Exchanged 1800 messages, coaching someone on how to abuse a victim.
10 years for enticing to produce porn
Police raid busts alleged coke dealer at homeless shelter
As of September 2022, Bryan already had had 170 police encounters – including an arrest for attempted murder.
VT Headlines: DOJ sues Vermont over voter registration data
Montpelier Council Selects Three Finalists for City Manager; USDA’s threat to withhold SNAP funding won’t directly impact recipients; Vermont Legislature’s top economist slams Trump’s trade war
Roper: Healthcare in Vermont is a government facilitated grift
And EVERYBODY is paying the price.
MA man arrested on assault charges in Newark over the weekend
State Police arrested a Massachusetts man early Sunday after he allegedly threatened troopers with an axe and chainsaw.
Vermont Veterans’ Home receives its Christmas tree for 2025
For the seventeenth year in a row, The Vermont Veterans’ Home received its Christmas Tree from Marine Veteran Don Keelan’s property in Arlington. The tree, a 15-foot balsam, was delivered along with the traditional honorary escort from several Troopers with the Vermont State Police.
Waitsfield butcher featured in Food and Wine Magazine article about best value steaks
Joshua Turka of 5th Quarter Butcher and Provisions offers guidance as beef prices hit record highs
Soulia: What parents need to know about Vermont’s minor-consent laws
Vermont’s consent laws for minors allow adolescents to seek medical care for STIs, mental health, and gender-affirming services without parental consent or notification. Supporters highlight the seeming public health benefits, but others highlight the dangers posed.
Governor Phil Scott defends Afghanistan refugees in Vermont
Governor Phil Scott defended Afghanistan refugees in Vermont on Facebook Tuesday in response to the recent high-profile shooting in Washington, D.C., involving an Afghan refugee suspect.
Gov. Scott appoints Michael Hoyt to VT House of Representatives
Also, Governor Scott on the need for “education transformation” this legislative session.
Presumptuous skiers in backcountry concerning for Stowe Mountain Rescue
If you leave the trail, even following another’s tracks, there is a real risk of no way back.
Compass Vermont: Armed with questionable data, GMCB sets its sights on Gifford Hospital
The Green Mountain Care Board seems to continue to prioritize standardized billing data in order to support their policy goals even after receiving the more reliable clinical reality.
South Burlington man sentenced to 10-years for exploitation
In addition to the 120-month prison term, Judge Vyskocil ordered 10 years of supervised release after McGrath completes his sentence.
Puma back in trouble after 3 Federal felony charges for threatening
A longtime South Burlington man, who received a 20-month federal prison sentence in 2023 for intimidating phone calls to Vermont criminal justice officials, is back in trouble – this time for state charges of stalking and criminal threatening Middlebury College employees.
VT Headlines: Data breach at Dartmouth College exposes personal information of 40,000 people, incl. many Vermonters
Authorities search for missing Whitingham man; Montpelier’s acting city manager resigns in the middle of search for new city manager; Fireworks show on Burlington waterfront Wednesday night; USDA demands SNAP data from states
The Liberty Food Festival returns
December 11-13 at the Bellows Falls Opera House
Frenier: Act 73 is a danger to ALL independent schools
Parents of independent school students: rattle a few cages and get your school’s leaders to step up.
First snow of the season keeps Vermont State troopers busy with 50 crashes
From midnight to 2 p.m., Vermont State Police responded to 50 weather-related crashes: 27 in the northern half of the state and 23 in the south. Seventeen of those wrecks happened on interstate highways, with one injury reported, while 33 occurred on secondary roads, resulting in three injuries.
Keelan: And then there was one…
Governor Phil Scott has been, for some time, the clarion: the State is losing its young people. Flood recovery, increasing school taxes, healthcare costs, illegal drug use, and climate change took center stage. Meanwhile, the workforce kept descending. And institutions of learning have kept closing.
