In off-year voting yesterday, Washington County voters said no to a Berlin Rec Center, yes to housing and public works garage in Barre. Results on the Central Vermont Career Center won’t be available until Thursday.
Voting yesterday: Yes in Barre, no in Berlin, career center results unknown
Press restricted at state-funded ‘truth-telling’ session in St. Johnsbury
A state-funded “Public Truth-Telling Session” scheduled for Nov. 15 in St. Johnsbury will bar reporters from recording, photographing, or interviewing participants inside the event, according to guidelines released by organizers.
Vermont Circus Festival kicks off in Brattleboro
The inaugural Vermont Circus Festival is happening in Brattleboro this week. It’s eight days of circus performances, workshops and community events hosted by the New England Center for Circus Arts.
Postcard about Dame fundraising, salary mailed ahead of Saturday election for GOP state chair
An anonymous postcard critical of incumbent GOP chair Paul Dame’s fundraising record was mailed from Hartford, Connecticut this week and received by Republicans who will be voting in the Saturday, November 8 election.
Shorts: Smugglers Notch Road closes, moose harvest results announced
Also, the Voting Accessibility Task Force convenes.
Polls: Despite union pushback, majority of Vermonters back State workers’ office return
The UNH poll reveals a different perspective from the general public. Just over half of Vermont residents—51%—support requiring state employees to work in-person at least three days per week.
Swenson: Vermont’s crisis isn’t compassion — it’s capacity
Phil Scott’s 14-point Burlington plan repeats the same mistake Vermont has made for years: mistaking compassion for policy.
Moore: Mississippi students now outperform Vermont students
Education agency admits a years-long failure as student performance nosedives
Green: The closing of the Copley Hospital Birthing Center is a local tragedy
Such center can be saved if the money given to Planned Parenthood and abortions is rededicated to promote life.
Merritt “Red” Edson: Vermont native, Marine hero, founder Vermont State Police
While Edson’s military exploits drew national attention, his commitment to Vermont shaped the state far beyond his battlefield record.
Thayer, Kolb, Harvey seek GOP vice-chair post
Like chair candidates Dame and Ingalls, three candidates for the vice-chair position will face the judgement of voters at the annual party meeting Saturday at a Burlington hotel.
VT Headlines: Man allegedly assaulted St. Johnsbury town employee, crashed truck
Barre shoe repair store closing after 75 years; Central Vermont communities to vote on $149 million bond towards new career center; Burlington plans to dredge Perkins Pier and community boathouse marinas for next spring; Preparation work underway at Burlington-Winooski bridge
Fatal overdose suspected at South Burlington City Hall
Emergency responders were called to 180 Market Street, home of the South Burlington City Hall, around 6:05 a.m. on November 4 after someone discovered an unresponsive adult male in a first-floor restroom. Emergency medical personnel pronounced the man dead at the scene.
UVM senior accused of year-long phone hack and stalking campaign
A drug possession charge was added at arraignment when the police search uncovered more than 13 grams, including packaging of crack cocaine in his bedroom, records show.
Fish & Wildlife asks deer hunters to report wildlife sightings
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is asking hunters to participate in its annual deer hunter effort and sighting survey.
Illegal immigrant from Brazil gets 9 months for illegal gun possession
Wanted for rape in Brazil, he said he didn’t want the guns for drug crime, but for target shooting with his brother-in-law.
Heat pump sales cool, DMV offices close two days this week
Inflation, rising equipment costs, and the 2025 phaseout of legacy refrigerants are driving up the price of heat pump projects, while workforce shortages continue to pose challenges.
Daylight Saving Time change brings far greater odds of hitting a deer — here’s why
The risk of a deer-vehicle collision is 14 times higher in the two hours after sunset than in the two hours before sunset, due to the dramatic reduction in driver visibility in darkness.
Keelan: Small towns down on leaf-peeping, housing
Vermont needs to stay off the front page of the WSJ unless, of course, it is a positive story.
Former ‘Ridin’ High’ owner arrested in Battery ‘protected status’ assault
Witnesses told police that Vanhazinga advanced toward the victim in an aggressive manner, removing articles of clothing and making a derogatory comment related to the victim’s protected class status.
Duck hunter finds suspicious bag of guns in river
Man forcibly took municipal truck from its driver then crashed it.
