While fewer Vermonters are dying from overdoses, supply of illicit drugs remains robust, high prices incentivize trafficking, and the infrastructure supplying Vermont’s drug market has hardened.
The Paradox: How Vermont cut overdose deaths while drug trafficking thrives
MacDonald: Be the media in 2026, New England, starting with “daycare” centers
Childcare Center US claims there are 687 childcare centers in New Hampshire, over 2100 in Massachusetts, and over 1300 childcare centers in Vermont. We should check them all, but who, besides me, thinks the Vermont number looks a little high?
First negotiated Medicare drug prices went into effect Jan. 1
Earlier this year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced its first set of Medicare-negotiated “maximum fair prices” for 10 selected drugs, with negotiated prices ranging from 38% to 79% below their list prices. A drug’s list price is the manufacturer’s sticker price, though it is rarely what insurers or patients actually pay and is mainly used as a starting point for negotiations.
Feedback Friday on WDEV 11:05 AM today:
Dairy in decline. Legislature reconvenes next week. Drug crime: who benefits? Cell tower radiation. VT ramifications of MN childcare fraud….& whatever you want to discuss! Call 802-244-1777 at 11:05 AM today.
VT expands access to substance use treatment with new residential beds in Vergennes
Valley Vista has opened 27 new residential treatment beds at its Vergennes facility.
A “dairy town” no more
It may be home to Ben & Jerry’s Factory Store, but Waterbury’s last three dairy farms were driven out of business. Their former owners struggle to let go.
Burlington transients arrested for Montpelier Tractor Supply burglary
Both suspected burglars were jailed for lack of bail.
CBP apprehends 7 in Derby Line, North Troy over Christmas holiday
U.S. Border Patrol apprehended seven people who unlawfully crossed the Canadian border in North Troy and Derby Line between December 23 and December 25, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont announced.
Despathy: Time to talk towers and radiation
A family in Pownal have spent a year dealing with the tortuous telecom siting process called Section 248a, trying to relocate a proposed cell tower away from their children and home in the woods of Vermont.
Police shoot man in Ludlow
Ludlow police shot man at Fox Run Inn.
Governor Scott praises Trump administration for rural health funding
Vermont will receive over $195 million in Rural Health Transformation Funds in 2026, which is among the highest award per capita in the nation. But not all Vermont political figures are so complementary.
VT Headlines: 3 rescued from burning building in Burlington’s Old North End
Two brought to hospital following crash into Colchester brook; VT parent makes Youtube alternative; Local 15-year-old to represent the U.S. internationally on the youth luge national team
Feds freeze all childcare aide to MN after fraud allegations
Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services Jim O’Neill announced the action Monday, saying the freeze is part of a broader effort to halt what he described as widespread abuse of federal childcare funding.
UVM study shows prolific Canadian wildfire smoke worsened pediatric asthma in U.S. Northeast
First study of wildfire smoke’s effects on children with asthma in the Northeast reveals growing health risks for the region as climate change fuels more smoke-filled summers.
Despite a low count of broad-winged hawks, experts don’t raise concern for the overall population
Vermont hawkwatch counting sites saw fewer numbers for the broad-winged hawk population this year.
Soulia: When “inclusion” stops at ideology
Behind Vermont’s DEI debate
2024 Champ sighting off Port Henry? You decide…
As reported by CHNI and other news outlets, a drone video capturing a large, dark shape moving beneath a boat on Lake Champlain has landed filmmakers Richard Rossi and Kelly Tabor on an episode of William Shatner’s The UnXplained.
Roper: Will 2026 be the year Vermonters realize Democratic Socialist policies don’t work?
And are, in fact, disastrous.
Keelan: Time to get it right
We are running out of time.
Soulia: What are Pharmacy Benefit Managers and why should you care?
PBMs were created to control drug costs, but their profit-driven practices have turned them into key drivers of price inflation.
