Midterm voting integrity is embroiled in panicked lawfare.
President Trump’s USPS mail-in rules head to US Supreme Court
Vermont ski conglomerate sued for ticket price-fixing
Vail Resorts, which owns three mountains in Vermont, is being sued in federal court for allegedly colluding with a ski-industry trade association and a research firm to fix prices for multi-mountain season passes and lift tickets.
Local parishes seek to block pending Roman Catholic priest abuse lawsuits
“The parishes had no authority over the pastors and priests who were assigned by the Dioceses to the parishes,” the lawsuit trying to fend off more lawsuits related to sexual abuse by Vermont Roman Catholic Church priests a half-century ago argues.
Appeals court reverses Mahdawi decision- says judge overstepped authority in deportation case
Mahdawi still free, but now must argue case in immigration courts.
Youngblut’s lawyer fears lost evidence in Border Agent homicide case
Teresa Youngblut, 22, of Seattle, Wash., wants to make sure she can have a proper defense, Assistant Federal Defender Steven Barth said as part of a 16-page motion filed in U.S. District Court in Burlington this month.
Vermont gets $1.3M from CashApp settlement
Vermont will receive approximately $1.3 million as part of a $45 million multistate settlement with Block Inc., the company behind Cash App, over allegations the payment platform misled consumers about its fraud protections and failed to adequately safeguard users, Attorney General Charity Clark announced Wednesday.
High courts backs fur trappers, coyote hunters over POW
In a decision issued June 12, the high court affirmed a lower court ruling rejecting challenges brought by several animal-rights organizations to rules adopted following legislation passed in 2022.
Judge sets Ex-Chief Swanson’s demotion appeal for June 30
Embattled former Woodstock Village Police Chief Joe Swanson’s appeal of his latest demotion by Municipal Manager Eric Duffy will be heard in Vermont Superior Court at the end of this month. The Village Trustees voted 5-0 earlier this year to support Duffy’s decision, but Swanson has appealed the demotion as groundless. He wants to be reinstated as chief of a department where he has worked for two decades. Duffy has said he wants Swanson gone.
Mahdawi ordered deported – but staying pending appeal
Neither Mahdawi nor the ACLU mention state police citing his attempt to return from an overseas trip over a decade ago with illegal drugs and a large amount of cash in his possession. Nor do they mention the police report (cited and brushed aside by the federal judge in his decision) about his alleged effort to work for a Vermont gun repair shop, also over a decade ago, citing his expertise acquired in his homeland.
BREAKING: Former Lamoille County Deputy Sheriff denies 3 felonies
An award-winning now former Lamoille County deputy sheriff, who officials maintain helped cause a mistrial in a homicide case, has pleaded not guilty in Vermont Superior Court in Hyde Park to three felony counts, including two counts of obstruction of justice.
Vermont joins its 51st suit against the Trump administration. But does Vermont have a stake?
Attorney General Charity Clark has joined six other states in challenging the federal cancellation of an offshore wind lease off New York. The electricity at issue belongs to New York and was never bound for Vermont, so the outcome changes little for Vermont’s grid either way. Joining still commits some of Vermont’s legal resources.
Vermont’s Meta lawsuit heads back to Chittenden County after Supreme Court refuses appeal
Meta researchers identified Vermont as a unique market — noting that at certain times more teens and young adults in Vermont used Instagram per capita than in any other state.
Judge finds Windham County man not guilty in major tree cutting case
A federal judge has ruled federal prosecutors failed to prove a Windham County man, who cut down about 300 trees, did it in an area designated for protection as part of the Green Mountain National Forest.
Texas Roadhouse issued fines over food waste found in trash.
The restaurant off Williston Road, known for its steaks, peanut shells, and Texan atmosphere, found itself the target of an investigation by the Chittenden Solid Waste District (CSWD) over unusually high amounts of food scraps found in landfill waste.
VT announces neglect, Medicaid overbilling in NEK
Pattern of ‘upcoding’ reaped undeserved benefits for the region’s human services agency.
Breaking: Vermont case helps spark over $5 billion fine for Purdue Pharma
Opioid manufacturer Purdue Pharma LP (Purdue) was sentenced Tuesday in federal court in Newark, New Jersey, and ordered to pay criminal penalties of over $5 billion for its role in fueling the opioid epidemic in a case that was uncovered partially by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Vermont more than six years ago.
