I found that it became too difficult for me to accomplish any major goals in my first session as a Senator.
Second Republican senator resigns this month
Guy Page
Guy Page is the editor and publisher of the Vermont Daily Chronicle.
Video: Brattleboro ski jumper sign destroyed by wrong-way driver
On October 11, Brattleboro police received a report of an accident on Main Street near the library where a vehicle apparently traveling the wrong way struck the ski jumper sign.
Every episode of HOTP. Today: Non-citizen voting law goes to VT Supreme Court
Citizen voters’ rights lawyer Brady Toensing explains the RITE lawsuit against Burlington’s non-citizen voting law.
House committee alleges Biden aides discouraged care for ailing president
According to testimony cited by the report, White House advisors discouraged cognitive testing and influenced medical assessments to protect Biden’s political prospects.
Local school budget votes affect statewide taxation, citizen voting lawyer tells Supreme Court
During October 14 oral arguments, a Supreme Court justice asked Hassan whether the Burlington elections would impact statewide spending and policy.
Canoe drowning victim identified
Firefighters responded to 346 Water Street at about 5 a.m. and found a camper trailer and nearby home fully engulfed.
Scott supports suing feds for SNAP benefits
“I have directed my administration to work with Attorney General Clark to support a multi-state lawsuit,” Scott said.
State of Vermont job builders named
Burn ban lifted. Shadow war talkers at Norwich.
SNAP benefits to cost State of VT $3/million per week if shutdown continues
SNAP benefits not paid by the federal government proposed to be paid out of a state reserve fund.
Mamdani, marijuana, Middlebury suicide stories focus on Hot Off The Press
Great discussion about Bernie, Mamdani and Northfield PD chief resignation. Thanks to Bob, Mark, Fred, Rebecca, Paul and Donald for calling in.
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.
Woman dies in fiery, head-on crash
Speed was a factor as one car crossed into the oncoming lane.
Drug epidemic, housing shortage stretch emergency crews thin
Road rager in crash. 102 MPH on state highway.
Batman-crazy news reporter started Rutland Halloween parade
“Tom was wild about Batman,” recalled former Herald colleague Bob Bennett of Shelburne. “Every day, when other reporters came to the office wearing ties, Tom wore a sweater with a Batman image on it — one his wife had knitted for him.”
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.
Call in today at 11:05 – noon for Feedback Friday on Hot Off The Press
Call the Feedback Friday Phone at 802-244-1777 11:05 AM – noon today.
BREAKING: Connecticut man denies mail and wire fraud to steal nearly $475,000 from Vermont State Treasurer
Lindsay conspired with others, known and unknown to the grand jury, to develop a scheme to obtain money and property from the Vermont Unclaimed Property website, the indictment said.
House leaders say state will fully fund federal food, heating benefits hit by shutdown
epresentatives 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.
Body found near Middlebury College organic farm
No positive ID on the body.
Former sheriff sentenced on sex, assault charges
He also must complete individual sex offender treatment, a separate domestic violence counseling program, and substance abuse and alcohol counseling.
Parents’ advocate asks school board about staff-to-student emails promoting transgenderism
Jarrod Vaillancourt said he was inspired to approach the school board again after reading a commentary in VDC by SPEAKVT president Marie Tiemann.
SNAP benefits will pause November 1 if shutdown continues
If you are expecting to receive your November 1 benefit, unless the federal government reopens and authorizes November benefits, it will not be issued due to a lack of federal funds, state officials said.
Search and rescue squad joins effort to find college student
To date, MPD has conducted numerous aerial searches using unmanned aircraft systems, also known as drones, coupled with focused ground searches.
It’s official: Douglass resigns
The abrupt loss of his full-time income, as well as the part-time income earned as a state senator, has left the Douglass family with little means of support, just weeks after their first child was born.
Canoeist drowns in Lake Champlain
The body found floating two miles from the site of the capsizing is believed to be a 71-year-old Montpelier man.
College prof murderer moving towards parole/ More legislators endorse Dame
Judge: sentencing a minor to a prison forever is cruel and unusual punishment.
HOTP Today: Illegal immigrant faces murder charge. Lawsuit opposes Burlington citizen-only voting
Removed twice, he returned during three years ago, authorities say.
Bernie urged to retract support for Maine candidate with Nazi tattoo
latner recently disclosed that he has a skull-and-crossbones ‘totenkopf’ tattoo associated with Nazi symbolism, which he, while serving in the U.S. Marines, got while drunk on leave in Croatia in 2007.
Winooski sanctuary school volunteers watch on street corners
“We had a lot of volunteers in the streets, down Main Street and Weaver Street, positioning themselves at different blocks to have an additional presence,” Chavarria said. “People were watching on corners, making sure kids were OK.”
193 repeat offenders found for Backlog Court
Retired Judge Martin A. Maley will be the primary person presiding to help resolve many of the nuisance cases. He is coming out of semi-retirement to help lead the 90-day pilot project.
2A Tuesday, Backlog Court on today’s Hot Off The Press
Call in 802-244-1777 to join the conversation today on Hot Off The Press.
Body of missing VT man pulled from river
Burglaries in Derby, Shrewsbury. Berlin police cope with a spate of retail theft.
Dem announces run for Douglass senate seat, Scott fills House vacancy
Douglass describes how both he and his wife Brianna, parents to a newborn, were fired from their jobs after the Politico story leading to his resignation was published.
Homes for bats on Halloween
Holy wildlife housing,next week is Bat Week!
Trooper injured when cruiser hits deer
Lights flashing enroute to a domestic sexual assault in Jay, Trooper Lynch’s cruiser struck a deer.
Facing threats to his family, Sam Douglass resigns
We just had a baby. Our first. We struggled with fertility for years and we were lucky. I was on paternity leave as of last week and I was just returning to legislative work when this story broke. So, we’re still trying to put our house back together and catch up on sleep. Yet, I have received some of the most horrific hate one could imagine.
Mirror, Mirror on the wall: Who’s the next sinner we blackball?
Politics is about power, and Douglass has it right now. My advice to the 27-year-old state senator from Orleans County: Don’t give it up.
Some VT student English skills improve, status quo in other subjects
State officials said results were mostly consistent with the previous year.
Caught with 40 bags of drugs – cited, released, unconcerned
Despite allegedly being found in possession of 40 bags of hard drugs, the couple was clearly only mildly concerned.
Affidavit alleges YR chat turned over under duress
Developing news on the Politico story…
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.