147 weather-related crashes reported across VT, between Sun. and Mon. evenings
State police said 55 of those crashes occurred between 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday alone. Thirty-two were reported on interstate highways and 23 on secondary roads. Most of the afternoon crashes, 31, happened in southern Vermont. Five injuries were reported during that time period.
State Parks offering free guided hikes across Vermont on New Year’s Day
The First Day Hikes program includes 18 hikes ranging from easy family walks to challenging mountain ascents, led by volunteers from organizations including the Green Mountain Club, Otter Creek Audubon Society, and South Hero Land Trust, along with state parks staff.
VT Headlines: Barre City Police report six arrested, one life saved
More bailouts for nursing homes? Why Vermont has given millions to keep care centers afloat; Electric crew working scene of downed power line in Burlington
Anti-Israel group demands lawmakers visiting Israel resign
An anti-Israel umbrella organization comprised of socialist and pro-Palestinian advocacy groups wants five Vermont legislators to resign following their September junket to Israel.
Klar: Michigan legislators push Orwellian vaccination laws
Restricting parental choice in the name of empowerment.
Young Vermont men turn against sports betting
The rapid rise in negative sentiment among young men—a group historically open to risk and digital gaming—suggests an experiential problem rather than a moral one.
CLG: TSA starts collecting tourist ‘DNA’ with law now in effect at U.S. airports
Minnesota’s day care fraud reportedly stretches back to 2014, saw scammers leave U.S. with up to $1M a pop in cash; Ukraine launched 91 kamikaze drones at Putin’s state residence – Lavrov; MAHA backers refuse to stop pushing for healthier food as Obama-appointed judge deals blow
Reporter dies following dementia/ mental health clinic defrauds Medicaid
Wellington joined The Caledonian-Record in 1996 and covered municipal government, courts and public safety, earning a reputation for persistence and fairness.
VT gas prices dropping
The lowest price for gasoline in Vermont is $2.59 in Wilmington – at a they-even-wash-your-windows full service station.
VT Headlines: Multiple residents displaced after Brattleboro apartment fire
To hasten housing permits, lawmakers consider moving appeals out of a courtroom; VSP looking for man who tried to break into cars, damaged sign in Wells River; Snowy start to winter brings record weekend to Catamount Outdoor Center; Burlington community celebrates Kwanzaa
UVM studies the safety of using less road salt
The release of a new digital initiative this week has brought renewed focus to a quiet but growing environmental crisis in Vermont’s most populous county: the salination of local waterways.
Director of state-funded non-profit busted for embezzlement
About 40% of CVEDC’s annual budget comes from state funding.
Understanding the Blue Cross/UVM Health Network split
According to the Blue Cross campaign, a standard MRI scan at UVM Medical Center costs approximately $6,520 compared to $1,799 at an independent facility.
Soulia: As soon as crime costs the State money, Montpelier will act
The state’s no-bail policies and a perceived “revolving door” justice system have left many residents and businesses feeling unprotected. Beyond the personal pain and financial hardship crime causes, there’s a broader economic toll: individuals, businesses, and even the state suffer under the weight of persistent crime.
Another Florida sex crime suspect arrested/ DUI, domestic busts
Lucas was arrested after troopers found he had an active $100,000 extraditable warrant from Florida for multiple charges including obscene communication using a computer to solicit a child.
UPDATE: state offices closed, 5035 homes without power due to ice storm
The National Weather Service is predicting up to 0.6 inches of ice to accumulate across portions of Vermont, with the highest totals ranging from the Northeast Kingdom to Springfield, in central Vermont, and along the spine of the Green Mountains.
VDC to publish DUI’s: here’s why
Only when serious injury, death, or some other drastic event occurs does a DUI typically merit news coverage.
Bess: Crime victim says Vermont taxes, criminal justice ‘getting worse and worse’
One afternoon coming home from work, I had to lay on the horn to back into my own driveway as some chick was tweaking, blocking access to my driveway.
MA woman dies in freeway crash
The car was traveling north when it swerved to avoid a tractor-trailer that was changing lanes
Sheldon crash claims life of 21-year-old driver
High speed. No seatbelts. A young life gone.
