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A late-night fire erupted on Hale Court in Burlington after a 911 caller couldn’t speak—prompting emergency crews to rush in and rescue one trapped person, who’s now hospitalized with unknown injuries. Backup from South Burlington and Winooski was called in as firefighters battled the blaze, underscoring how critical clear communication is in emergencies. Authorities are still investigating the cause. Updates to follow.

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Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital is eyeing a 24/7 psychiatric emergency program, funded by New York’s $1M rural mental health push, aiming to fill critical gaps in crisis care — but space and staffing are major hurdles, with a two-to-three-year timeline before doors open, all to ease ER and law enforcement strain and give vulnerable communities consistent, life-saving support.

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Vermont cops are hunting a suspect after a violent shooting and assault in Orleans County — a green Subaru Forester with Mass plates is their top lead. Two residents, both injured, were found at the scene; one critically wounded, the other treated on-site. Authorities say it’s an isolated incident between people who knew each other, and no public threat exists. Victims’ names remain private pending family notification. If you saw the green Subaru or have info, come forward — this case is still unfolding.

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Man Arrested in Waterbury Kidnapping | Montpelier News

Two kayakers on Lake Champlain had a close call Saturday afternoon, but thanks to quick action by Ferrisburgh, Vergennes, and Charlotte fire crews, they were safely pulled from the water with only minor injuries—just bumps and bruises. A timely rescue reminder: even calm waters can turn unexpected, and emergency responders are always ready to help.

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The Ver-Monster Brawl roared to life on the Statehouse lawn — the first-ever U.S. Strongman event held on statehouse grounds. Fourteen fierce competitors battled through five brutal challenges, all vying for a shot at representing Vermont and New England at nationals next year. Organizer Jazmin Ferrari praised the historic setting, calling it perfect for epic photos and pure, unfiltered strength. It’s not just about lifting — it’s grit, determination, and raw power set against Vermont’s iconic golden dome. Next up: October 3rd at Switchback Brewery — mark your calendars for more muscle, madness, and mayhem.

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Killington Resort and Vermont State University are revolutionizing hospitality education by letting students earn real-world experience—golf course maintenance, zipline instruction, and more—while using actual resort data for classwork. Through three paid co-ops across front- and back-of-house roles, students explore careers, refine interview skills, and often cover tuition. The payoff? Alumni are flooding into leadership at Killington, proving this hands-on pipeline is building future stars—and keeping talent rooted in Vermont.

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Garland’s Agway in Rutland, Vermont, is stepping into a new chapter as longtime owner Paul Garland hands over the reins to two trusted employees and local educator Claire Purcell. While the store itself stays unchanged, Purcell is launching Fox Hollow Forest School — a nature-based early childhood program on the property’s three acres, designed to help kids build emotional resilience through woodland exploration and outdoor play. Opening September 1, this innovative blend of community staple and fresh educational vision promises a unique, green alternative for urban families.

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A charter boat near Burlington is under Coast Guard scrutiny after being found with nine passengers — way over the six-person limit allowed by the captain’s license. Compounding the issue: missing paperwork and insufficient life jackets, raising serious safety alarms. Authorities urge boaters to always verify credentials before boarding, emphasizing that checking documents is both your right and your responsibility for a safe trip. The investigation is ongoing, with no business name released or penalties confirmed — but this case serves as a crucial wake-up call for anyone planning a water excursion.

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Brattleboro Memorial Hospital is on the brink, facing a potential shutdown of its vital birth center amid staggering financial losses—projected at $9.5 million this year and up to $14.5 million last year—with leadership changes, unpaid taxes, and bank forbearance adding to the chaos. Despite no criminal wrongdoing found, nine staff have been laid off, and the region’s only maternity ward—delivering over 200 babies annually—is set to close unless a massive cash infusion and impossible insurer negotiations can be pulled off by 2028.

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Contract for 3,600 UVM Medical Center staff expired Friday, but no strike is underway as operations continue normally. Nurses, custodians, and techs are impacted as unions push for enforceable staffing and livable wages after months of stalled talks. A federal mediator is involved, but progress remains slow. With renewed leverage, unions may picket or strike if members vote yes — though both sides want to avoid disruption. Hospital leadership acknowledges staff’s vital role and promises a wage increase by 2027, hoping for a swift, fair resolution that balances affordability and fairness.

