You will believe that a car can fly.
Milton-made ‘Brataroo’ leaps canyon in latest Gymkhana video
Parent petition wants sex offender off school property
Families in the Plainfield–Marshfield region are voicing alarm over repeated sightings of a registered sex offender on local school property, a situation that has prompted residents to launch a petition aimed at state lawmakers.
Alternative media Vermont Back Porch debuts
Learn more about the new alternative media, Vermont Back Porch, when Hot Off The Press interviews founder Amy Hornblas today at 11:40 AM on WDEV. Call ins welcome at 802-244-1777.
Vermont alumna becomes ‘Doctor Brain Barbie’
Neurologist Dr. Jessica Lowe brings medical expertise and 230,000 followers to national telemedicine company
White House launches media bias portal to expose ‘fake news’
Now live at wh.gov/mediabias, the ‘flamethrower on the media’ lays bare those deemed offending journalists and their outlets, and presents what it says are the actual facts they attempted to bury, twist, or invent.
Alternative to Front Porch Forum platform planned
According to an announcement shared with supporters, the platform will serve as a digital gathering space “with room for members to connect with each other, build networks and help us meet our mission.” VSU said the service will prioritize open conversation among “real, human neighbors.”
Vermont Thanksgiving of bygone era seen in 1955 promotional video
If you’re nostalgic for a taste of a Thanksgiving from the good old days, you might want to watch “Thanks to Vermont,” a 1955 promotional video for Vermont products.
State pays newspapers cash for local journalism
Helping independent local journalism, or tting its hands?
Press groups urge Truth & Reconciliation Commission to lift media restrictions
The restrictions violate Vermont’s Open Meeting Law, the press groups say.
Press restricted at state-funded ‘truth-telling’ session in St. Johnsbury
A state-funded “Public Truth-Telling Session” scheduled for Nov. 15 in St. Johnsbury will bar reporters from recording, photographing, or interviewing participants inside the event, according to guidelines released by organizers.
Farmer in path of I-91 burned down barn and killed himself
A haunting piece of Vermont history — the story of Ascutney farmer Romaine Tenney — has been brought to life in animation and has earned its creator, Burlington filmmaker Travis Van Alstyne, the 2025 Richard O. Hathaway Award from the Vermont Historical Society.
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.
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.
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.
Hot Off The Press today: Charlie Kirk assassination inspires another Vermonter to take action
Today’s top story on Vermont Daily Chronicle has its beginning in yet another Vermonter who was inspired by the life of assassinated free speech and conservative leader Charlie Kirk. Reporter Ted Cohen and Hot Off The Press host Guy Page will discuss the Hartford Diner story in the first half of Hot Off the Press.
Hot Off The Press examines big changes in Burlington, Scott housing order
Ben Kinsley and Kolby LaMarche join Guy Page today for Hot Off The Press on WDEV at 11AM. What’s happening behind the scenes in the Burlington mayor’s office, the business community and on the City Council and Gov. Phil Scott’s recent executive order aimed at boosting housing construction will be the focus of discussion.
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.
‘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.
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.
Bernie Sanders condemns the assassination of Charlie Kirk
“Freedom and democracy are not about political violence,” said Sanders. “It is not about assassinating public officials. It is not about trying to intimidate people who speak out on an issue. Political violence, in fact, is political cowardice. It means that you cannot convince people of the correctness of your ideas, and you have to impose them through force. Every American, no matter what one’s political point of view may be, must condemn all forms of political violence and all forms of intimidation.”
Fox News comes to Northeast Kingdom radio network
“It’s not about having Fox News as much as it’s not about having someone who doesn’t denigrate our country constantly… Just give me the news and I will make up my own mind after that. I don’t want to hear your opinion, just give me the news.”
Roper: More climate propaganda and left-wing bias from VT Digger
This time they really jumped the shark.
AG Clark wins in Vermont Supreme Court against Meta’s Facebook and Instagram
It’s likely the battle isn’t over.
Federal funding loss leads to major cuts at Vermont Public – but organization was already in the red
According to the organization’s official announcement, the elimination of 15 positions stem directly from a $2 million shortfall caused by a recent federal rescission bill that eliminated key funding for public broadcasting.
Press bemoans Israeli slaying of Al-Jazeera journalist – now, the rest of the story
I am dismayed but not surprised that hardly any of the the world’s press will report in any detail why Israel killed this man and his team.
Taxpayer-funded puppets? Not anymore
If the debate is going to happen, let’s at least base it on facts — not furry blue nostalgia.
