The Shelburne Police officer charged with an on-duty fatal cruiser-bicycle crash last year has apparently struck a deal with the state to resolve his reckless driving case, Vermont Superior Court records show.
Shelburne Sgt. Kapitanski to close out case
Legislative wrap-up in Barre September 18
Orange and Washington County lawmakers review how the actions of the 2025 Legislature affect Vermonters’ safety and prosperity.
Two arrested for murder in Burlington’s Church Street homicide
A New York man and a South Burlington teen are being held without bail at the Vermont Department of Corrections.
Will Trump invoke Insurrection Act for Chicago?
Trump “stands ready to help and assist any community that wishes to be liberated from these criminal elements that are such a dire threat to the freedom and tranquility of the American people,” Miller said.
Eye-gouging road rage in Winooski leads to charges
Bushway told officers the pain was “a ten out of ten” before losing his vision.
Burlington gang member sentenced for shooting into crowded apartment
Abdiaziz “Drill” Abdhikadir was sentenced to 5-7 years, with credit for time served, for shooting in 2022 into an apartment occupied by the family of a man he allegedly murdered five months later.
Sheriff under investigation by State Police over spending, finances
The investigation comes — by coincidence or otherwise — as two top ranking deputies departed the sheriff’s department.
VT Headlines: Colchester man arrested following violent road rage assault
Two recovering after late-night rollover crash in Burlington; Canadian tourism falls; Vermont holds out hope for fall season
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.
AG Clark ‘plays no role in immigration enforcement’ while issuing anti-ICE press release
Clark’s latest anti-Trump press release noted the detaining for possible deportation of illegal immigrants living in ‘the Northshire,’ an unofficial name for the Bennington County area. Press reports say that on August 25 ICE detained two Jamaican women working as home health aides and living in Manchester.
Newport man arrested for ‘credible’ bomb threat against high school
Cypher Aiken, listed as age 25 by Newport police, was charged with domestic terrorism and threatening a civilian population with mass destruction and mass killings, according to Chief Travis Bingham.
Charles F. Orvis, Vermont’s angling visionary
Vermonters have always been an innovative breed, and yet most of the Green Mountain State’s iconic manufacturers built their companies elsewhere. Henry Wells, co-founder of both American Express and Wells Fargo, left Thetford for New York, as did Elisha Graves Otis of Halifax, founder of Otis Elevator. John Deere left Rutland for Moline, Illinois. One Vermonter, however, managed to achieve iconic status without leaving his hometown of Manchester.
Vermont hesitant to remove gender ideology from federal education materials
Human Services Secretary Jenney Samuelson: “Just to put some of the facts out there, the PREP program does provide information for adolescents and youth, particularly around STI [sexually transmitted infection] HIV, prevention and prevention of unintended pregnancies. It is not a school-based program, so it is not offered in the schools.
Plans for a municipal septic system are underway in Jericho
Reliance on on-site septic and well water signifies that a place “is frozen in amber, ain’t nothing gonna happen here again, it is what it is, nothing’s gonna change,” said Chris Campany, executive director of the Windham County Regional Planning Commission.
Illegal immigrant held by feds for daylight shooting at Barnes & Noble
The shooting followed a confrontation at a Burlington bar, Red Square on Church Street, between Wilson and the victim over a mutual female friend about 2 AM that morning, the investigation revealed.
Wanted woman overdoses, crashes car
Palmer was administered Narcan and transported to Central Vermont Medical Center, where she was later released. She initially provided officers with a false name, and further investigation revealed the vehicle and license plates were stolen.
Legislature passed youth crime, anti-stalking, corpse abuse laws this year
Quick list of criminal justice laws passed by Montpelier this year.
Franklin County drug dealers face the Feds
John “Fluffy” Lapan, 41, of St. Albans appeared in U.S. District Court on Monday afternoon for a federal criminal complaint that he was involved in three controlled drug purchases in February, according to an affidavit from the St. Albans City Police.
Meanwhile, Jonathan J. Letourneau, 36, also of St. Albans is named in a separate criminal complaint for a charge of knowingly and intentionally distributing crack cocaine in Franklin County in January, records show. He is due in federal court later.
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.
