Will Vermont legislators continue with the lies, or heed the call to pivot?
Roper: Gates cops to climate change hoax
Student pro-life essay contest deadline Nov. 3
This year’s awards will include three first-place prizes of $500, one for each grade group: 6–8, 9–10, and 11–12. Each category will also have five runners-up, who will receive $100.
Vermont’s $118 million dollar “buy down” of FY26 property tax bills: a whopper of a Nothing Burger?
Adopting the words of former Gov. Peter Shumlin, the buy down was a big Nothing Burger! Some might even call it a whopper of a Nothing Burger!
Hot Off The Press podcast: John Klar, national MAHA voice
A Vermont farmer and pastor is growing his national following as a MAHA advocate following a news story in a national news outlet.
H.P. Lovecraft’s Green Mountain sojourn
A landscape of inspiration and dread
Letters: Obamacare, and a call to No Kings action
Obamacare, and yes to No Kings
VT Headlines: Brattleboro residents charged after police seize guns, drugs from home
Migrant advocates request state funds to provide SNAP benefits to refugees; Champlain Valley Head Start program set to lose federal funding on Nov. 1; Rutland County Habitat for Humanity receives $50,000 grant for affordable housing projects
VTF&W reports acorns abundant in some areas
Beechnut production excellent in most of Vermont
Holt: When Public Service becomes a lifetime throne
In the United States today, political office too often resembles a throne more than a term of service. But it was not always this way.
Study praises Canadian organ harvesting from MAiD/assisted suicide corpses
MAiD now fourth leading cause of death in Canada – Quebec leads all provinces.
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.
Human remains found in Jay linked to missing migrant investigation
Police say the body may be linked to attempts to cross into Canada in January 2025.
VT Headlines: Rutland Regional Medical Center will no longer offer pediatric beds
Former state senator and wife resign from Vermont Young Republicans following leaked group chat; Grocery buddies’ supplement SNAP benefits amid government shutdown; Man accused of stealing hundreds of dollars in steaks from Georgia Market appears before judge; Police seek to identify male in Vershire trespassing
Moore and Johnson: Vermont’s housing needs require decisive action – step up or step away
Governor Scott has taken action. We stand ready to implement solutions. The question now is whether environmental interest groups who claim to care about Vermont’s future will contribute to solving this crisis or perpetuate the status quo.
Hot Off The Press today interview lawyer for citizens’ voting rights
One of the lawyers arguing for citizens’ voting rights in the Vermont Supreme Court will be interviewed today on Hot Off The Press, VDC’s news and call-in opinion program at 11:05 AM on WDEV AM 550, FM 96.1, and livestreamed at wdevradio.com.
Central Vermont to vote on $149 million career center
The bond vote will be across 18 Washington County towns including Montpelier, Waitsfield, Barre City and Barre Town. Northfield and Woodbury are not included in this vote nor the district. You can read the full list of towns here.
Flash-flooded towns left hanging after Feds refuse disaster payments
Towns hit hardest by the July 10 flash floods are facing steep repair bills with no federal help after President Donald Trump denied Vermont’s request for a disaster declaration.
Second Republican senator resigns this month
I found that it became too difficult for me to accomplish any major goals in my first session as a Senator.
Soulia: Strike-alls: How a bill metastasized into your backyard
A single sentence added to Vermont’s planning code in 2016 has redrawn how the state thinks about its forests — and about the rights of Vermonters to use their property.
Why did Montpelier pay a broker up to $50,000 for a $1 land sale?
On October 8, 2025, in a late-night meeting, the City Council voted to approve a one-year, sole-source brokerage contract with White + Burke to manage the recruitment of a developer for the property.
Preserving the stories from Brattleboro’s Austine School for the Deaf
The school’s positive impact on the lives of their students and experiences in the larger Deaf community are important stories that will now be preserved for future generations of scholars – and members of the Deaf community wanting to learn more about their history.
State fully funds food, fuel benefits thru Nov. 15
Pricetag: $6.3 million
Burlington’s airport at a crossroads: expansion dreams vs. community clashes
An in-depth look at Patrick Leahy International Airport’s $45 million terminal project, airline changes, and federal partnerships shaping Vermont’s aviation hub
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.
Chair of House Ways and Means predicts State to fund 100% of food, fuel benefits for 15 days amid Federal shutdown
Kornheiser said she’s confident the State Emergency Board, including Gov. Scott, will confirm the 100% payments. A reporter said the governor had floated paying 50%, but Kornheiser said she believes he’s on board with 100%.
VT Headlines: Vermont joins 22 other states in suing Trump administration over suspension of SNAP benefits
UVM Children’s Hospital receives record-breaking $25 million gift; Vermont school redistricting task force discusses draft maps as deadline approaches; Kosher food truck opens outside Burlington Chabad
Page: Stirring the pot on food stamp changes
And, hey check out this cellphone teleprompter!
