw a man walking away from the area shortly after the shot, before getting into a white full-sized pickup truck and heading toward town.
Teacher ‘behaving unusually’ busted for cocaine possession at school
A student reported Martin was ‘behaving unusually.’
Blotter: German Shepherd fatally shot in Richford
The German Shepherd returned home with a fatal gunshot wound to its snout.
Crack bust highlights Philadelphia-to-Burlington crime pipeline
Police say Badeau set up shop in Decker Towers and sold crack in City Hall Park. Like many recent Burlington drug arrests, he has a criminal history in the Philadelphia PA area.
Weekly shoplifter: man stole cart of groceries 9 times
Nine times the same male allegedly entered the store and left with a cart full of unpaid merchandise.
TPUSA chapter in Barre gains steam
High school freshman talks about community organizing and attending Charlie Kirk memorial in Arizona.
From Springfield Vermont to Springfield MA, road rage shooting suspects fled police
Timeline of police pursuit and capture of Bradford couple.
Scott names ‘shoe bomber’ prosecutor as new judge
Owyang most recently held leadership roles at VELCO and Vermont Gas.
Road rage shooting suspects captured
Wanted and dangerous couple apprehended in MA. Drilling gasoline tanks. Inmate dies after 32 years in prison. Truck strikes boulder in Notch.
Famed Vermont golfer under fire
The best pro golfer to ever come out of Vermont is in the doghouse after the USA just lost a huge international tournament.
State of Vermont finds loopholes to allow food assistance for non-workers
The State is also reviewing, one by one, the cases of 1,532 non-citizens forbidden to receive food benefits under the OBBB.
Shooting of St. J police captain captured on body cam
The Friday the 13th video begins with Hendry following Gray into a Portland St. apartment building to investigate a report of domestic assault by Mason on his wife.
‘Hot Off The Press’ VDC radio show debuts 11 AM Monday – hear the trailer
I give the headlines and the back story and talk to the reporters who write the day’s top stories. And best of all we take YOUR comments and questions. Tune in at 11 AM every weekday on WDEV AM 550 and 96.1 FM, and livestreamed on WDEVradio.COM.
BREAKING: Vigil for Charlie Kirk in Bennington at 5 PM
“Join us as we gather together peacefully to mourn the loss of Charlie Kirk. A limited number of candles will be available but we encourage you to bring your own. We will gather together at the four corners starting at 5 pm. Let the Lord Jesus shine through us as we remember our brother in Christ,” Mason and Gagnon said.
Road rage duo wanted for attempted murder
Arrest warrants for attempted murder have been issued. Police now describe the incident on Saturday as involving gunfire.
Near-death experience inspires publisher to creative burst of artwork
“In 2024 I almost died during a diabetic hypoglycemic episode. Almost. Something reasserted itself while I was hospitalized: I learned I was not ready to go.”
Regulators nix biomass-not-farm-methane Lyndon power plant contract
It had a federal grant. It had a buyer for renewable energy credits. But the proposed Lyndon biomass plant didn’t have a path forward to get a guaranteed high price for the energy it would make.
Senate ally of Mahdawi led profane anti-ICE chant at rally
According to several witnesses watching from a nearby hotel porch, including Chester GOP Chair Roy Spaulding, Sen. White repeatedly spoke the phrase into a microphone during the rally, encouraging others to join in – which many did.
Welch calls for Palestinian state/ VPIRG pushing plug-in solar
he move accompanies similar calls by Australia, Canada and other nations for a Palestinian state, in response to the ongoing war in Gaza that began when Hamas attacked Israel in October, 2023, killing more than 1000 civilians and soldiers and taking many Israelis hostage.
Man held woman hostage in abandoned building, assaulted her: police
Newport Police discovered an abandoned building where John had been staying. A witness told police John was holding the woman hostage there and had given her a black eye.
State employee union fights return to workplace three days a week
“Remote work is so common that we fear the state will not be able to attract or retain high-quality employees if forced back into the office,” the union argues.
Dem-appointed judges reject Trump admin move in Mahdawi case
The ruling to deny the government’s request for an ‘en banc’ (full court) review of earlier judicial motions means the legal fight over their arrests will move forward immediately to a standard three-judge panel for a final decision on the core issues.