VT Headlines: Lake Champlain water levels are down significantly amid drought
A Manchester family searches for direction after ICE raid takes one of their own; NBC5 gets a sneak peak at brand new Burlington High School campus
Letters: Democrats, act your age/ Make Sex Great Again
For all our modern focus on sex, it seems our increasingly secular world is having less of it—and it’s declining decade after decade. MSGA!
Page: AI hallucinations and digital mirages
Unpacking the hype, limitations, and the dawn of the human comeback.
Warner: A.I. equals artificial integrity and a massive cost to consumers
We are witnessing the build-up of Orwell’s Ministry of Truth in our monthly power bills, replete with hydro-electric memory holes.
VT Headlines: Amidst work stoppage, bus company brings in replacements for start of school in Windham County
Champlain Valley Fair tries for square dancing world record, hundreds dance in the rain; Lyndon Institute students to fix Miller’s Run Bridge barrier after it took a heavy hit; First Robotics Vermont recruiting elementary and middle schoolers at Champlain Valley Fair
Vermont lowest ranked state for gold-diggers
With a total score of just 4.38/10, Vermont ranks as the state least likely to be labeled a ‘gold digging’ hotspot. Despite having a relatively solid average annual income of $66,330, the state’s small population means there are only 16,000 millionaire households and no billionaires.
SHORTS: Gone Guys, Wells River water hauling, and Old Growth Forest conference
Gone Guys exposes disengagement, isolation of Vermont boys; Wells River hauling water from New Hampshire after oil spill; Old Growth Forest conference next month
Victim identified in fatal Church St., Burlington beating
Ten days after his death, Scott Kastner, 42, was identified Tuesday as the man that died following a vicious beating at Burlington City Hall Park, city police said.
19-year-old in prison faces sex assault charge as juvenile/ fatal crash
A silver ring with engravings was recovered at the scene of a Derby Line car vandalism, and police are seeking information about its owner.
Salmon’s success bodes well for Winooski River health, but flooding and federal cuts stir fear
Scientists say the fish are a reliable measure of lake and basin ecological health.
Water finds a way: Ruins of 200-year-old Cabot dam to be cleared
The Clark Sawmill Dam collapsed during the flooding that hit Vermont in 2023, punctuating years of back-and-forths about its future.
Former Chief Supreme Court justice writes true crime thriller about Clarence Darrow murder trial in VT
Nearly a century ago, America’s most famous defense attorney, Clarence Darrow, came to Vermont to fight for the life of a convicted murderer. Now, that forgotten chapter of legal history is the focus of a new book from the Vermont Historical Society.
Bean’s Creemees & Snack Shack to Host Barry T. Chouinard Memorial Labor Day Motor Show on 8/29
The Barry T. Chouinard Memorial Northfield Labor Day Motor Show is set to take place on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at 470 North Main St., Northfield, VT 05663 at Bean’s Creemees and Snack Shack!
Suggested (but not required) donation of $15 per car to be donated to the Veteran’s Place in Northfield!
Keelan: Young Marine saw racial segregation up close
Much progress has been achieved over the past six decades in addressing discrimination, but as a nation, we cannot say it is behind us.
Balint claims no corporate PAC $$, but fed records raise questions
In the first half of 2025, “Courage PAC,” linked to Balint, received thousands in donations from PACs connected to major corporations, per its latest FEC report.
VT Headlines: Haskell Free Library inspires VT play about borders and belonging in the Trump era
Grants available for child nutrition, farming education in Vermont; Old McDonald Farm offers sweet rewards for kids at the Champlain Valley Fair
Barrier stops another truck from smashing covered bridge
Perhaps no other Vermont landmark except Smugglers Notch is more prone to trucking mishaps than the Millers Run Covered Bridge in Lyndonville.
Regulator reduces proposed health insurance rates
GMCB said it ordered insurers to “lower their assumptions about hospital price increases” as part of its order. The board also is requiring hospitals to reduce their costs.
Pipe bomb suspect detained in Colchester case
Now Feds have him in custody, court says
Soulia: “Don’t get re-arrested” dropped as Condition of Release
Why it was dropped remains unanswered. But the numbers are clear: Vermont courts leaned on Condition 3 the hardest in the very year before it was eliminated, and now the one safeguard Vermonters assumed was non-negotiable is gone.