Berlin Police report ‘theft’ at mall
Police are looking into a light-hearted series of theft reports at the Five Below store in the Berlin Mall after officers received a second call on November 29 involving what appears to be the same mischievous suspect.
Highway surveillance cameras raise privacy concerns
As Vermont’s law enforcement agencies mark the 12th year of the state’s regulation on Automated License Plate Recognition Systems (ALPRs), members of the VDC team have highlighted the potential double-edged sword of this surveillance technology and the increasing prevalence of electronic surveillance technologies.
Norwich to lay wreaths at university cemetery December 6
Norwich University in Northfield will host its first Wreaths Across America Ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 1 p.m., at the Norwich University Cemetery. Students, alumni, veterans, and members of the Central Vermont community are invited to take part in the laying of remembrance wreaths and the reading aloud of the names of the fallen.
Feds to seek death penalty in NEK double homicide
Second case by Justice Department in as many months
Book Review: The Tech Exit
Is a Smartphone on your child’s Christmas wish list? Not so fast…
Soulia: VT’s Constitutional consistency on trial: Non-citizen voting vs. gun restrictions
If constitutional silence is grounds for exceptions, how does this logic apply to Vermont’s other rights not involving voting—specifically, Article 16, which guarantees the right to bear arms?
VT Headlines: Johnson store has record Cyber Monday sales
Milton teen and service dog excel in canine competition.
MacDonald: Illegal and unconstitutional
No one breaks laws or violates rights like Democrats. Keep that in mind as they work to build their latest anti-Trump “unlawful orders” narrative.
Success! Every veterans cemetery grave will have a wreath
First time ever!
Body of missing teen found on river bank
Police say the youth had fled the scene of an accident.
Hot Off The Press podcast Monday, Dec. 1: State employees ordered back to office today, and Property Tax Letter due
Note: There will be no LIVE Hot Off The Press this Tuesday thru Thursday. Guy Page will return Friday with another live episode of Feedback Friday.
White House launches media bias portal to expose ‘fake news’
Now live at wh.gov/mediabias, the ‘flamethrower on the media’ lays bare those deemed offending journalists and their outlets, and presents what it says are the actual facts they attempted to bury, twist, or invent.
Transient set dumpster fire, burned American flag on police cruiser, and toppled city Christmas tree: police
While investigating the dumpster fire, officers also found a burnt American flag placed on top of a police cruiser.
Mom chases lewd and lascivious man out of playground
Video shows the man fleeing from a hero mom armed only with a video phone.
Paula Welden disappears 79 years ago today
December 1, 1946, an 18-year-old college student named Paula Welden vanished while taking a hike on the Long Trail near Glastenbury Mountain. Welden had informed her roommate that she intended to go for a walk, but she never returned. The subsequent search involved hundreds of volunteers, including military personnel, but no concrete evidence was discovered.
BREAKING: Statewide property tax projected to rise 12% next year
Scott said education taxes already have risen more than 40% over the last five years while student enrollment, performance, and educational opportunities have declined.
Hospital to tear down vacant medical office building
Demolition of Medical Office Building D, 266 Hospital Loop Road, Berlin, will take three or four weeks and involve heavy equipment and utility work, hospitals leaders said.
Court to Vermont State Employees: go back to the office
Return-to-office stays on track. The conflict now moves to the Vermont Labor Relations Board (VLRB) for adjudication.
Page: December 1st, a fateful date
State workers back in the office, the Property Tax Letter, and the vote on Obamacare.
VT Headlines: Energy assistance funds released to states after government shutdown delay
Small Business Saturday; Rutland man helps fill gap with peer-run sober living community; Multiple crashes in Vermont, New Hampshire during busy holiday travel weekend
Vermont medical debt relief will roll out soon
The Legislature this year unanimously passed a new law that will erase up to $100 million in medical debt—with no new taxes or fees. The Governor signed it into law on May 15.
Moffett: Rep. Maggie Goodlander: Seditious or just shameful?
