At 11:05 today join Hot Off The Press on WDEV — it’s Feedback Friday. Call us. 802-244-1777.

We’ve got a full plate today.

First up, Senator Terry Williams explaining why he voted against the so-called anti-ICE bill. In a State House where immigration enforcement has become a symbolic battleground, Williams says his vote wasn’t about hostility — it was about jurisdiction, public safety, and the proper role of state government. Agree? Disagree? Call us.

Meanwhile in Waterbury, Chris Viens is running for selectboard with Town Meeting right around the corner. Local government matters — roads, budgets, zoning, police oversight — it’s where policy hits the pavement. We’ll talk about what Viens says he brings to the table and what Waterbury voters are looking for this year.

And speaking of local voices, what’s going on in Vermont media? Vermont This Week on Vermont Public is reportedly making the Vermont Daily Chronicle’s hiring of Sam Douglass a story. At the same time, a 74-page Vermont Community Foundation-backed media report lists 61 Vermont news outlets — but leaves out Vermont Daily Chronicle. Why? Oversight? Definition issue? Something else? If you’ve read the report — or 7 Days’ coverage — weigh in. Transparency in media about media matters.

Over at the State House, Representative Zachary Harvey says, “Being honest is more respectful than being agreeable.” That’s a line worth unpacking. In politics today, is candor refreshing — or combustible? Does Vermont reward straight talk?

In Colchester this week, massage parlor arrests involving federal and local authorities. Another reminder that law enforcement cooperation — whether on immigration, trafficking, or organized crime — is not theoretical. It’s happening here.

Senator Phil Baruth, longtime gun control advocate, says he’s not retiring because of recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions that make passing certain gun restrictions more difficult. 

And then there’s the developing national story: journalist Andy Ngo says federal authorities are examining possible connections between the so-called Zizi group — tied to a homicide last year — and the weekend gunfire exchange in Pittsburg, just minutes from the Canadian border. HOTP reached out to Mr. Ngo, and he says he’d be glad to call into the show soon. When he does, we’ll have questions.

And finally — a moment of pride for Norwich. Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover, a graduate of Norwich University**, received the Medal of Honor during the State of the Union. Norwich President Lt. Gen. John J. Broadmeadow called it an extraordinary recognition of courage and service. There’s history there too — Norwich alumnus Gideon Welles helped establish the Medal of Honor during the Civil War. Citizen-soldiers. Leadership. Legacy.

That’s a lot for one Friday.

Anti-ICE votes. Local elections. Media accountability. Gun laws. Federal investigations. And Vermont’s long military tradition.

What do you think?