Homeless hold Burlington ransom – City must act, downtown business owner urges
The letter describes an atmosphere of declining safety for employees and patrons alike. Buttenheim said she has lost three long-term employees in the past six months, each citing the environment around City Hall Park as a reason for leaving.
Fed disaster $$ sought for July 10 flooding – third straight year
“The damage from last month’s storm impacted small towns with limited financial resources,” said Governor Phil Scott.
VT Headlines: $3 million public transit shortfall requires changes
State tourism officials hope new branding will boost tourism.
Health care of the future? Newport hospital expands telehealth
The grant will support new equipment and technology enabling patients to see doctors and specialists through telehealth. A new law requires insurers cover telemedicine.
Thayer seeks GOP party post/ finding a bear dog/ chapel restored
Thayer promised to deliver more information on his background and why he’s running in the next two months.
UVM provides free tuition to 255 VT resident freshmen
Women freshmen still outnumber men 60% – 40%, although the gap narrowed by two percent this year. Also, the old Holiday Inn site on Williston Road is now student housing.
Roper: Vermonters should help Mainers Pass Voter ID
Requiring ID to vote is one of those commonsense issues everybody (or almost everybody) agrees is a good idea. According to polling over the years, Americans consistently support voter ID laws by 70 to 80 percent or more, with majority support across the political spectrum.
Woman died of blunt force trauma to head, not gunshot
Bennington police concluded no gunfire had taken place at the hospital.
Police chief haircut video raising tempers in Woodstock
Last Woodstock chief demoted in part for his haircuts
Illegal immigrants busted in Alburgh linked to international fraud group
Drove SUV on railroad into Vermont, police say
CLG: Pentagon directs National Guard troops in D.C. to start patrolling with guns
Clinton judge blocks Trump from releasing Epstein files; FBI raids John Bolton’s home, office in probe over sending classified documents to family; EU leaders want to overthrow three European governments – Budapest
No school closing surprises, Future of Public Education panel agrees
“We need to bring in community voice early, before there is a push. Too often, boards have made a decision and then enlisted the community,” Castle said.
Man shot and killed by cops in Springfield had prior drug arrest
Police say Crary accelerated toward the officers, who were standing outside their cruisers.
Woman shot in head, left at hospital
Bennington police were notified that a woman had been dropped off at the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington with a significant injuries including head injury believed to be a gunshot wound.
Scott administration prepares plan to return state employees to offices
Supporters of state employees working from home say it helps hire and retain high-skilled workers, particularly those in the IT field.
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.
VT Headlines: 1,181-pound giant pumpkin takes the gold at Champlain Valley Fair
Milton, Vermont, native Robert Gordon takes home Thunder Road Flying Tigers Triple Crown Title; Why a new gas pipeline into New England may (or may not) lower energy bills
A nine-year-old from Ludlow bought the first share in a new ski area 70 years ago—it was named Okemo
The seeds of Okemo were planted during the Great Depression, when State Forester Perry Merrill—often called the “father of Vermont skiing”—pushed to create recreational forests.
Officer-involved shooting leaves man dead in Springfield
Valley Street is a frequent crime scene in Springfield, which in recent years has had a particularly intense drug abuse and trafficking problem.
Suspected White River Jct. murderer has lengthy drug, firearm record in Connecticut
Drew pled guilty in 2021 to a firearms charge that carried a maximum sentence of 10 years.
Gervais: Why town caucuses in Sept. matter for Vermont Republicans
The caucus is the on-ramp for participating in the Vermont Republican Party. An organized town has delegates to the county committee, and the county committee has delegates to the state committee.
Amazon driver steals leaf blower, police say
Police say the driver stole a leaf blower after delivering a package. Have you seen this Amazon driver?
Crime-ridden Burlington’s mayor blames Scott for not being ‘strong partner’
‘I think it’s easy to blame others when some of your strategies are failing,” Scott said when asked if Mulvaney-Stanak is blame-shifting.
Blotter: Dead body, injured person found after disturbance in Hartford
Police said the case began at about 3:50 a.m., when a 911 caller reported a disturbance at a home on Verna Court, off VA Cutoff Road. Responding Hartford officers found one victim deceased at the scene and a second suffering injuries described as non-life-threatening.