There are many angles from which to view the “Scandalous Saga of the Seditious Six,” the recent Video-Gate story of six Democrat congresspeople who went public to admonish serving military personnel that they don’t need to follow orders they deem illegal.
Police: Addison County reckless driver found in Burlington
Patrick Cota, 32, sped away from both the Addison County Sheriff’s Department and the Middlebury Police on Friday during separate incidents in Salisbury and Middlebury, officials said.
Thurston: Paying the price for DEI in schools, on streets, at border
Those who come to this country with ill-will toward America pose real threats to public safety, as we have seen in the attack on two young National Guard members in Washington DC on Thanksgiving eve.
Readers, lock in your 2026 Sustaining Subscription now: pay less and continue to comment
Most people realize that ‘free’ news, isn’t. Someone is selling your data behind your back. Or else a sugar daddy funder is pulling the strings on news coverage while shutting down comments. Or, more likely, both.
Car passenger held driver in necklock, police say
According to police, 39-year-old Jody Sears placed the driver—identified only as a family member—in a neck restraint, causing pain and putting everyone in the vehicle at risk.
Firefighters rescue trapped driver after midnight crash
Using rescue struts, firefighters secured the overturned vehicle and worked to safely free the driver.
Wreaths Across America Vermont coordinator: “We’re soooooo close”
Two locations have already reached the finish line: Fort Ethan Allen Cemetery and the Vermont Veterans Home Cemetery in Bennington have fully met their wreath goals.
Hot Off The Press podcasts: Feedback Friday
Feedback Friday convos with Mark, Wayne, Jim and Neil.
VT Headlines: VT cheerleader performs in Macy’s parade, USS Vermont leaves Down Under
Fire in Morrisville, crashes around the state over Thanksgiving holiday.
Breaking: Orleans County man busted for illegal gun buys while facing felonies in two states
Angel Elias Estremera, 26, also possessed five other firearms unlawfully that were unknown to law enforcement when they conducted a court-ordered search at his Derby Line residence late last month, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said in federal court papers.
Balsamic: Golden Dome to get a new goddess
The new statue will depict Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak in mid-sentence, one hand holding a bullhorn, and the other cradling in its palm a tiny bronze of Gov. Phil Scott.
Woman charged with cruelty to cats
The suspect was already barred from having possession of animals.
VT Headlines: 400 runners and walkers gather in Killington for 14th annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot
Manchester kickstarts plan for housing development that protects flood-prone area; A more than 200-year-old blacksmith shop in Cornwall seeks new owner; Craftsbury community weighs the impact of Sterling College’s closure
Hot Off The Press podcasts: Wednesday, the plan to reduce school spending
The task force and Kinsley agree that consolidation doesn’t fix the big problem—that our schools cost too much, especially for the poor educational outcomes they deliver.
Dyer: The Mayflower brought the First Amendment
Branded “SS” (stirrer of sedition) on his forehead, William Brewster’s ears were cut off and he was put in prison “until a convenient time.”
State police investigate thefts at Sticks & Stuff, Aubuchon Hardware
Helpard did not say what specific items were stolen in the incidents, but he did tell Waterbury Roundabout that the items were valued between $200 and $700.
Lanese: ‘Refuse illegal orders’ lawmakers are wolves in sheep’s clothing
Six wolves in sheep’s clothing.
Alternative to Front Porch Forum platform planned
According to an announcement shared with supporters, the platform will serve as a digital gathering space “with room for members to connect with each other, build networks and help us meet our mission.” VSU said the service will prioritize open conversation among “real, human neighbors.”
Same crime, wildly different punishment
Victoria Thompson, a defendant facing a “death resulting” charge—a legal classification usually associated with the most severe penalties in the opioid crisis—will avoid any long-term incarceration.
Suspected kidnapper cuffed after one-hour standoff
Colby was wanted for kidnapping and a slew of other charges.
Senior state police leader retires
He rose through the command ranks to ultimately become Lieutenant Colonel and Deputy Director of the agency.
