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.
Young Vermont men turn against sports betting
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.
Keelan: Is now the time to sell Camp David?
The Naval Support Facility in Thurmont, Maryland, more commonly known as Camp David, does not appear to be getting the same level of use it once did.
Housing advocate Morgan Brown passes on Tuesday
Morgan Walker Brown died peacefully surrounded by love on Tuesday December 16th. A person of enduring determination and wise compassion, to the very end he used his prose and his voice to advocate for people in need. Morgan inspired many to follow in his example of empathy, kindness, and compassion.
Audio: Eight decades on, “The House of Bread” still calls
Late one night, a tired writer falls asleep at his desk while faint organ music drifts in from somewhere distant. In his dream, an old man named Word appears on a high cliff and tells him to seek the House of Bread—then the writer wakes up, packs his things, and sets off with his companion to find it.
VT Headlines: Gov. Phil Scott says Trump should consult Congress in military buildup near Venezuela
Watch your language: Trump admin questioned Vermont Head Start provider’s funding request over DEI terms; Storm to bring heavy rain, record warmth and wind; Mad River Glen inks final purchase and sale agreement for 1,100 acre
Shorts: Good news! Globe technically cooled this year
Second-warmest year on record, climate scientist James Hansen says, with record heat expeccted in 2026
Soulia: What happens when Vermont ignores reality – Part 2
What Vermont cannot do is continue pretending it can sustain prohibitive regulation, minimal growth, lavish spending, high-cost labor structures, small schools everywhere, expansive public programs, and low taxes at the same time.
Part 2 picks up where that conversation left off, continuing through the remaining structural challenges affecting Vermont’s economy, cost of living, and long-term fiscal stability.
Reporter on Vermont immigrant detainee series guest on Thursday’s Hot Off The Press
Vermont Public reporter Peter Hirschfeld joined Hot Off The Press call-in radio show Thursday.
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.
Kias, Hyundais offer anti-theft retrofits following 2021 TikTok viral video
Vermont is among the 35 states to reach agreements with the Kia and Hyundai automakers to retrofit existing models with anti-theft technology, the Journal-Opinion reports today.
Gov. plans to use Budget Adjustment Act funds to buy down property tax hike
The proposal addresses an estimated $200 million increase in the education fund, which could result in an average property tax increase of about 12%.
Green: Who cares whether the ref is a white male?
Shouldn’t the qualifications for a referee be based on merit and his or her ability to do the job with skill, excellence, and integrity, instead of an artificially imposed quota of arbitrary external characteristics?
Fernandez: Jesus Christ, fact or fiction
Many non-biblical historians and objective, skeptical scholars insist that he was a historical figure.
Drought-stricken retired Marine Vietnam veteran still hauling water, no help coming
He is forced to break ice and carry heavy buckets along an icy driveway to flush toilets and meet basic needs, all while managing on a fixed income. I reside in his home and have witnessed his unwavering resolve, but this situation is unsustainable and life-threatening in freezing conditions.
Woman, 21, dies in crash caused by wrong-way driver
Police say a young Northfield woman died Wednesday in an I-89 collision between Richmond and Bolton.
Corrected: Barre attempted murder
Suspect charged with attempted murder, not murder as originally published.
Homeless parolee arrested for Barre pickaxe attempted murder
When officers arrived, they found a 55-year-old male victim who had been struck multiple times in the head with a pick-axe hatchet.
Pedestrian killed in Shelburne identified
The pedestrian has been identified as Mauricio M. Martinez, 52, of Schenectady, New York.
Roper: A VTGOP message for 2026: NO NEW TAXES!
We are already paying more than our fair share.
VT Headlines: Jewish Vermonters hold menorah lighting at State House following shooting in Australia
Four people charged in alleged human smuggling operation in Vermont; Governor pitches Vermont lawmakers on plan to avert 11.9% property tax hike; Wilmer Chavarria sues U.S. government for violating Fourth Amendment rights; White out: Vermont’s tallest peak buried under record-breaking powder
Vermont AG among those challenging federal DEI oversight
California Attorney General Rob Bonta and a coalition of 17 other Democratic attorneys general are urging the U.S. Department of Education to withdraw a proposed expansion of federal data collection on college admissions, arguing it would violate student privacy and distort civil rights law.
AG complains feds cut EV charger $$ without explanation
What the Attorney General does not explain is why federal officials might be less than enthusiastic about writing those checks. A few possibilities come to mind.
Letters: Mitticas on Christmas, Mazur on 2028 contenders
It saddens me us that on a private not government community social media page an invitation to share in the true meaning of Christmas is prohibited.
Ben & Jerry’s board overhaul removes longest-serving directors in wake of corporate spin-off
Vermont ice cream company’s governance restructuring eliminates activist leaders, raises questions about brand independence
Convoy of Christmas kindness to roll into children’s hospital
A convoy of kindness will roll into the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital on December 18, carrying far more than boxes and bags. It will bring smiles, comfort, and a powerful reminder that the community stands shoulder to shoulder with its youngest patients.
Vermont declares emergency to speed heating fuel deliveries during regional shortage
State relaxes truck driver hour restrictions through mid-January as Northeast faces propane and heating oil supply crisis
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