Elderly woman dies in fire
The Ryegate resident lived alone.
Christian school challenges Act 73
The new law excludes the private Christian school in Quechee and all religious approved independent schools in Vermont from town tuition funding and other public benefits.
Soulia: Key budget and election dates Vermonters should know in 2026
While national elections draw the most attention, many of the most immediate impacts on Vermonters — particularly school spending and local taxes — are decided earlier in the year, often with less public awareness.
VT Headlines: Vermont celebrates Christmas
Nonprofit that helped combat loneliness in Rutland County to close; New online ‘toolkit’ offers Vermonters a how-to for disaster recovery; Killington opens new Skyeship gondola on Christmas Day
Hot Off The Press today: Feedback Friday
Whether you’re working at home or shopping or in the car or just hanging out, I hope you will have your say, hang out with us for an hour, listen and call in with your comment or question – 802-244-1777.
Library computer theft, hit-and-run, DUI#3, package theft
‘Small time’ crime harming people and their property happened over the holidays.
CLG: MN Somali social-services scammers may have stolen $9 billion
FBI did not believe it had probable cause to raid Mar-a-Lago for classified documents; FBI accused of ‘corrupting’ Epstein jail footage after his death, bombshell memo claims; Trump deploys troops and special ops aircraft to Caribbean as U.S. moves closer to war with Venezuela
Essex Junction approves master plan for nine-story buildings and major urban transformation
The most transformative aspect of the newly adopted plan is the authorization of significantly taller buildings along the city’s major corridors.
Klar: There was an old lady…
My presentation on grass-fed meats.
Mom of slain young woman wants to close gaps in mental health defense against violent crime
“As it stands today, Vermont has created a loophole that allows violent offenders to sit in legal limbo for years,” Rodgers said in a statement ahead of the event. “That is not justice for victims, and it’s not public safety.”
Suspect in Burlington shooting fresh out of federal prison
Federal Judge Christina Reiss ordered Washington, also known as Marcpose Payne, to be on three years of supervised release conditions once he was discharged from prison to ensure a smooth re-entry into society.
Young Vermonters nominated to attend service academies
Their nominations have been submitted to the academies, which will make final admissions decisions.
Police hunt mother of drowned infant
Investigators concluded that while under the influence of narcotics, Arnold left her infant unattended in a bathtub that was filling with water.
Radioactive shrimp sold in VT recalled
Check out the label on your Market 32 shrimp.
Jury convicts man of threat with machete, escape in police cruiser after moonshine binge
Following Way’s arrest, authorities said he managed to escape custody and drive off in a sheriff’s patrol vehicle,
Gunfire in Old North End: Philly, local men arrested
Officers were called to the area of North Winooski Avenue and Grant Street at about 9:36 p.m. on Dec. 22 after receiving multiple reports of gunshots. Witnesses also reported seeing several people running from the area, police said.
Sovereign shield or campaign trail? An analysis of AG Clark’s 2025 legal blitz
AG Clark’s press releases often overstate her role in lawsuits led by bigger states. Yet, a 2025 ruling requires Vermont to join them to secure federal funds.
Accused Florida sex crime perp held on $500,000 bail
Florida authorities allege Browne faces multiple felony charges, including sexual battery, lewd and lascivious molestation, video voyeurism and possession of child sexual abuse material.
Vermont Secretary of State targets human trafficking at massage parlors
enforcement options have been limited because only individual license holders — not the massage establishments themselves — are currently regulated.
Feds bust longtime immigrant after ‘numerous’ Vermont police contacts
U.S. Homeland Security Investigations began an investigation after learning Reginald Adam Velasquez, 33, attempted to buy a Glock .40-caliber pistol from a federally licensed gun dealer in Barre on Nov. 14, court records show. He listed his Bradford address on the form and not the more recent Barre residence, records show.