Vermont Thanksgiving of bygone era seen in 1955 promotional video
If you’re nostalgic for a taste of a Thanksgiving from the good old days, you might want to watch “Thanks to Vermont,” a 1955 promotional video for Vermont products.
Lois McClure leaves over $20 million to support education and training pathways
For Lois and her late husband, J. Warren “Mac” McClure, this gift is the capstone of more than fifty years of philanthropy.
Wild turkey population up to 50K
The bird on your table is descended from the wild turkey.
SoBu cop to appeal firing
State’s Attorney Sarah George said she would not take any more cases from Officer Wilson.
Thanksgiving feast more affordable this year
By the time the turkey hits the oven and football flickers across millions of living room screens this Thursday, a small but welcome relief will already be on the table: Thanksgiving dinner costs are finally coming down.
Babylon Bee: Trump to execute all turkeys pardoned by Biden’s autopen
Though the annual pardoning of turkeys by the sitting president has been a frequent tradition for generations, the pardons granted to turkeys during the Biden administration were determined to have been illegitimate due to being signed via autopen without the president’s knowledge. In turn, President Trump gave an immediate order to execute the birds.
HOTP today: will either school redistricting plan reduce our taxes?
by Guy Page Today on Hot Off The Press, we’re taking up a story that goes right to the heart of Vermont’s education system and the property-tax crisis that’s hitting homeowners and […]
VT Headlines: Pride Center of Vermont could reopen thanks to a major donation
MRG offered change to purchase 1,100 surrounding acres, fundraising underway; Two fugitives arrested after standoff in Windsor County; Traffic restrictions continue at Quechee Gorge Bridge as project faces further setbacks
Klar: Days of reckoning for $125 billion Obamacare
In an NPR interview on Oct. 30, Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, regarded as one of the “architects” of the ACA, conceded that Obamacare has not delivered. He described the “incredibly complicated” labyrinth of the US healthcare system, admitting, “[F]rankly, the affordable care added to that complication by putting in the exchanges.”
Trump ends Vermont “Housing First” policy
Inside the multi-state fight against Federal funding caps
City admits sidewalk repairs will slow to near halt after 2028
The city’s Department of Public Works (DPW) has released a detailed memo to the Public Works Commission explaining how the city manages its 130 miles of sidewalks and what work is planned through 2030, responding to years of complaints from Burlington residents, particularly those with disabilities.
Walch: Shadowy outside groups hijack Vermont town meetings
There is a shadowy international group behind Dan DeWalt’s proposed ballot items.
Bean: Augustus Doricko’s “rainmaking” is no “solution”: Part 1
“We can refill the Great Salt Lake,” writes Augustus in a post on X last week.“This month, Rainmaker began the largest cloud seeding project in modern American history. With Utah and Idaho, we are enhancing snowpack across 7,500 square miles of the Bear River Basin.”
Inside Vermont Public’s annual financial report
How an $80 million nonprofit cut 15 jobs while many executives kept six-figure salaries
VT Headlines: State officials to review finances of Vermont’s small municipal electric companies
Lawmakers question legality of Border Patrol license plate reader program; In Charlotte, ‘No hunting’ signs cause kerfuffle; Vermont towns impacted by latest July flooding hope to see disaster aid after appeal; Rutland prepares to kick off holiday season with downtown tree lighting
Benedict: The School Redistricting Task Force – A stunning failure
In all, a stunning failure and lack of respect for the will of Vermonters who have said that the status quo of our schools – educationally and financially is no longer working and needs dramatic change, very soon.
Shorts: With Property Tax letter due Dec. 1, state revenues fell slightly in October
Also, Vermont dead last in % of religious population, and archery, muzzleloader season continues into December
Page: finger-pointing Bernie has himself to blame for looming AI power crisis
The U.S. power supply shortage is largely the fault of Bernie and other Green New Dealers who have intentionally pushed increased electricity consumption – heat pumps and electric cars, anyone? – while shutting down power producers that actually keep the grid afloat.