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Amanda Janoo narrowly edges out childcare lobbyist Aly Richards in Vermont’s Democratic gubernatorial primary, winning by just over 2,000 votes in a fiercely contested race that split the state town by town—with some decided by mere handfuls of ballots. All 124 towns where Janoo won mirrored the state’s historic voting patterns, signaling a potential bellwether for the general election ahead.

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Chittenden County’s housing market surged in May, with median home prices hitting $512,500 — up 4.6% from April and nearly matching last year’s peak. Single-family homes led the charge, soaring 13.4% month-over-month to $550,000, while condos and townhomes dipped 19% to $396,750. Eleven luxury homes sold for over a million dollars, signaling strong high-end demand. Statewide, Vermont’s median jumped 8.2% to $395,000, but total sales fell 7.1% year-over-year — revealing a mixed but generally heating market across the Green Mountains.

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Burlington renters are feeling the squeeze as median apartment prices climb—up 3% since last July to $2,165—with one-bedrooms surging 5% and two-bedrooms barely budging. Locally, rents are 14% above the state average, and nationally, they’re flat—but Burlington’s prices are way ahead: 18% more for one-bedrooms and a whopping 22% for two-bedrooms above the national median.

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New council member Paul Costello brings fresh experience—and a promise not to run again—just as city leaders tackle hot-button issues: a decades-old wage ordinance sparking debate, a struggling District Heat system needing rate hikes, and a major housing project still years away from breaking ground.

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Thirty years ago, Phish turned a remote Air Force Base into a legendary festival that changed the game for live music — proving fans will travel anywhere for unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experiences.

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An 80-year-old man’s house erupted in flames in Oswegatchie, New York, and State Trooper James Bertram charged in—smoke and fire swirling, he found the trapped resident and pulled him to safety. Trooper Craig Thornhill arrived moments later to help carry the elderly man to a waiting ambulance. Both troopers were hailed as heroes for their quick thinking and bravery under extreme danger. The victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries, and local fire crews and law enforcement rushed to the scene. Authorities are still investigating the fire’s origin—but right now, it’s all about the courage of these everyday h...

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital is in deep financial trouble, staring down a $7.1 million deficit and dwindling cash reserves—down from $53 million to under $20 million—with regulators blaming mismanagement and flawed accounting. New leadership admits consultants uncovered major system failures, forcing them to tap savings just to pay staff and loans. The hospital’s financial buffer has collapsed from 200 days to just 60, raising alarms as the former president and CFO vanished without explanation last year. To survive, they’re eyeing closure of their birthing center by year’s end unless they land a government grant or Medicaid rate hike for OB care—and e...

The Northern forest’s real crisis isn’t wild vs. managed—it’s fragmentation. When timber markets collapse, landowners lose income, forests get chopped up, logging jobs vanish, wildlife habitats crumble, and wild places can’t survive. Driven by global commodity shifts beyond anyone’s control, the solution isn’t blame—it’s balance. Protecting both wildlands and working forests isn’t opposing forces; it’s complementary. New England could conserve 20% as wilderness without sacrificing timber needs, and better-managed forests mean more land can stay wild. The future? Collaboration: loggers, landowners, and conservationists must unite to keep forests whole, people employed, and w...

New York’s Attorney General Letitia James is sounding the alarm for donors heading to Colombia after the big earthquake — be smart, or get scammed. With generosity pouring in from New Yorkers, she’s warning about fake charities popping up fast to exploit the crisis. Don’t donate via email, social media, or text without verifying the charity directly. Check if fundraisers are approved by the org, stick with trusted groups, and use only checks or official websites — no cash, gift cards, or wire transfers. Ask exactly how funds will be used, and steer clear of new, unproven groups that may b...

Nineteen-year-old filmmaker Austen Hamel just dropped his gripping new movie, The Wanted Part II, wrapping up a brotherly murder-mystery saga he co-starred in with his real sibling, Jackson. Shot in Vermont’s tight-knit indie scene, the film celebrates local support and raw passion — proving you don’t need Hollywood to make your mark. Austen’s big message? Chase your dreams relentlessly, no matter where you’re from. His next project? A heartfelt story inspired by his work with people living with dementia. The sequel hits online August 21 — and you can catch the first chapter on his YouTube channel, Hamel Films.