McGuinness: Paying teens $125 to study reproductive health
The LGBTQ-inclusive program pays students to learn about gender identity and expression, sexual orientation spectrum, contraception, and safe sex practices for the prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s) and HIV/AIDS:
Vermont Food Banks brace for impact
The lapse in federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known locally as 3SquaresVT, has triggered delays in November benefits for more than 64,000 residents, exacerbating pressures on the state’s food banks.
VT Headlines: Vermont food banks fill gap as SNAP benefits delayed during government shutdown
Trump administration faces a deadline to tell judges whether it will use contingency funds for SNAP; Middlebury College chapel debate taken to state Supreme Court; BPD: Burlington man arrested for Battery Park assault with firearm
Today on Hot Off The Press: State Police patrol Burlington/ GOP state chair candidates stump in Barre/ State to pay half of SNAP benefits/ 3 of four Vermonters not Vaxxed for Covid
Call in to Hot Off The Press 802-244-1777 at 11:05 AM today and every weekday, listen in on WDEV AM 550, FM 96.1, and wdevradio.com.
SNAP recipients to receive 50% of benefits, beginning Nov. 7
The state-funded benefit is equal to 50% of a household’s November 1st 3 Square benefit and will be loaded onto EBT cards or directly deposited into bank accounts on or before November 7th 2025.
Scholarship helps women veterans help others with PTSD
The family of an Essex Junction Army veteran who took her life due to combat PTSD has started a scholarship to help women veterans receive advanced training in PTSD treatment.
From Boise to Burlington: UVM’s new leadership team and the controversies that followed them
A federal lawsuit, a First Amendment violation, and sworn allegations of evading public records laws defined the tenure of UVM’s new president and her top aides at Boise State.
Three out of four Vermonters not vaxxed against Covid-19
State data show that 25% of Vermonters have received the vaccine in 2024-25 season, compared to 26% in 2022-23. The highest percentage (33%) is in Chittenden County, the lowest in rural Essex County (11%).
Democrats want open borders; most Americans don’t
Who said this? “If you don’t have any borders, you don’t have a nation.” The speaker went on, “Trump did a better job. I don’t like Trump, but we should have a secure border. It ain’t that hard to do. Biden didn’t do it.” It was Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, in characteristic candor. If, as Milton Friedman argued, you can’t have open borders and a generous welfare state, Sanders, as a self-described socialist, prefers the welfare state.
Soulia: Those nickels & dimes add up
The high cost of living in Vermont isn’t driven by any one law or policy. Instead, it’s the cumulative weight of countless costs—fees, surcharges, and mandates—that drive up prices for goods and services while shrinking Vermonters’ paychecks.
Interference with hunting/fishing/trapping, underage Halloween drinking, swapping UPC codes at Wal-Mart
Vermont State Police and local law enforcement agencies made several arrests across the state over the past few days, including a fugitive apprehension in St. Johnsbury, an underage drinking case in Charlotte, a retail theft in Berlin, and a warrant arrest in Richford.
In Their Own Words: Dame, Ingalls vie for GOP state chair
VDC brought our voice recorder to the Barre GOP breakfast and posed questions to both candidates for state chair. Listen in!
BREAKING: Vermont State Police foot patrols resume in downtown Burlington
Shifting on-duty troopers to Burlington would reduce the amount of state police coverage provided in some nearby counties.
Trump says he’ll pay SNAP benefits
“I do NOT want Americans to go hungry just because the Radical Democrats refuse to do the right thing and REOPEN THE GOVERNMENT,” Trump said. “Therefore, I have instructed our lawyers to ask the Court to clarify how we can legally fund SNAP as soon as possible.”
Halloween in the Rotary lights up downtown Winooski with 1,000 jack-o’-lanterns
Families, students and local businesses came together for a festive evening to kick off Halloween.
Vermont Veterans Home’s celebration commemorating the U.S.M.C.’s 250th Anniversary
The seven Marine residents at the Home will be the honored guests and former Governor of Vermont, Jim Douglas, will be the event’s keynote speaker. Fr. Jeremy Means-Koss, of Bennington and Arlington’s St. Peter’s and St. James Episcopal Church will provide the invocation and benediction.
Watson: Tailgating: the chase is on!
Road rage is for fools.
Roper: Gates cops to climate change hoax
Will Vermont legislators continue with the lies, or heed the call to pivot?
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.
Recent Comments