Man behind “murder for hire” in the NEK gets two life sentences
Serhat D. Gumrukcu, 43, of Los Angeles received concurrent life sentences for his role in orchestrating the execution of Gregory Davis, 49, in the Northeast Kingdom on Jan. 6, 2018.
‘Split the Ticket’ fund back to help Vermonters this winter
The program matches financial contributions with donations of heating oil, kerosene, and propane from local energy providers. The delivery ticket or invoice is split 50/50; every $1 donated buys $2 worth of heating fuel. The same split works with local heating contractors who donate labor and equipment.
Car drives into house, driver cited for DUI
Hit one house, drove into another.
Leader of trans death cult members who killed Border Patrol agent explodes at federal judge
LaSota accused the U.S. government of ‘trans genocide.’
Man charged with cruelty to his young child at store
Two separate incidents at a Randolph store.
Vermont looks to encourage legal immigration pathways
Vermont passed a bipartisan bill in May calling for the creation of the New Americans Study Committee in order to make recommendations on a forthcoming Office of New Americans. The committee is required to develop a summary of economic data regarding immigrants in Vermont and provide recommendations for how to improve immigrant services.
Derby student wins national scary story contest
His story won out over the more than 1,200 submissions in the 2025 competition.
Syrinx brings love for music and community to South Burlington
Choral group preps for upcoming show: Syrinx will present a free concert from 3 to 5 p.m. Nov. 30 at All Saints Episcopal Church.
Woolf: How affordable are houses today?
More than you think by Art Woolf, on Davis Dewey is Rich Ben Kinsley at Campaign for Vermont responded to my post about the benefits of economic progress with a “yes, but…” […]
Fired South Burlington Police officer had 3 internal investigations
Now Vermont News First have learned that an internal review board had found Wilson guilty of violating department policies covering excessive force and “operation of vehicles,” for a Sept. 25th incident, according to his dismissal letter.
Two big changes at VDC
Sustaining Subscribers who lock in for 2026 before January 1 will pay the current rate of $108 and may write comments through all 12 months of 2026.
VT Headlines: One injured, 15 displaced after early morning structure fire in Burlington
Vermont driver arrested after crashing into two buildings in Waitsfield; Truck takes out power line in Dummerston, police seek driver; Burlington city officials say they are still working on ways to transition from biomass
State pays newspapers cash for local journalism
Helping independent local journalism, or tting its hands?
Pro-lifer elected chair of city Justice, Equity, Diversity and Belonging Committee
Toborg’s election to chair this month was not without hesitation and misgivings by the other members.
Statewide property reappraisal, and what it means for you
A comprehensive guide to the statewide reappraisal mandate, market disruption, and what Vermont homeowners should understand.
Kinsley: Act 73 Task Force didn’t fail. They listened.
After hearing from more than 5,000 Vermonters who overwhelmingly said, “keep our local schools and local boards,” the Task Force chose to protect the community connections that make Vermont schools more than just buildings. Just as importantly, they recognized that the research shows no cost savings from consolidation and instead put forward a plan that actually achieves those goals.
Stannard: The mudsills will always be with you
“Mudsill theory is the proposition that there must be, and always has been, a lower class or underclass for the upper classes and the rest of society to rest upon. The term derives from a mudsill, the lowest threshold that supports the foundation for a building.”
Soulia: Towns push back against murky ‘Enhanced Energy Plan’
The debate in Pittsford wasn’t about personalities or local politics. It reflected a broader question confronting nearly every town in Vermont: Where does state law end and agency preference begin?
Shorts: Whole milk is back on school menus
Also, Tents for the homeless, and a Federal grant to study rural drug abuse.
Harrison: What would Mark Twain say about Act 73?
What Sam Clemens said about his demise may be true about the plan contained in Act 73.
Just over 1 Week left to get 2,718 Vermont Wreaths Sponsored
Participating Vermont cemeteries still need over 2,700 wreaths sponsored for our departed veterans
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