Blotter: Motorcyclist, teen die in crashes/ three assault cases
The driver of the Suzuki bike was pronounced dead at the scene.
13-year-old takes checkered flag at Thunder Road
Haggett, a multisport athlete and honor-roll student, made the jump from go-karts to full-size cars only a year ago.
High school administrator responds to boy/girl bathroom criticism
“The old version of a large “group-style” bathroom created far more opportunities for vandalism, vaping, and fights to take place. This renovation allows for student privacy and removes the ability for large groups of students to congregate and misuse the space,” Messier said.
Blotter: Sex assault, welfare fraud, crash at dam
Welfare fraud in the Kingdom. Drunk river hits boat trailer at Chittenden Dam.
Planet Hank reports taser, pepper spray, cocaine incident in Brattleboro
“Brattleboro officers received a report of a physical altercation in the area of Elliot Street which possibly involved a firearm. Brattleboro police responded with multiple officers and began investigating and were able to locate two males known to be involved in the incident. One victim reported he was struck with a taser and pepper spray….”
Bio-tech incubator started by RNAi developer opens at UVM
“America, if you look at it, who went to America? It’s not the people who were allset in the country. It’s not the aristocrats, right? It’s the people who had a hard time, who had their back to the wall, but reacted by doing something,” Fruehauf said.
UVM-trained physician joins newest NASA astronaut class
From Vermont to the stars! Muller’s class marks the 24th group of astronaut candidates since NASA introduced the legendary “Mercury Seven” in 1959.
Barre man charged with sex abuse, animal cruelty
The tip suggested that CSAM was being uploaded and shared on Kik, a messaging application.
Act 73 public forums this week, next week
Local leaders, educators, and stakeholders will be present to share insights and respond to community input.
BREAKING: Burlington cops shoot suspect in standoff
The ATF investigated him after he made possible threats toward the distribution process for the COVID-19 vaccine shots in Vermont, federal court records show.
Sextortionists trap children through popular gaming sites
The platforms most commonly cited include Discord, Telegram, Roblox, and Minecraft, though experts caution that the group can surface on any platform where children can interact online.
Former jail guard charged with assault in police standoff
When confronted by a neighbor about loud music, Middleton came out dressed in full gear and with a possible firearm, police say.
Barre freshmen organize TPUSA club
VDC brought our video camera to the AFP-VT forum in Barre last night and left with interviews with TPUSA-VT club founders, Planet Hank, and AFP’s regional director.
Hospital CEO Sunny Eappen steps down
Hospital trustees commit to reducing expenses, slowing growth of hospital costs.
Windsor senators pose with “Is He Dead Yet?” T-shirt wearer
Senator says he didn’t know what the shirt said.
High school opens large bathroom for both sexes
“Why would any adult even entertain the idea of putting hormonal boys and girls together in the same room for these intimate and personal moments?” Reighley wrote. “In the not-so-distant past, this was viewed as an absolute taboo.”
B-2 stealth bomber to do football flyover at Norwich Saturday
The flyover is scheduled for about 2 PM, just before kickoff of the Homecoming football game and in coordination with the playing of the National Anthem.
Blotter: Stabbing, bottle attack, big haul at camp burglary
Police say Bailey, who was at a workplace of a person he was not permitted to approach via court order, fled officers in Burlington on June 2 and discarded a fanny pack containing a loaded Sig Sauer pistol.
Vermont vigils continue for Charlie Kirk
“Something horrible is happening in America, we are divided and have forgotten what our country was founded on,” Mayhew said.
State police remember Trooper Kyle Young, who died in training 10 years ago today
On one occasion, Kyle responded to a call about a suicidal veteran. He was able to build rapport with the distraught veteran through his own shared experiences and ultimately convince the veteran to seek help.
Couple engages Charlie Kirk-style with Montpelier
‘I know that I’m politically outnumbered in the capital. I hoped that in the fallout of a slain youth political voice, that there could maybe be common ground, or someone would at least come to the table.”
Martha Stewart adopts two Vermont rescue horses
The organization shared the news over the weekend, calling the adoption “a true dream come true” for the animals and their volunteers.
Jesse Strong Patriots Day to honor fallen Marine and Border Patrol agent Chris Maland
First held in 2019, the benefit was established to celebrate Strong’s life and legacy. Strong, the son of Rev. Nathan and former Rep. Vicki Strong, was killed trying to deter militants from disrupting Iraq’s first post-Sadaam democratic election.