Kinsley: Why your property taxes are going up 12% next year
The real solution is to reduce current education spending and put in place mechanisms that apply downward pressure on future spending. Many of the components of Act 73 do this, the governance changes are intended to reduce administrative overhead, class size minimums will reduce instructional overhead, and a statewide foundation formula will provide the mechanism for downward pressure on future spending.
VT Headlines: CO man faces charges after crashing stolen U-Haul truck following chase through VT, NY
Brandon thrift store funds new town solar projects with $50,000 donation; Garneau Family Lights collects 80+ toys for kids this holiday season; White House rebuffs Catholic bishops’ appeal for a Christmas pause in immigration enforcement; Adrian Dubois introduced as UVM men’s soccer head coach
Lowell voters deadlocked over solar project
Never think your vote doesn’t matter…the original tally was 87-86, but one ballot – a Yes – was spoiled because it was signed by the voter.
Marlene’s cardinals: One Vermont artist’s fight against glioblastoma
People saw the Cardinals as a way to connect with loved ones and often purchased several at a time from Norton’s Gallery of Woodcarvings, Norton’s namesake gallery in Shoreham.
Soulia: Agenda 21 puts the “You” in U.N.
Originally introduced at the 1992 Rio Summit, Agenda 21 is an international action plan for sustainable development that aims to address the balance between human activity and environmental sustainability.
Skier lost off Stowe’s toll road promises to name his baby after rescue team member
Another case of following sweet-looking tracks without paying heed to destination or daylight hours.
Page: Ice widows and the glamour of the snow
Vermont’s chilling record of winter women in white
Letters: Garnett on drought realities vs. hype
Garnett: The State of Vermont cannot be responsible for private landholders’ issues
Vermont Air National Guard jets now flying Caribbean missions 500 miles from Venezuela
From Roosevelt Roads, Vermont’s F-35s can conduct missions deep into Venezuelan airspace and return without requiring aerial refueling, according to technical specifications
Bennington man part of national roundup by FBI
FBI Director Kash Patel said this was an important roundup of dangerous individuals.
$32K in property stolen from marijuana shop
Charged with Grand Larceny from Green Mountain Craft Cannabis.
Keelan: A little boy’s wish
Originally published on Christmas Eve, 2005, and published every Christmas Eve since, this column was awarded 3rd Place in the 2021 New England Better Newspaper Competition, sponsored by NENPA.
Meth dealer accepted EBT cards as payment
Our tax dollars were going straight to drug dealers.
VT Headlines: Rutland City police chief steps down amid fallout from report criticizing officers for fatal chase
Washington Central Board Votes to Close Elementary Schools in Calais and Worcester; New MRPS Budget Projects 44% Tax Increase for Roxbury Residents; CLA to Blame; UVM Hospice Team holds “Honk and Wave” protest over contract negotiations
The Blue Law Revolt began 46 years ago today at Gaynes’ Shoppers World
A defiant burst of last-minute Christmas shopping marked a turning point in Vermont retail history on this date, December 22, in 1979, when several major stores openly violated the state’s long-standing Sunday “blue laws.”
Patriots of the Caribbean
U.S. Senator Mike Lee of Utah has introduced legislation that would revive a long-dormant constitutional power: letters of marque and reprisal. In plain terms, the bill would allow the President of the United States—specifically President Trump, under this legislation—to authorize private American citizens and companies to seize cartel property and personnel outside U.S. borders, on land or at sea.
Shorts: Thetford woman is volunteer of the year
Business podcaster keynote at Chamber annual meeting; AI non-bank lender expands into Vermont
One woman’s personal fight to provide housing in Vermont
To fix our housing crisis, Jericho woman says attitudes need to change as much as zoning regulations
New Vermont fishing regulations for 2026
Most notable are the updated regulations referring to panfish and the use of baitfish. Additional changes can be found in the 2026 Fishing Guide & Regulations booklet available free from license agents and on Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s website.
Letters: Smith asks if materialism destroys Christmas
Stead gives End Homelessness Vermont address, and Bufka on being doers.