Rovics: Escape from Vermont
Is there a chronically-online identitarian cult lurking in the Green Mountains? Let’s investigate.
Folk singer says Jewish Voices for Peace cancelling his benefit concert over allegations of transphobia
Folk musician and political songwriter David Rovics says the Vermont–New Hampshire chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) withdrew support for a scheduled benefit concert this week, citing what the group called “an extensive history of making transphobic statements.”
Bradford rep to run for Orange County senate; Hart out
Since joining the Legislature, Priestley said she has focused on rural equity, data privacy, consumer protection, and youth engagement. In her Senate campaign, Priestley plans to highlight housing, climate resilience, affordability, economic fairness, and government transparency.
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.
VT Headlines: COTS opens new Burlington Waystation with 56 year-round beds
Retired Troop B sergeant dies at 65; Montpelier housing development plans progress at former golf course; Problems followed some of Vermont’s largest and most troubled nursing homes after state approved new ownership;
Concerns surface over battery storage proposal at former Vermont Yankee nuclear site
A Texas developer’s proposal for a large battery storage system at the former Vermont Yankee nuclear site highlights a sizable list important considerations.
Roper: In defense of Whataboutism
The unsung crowdsourced enforcement mechanism for equal justice.
Oct. 28: Today, on Tuesday’s Hot Off The Press
VT’s lost funding, Scott’s support for getting SNAP back via the courts, a BTV exploitation case, and more.
Bernie Sanders highlights AI Job displacement billboards in NY/SF
The company promotes its AI employee, Ava, an autonomous sales tool adopted by over 250 organizations, with plans to introduce two additional AI employees, Aaron and Aria, by year-end.
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.
Kinsley: Things are better, but let’s not pop the champagne just yet
Yes, things are better, but the “better” comes with an asterisk the size of a mortgage payment.
Vermont’s lost FEMA funding
The Trump administration decision came just a few days after Grist reported that Vermont lost track of millions in FEMA funding it received for July 2024 flooding as the state burned through cash faster than anticipated. Vague contract terms, pricey consultants, and poor oversight appear to be at least some of the culprits.
Vermont’s regular Deer Season starts Saturday, Nov. 15
Hunters who get a deer on opening weekend of the Nov. 15-16 deer season can help Vermont’s deer management program by reporting their deer at a biological check station.
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.
21-year-old Burlington woman charged with producing illegal porn
Morgan reportedly live-streamed sexually explicit conduct of a minor child, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua L. Banker.
VT Headlines: Pride Center of Vermont leaves longtime Burlington home
Police arrest man with warrants in multiple states after high-speed chase; Halloween Roll & Stroll brings costumed riders to Burlington
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.
Vermont Rescue Squad’s secret hypothermia treatment: maple syrup
Hypothermia is a real thing. Carry plenty of clothing – not cotton – and a waterproof layer, top and bottom. Headlamps – not one but two! Cell phone battery bank. High calorie snacks and plenty of water.
Braver Angels to host “Being Red in a Blue Environment” workshop Nov. 1 in Essex
Titled “Being Red in a Blue Environment,” the in-person session invites red-leaning individuals to discuss what it’s like to live in largely liberal communities. Participants will learn and practice skills for effectively communicating conservative perspectives and values while fostering mutual understanding.
Despathy: Corrupt renewable energy developers vandalizing Vermont
Predatory industrial-scale renewable energy development in Vermont has just reached an all-time low with continued ecological devastation and accompanying rate hikes in queue.
Roper: The solution to the SNAP & LIHEAP crisis: Demand Sanders & Welch vote to open the Government!
Why aren’t Vermont state politicians calling on our federal delegation to end the crisis?
Feds bust illegal immigrant with 51 visits to the U.S.
Charged with bringing 9 more aliens this week into Jay
Vermont GOP gathered in South Burlington to celebrate Republican leadership
State legislators and community members attended awards night featuring national guest speaker Erick Erickson
A former Twelve Tribes member finds her voice through TikTok
Tamara Mathieu spent 14 years in the Twelve Tribes. Now, the Swanton resident is using TikTok to talk about life inside the group — and life after.
New video showcases Newport’s assets, community spirit in revival bid
A promotional video released Friday by Newport Downtown Development showcases a city attempting to rebuild trust and economic vitality years after a fraudulent development scheme left downtown with an empty construction site and disillusioned residents.
New Poll: Scott’s 55% towers over Dem field
For the last several years, state politics has been defined by the dynamic between Governor Scott and the Democratic legislature. If Scott decides not to run, that entire dynamic vanishes.
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.”