Supreme Court votes to suspend Vekos law license
Suspension follows her conviction for a driving while intoxicated arrest more than two years ago.
Breaking: Supreme Court rules conversion therapy ban violates first amendment
Vermont law now bans conversion therapy
Planet Hank: VT’s AG Charity Clark has filed or joined 46 lawsuits against the Feds
Charity Clark’s obsession with the Trump administration
Wrongful-death suit at Rutland hospital
The estate of a local man, who claims he died from mistreatment at the Rutland Regional Medical Center in February 2025 has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the hospital.
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.
Lawsuit claims Act 73 narrows tuition school choice
The lawsuit, filed in Vermont Superior Court, argues the new law significantly narrows that option and violates the Vermont Constitution by arbitrarily limiting which schools families can choose.
Corrections medical contractor legally under fire for inmate death
Lawsuit claims Wellpath negligence killed Vermont inmate with untreated diabetes
U.S. Supreme Court delivers victory for parental rights
Supreme Court rules that California cannot hide children’s gender transitions from parents; landmark decision protects parental rights nationwide
BREAKING: Drescher and Nolan hear first Vermont Supreme Court cases
Vermont’s two newest Supreme Court justices hit the ground running Wednesday — their first day for hearing appeals since they were confirmed by the Vermont Senate this month.
Vermont couple regains foster license after dispute over transgender training requirement
The couple objected to participating in certain aspects of the training, citing their personal beliefs. Their license was subsequently revoked, prompting legal action.
Shooting victim poured gasoline around his house, murder suspect claims
February 8 shooting lands in court yesterday.
Taxpayers funded $716K upgrade — but Cabot’s Middlebury plant still earns $60K wastewater fine
Public investment preceded years of permit violations
Hospital to pay $1.4 million for testicular cancer malpractice
The Tunbridge man received an invasive medical procedure to remove his left testicle.
Testimony spotlights hurdles — and hope — in Vermont’s high-risk pretrial program
The House Committee on Judiciary on Thursday discussed pretrial supervision as a way to reduce criminal court backlogs, recidivism, and catch and release policies.
Crash victim’s mother tells judge driver’s sentence isn’t justice
Prosecutors said the quick resolution was driven by concerns that Dudas, because of his age, could have sought youthful offender status, potentially moving the case to family court.
Judge rejects Colchester eminent domain bid, calls taking “bad faith, pretextual”
Supreme Court rejects Town appeal
BREAKING: Drescher approved as Supreme Court Justice as Lt. Gov. casts tiebreaker
Several Democrat senators said the Trump administration’s immigration policy is so harmful that Vermont should signal its opposition by rejecting the nomination of the prosecutor who argued the DOJ position in last year’s civil detention lawsuits of two anti-Israel activists.
Senate committee rejects Trump admin lawyer for State Supreme Court
The prosecutor who represented the Trump administration in immigration cases receives No vote from key Senate committee.
Covid-era van conversion business owner pleads guilty to fraud
ECVB marketed itself as specializing in converting Ford Transit vans and Mercedes Sprinter vans into “reliable, self-sufficient adventure homes.”
Chittenden County school district under federal investigation for allowing biological boys to play girls’ sports
A Vermont school district is under federal investigation amid allegations that its policies discriminate against girls by allowing biological males to compete in girls’ sports. “These policies jeopardize both the safety and the equal opportunities of women in educational programs and activities,” OCR said in a statement announcing the investigations.
Michael Drescher, Christina Nolan named to Vt. Supreme Court
Former U.S. Attorney Christina E. Nolan, 46, of Burlington and current First Assistant Michael P. Drescher, 60, of Hinesburg will need to be confirmed by the Vermont Senate.
Independent board sues to defend Ben & Jerry’s social mission
Vermont’s iconic ice cream maker faces governance crisis as corporate restructuring triggers legal battle over brand’s activist independence
Federal judge overturns ruling releasing illegal porn suspect
Stephen A. Lane, 56, who operates Single Needle Acupuncture on Battery Street, appeared in federal court with his two defense lawyers on Friday for arguments on why he should be released to the community pending trial.