Morning Drive’s Feliciano: veteran, former guv candidate, problem-solver
Trained problem-solver, veteran, and former guv candidate.
Retired Navy leader talks Trump, top brass on WDEV at 11 AM today
“Other Presidents have engaged with potential senior leaders before nominating them. JFK knew Maxwell Taylor very well before nominating him to be Chairman,” Deal said.
Cohen: Vermont news legend Steve Terry dead
The passing of a journalistic giant.
Roper: How to spot “fake news” in local journalism
This week the online news outlet VT Digger hosted an event in Brookfield titled, “In Facts We Trust: Local Journalism in the ‘Fake News’ Era.” They described it thus, “In an era of misinformation, how do we know the news we’re seeing is accurate? Let’s talk about it together.” VT Digger, are you joking?
Soulia: Trump, Biden, and the DOJ
Is this payback or just doing their job?
The phantom on Vermont maps
For the Vermont place called Satans Kingdom, the devil lays only in the details.
Soulia: School libraries and movie ratings
A growing discrepancy over content standards
Rep. Balint’s statement on floor of Congress prompts discussion, satire on The Vermont Podcast
Political satire song lampoons Vermont congresswoman who says on the floor of the U.S. House that ICE agents are ‘vigilantes’ who ‘kidnap’ their immigrant targets.
VDC joins Rob Roper on WDEV
See clips on our discussion of explosive events since Trump’s inauguration, Balint’s butt-wiping comment, and how we’ve gone from a little blog to making national headlines.
VT pols vote to ban cellphones at school
Vermont lawmakers voted Monday to ban smartphones and other electronic devices used by students during the school day. The goal is to improve academic performance as well as battle a disturbing rise in the rates of depression and anxiety among young people in the state.
Soulia: Becca Balint falls for clickbait article, falsely alarms Vermonters and veterans
Rep. Becca Balint took to Facebook recently and warned that VA doctors can now refuse care to Democrats — a claim that must have caused fear and concern to her Vermont constituents and veterans. But the troubling part isn’t just the claim itself: it’s that a sitting member of Congress, with access to primary documents and official statements, fell for a debunked narrative without pausing to verify the facts.
If you value independent journalism…
Independent journalism must have independent-minded, committed readers.
Balint ‘wipe our a–es’ comment explodes on social media, national TV
VDC estimates our clip has been viewed 2.5 million times on X alone and millions more on national television.
Scott’s press secretary stays rooted in Bradford
Amanda Wheeler hopes to show you don’t have to leave home to make an impact.
Despathy: VT media’s climate propaganda strikes again
Vermont Public’s propaganda superficially simplifies a complex issue into ‘the Democrats want climate policy and the Republicans are pushing back’.
Soulia: Why won’t DCF disclose who’s using the system?
Department refuses to release even anonymized data about where recipients came from — or if they’re from Vermont at all.
New York Times climate journalist hired by VTDigger, UVM to mentor young reporters
Gaffney, a 2024–2025 New York Times climate desk fellow, has reported on federal environmental policy, sea level rise, and extreme weather for the NYT and other major outlets. Her investigative work has earned national recognition, including the prestigious Sidney Award from the Sidney Hillman Foundation.
Cal-Berkeley Dean of Journalism named VTDigger Editor-in-Chief
Her stories on corporate corruption won the Wall Street Journal a Pulitzer Prize in 2002, and she was lead reporter in a series on healthcare that was a finalist in 2003.
New radio ad seeks parents of children vaxxed against their will
Statewide advertising campaign by radio and social media to provide Vermont parents who believe their minor children may have been given medical interventions without their consent an opportunity to confer for free with legal counsel.
Bill on AI political ads passes into House, awakens First Amendment concerns
Most witnesses have supported the bill, but a few concerns have come up about free speech and news media’s liabilities.
DOGE could cut into VT public radio, TV budget – but not right away
According to a February 2025 article on Vermont Public, losing this 10% could mean cuts to local journalism or educational programs, with rural stations hit hardest.
Maverick Republican John McClaughry’s unexpected path: A review of “The Anarchist and the Republican”
The Anarchist and the Republican both championed the decentralization of power.
Eshelman: Welcome to Vermont Daily Chronicle University
We are all teachers and students simultaneously. Lifelong learners in the most technical sense.
ACLU defends First Amendment rights of Hamas activist – lively discussion ensues
“People that are gonna be watching this and hearing about this, could be taken as supporting a terrorist organization,” Rep. Zachary Harvey warned.
