Police say Botala inappropriately touched a minor female, someone he knew, under the age of 16 in August.
Felony sex assault on minor
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 $$ without explanation
What the Attorney General does not explain is why federal officials might be less than enthusiastic about writing those checks. A few possibilities come to mind.
Letters: Mitticas on Christmas, Mazur on 2028 contenders
It saddens me us that on a private not government community social media page an invitation to share in the true meaning of Christmas is prohibited.
Ben & Jerry’s board overhaul removes longest-serving directors in wake of corporate spin-off
Vermont ice cream company’s governance restructuring eliminates activist leaders, raises questions about brand independence
Convoy of Christmas kindness to roll into children’s hospital
A convoy of kindness will roll into the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital on December 18, carrying far more than boxes and bags. It will bring smiles, comfort, and a powerful reminder that the community stands shoulder to shoulder with its youngest patients.
Vermont declares emergency to speed heating fuel deliveries during regional shortage
State relaxes truck driver hour restrictions through mid-January as Northeast faces propane and heating oil supply crisis
Ellis: We need to talk about money
Charitable giving should be more public
Addison County prosecutor closes out her DUI case
A two-year old driving while intoxicated court case against besieged Addison County State’s Attorney Eva P. Vekos appeared to come to a close Tuesday when she pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor charge.
HOTP Tuesday: Gun rights activists sue over waiting period, Memorial Auditorium block redo to cost million$$
Pushing back in federal court against Vermont gun control laws.
Tiemann: NEA handbook pushes gender and race-based ideologies on children
I’m very grateful for Jarrod Vaillaincourt’s excellent commentary in the Dec 10th issue of the Vermont Daily Chronicle. He exposes efforts by elementary school staff to market a new school-sanctioned “sexuality” club – to elementary school students! Although such conduct by public school educators is beyond revolting, it’s unfortunately not surprising.
VT Headlines: Addison County State’s Attorney Eva Vekos due back in court Tuesday for plea change in DUI case
Vermont family says nephew is ok following mass shooting at Brown University; Man dies by suicide following police investigation in Essex; Three arrested in Bennington following drug trafficking investigation
U.S. House set to vote on banning child gender medical intervention
The U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to vote as early as Tuesday on H.R. 3492, titled the Protect Children’s Innocence Act, legislation that would prohibit gender-related medical interventions for minors.
Today on Hot Off The Press: Ben & Jerry’s wastewater violations – 2A Tuesday – Memorial Auditorium update plans
Listen at 11:05 AM today on WDEV AM 550, FM 96.1, and on wdevradio.com. Call in at 802-244-1777. You can also email your comment or question to news@vermontdailychronicle.com.
Welch calls for “assault weapons” ban and stricter gun laws
Bondi Beach mass shooting despite even tighter restrictions throws doubt on this idea.
Soulia: When Vermont ignores reality – Part 1
What Vermonters are experiencing now is the predictable result of multiple systems breaking down at the same time: education finance, demographic decline, housing scarcity, regulatory overreach, healthcare inflation, workforce deterioration, and a tax base that continues to shrink while public obligations grow.
Sanctuary state refuses ICE detainer, releases illegal alien accused of causing multi-car pile-up involving a school bus
Juan Hernandez-Santos has a criminal history of multiple DUIs, possession of a controlled substance, and two prior removals from the U.S.
The December 15 ratification of the Bill of Rights
Safeguarding liberties in a new nation
Ghost-gun owning addict, car thief sent to federal prison
Anthony T. Seagroves, 34, was ordered to serve a 26-month prison term on Friday for having a loaded privately made firearm — also known as a “ghost gun” — in downtown Burlington on Oct. 14, 2024.
Klar: MAHA’s war on ultra-processed foods was just vindicated
The medical journal The Lancet has just released three companion studies that vindicate this MAHA message.
UVM Men’s Rugby dominates D2 National Championship with historic 71-5 win
The undefeated Catamounts finished a flawless playoff run, outscoring opponents by a very large margin, cementing their status as the best team in collegiate D2 rugby.
Ben & Jerry’s #1 in industrial wastewater violations
Major dairy processors and manufacturers accumulated hundreds of permit violations in 2024 while state regulators emphasize “partnership” over enforcement.
Former homeless Mainer suspected in stabbing murder of Rob Reiner
The couple’s 32-year-old son and screenwriter Nick Reiner is the prime person of interest in the deadly stabbing, sources told the New York Post.
Illegal alien busted at Lamell Lumber sentenced for bogus immigration papers
An illegal alien from Mexico, who authorities say used counterfeit immigration documents to get hired at a Chittenden County business, has been sentenced to five months in federal prison for unlawful reentry into the United States after being deported multiple times.