Northfield resident demands accountability amid Police Chief resignation
Following the resignation of the Northfield Police chief over alleged racial discrimination within the community, a Northfield resident has posted a list of alleged severe operational failures by the chief including zero traffic stops in two years, a refusal to wear a police uniform, and breaking public information laws.
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.
Video: Exploring Vermont’s weird ghost stories
From Emily’s Bridge in Stowe, where you might see an ethereal woman with vengeance in the middle of the night – to haunted castles that some claim demons linger, this state is mighty haunted.
Village violates open meeting law, meeting on demolishing homes had to be canceled
A public meeting planned for Wednesday to discuss plans by the Woodstock Resort Corp. to demolish two historic homes on South Street by the Woodstock Inn was postponed after the Village failed to comply with the Vermont Open Meeting Law.
VT Headlines: President Trump denies federal disaster aid for Vermont
Police investigating suspicious death in Sheldon, Vermont; Bennington apartment building goes up in flames, cause of fire unknown; Route 103 Ludlow back open after a hazardous materials spill
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.
Soulia: Montpelier should measure twice, legislate once
Vermont has a habit of passing grand, high-minded laws before anyone’s sure how they’ll actually work. It’s like breaking ground on a massive construction project before you’ve even drawn up the blueprints. The result isn’t progress — it’s chaos.
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.
Bernie-backed candidate gives firearms training to Antifa
Reddit posts reviewed by The Robinson Report show Graham Platner, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, was a member of Maine’s Socialist Rifle Association and taught firearms courses.
CLG: Trump says he will inform Congress of plans to strike land-based cartel targets in Venezuela
Trump announces military strike kills narcoterrorists, destroys drug submarine; White House growing increasingly frustrated with Israel; Putin-Trump summit ‘not completely off the table’
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.
Letters: Senators should resign/ Burlington bike lane disaster
Other senators should resign. And that Burlington bike lane? Carbon-emissions nightmare.
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.
VT Headlines: Wheels for Warmth starts today
Waterbury shelter will reopen under new management; Swanton’s hydro facility to receive needs assessment; Wheels for Warmth collecting tires starting Thursday
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.
Long before Gaza: Vermont passed key educational mandates—but omitted the Holocaust. Why?
A Paradox in Policy and Politics: While all of Vermont’s New England neighbors have passed Holocaust education mandates, Vermont lawmakers have actively chosen to become the regional outlier.
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.
Ben and Jerry’s fans not so “Jolley” about Stewart’s ice cream takeover
38 newly rebranded Stewart’s Shops, customers will have to decide between forgoing ice cream or giving the New York newcomer a try.
Roper: The lynching of Sam Douglass
This was not justice.
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.
VT Headlines: Tax exemption proposal moves forward in Burlington
Police cruiser hit by box truck on I-89 in South Burlington; Driver killed in suspected DUI crash in Brandon; Prosecutors say man acted out of anger in Berlin shooting, while defense says he was protecting daughter
Feds: Suspected attempted strangler is an illegal immigrant
Federal authorities say a Mexican, who was charged in state court with attempted murder and aggravated domestic assault in a strangulation case involving a woman in Addison County in September, is an illegal immigrant and should never have been in the United States.
Soulia: Inside Vermont’s eco-litigation loop
In Vermont, the line between environmental policymaking and courtroom strategy has nearly disappeared. The same advocacy network that helped write the state’s climate and water rules now sues the agencies and farms that follow them—an endless loop of petitions, corrective orders, and consent decrees that leaves little room for either legislators or citizens.
College prof murderer moving towards parole/ More legislators endorse Dame
Judge: sentencing a minor to a prison forever is cruel and unusual punishment.
Vermont asks builders to copy Fairlee’s model—but a $500K tax bomb says otherwise
Beneath the story of Fairlee’s $170K “miracle” units lies sweat equity, family loans, and a navigation of state and federal bureaucracy that, by the developer’s own account, were nearly ruinous.
Field to Fork: Processing your deer
VTF&W website helps with learning how to process
HOTP Today: Illegal immigrant faces murder charge. Lawsuit opposes Burlington citizen-only voting
Removed twice, he returned during three years ago, authorities say.
Manley: No Kings: What else did they accomplish?
The people who participated in the “No Kings” rally demonstrated that they wish to Make America Great Again.
Letters: Zuckerman says to fix the property tax and leave schools alone!
Also, the importance of the Silent Majority in opposing extremism.
Bossange: A reckoning with evildoers
There are three people who are orchestrating the Trump presidency and implementing the Heritage Foundation’s agenda. It is evil, and needs to be stopped.
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.
VT Headlines: UVM Health Network to phase out executive positions
Fire breaks out at Camp Ethan Allen National Guard base in Jericho; Vermont towns try to balance open government and the threat of political violence; South Burlington drafts new advisories for e-bikes
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.
Recent Comments