Bernie Sanders tries to leave ABC interview after question about AOC running for Schumer seat
SANDERS: No, you want to do nonsense. Do nonsense.
Goldendomevt.com now summarizes ALL State House floor, committee meetings
Every floor and committee meeting of the Vermont Legislature now has an AI-generated transcript, video, and summary. Bookmark THAT, news junkies!
How VDC is growing, by the numbers
Thank you to every reader and/or viewer who has shared our posts! That’s what in the old-fashioned business world we used to call ‘word of mouth advertising,’ the very best kind.
Detrans organizer wants apology from VT Democrat leaders for ‘attack’ statement
“I would like to see a public apology from Vermont Senate and House Democrats for mischaracterizing our event as an attack on the transgender community,” Rene McGuinness said.
Priestley, Arsenault: Big Tech’s privacy gamble
Public servants’ lives are the stakes
Deputy sheriff’s cruiser smashes into Pulitzer Prize winner’s car
Troopers determined that Benoit was at fault for failing to yield the right of way to Moats before crossing the highway.
Klar: Bernie Sanders’s ‘onesies’ rant displayed his animosity for free speech
Demanding Bobby Kennedy cancels others’ messaging is absurd!
Blindspot reports news the left doesn’t know, and the right doesn’t know either
The left has news blind spots. The right has them too. “Blindspot” opens everyone’s eyes, every day.
NEK radio stations sold to businessman/senator
Ingalls, owner of All Seasons Realty, and Green Mountain Broadcasters LLC have purchased Vermont Broadcast Associates from Bruce James.
TikTok plans to shut down its app nationwide on Sunday
Despite Trump’s possible conditional support, TikTok plans to shut down its app nationwide on Sunday unless the U.S. Supreme Court intervenes.
Join Guy and Paul on WDEV AM 550 and FM 96.1 at 11AM today!
Paul and Guy will issue breaking news on the Clean Heat Standard.
At 11:30AM Guy and John Klar will discuss the Alliance for Defending Freedom opening a VT office.
Duffy blocks public release of report about Woodstock Police Chief
Woodstock residents are not being permitted to read the investigative report they are paying for concerning management concerns within the village PD.
Gamechanger! Tom Evslin’s new tech delivers transcripts of Legislature’s committee meetings
VDC and many other news organizations, advocacy groups, and interested citizens now have a clear, searchable, timely transcript of legislative committee meetings, courtesy of One of Vermont’s most accomplished high tech wizards.
Wood: Daniel Penny and Luigi Mangione – was their violence justified?
Democracy is many things. One of those things is delicate. May we never live in a society where we believe that either violence or despair are the only options.
Instagram page “Burlington looks like s–t” depicts Queen City homeless/drug epidemic
Generally, folks are upset but not surprised. Some are ready to take this media to the City Council.
Remembering a U-32 grad who reinvented ‘Batman’
Miller’s reputation was still lingering in the halls of U-32 as students and teachers who knew his work spoke admiringly of him for years to follow.
Citizen journalist covers growing crime in Brattleboro
His latest video shows a new police officer and a citizen gazing at blood stains and a needle cap on a sidewalk. “The police officer did not seem to be too fazed by it,” Poitras notes on camera.
The Supermajority is history – what now?
So, what’s next? Listen and call in at 11 AM today on Common Sense Radio.
GOP candidate circumvents Front Porch Forum censorship by using competitor
A Washington County Senate candidate, stymied by Front Porch Forum censorship, now uses another neighbor-to-neighbor social media platform.
Brattleboro local news outlet secures out-of-state non-profit funding
Vermont news media outlets are trending non-profit, in part to attract grants from large, out-of-state foundations.
Post-Santonello, Californication of Burlington makes national news
The national spotlight is focused on the City That Gave Bernie His Start.
For the Record: Rodgers strong on Second Amendment, opposes AR-15 ban
“They asked if we would ban assault weapons,” Rodgers said. “In my mind an AR-15 semi automatic is not an assault weapon. I own several of them and would not support a ban on their sale.”
Welcome back, FYIVT, to Vermont’s question-asking media
Vermonters abhor a vacuous news media that won’t ask tough questions about Vermont’s ever-growing taxes, failing schools, housing crisis, civil rights infringement, faux environmentalism, and legislative tone-deafness to all of these problems
Gervais: Local paper went “Full ABC Moderator” on me
Without my knowledge or consent the editors at the paper substantially re-wrote my piece and published it under my name, which is, I believe, highly unethical. It is certainly dishonest.