VT Headline: Multiple crashes, slide-offs on Interstate 89 due to icy roads, VSP says
One person dead following US Route 7 collision; Burlington City Council to discuss sidewalk obstructions, grant for drug recovery shelter; Brattleboro hospital’s chief financial officer exits amid projected $14.5M shortfall
Brown, Australia shootings: how long?
Ella Cook was also the vice-president of the Brown University College Republicans. So why did this young man – described anyway as a young man by police – shoot and kill Ella Cook? Why did he kill at least one other person, and wound eight others?
Milton-made ‘Brataroo’ leaps canyon in latest Gymkhana video
You will believe that a car can fly.
Banzhaf: If “Jingle Bells” is racist, so are milk and fitness
Some intellectuals claim that they are
CLG: Brown University gunman hunt continues as police release person of interest
Brown U. gunman shouted something before opening fire; 2 killed, multiple injured in mass shooting at Brown University as Ivy League campus is plunged into lockdown; Trump’s Israeli-born pick for U.S. anti-Semitism czar plans to work with social media to suppress ‘hatred,’ label it ‘misinformation’; Gunmen kill 16 at Australia’s Bondi Beach Jewish holiday event; Elections impossible under Zelensky’s ‘terrorist regime’ – Ukrainian MP
Soulia: “Jingle Bells” is racist?
What the research actually says
Former NCH employee accused of embezzling $163,000
A former maintenance supervisor at North Country Hospital allegedly embezzled more than $163,000 through fraudulent expense claims, inflated on-call pay requests, and reimbursements for cancelled or returned purchases, according to police.
Breaking: Burlington acupuncturist held in federal child porn case, for now
Federal court records indicate Lane “engaged in an extended and highly sexualized conversation” with a 13-year-old girl.
Hot Off The Press Monday at 11:05 AM
No guests are scheduled, and the phone lines are open. Call in 11:05 – noon at 802-244-1777.
Ever-rising taxes endanger downtown restaurants, owner warns
Restaurant owners in Burlington and Barre worry about downtown economic conditions.
Unaffordable electricity topic of Dec. 16 online event
Sponsored by Better Not Bigger Vermont.
Violent crime suspect held on $250,000 bail
According to Pennsylvania State Police, Robbie John Morgan, 33, a convicted felon and fugitive from South Carolina, had threatened a neighbor with a semi-automatic 40cal pistol.
“Philly Whiteboy” drug dealer threatens state judge
Burlington has been fighting the escalating drug pipeline with Philadelphia for a number of years.
Man dies after trailer detaches from truck
The Rutland man died after the trailer section disconnected from the truck and struck his oncoming SUV.
Burlington man arrested for Cambridge store burglary
Police say the burglary occurred on November 28, at about 12:57 a.m. at the Cambridge Village Market on South Main Street in Cambridge. Following an investigation, troopers developed probable cause that Ian Gardner, 39, of Burlington committed the offenses of burglary, grand larceny, unlawful mischief and possession of stolen property.
Bland pleads not guilty in Vermont death penalty case
A former Stowe resident has pleaded not guilty in federal court to a series of felony charges, including a possible death penalty case for reportedly killing two out-of-state drug dealers in the Northeast Kingdom in 2023.
Roper: Given AI’s appetite for electricity, does it make sense to electrify heat and transportation?
Short answer: Nope.
VT Headlines: Hyde Park residents left without power during frigid night
Burlington faces up to $12M budget gap for fiscal year 2027; Vermont regulation could lower number of THC products you can buy at one time; Student plans to show Gazan protest documentary delayed due to pushback
Soulia: Act 47 and a story of Vermont’s compact future
The pressures shaping Vermont’s future are very real.
From national champs to big ten: Why Rob Dow is walking away from Vermont at the absolute peak
The 2024 national men’s soccer champion Catamounts face an uncertain future as their architect departs for the Big Ten.
U.S. House passes $800mn aid package for Ukraine
Trump gives Zelensky ‘days’ to respond to peace plan; U.S. lawmaker pushes for withdrawal from NATO; U.S. deploys fighter jets to Gulf of Venezuela in closest known approach yet; How Covid vaccines can cause heart damage
Energy supply expert to speak at UVM Dec. 16 via Zoom
Richard Heinberg, a senior fellow at the Post Carbon Institute and a prominent voice on global energy trends, will give a public presentation on December 16 examining what he describes as mounting pressures on both the world’s—and Vermont’s—energy systems.
Parent petition wants sex offender off school property
Families in the Plainfield–Marshfield region are voicing alarm over repeated sightings of a registered sex offender on local school property, a situation that has prompted residents to launch a petition aimed at state lawmakers.
Vermont’s F-35 fighter jets deploy to Caribbean in major military mobilization
The F-35s from the Vermont Air National Guard will join the growing U.S. force massed in the Caribbean aimed largely at the Maduro regime.