A tense night in Montpelier ended with a 36-year-old woman, Elizabeth Immich, facing serious charges after police responded to a park-and-ride where an unresponsive person was found—only to discover drug paraphernalia and a violent confrontation. Immich is accused of assaulting a protected professional and resisting arrest, highlighting the unpredictable dangers officers face when dealing with volatile situations. Thankfully, no officers were hurt, but the incident underscores how swiftly things can escalate—and the severe consequences when violence interrupts law enforcement duty.

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A suspicious fire on a Lisbon home porch last Wednesday night has state police digging into whether it was arson. They’re urgently asking locals who were around the area that night—or saw anything unusual—to come forward with details, no matter how small. If you have info, call 315-379-0012.

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A Vermont deputy, part of Operation Stonegarden, arrested a migrant dairy farmer using his personal phone to call Border Patrol — sparking outrage and debate over whether this violates the state’s fair and impartial policing policy. While federal officials defend the program as legal border security collaboration, advocacy groups say it blurs the line between local policing and immigration enforcement, reigniting a national conversation about who should enforce immigration laws and how.

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Vermont’s fall is set to be chillier and wetter than average, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac—expect below-normal temps and heavier rain across the state. Their forecast blends solar science, historical data, and current atmospheric trends, though experts note long-range predictions are only about 50-50 accurate. Meteorologists officially mark fall from September 1 to November 30, while the autumnal equinox hits September 22. Whether you’re sipping pumpkin spice or grabbing an umbrella, take the forecast as a hint—not a guarantee.

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School district mergers in Vermont are officially underway, with the Southwest Cooperative Educational Service Area Board holding its first meeting amid zero state guidance—despite early AM sessions that frustrate busy superintendents. Meanwhile, a Rutland County merger study group is forming, still without a meeting date. On a brighter note, over 1,500 students shared their vision for flexible, future-focused graduation requirements under Act 73, emphasizing choice, inclusivity, and adult support. Local school boards—including Rutland City and Town—have upcoming meetings, and the Rutland Northeast Supervisory Union is hosting its annual retreat. Stay engaged, stay patient, and speak up as this comple...

Planned Parenthood of Northern New England is doubling down on essential services—expanding menopause care, vasectomies, and colposcopies—to fill critical gaps in reproductive health while weathering past federal funding cuts. Facing a revenue crunch from lost Medicaid reimbursements, the clinic strategically pivoted to high-reimbursement offerings that also address underserved patient needs. With vasectomy slots booked months ahead and rural communities still underserved, this bold move isn’t just about survival—it’s about reshaping access to comprehensive, life-stage healthcare for all.

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A tractor-trailer blew through a railroad crossing signal in Shrewsbury, Vermont, slamming into an oncoming train—thankfully with no injuries. Route 103 was briefly shut down but reopened by morning. A sobering reminder: always heed crossing signals and stay alert.

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Truck vs Train in Vermont | Montpelier News

Election day may be over, but campaign signs are still plastered everywhere — and that’s not just messy, it’s legally gray. While state law nudges towns to remove them by election day, enforcement is mostly local, with the only real statewide power reserved for safety hazards. Both parties admit cleanup’s a low priority amid election chaos, but they’re encouraging voters to gently nudge candidates. For big races, volunteers are already on the ground tackling the mess — some signs will be recycled, others saved for next time.

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At Sweet Caroline’s in West Rutland, Vermont, owner Don Woods, now 82, blesses every customer leaving — a heartfelt tradition born from his late wife Caroline’s legacy and his own grit. Starting the restaurant at 62 with no experience and barely enough cash, he credits her spirit for seeing him through. Still hands-on and radiating warmth, he jokes his mouth still works fine — and it’s that infectious kindness that turned his humble eatery into a thriving community hub. His blessings, his family vibe, and unwavering dedication make every visit feel like coming home.

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Hilary Davis, a repeat animal abuser with a history of cruelty across Lake Champlain, just broke her plea deal twice this year—most recently by allegedly locking eight dogs in a trailer for 12 hours daily. Despite a prior shelter shutdown and seizure of 49 dogs, she’s continued acquiring animals, exposing the weakness of New York’s current laws. Animal advocates are pushing for reform, including a statewide registry backed by Assemblyman Michael Cashman, to stop abusers like Davis from slipping through the cracks. She’s currently incarcerated pending her next court date on August 20—and the public is watching closely to...