Breaking: Burlington settles for $475,000 with former HS athletic director
Hulsen filed an equal pay violation lawsuit in U.S. District Court in November 2020 claiming she was cut loose from her high school job when the position was redefined and a younger man was hired at a substantially higher pay rate for the new post in August 2020.
Addison County prosecutor closes out her DUI case
A two-year old driving while intoxicated court case against besieged Addison County State’s Attorney Eva P. Vekos appeared to come to a close Tuesday when she pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor charge.
Judge reverses Village Trustees’ decision on Woodstock Chief Swanson’s demotion
A Vermont judge has reversed an April ruling by the Woodstock Village Trustees upholding the demotion of Police Chief Joe Swanson, and the case will now go back to the village board.
Court to Vermont State Employees: go back to the office
Return-to-office stays on track. The conflict now moves to the Vermont Labor Relations Board (VLRB) for adjudication.
Van shop owner and Reggae Festival operator ripped off customers, owes $477,502
Matthew Strong, who owned and operated East Coast Van Builds in Bradford between 2021 and the end of 2024, also has agreed to forfeit at least $477,502 from his fraud, court records show.
Bland faces the death penalty for alleged shooting of out-of-state drug dealers
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has given federal prosecutors in Vermont the green light to seek the death penalty for a Burlington man, who authorities say fatally shot two out-of-state drug dealers in the Northeast Kingdom two years ago.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Death penalty decision due for Stowe suspect in murder of out-of-state drug dealers
Bland, son of prominent lawyer, shared Morrisville drug den with victims
Cult member pleads innocent to murder charge after feds insist on death penalty
Teresa C. Youngblut, 21, of Seattle denied the four charges, including gunning down veteran Border Patrol Agent David “Chris” Maland during a traffic stop in the Northeast Kingdom community of Coventry on Jan. 20.
AG Clark wins in Vermont Supreme Court against Meta’s Facebook and Instagram
It’s likely the battle isn’t over.
Sarah George to seek re-election in 2026
Even in cases involving repeat offenders, cash bail is often posted by non-profits, and the suspect walks free without losing their own cash, George said.
Vermont among 20 states suing Feds over Victims of Crime Act grant restrictions
The Justice Department has declared that states will not be able to access Victims of Crime Act funding unless they agree to support the administration’s immigration enforcement.
Roper: More bad news for “Make Big Oil Pay”
South Carolina Judge latest to dismiss lawsuit similar to Vermont’s.
Cops, ACLU settle lawsuit over arrest of repeat felon
John Chinnici, 39, of Bennington had initially filed the civil rights lawsuit against the town, Police Chief Paul Doucette, and former Detectives Lawrence Cole and Anthony Silvestro for their actions concerning an armed robbery investigation of two convenience store employees as they attempted to make a night deposit in January 2016.
Vermont Judge dismisses CFL climate lawsuit against State of Vermont
“This case demonstrates the problematic nature of the Global Warming Solutions Act’s expansive private right of action provision,” said Vermont’s Secretary of Natural Resources, Julie Moore, in a written statement to VDC yesterday morning.
Judge lets Mahdawi travel the U.S., speak at political events
While awaiting the outcome of his court case fighting deportation, Mahdawi is free to travel and speak.
Wounded man sentenced to federal prison after brother is killed by drug dealer
Larry L. Lanpher Jr., who also was critically wounded when his brother was killed in the Leicester shooting on June 4, 2023, was sentenced for conspiracy to knowingly and intentionally distribute both crack and powder cocaine between January 2023 and August 2023 in Vermont and elsewhere.
Mechanics are criminally liable for their work – but not judges or lawmakers
For now, the Law remains unequal.
Judge says no delay in considering death penalty in Border Patrol murder case
The gun-toting woman that is accused as part of the fatal shooting of a U.S. Border Patrol Agent in the Northeast Kingdom in January will not get a six-month extension for her defense team to try to block consideration of the death penalty in her case.
No defense: Vermont runs out of funds for Federal public defenders
The federal judiciary has run out of money to pay for defense lawyers assigned to represent criminal defendants in Vermont.