Steidler: As AI grows in the U.S., so grows affordability
Today, artificial intelligence (AI), a technology that is more profound in its capacity to change and improve lives than electricity, holds the promise of transforming America. Indeed, it can take us to the golden age President Trump envisions.
Liberty Food Fest in Bellows Falls this weekend
The event in the Opera House will feature vendors, demonstrations, and a full lineup of speakers and films Friday and Saturday.
Welch seeks missing pages from Federal disaster report as Vermont aid hangs in balance
At stake is more than bureaucratic transparency. Vermont is appealing the Trump administration’s denial of disaster relief for a July 2025 storm that caused $1.8 million in verified damage to roads and infrastructure in the Northeast Kingdom—damage that exceeded federal thresholds but was nonetheless rejected in November.
Klar: Justices Gorsuch and Thomas revisit the plenary powers doctrine
What is the legal standing of Puerto Rico?
Winooski school superintendent, detained by Border Patrol in July, testifies to Congress
“Their stories represent the chaotic and broken system President Trump has created,” the senator added.
VT Headlines: Vermont Catholic Church receives bankruptcy court’s OK to sell Rutland property
Two central Vermont elementary schools could face closure; Gov. Scott, Vermont party leaders call for Addison County State’s Attorney Eva Vekos to resign; Vermont directs flood recovery funds to housing on higher ground
Scott: State’s Attorney, Redistricting Task Force members may need to go
A State’s Attorney with an on-duty DUI history and an alleged insensitivity problem should resign, Scott and Democrats agree. But who would take her place?
Klar: Toxic Chinese pet food killed thousands of U.S. pets
A wary eye on the food supply
“Faith Warms the Winter Night”
Revelation 3:21 reminds us that grace is not inherited, but chosen: “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” Amen.
Roper: Baruth offers partisanship, higher taxes, and zero solutions
VT Senate leader vows to fight Trump rather than solve Vermont issues.
Ex-Winooski High soccer coach denies lewd conduct, luring a player
Kane H. Smart, 44, of South Burlington is the husband to Sally Adams, chief deputy state’s attorney in Chittenden County and works fulltime as an enforcement and litigation attorney with the Agency of Natural Resources in Montpelier.
RSVP now for GOP Christmas Party
Dinner, speakers at Dec. 15 event in Colchester.
School bus overturns on slippery road
No students were aboard. The crash was one of 44 accidents reported statewide today.
Homeless man dies after ‘paradoxical undressing’ in -17 cold
A Barre transient was found dead in the cold behind a North Main St. business.
Vaillancourt: Know your parental rights
Parents have the right to know what is going on with their child at school. That right is not surrendered at the schoolhouse door.
Winooski soccer coach arrested for sex crime with child
Smart is accused of lewd and lascivious conduct with a child and luring a child while serving in his coaching role.
VT Headlines: Intelligence officials reviewing messages received by Winooski School District on Somali flag
Winooski Superintendent Wilmer Chavarria to testify in Washington, D.C.; Man sentenced in Vermont 1986 cold case murder of Sarah Hunter; Vermont officials push early action as health coverage deadlines near
Today’s Hot Off The Press: ‘frequent flyer’ bail reform tough sell in Vermont, prosecutor says
What would work? Creating a frequent-flyer-unfriendly cash bail system, similar to the much tougher federal system’s. “Based on the political winds in Vermont, I don’t see that happening,” Illuzzi said.
Contrary to loud online chatter, convicted Venezuelan narco-trafficker does not finger senators
The letter from the former Director of Intelligence make startling claims about Tren de Aragua and Smartmatic voting machines.
Soulia: Vermont’s quiet tax break that everyone pays for
Vermont’s Use Value Appraisal Program—commonly known as the Current Use Program—has been a central part of the state’s land management approach for more than four decades.
Waterbury community gathers to build lanterns for annual River of Light parade
The interior of Waterbury’s Brookside Primary School gym is usually reserved for basketball games and physical education classes. But for a handful of days last month, it served a different purpose: a workspace for the River of Light — Waterbury’s upcoming annual community lantern parade, happening this past Saturday, Dec. 6.
Welch pushes to make airlines pay Vermont passengers for long delays
The legislation seeks to establish a standardized system where airlines must pay passengers for delays and cancellations that are deemed within the airline’s control.
Feds fund redo plan for flooded Montpelier post office
Thirteen community and infrastructure projects across Vermont will receive a combined $8.9 million in federal funding through the Northern Border Regional Commission’s Fall 2025 Catalyst Program, state and federal officials announced Tuesday.
Vermont Air National Guard mobilized on short notice: What we know about the deployment
Federal orders arrive with little warning
Thieves haul away wood pellets in rental van
Employees discovered the larceny when they arrived at the store Tuesday morning, December 9, around 8:41 a.m.
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