A Vermont sheriff’s sergeant pulled over a car near the Canadian border for expired registration—then called in Border Patrol, leading to the deportation of a 22-year-old farmworker. The incident has sparked an investigation into whether the officer violated state policy prohibiting local law enforcement from collaborating with federal immigration authorities. This case underscores Operation Stonegarden, a federal program paying local cops to assist with border security—including drug and human smuggling—despite Vermont’s strict limits on immigration enforcement. Critics argue the program blurs critical legal lines, especially as it funds overtime and equipment for small departments. The sergea...

Sweet corn is bursting with sweetness at Sweetland Farm, already on its second harvest thanks to rain and heat—farmer even samples it fresh off the cob. But hay’s lagging behind schedule after June’s soggy start, delaying the second cut and pushing up costs for everyone. A bale of hay now equals diesel, fertilizer, and labor. Still, yields are better than last year’s drought-hit crop, thanks to July’s dry spells and timely rain. Farmers race to get that delayed hay cut done soon—weather’s a wild card, but they’re pushing ahead. Locals like Anne Barrett fro...

Rutland, Vermont is poised to become the first city in the state to unlock a major housing and economic boost—thanks to a bold new exemption under Act 181. With Mayor Tom Donahue leading the charge, Rutland aims to bypass lengthy land use reviews for new developments in designated areas, accelerating smart growth that attracts residents, businesses, and investment without sacrificing community values. The move comes after recent revisions to Act 181, and now hinges on approval from the state’s Land Use Review Board—a decision that could redefine what it means to build a vibrant, future-ready city.

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A 66-year-old man in Hartford, Vermont, flooded his apartment building on purpose by turning on multiple faucets—causing widespread damage across eight units and forcing residents to evacuate. Authorities believe he did it to get evicted, and he’s now jailed on $5K bail. Cleanup costs could hit $10K, highlighting the massive ripple effect of one person’s reckless act.

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A major fire erupted early Thursday on Stratton Road in Rutland, engulfing a building that housed both a medical supply store and a dermatology clinic—right next to the hospital. Firefighters from city and town departments responded around 6 AM, but thankfully, no one was inside when flames broke out. The roof sustained severe structural damage, leaving the building uninhabitable for now. Deputy Chief Seth Bride confirmed the extent of the destruction, and the State Fire Marshal visited later in the day to assess the scene. While authorities believe the blaze was not suspicious, the exact cause remains under investigation. Up...

The Paramount Theater in Rutland, Vermont, is lighting up young minds with its KidsTix program—giving free tickets to local kids for 15 years now. This year, the Rutland South Rotary Club is doubling down with a $7,500 annual commitment for three years, helping hundreds of children experience live theater they might otherwise never see. Executive Director Eric Mallette beams about the magic of kids’ faces lighting up as they enter the theater, creating unforgettable moments. Partnering with community groups, the theater targets families most in need, ensuring every ticket reaches where it matters most. With this boost, over a thousand kids...

A Vermont dairy farm worker, Genri Jimenez, was deported after a routine traffic stop turned into an immigration arrest—raising alarms about possible collusion between local law enforcement and federal agents. Detained for nearly three weeks, Jimenez was handed over to U.S. Border Patrol following a stop for a missing license plate. Immigrant rights groups accuse a local sheriff’s sergeant of tipping off federal agents and aiding the detention. The sergeant is now on reassignment as authorities investigate, while civil liberties advocates say this violates Vermont’s fair policing standards. The case underscores how everyday encounters can spiral...

Vermont Lottery just dropped the numbers from August 12, 2026 — Powerball hit with 4, 26, 66, 67, 69 + 9 (Power Play x2), Gimme Five rolled 3, 13, 16, 23, 38, Pick Three day: 6-8-2, evening: 8-7-4, Pick Four day: 6-7-8-5, evening: 4-8-4-5, Megabucks Plus: 12, 21, 25, 31, 37 + 1, Millionaire for Life: 8, 22, 23, 28, 35 + 3. Winners, claim under $500 at any retailer or HQ, $500–$5K at M&T Bank branches, over $5K? Head to HQ in person with signed ticket, ID, and form — you’ve got one year from draw date to claim.

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