Parent challenges LGBTQ, BLM hallway messaging at elementary school
The posters and stickers are displayed in the main hallway, near the kindergarten room of the K-8 school.
300 hold candlelight vigil for Charlie Kirk
“We love you Erika!” said the crowd of 300 in a video sent to Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow.
Hospital regulators cut spending, cite subsidizing NY hospitals
New York hospitals in the UVMMC network include Champlain Valley Physicians’ Hospital in Plattsburgh, Alice Hyde Medical Center in Malone, and Elizabethtown Community Hospital.
GOP Chair Dame seeks re-election/ Feds sue Uber
What’s the coolest thing made in Vermont? You decide. Hospital wins recycling award. Muzzleloader permit winners announced.
Motorcycles collide, one driver killed
Staniszewski had slowed eastbound on Route 302 to allow a truck to turn into the P & H Truck Stop when Mart, also traveling eastbound, struck the rear of his motorcycle.
Scott names new labor, health department commissioners
Chris Winters, DCF Commissioner, will be the new deputy commissioner of the Department of Labor beginning September 22. The administration stresses the move is not a demotion.
Warner: Charlie Kirk wasn’t ‘the next Rush’ – but he could have been president
As the ugliness of this event spills over onto social media where those who didn’t know Charlie personally are celebrating his death, I have this much to say to them…ALL OF HEAVEN IS ALSO CELEBRATING HIS ARRIVAL.
Johnson: With Charlie’s death, a real turning point
Here’s what I think many felt: This was not just an assassination. It was a spiritual earthquake shaking the souls of believers and all good people. It was like the fabric of reality had perceptibly shifted, like a hard line between good and evil had finally been drawn.
Three injured in crash outside hospital/ embezzlement/ strangling/ arson
Police executed a search warrant at Doyle’s home and recovered several hundred items believed to be stolen.
Barre Forum: What happened at the State House?
Five legislators will answer your questions on what happened in the Legislature this year, and what they believe should happen next year.
New car sales tax and other revenue down, VTRANS plans $7.5 million in cuts
Transportation fund receipts are down overall, with the largest deficits in diesel fuel sales tax and motor vehicle purchase and use taxes and fees. Gasoline sales are not below target.
FBI recovers rifle, publishes photos of ‘person of interest’
The FBI also reported it has found a rifle believed to be the murder weapon.
Vermont backs lawsuit of Liberty University over transgender firing
Celebrate the Constitution Saturday. Mosquito virus comes to Vermont, Mahdawi leaves. Public hearing for border crossing changes.
In Williston, Charlie Kirk preached power to the people
Charlie Kirk’s June, 2021 visit to a Williston church remembered.
Much of VT in ‘severe drought’
Some rainfall over the past weekend helped halt worsening conditions in Maine, but not elsewhere in northern New England. And forecasters say there is little relief on the horizon.
Thurston: 9/11 and the 9th Symphony
As America itself became the root cause of the attack on so many campuses, the symbol that soothed the heart of many after the bombings, the American flag, became a source of endless hate.
In his 2021 visit, Charlie Kirk called Vermont “God’s gift to America” – but he didn’t mean our politics
“This [Burlington] is one of the few cities that has still kept from an aesthetics point the smalltown America, not letting these soulless, godless corporations come in and destroy small business and entrepreneurship,” Kirk said.
Scott promises ‘blueprint’ of help for Burlington
“I look at this as like a crisis that they’re facing, much like a flood, and first thing that we need to do is respond to the flooding and help people, and then the recovery part after,” Scott said.
Woman dies in e-bike collision
E-bikes have grown in popularity as older Vermonters seek help with pedaling and frugal and/or climate-conscious Vermonters seek practical alternatives to cars. The State of Vermont began an e-bike purchase rebate program in 2022.
Mid-Vermont Christian triumphs over State of Vermont, sports teams must be reinstated
‘We conclude that Plaintiffs are likely to succeed in showing that the VPA’s expulsion of Mid Vermont was not neutral because it displayed hostility toward the school’s religious beliefs,” the two federal judges said.
Both Vermont senators continue to pressure RFK to step down
“We are now witnessing a full blown war on science, public health, and on truth itself,” said Sanders at the joint press conference.