VT Headlines: Burlington Oktoberfest returns in a new venue after being cancelled last year due to EEE virus
Vermont man arrested in CT after reportedly fleeing after domestic dispute; UVM Men’s Soccer opens season as defending champions; students excited for team spirit
State funding helps build permanently affordable homes for refugees, asylum seekers
Downstreet Housing & Community Development and the Central Vermont Refugee Action Network (CVRAN) on Wednesday announced the opening of Randall Apartments, a newly renovated building that now provides four permanently affordable homes for New American families.
Cohen: Against all odds
Dan Cohen remembers celebrating with an unlikely Vermont governor-to-be in 1972.
Roper: If Phil Scott is pro-school choice, here’s his chance to prove it
Will he opt Vermont in to Big Beautiful Bill’s tax credit/scholarship program?
Fraud warning issued by US Marshals in Vermont
The U.S. Marshals in Vermont issued a warning Wednesday to local residents to be aware of several imposter scams involving individuals claiming to be U.S. marshals, court officers, or other law enforcement officials in an effort to try to collect a court fine.
Letter: Pastors believe revival coming
“This Friday and Saturday, Aug 22 & 23, we are stepping into a doorway that we believe will mark the future of our state and region.”
Sale of bear paws, gall bladders illegal, hunters warned
Bear gallbladders are sought by some Asians for their medicinal properties, according to a Canadian wildlife official interviewed by CBC. They create an acid beneficial to the immune system.
Scott letter to Bondi: You’re wrong, VT is not a sanctuary state
Vermont: illegal sanctuary state, or complying with federal law?
VT Headlines: Phil Scott tells Pam Bondi Vermont is not a ‘sanctuary state’
Vermont hospitals largely plan to break even or lose money to keep prices in check; Memorial to orphanage abuse survivors takes shape
Judge weighs competency of man charged with torching Sanders’ Burlington office
“The entire political system is trying to cover up extreme acts, insane acts of violence and terror by the government,” Soghomonian said in court in 2024.
Homeless man with 10 catch-and-release violations arrested for armed robbery, assault at Rutland store
Troopers recovered the knife and a silent-alarm pendant that had been forcibly removed from one of the employees during the robbery.
Morrisville man arrested for strangling murder of Hardwick woman
Police say Williams strangled Daigle in Caledonia County and left her body at a Woodbury roadside.
12 states – but not VT – embrace MAHA push to limit junk foods in SNAP program
Despite opposition by some SNAP users claiming that the move discriminates against the marginalized (or against their food liberties), the intention of these efforts is to improve health outcomes.
Bernie a leader in the “loon wing” of Dems, says Sen. Kennedy
The former Democrat says Sanders, AOC, Mamdani are threatening to tear apart or take over the Democratic Party, promoting “neo-Socialism.” “To be a member of their club, you have to have contempt for America.”
Pedestrian ID’d in fatal crash in Colchester
The name of the teen driver operating the vehicle was still not released because he is likely not to face any adult court action due to his age.
Dame: Pieciak spending “task-force” is a charade
When the State budget ballooned from $6 Billion to $9 Billion Republicans said we have to be careful about our over-reliance on federal money, because it will require either higher taxes to keep federal programs in place once the money is gone – or we will have to start cutting these programs. Neither of these ideas are discussed in the report.
Traveler Paul Bean: differences between Jolly Ol’ and New England
He walked right up to me and said, “I know who you are. Vermont Daily Chronicle! Free Speech forever. I do my research.”
AG Bondi immigration letter to Scott threatens funding cuts, criminal charges
“This ends now,” Bondi said in a letter to Scott and other governors.
Soulia: VT’s climate spending vs. drug interdiction
Vermont has chosen to spend heavily on climate mitigation, with more than a quarter-billion dollars in state funds committed over just a few years. Meanwhile, as the toll of overdoses continues to outpace weather-related deaths by a factor of nearly 100 to 1, a contrast likely to grow harder for policymakers—and taxpayers—to ignore.