Video shows state trooper detaining reporter outside Border Patrol chief’s house
Why was O’Keefe prevented by a state trooper from approaching Robert Garcia’s home? Should Vermont’s status as a Sanctuary State affect VSP intervening on behalf of the Border Patrol?
Pedophile camp coverage grabs national attention
To watch this story develop from the beginning to what it has become is incredible. The work we are doing is truly having an impact, and I think that’s all we could ever ask for.
McGrew: Am I Racist? film shows we are the beast
The other day, I finally succumbed to Fear Of Missing Out and saw Matt Walsh’s Am I Racist? in the theater.
VDC social media director provides VT pedophile camp details to ‘Disaffected’
“The [pedophiles] are crying ‘discrimination’ against themselves as a poor, despised minority,” Disaffected said.
Guerrilla journalist James O’Keefe issued trespass notice in Jericho
“Mr. O’Keefe was in possession of a microphone and the other individuals appeared to be recording the encounter,” state police say.
Rob Roper, on the road
Dismayed by the lack of media coverage, Rob vowed “to pay as close attention to this as humanly possible. I want to understand it and I want to make other people understand what’s happening with these energy policies.”
Front Porch Forum censors political candidate
“If you’d like to remove or revise that portion and resubmit, we’ll take another look,” FPF told Koch.
Newspaper embezzler sentenced
The nation’s oldest college newspaper was robbed big-time by its office manager.
Clean Heat Standard’s projected $4/gallon increase paints Legislature into a corner
Clean Heat Standard Supporters don’t want to see any headlines about its potential cost, at least not before November 5. But that won’t stop us, because we believe that sacred cows make good hamburger.
Court: New Hampshire op-ed was free speech
The case emerged from Grafton County where Hanover High School, in 2021, told parents that it was planning on “significant curricular changes” around “anti-racisim” and “equity.”
Thanks for the good publicity, John Walters – but I need to make a correction
It is unfortunate that many current reporters are just stenographers – just spitting back out what they are told with no pushback or questions about the self-serving spin they are fed.
Live Free or Dial! Also, school cellphone restrictions expand
Hot phone news, fresh off the wire from the Journal-Opinion.
Zuckerberg admits caving to Biden admin pressure to censure Covid content on Facebook
Senior Biden administration officials “repeatedly pressured” Facebook teams to suppress COVID-19 content that the platform otherwise would not have restricted.
Vermont court system challenged on online access
Vermont courts need a “public is public” model whereby any record publicly available at a courthouse is available online unless prohibited by law.
Media notes: Elon Musk, Christian?/ Peter Welch, Democrat convention protester/ Reporter gets tough skinny-dipper
When a South Carolina man skinny-dips in front of two uncomfortable women, a reporter decides to get involved. And Elon Musk and Jesus.
For two hours, VDC-TV provided live election return updates and candidate convos
VDC-TV’s first ever live election night coverage. Looking forward to the General Election November 5.
VDC passes one million view mark in August, four months ahead of last year
This election season, we will be fearless and we will have fun. Join us!
Lindberg: why I don’t read the local newspaper anymore
Bought a copy and, reading it, quickly realized why he had stopped.
Klar: Fox News vindicated in lawsuit for telling the truth
The defamation suit that Nina Jankowicz, former dir. of Homeland Sec.’s disinformation board, filed against Fox News was dismissed in DE, July 22.
Primary: VDC publishes candidate questionnaire
Be like Abby.
Citing ‘personal attack,’ FPF cancels citizen inquiry to House candidate
FPF said Crosby was engaging in a ‘personal attack’ when she suggested meritocracy as an alternative to DEI in schools.
Michael Flynn to address Vermont audience August 3-4
General Michael Flynn will hold a live Q & A with the audience at the documentary movie “Flynn,” which will be shown 4 PM, August 3 at Ignite Church in Williston.
Taylor Swift’s impact on fans’ body image attitudes mostly positive, research shows
First study on the health effects of Taylor Swift’s celebrity finds an overall positive influence on fans’ attitudes on body image and disordered eating
Klar: The First Amendment odyssey of Julian Assange
An icon of whistleblower journalism tastes freedom.
Roper: The Property Tax gaslighting has begun!
No, a 14% property tax increase is not a decrease.
Bean: Biden and Trump golf match?
All in all, the real winner of the debate was not Trump or Biden, but it was CNN.