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
Watchdog warns of national debt interest payments hitting $1 trillion
The federal government added roughly $1.8 trillion to the now $38 trillion national debt in fiscal year 2025. While net interest on the debt totaled $970 billion, according to the Congressional Budget Office, the federal government’s net interest payments exceeded $1 trillion for the first time.
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.
Klar: Supreme Court weighs First Amendment rights of pregnancy centers
Planned Parenthood and other abortion service providers have long benefited from public funding of life-ending procedures for pregnant women seeking to terminate their pregnancies. After Roe v Wade was overturned, panic in blue states went into hyperdrive, not just to support abortions but to attack those who offer mothers an alternative. Privately funded pregnancy centers help women who wish to keep their babies by providing diapers, baby bottles, instruction, and moral support.
Soulia: VT’s Special Ed funding gap
When Federal promises meet property tax reality
Burlington man arrested after reported domestic assault and firearm scare
Police were called to the area at about 11:39 a.m. on Dec. 20 after a family member reported their daughter may have been assaulted by her partner, Khalil Young, 28, and was possibly unable to leave the residence. The caller also reported that the partner was threatening to harm himself with a firearm in front of her.
Fairfax shooting suspect arrested
The shooting stemmed from a domestic situation involving individuals who all knew one another.
Looking back on 2025, forward to 2026
You are the best. You are priceless. Your generosity ensures that no shadowy owner or NGO or pre-eminent donor calls the shots about what’s news and what’s not.
Real-life grinches steal cars, valuables
The incidents occurred at several residences off Greenbush Road, where suspects allegedly searched vehicles for valuables and took items from cars that were left unlocked.
Selecting the PERFECT Christmas Tree, by An Anonymous Husband
He will lug them one by one to the window, wishing for her early approval, but it will take many trips back and forth and frozen fingers before she relents and reluctantly settles for a Fraser fir.
Burlington safe injection site to launch without supervised drug use
“The City has determined that supervised consumption isn’t part of the first phase of this project,” BBF wrote.
Felony sex assault on minor
Police say Botala inappropriately touched a minor female, someone he knew, under the age of 16 in August.
Two shot in Fairfax this morning
The call about a shooting at an apartment house came in at 1:20 AM.
VT Headlines: Police investigate shooting in Fairfax
Judge throws out Vermont’s lawsuit against facial recognition software firm Clearview AI; Two Vermont soccer stars drafted by Major League Soccer teams; Candlelight vigil held for International Migrants Day in downtown Burlington; Vermont Emergency Management prepares for possible power outages with high winds and heavy rain projected today
Drought suffering, big school – small school, Elon vs. Bernie etc. on Feedback Friday
Whether you’re working at home or shopping or in the car or just hanging out, I hope you will have your say, hang out with us for an hour, listen and call in with your comment or question – 802-244-1777.
Former newspaper publisher indicted for Ponzi fraud
Prosecutors allege the funds were diverted to cover personal expenses, including alimony and rent, to finance the purchase of the Eagle Times, and to pay political consultants.
Despathy: Survey shows high school students want school choice
Last year’s Danville eighth grade class saw 13 out of the 30 students choose another school. In 2023, another mass migration of eighth graders occurred
Elon calls Bernie a ‘taker’
“The goal of AI and robotics must be to improve life for all people, not just to make you and your fellow oligarchs even richer.”
After Bondi Beach, rabbi at State House Hannukah celebration says Jews will ‘stand strong’
Tuesday, December 16, the halls of the Vermont State Capitol were filled with light and song as the community gathered for the annual Hanukkah celebration. A tradition for the last 15 years, the event serves as a public declaration of religious freedom and communal resilience.
Felon in shootout with marshals sentenced to 10 years
Douglas Reynolds, 37, tried to outrun the marshals service in his black Volkswagen Jetta at speeds over 100 miles per hour, but eventually ran out of gasoline in Ryegate during the pursuit on Oct. 24, 2024, officials said.
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