Vermont among states suing Trump administration over education funding freeze
These states are calling this freeze unconstitutional, unlawful and an arbitrary decision.
Klar: The birthright backlash begins
New Hampshire ruling kicks the issue back to the Supremes.
Koch: Brainless law allows anyone to sue the state
It is no surprise, then, that the Conservation Law Foundation, which is proficient in bringing lawsuits, has taken the state up on its offer.
Breaking: U.S. Supreme Court rules against ‘universal injunctions’
The landmark decision came in a case involving challenges to President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order No. 14160, which sought to redefine American citizenship based on parents’ immigration status.
Gunman gets 6½ years for kidnapping Good Samaritan
Barry C. Perez, 39, formerly of Hartford, Conn., also learned he will be on supervised release for five years once he is discharged from federal prison. Chief Federal Judge Christina Reiss also ordered Perez to make $44,626 in restitution for damage to a box truck, which officials said he had stolen and crashed just before the Good Samaritan stopped to help.
Judge rejects Gu’s latest legal move
Gu, who owned homes in Dorset and Winhall, maintains that all her defense lawyers before, during and after trial, including on appeals were lacking in some way, court records show. She wants her three criminal convictions overturned and to strike a $107,117 restitution order to the Bank of Bennington, one of the five financial institutions she and a co-defendant targeted in the case.
McGuinness: Vermont AG dodges federal laws at “policy” forum
Attorney General Charity Clark gaslighted individuals challenging her failure to uphold federal laws regarding Title IX, parental rights, and immigration during a community forum held in Essex on Monday, June 2, to discuss The Impact of Federal Actions on Vermont.
VT defendant tries to hire actors, provide scripts to “would-be” witnesses in major bank fraud trial
Alison Gu, 49, who had Vermont homes in Dorset and Winhall, was sentenced in December 2018 to 3 years in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for bank fraud, aggravated identity theft and making a false statement on a passport application.
BREAKING: Hospital cleared for fatal overdose by doctor’s adult son
Dr. David N. Krag as executor of the estate of Peter M. Krag had sued the UVM Medical Center claiming the medical care provided by Dr. Halle G. Sobel was substandard and led to the death of the well-known local jazz musician from Shelburne five years ago.
BREAKING: Charity donation uncertain after ICE agent hoax case abandoned
Unclear if $500 donation was sent to Vergennes charity after no felony charge pursued in bogus claim about ICE agent
Prominent doctor sues UVMMC for negligent treatment of drug-addicted son
A prominent world-renowned doctor based in Burlington is suing the University of Vermont Medical Center for medical negligence and wrongful death for the fatal overdose of his adult son five years ago.
Five-time felon admits violating probation by doing no community service in drug case
Michael V. Larrow Sr., 67, of Grand Isle had no intention of doing the 200 hours of community service ordered by Judge Sam Hoar Jr. in September 2023, State’s Attorney Doug DiSabito told the court last week.
Federal Judge says Murder-for-Hire civil lawsuit can resume
A federal judge has agreed to allow a long-stalled wrongful death lawsuit to resume against a California scientist convicted last month in Burlington for being the mastermind in a cross-country murder-for-hire-case seven years ago in Danville.
Gassett: Vermont’s law violations and overspending have consequences
As AG Clark and her Vermont lawyer followers publicly rallied to protest, they showed their opposition to Vermont’s responsibility to adhere to our US Constitution. This action by a US State Attorney General and more than 300 licensed lawyers defies logic, and common sense.
Klar: Are courts doing enough to protect public health?
Given the history of American courts shielding corporations from liability for harms caused by their products — and the growing distrust of the federal agencies charged with protecting public health above corporate profits — Americans are right to question whether their judicial system is designed to keep them safe.
‘State will fight lawsuits,’ says lead sponsor of Climate Superfund Bill
Supporters of Act 122 want the Legislature to budget $700,000 to implement the ‘groundbreaking’ law intended to Make Big Oil Pay.’
24 states join Climate Superfund suit vs. Vermont
The lawsuit claims “The State of Vermont believes it can seize control over the makeup of America’s energy industry,” as if that’s not a good thing.