VT Headlines: Montpelier plans to remove Pioneer Street Dam to restore nearby floodplain
2 bagpipers from ‘Podunk, Vermont’ win top prizes in Glasgow; New youth service shelter in St. Albans expected to fill quickly; Balint claims about corporate PAC funds in question
Man dies after beating by kids near Burlington City Hall
The three youths, believed to be roughly 14 to 16 years old, are facing proceedings in Vermont Family Court. Consequences are limited due to the lack of rehabilitation services for youthful offenders within Vermont.
VT Headlines: Colchester pedestrian dies in crash with vehicle driven by teen
Storage building burns to ground at family orchard in Windham County; Mount Snow celebrates three decades of Brewers Fest; In Waterbury, historic Goodell House approved for move and rehab
Vermont’s WWII aircraft spotters: watching the skies at home
Springfield and Windsor, Vermont were considered key targets.
Blotter: Dog beaten on parking lot, fatal crash, fugitive arrest at border
Vermont State Police responded to a string of serious incidents across the state this past weekend, ranging from a fugitive arrest at the Canadian border to an animal cruelty case in Royalton and a fatal crash in Lowell.
Addison County woman busted for drug house count
Sara Beth Austin, 48, appeared in U.S. District Court in Burlington on Friday afternoon on a criminal complaint that she operated the drug home on Vermont 22A in the town of Addison during the month of August, according to U.S. Homeland Security Investigations.
City Hall Park shooter pulled rifle out of pants
The investigation determined a large disturbance broke out on College Street near City Hall Park before an individual removed what appeared to be a rifle from his pants, Detective Lt. Mike Beliveau said. The armed individual struck the victim in the head with the rifle and then fired a single round into the air, Beliveau said.
Fireovid: Shunned by Indivisible ‘neighbors’
It’s strange behavior for people who claim to want a society that’s “indivisible” and who constantly profess that they’re all for “community.”
Blaise in trouble again for drugs
Thomas “T.J.” Blaise, 44, was found with nearly one pound of cocaine following a motor vehicle stop by Vergennes City Police on Tuesday night, records show. A digital scale was found under the driver’s seat, along with a large amount of currency loose inside a bag and more concealed in a sock, HSI said.
BREAKING: Former U.S. Attorney found with gun at courthouse
Former U.S. Attorney tried to enter courthouse in Brattleboro with firearm
Flags at half-mast for Gov. Thomas Salmon
“Governor Salmon led Vermont through some of our nation’s most difficult times, doing his best to stabilize our economy and strengthen trust of government. His efforts on behalf of Vermont are worthy of our gratitude, remembrance, and respect.”
Drug bust stirs anger about taxpayer subsidized ‘trap houses’
Police were called to the Green Acres housing complex on Bergeron Street after an Uber driver reported driving an individual from Springfield, Massachusetts to Barre — only to be stiffed for the fare.
VT Headlines: Three dogs rescued from cliff in Westmore
A rocky finding at a proposed industrial park raises more eyebrows in Morrisville; A historic property in Montpelier is returning to its original state — a floodplain; Vermont famers say new technology is changing the state’s agriculture industry
Roper: More bad news for “Make Big Oil Pay”
South Carolina Judge latest to dismiss lawsuit similar to Vermont’s.
Concerns expressed about Migrant Justice soccer tournament Saturday
The reader said the event draws hundreds of Mexican and Central American farmworkers from Vermont and surrounding states, many of whom are in the country without legal documentation and may be driving without licenses or insurance.
Crimes against child in Waterford
Police say Noah Young, 23, committed two counts of sexual assault of a juvenile, domestic assault, and possession of illicit material.
Oliver Anthony to perform Saturday in Rutland
Anthony’s gritty, emotional rasp — shaped by his own personal struggles — has resonated with listeners across rural and small-town America. NPR has described his lyrics as giving “a voice to the feelings of people who often get left out of popular discourse and pop culture.”
Death penalty for NEK Border Patrol case
One new count charges Youngblut “with malice aforethought, unlawfully killed” Maland by shooting him while he was engaged in the performance of his duties. The second new charge maintains Youngblut carried a firearm during a crime of violence – the murder alleged in count one of the new indictments. She used a Glock model 23 .40-caliber pistol, the indictment said. One of the previous charges has been amended to say that Youngblut actually shot at two Border Patrol Agents that were with Maland. The new indictment identified them only by the initials “J.M” and “D.W.”
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