Washington County Mental Health sued in double homicide
Ex-employee claims her firing due to noting inadequate response. Jordan Houston filed the lawsuit against Washington County Mental Health Services Inc. in Vermont Superior Court in Montpelier on Friday.
Ex-Police Chief Swanson files $5 million lawsuit
Woodstock Trustees and manager among defendants
Banzhaf: Due process for immigrants explained
In many cases, no trial is required to deport them. Whether or not you agree with it, this is the law.
Woodstock Foundation lawsuit settles
The Woodstock Foundation Board of Directors have agreed to a proposed out-of-court settlement with the former longtime chair and vice chair of the board in their lawsuit over claims they were improperly removed and that the Woodstock Inn & Resort and the Billings Farm & Museum had been mismanaged.
DEI doesn’t violate Civil Rights Act, AG claims
They also claim that the Administration is misinterpreting Title VI, which is U.S. law stating that no one should ever be judged or treated differently in any way for a job or service based on factors such as skin color, race, and so forth.
Woman ordered into federal court when she fails to show for jury selection
Alissa Butkovich of Colchester was among about 80 people across 8 northern Vermont counties directed to report March 14 for possible jury selection in a criminal case.
Lawsuit: Columbia student group cooperated with Hamas right after October 7 attack
It is possible, even likely these officials are unaware of SJP’s alleged participation with Hamas of spreading pro-Hamas propaganda immediately following the attack, according to a March, 2025 lawsuit filed by victims of the attack that killed more than 1,000 Israelis and an estimated 45 Americans.
Klar: Supreme Court defers to President Trump’s deportations
Executive power respected above patchwork of liberal lower court judges.
Infertility doctor wins disability firing lawsuit, owed $1.1 million
When she was terminated, Porter was on long-term disability, but had returned to part-time work, the lawsuit said.
Klar: Can schools force-jab children with COVID-19 shots?
The Vermont Supreme Court’s determination in Hogan v. Lincoln Medical Partners says legally, they can.
Klar: Do public school students have a right to decline COVID-19 vaccines?
6-year-old Leo Politella was forcibly administered an experimental COVID-19 shot in 2021 at a clinic at his VT public school despite vocal protests, assurances.
In 1994 aggravated murder sentence, judge justified life sentence without parole
In 1994, a judge ruled the man who brutally strangled his wife should be imprisoned for the rest of his life, without parole. He’s now out on furlough.
Fight domestic homicide with enhanced compliance on gun surrender orders, AG asks Legislature
Legislation recommended by Clark and the Commission, if introduced, would likely go to the House Judiciary or Senate Judiciary committees.
COVID mask criminal case dismissed
One man, until Jan. 9, was still facing prosecution by the state for an alleged violation of the controversial COVID-era masking policy.
U.S. Attorney for Vermont steps down
Nikolas “Kolo” Kerest, the U.S. Attorney for Vermont for the past three years, submitted his resignation Monday effective Jan. 20.
Vermont AG going after gunmakers for violence involving firearms
18 AGs to go after firearms industry for gun violence, opponents call it ‘fear mongering’
NH man lucky to be facing Vermont justice, VT judge says
“Had you been across the river in New Hampshire, if you keep committing crime, allegedly, after you’re out on conditions of release, they can just revoke bail, even on misdemeanors,” Kainen reportedly said. “Here, we don’t have the ability to do that, and so we keep letting you go.”
Parents of 6-year-old vaxxed by school without permission go to U.S. Supreme Court
A U.S. law governing vaccination in a public emergency protected the school district, even though the parents explicitly prohibited the vaccination, and even after the student himself said, ‘Dad said no.’
Federal warrant issued For Judge Jiron’s nephew in connection with NEK double murder
It was unclear why Jiron, the nephew of State Judge Justin Jiron, was never arrested when the grand jury indicted him on Sept. 12.
Homicide-suicide leads to lawsuit in Woodstock
In an effort to calm Jay Wilson, his mother offered him $50,000. The two of them went to the People’s United Bank, where “Jay behaved in a way that was threatening and frightening.”
Climate activist lawyers sue State of Vermont for carbon goal failure
“Vermont families and businesses are still reeling from repeated deadly storms and flooding. Climate change is here and it’s time for transparency, honesty, and immediate action,” CLF says.
