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Waterbury, Vermont, kicked off its quirky “Not Quite Independence Day” celebration early this July, turning the town into a patriotic time machine for America’s 250th birthday. Organized by the Rotary Club, the all-day fest featured food trucks, games, a parade, and even a foot race — with the parade itself themed “American Time Machine,” rolling through history from the Revolutionary War to the future. Crowds flocked from across the state, some arriving hours early for prime parade spots, soaking in the energy and nostalgia. Local organizer Dan McKibben said the event was all about honoring America’s journey — past, present, and bey...

Waterbury’s second annual Train Day spotlighted its 151-year-old historic train station—still standing after major floods, fully restored to its original glory, and now a bustling community hub and active Amtrak stop on the Vermonter route to NYC and DC. Locals see it as the heart of their town’s identity, and they’re turning this celebration into a lasting tradition that bridges history and modern connectivity.

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In West Swanton, Devyn’s Ice Cream is serving up sweet justice with the Michael’s Maple Miracle sundae — a delicious tribute to 13-year-old Michael Henninger, who suffered a devastating accident on his electric bike. For every sundae sold, half the proceeds go straight to Michael’s recovery. The community’s rallying cry? “Family first.” With a goal of 250 sundaes before June 28, and support from local businesses like Treasured Frames and Vision Nutrition, this isn’t just dessert — it’s a town coming together to help a young hero heal.

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A tragic hit-and-run in West Rutland claims the life of 30-year-old Devin Pierro, struck by a fleeing vehicle early Friday morning. Police are urgently seeking witnesses and the driver, who remains at large. Emergency crews and investigators responded swiftly, but the community is left reeling as they mourn the sudden loss and demand justice.

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A double stabbing on Triangle Court has ended with the arrest of 51-year-old Tamara Stone, who called 911 herself before police arrived. The victims, two adult relatives, suffered serious injuries and were rushed to hospitals. Stone, now in custody without bail, faces two counts of attempted murder and aggravated domestic assault. Her court date is set for Monday in Rutland Criminal Unit.

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A shocking stabbing in Brandon, Vermont leaves two relatives critically injured, prompting the arrest of 51-year-old Tamara Stone—charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault. Stone surrendered herself to police after returning to the scene and calling 911, leading to her swift arrest without incident. Authorities credit the public and law enforcement for helping track her down, while withholding motive and her whereabouts between the attack and surrender. Her arraignment is set for Monday, with formal charges to follow.

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WCAX’s historic June 27, 1976, launch from its new Joy Drive studios in South Burlington was a high-stakes triumph—pulling off a flawless 6 p.m. debut amid cutting-edge tech, tight deadlines, and massive pressure. Founder Red Martin celebrated with a signature cigar, marking a pivotal leap forward for the station’s tech, reach, and community commitment—a milestone that cemented WCAX’s enduring legacy in Vermont broadcasting.

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Sheffield Log Cabin Fire Under Investigation

A traffic stop in Bradford, Vermont, spiraled into chaos when driver Erin Smith sped off after her male passenger gave a fake name and vanished — later identified as wanted fugitive Harley Westcott, 24, with outstanding drug warrants from Oregon. Smith is now arrested, while authorities urgently seek Westcott’s whereabouts — tip-offs to Bradford PD could lead to his arrest.

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Vermont cops are hunting 51-year-old Tamara Stone, wanted for a brutal stabbing in Brandon that left two relatives seriously hurt—searches expanded from Triangle Court to statewide, with K9s, helicopters, and troopers shaking the quiet town. Residents are on edge, some suspect she fled with help, others hope for quick resolution since it’s a family feud. If you’ve seen her—5’6”, blue eyes, brown/blonde hair, last seen in blue shirt and black pants—come forward. The hunt is far from over.

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A chilling early morning collision in West Rutland claimed the life of 30-year-old Devin Pierro, struck and left by a fleeing driver whose vehicle left no identifying marks except for damaged headlights. Rain-soaked streets and unanswered questions amplify the tragedy as authorities scramble for witnesses or clues, leaving Pierro’s family in anguish and the community shaken by a preventable loss.

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Beta Technologies is set to dramatically expand its Vermont presence with a bold new 100-acre campus plan in South Burlington — a leap from their prior 40-acre proposal. Rejecting rigid zoning, they’re embracing “adaptive campus master planning” to flexibly grow over the next decade while bringing critical supply chain operations in-house, including motors and batteries. The campus will be divided into three zones: airside manufacturing, component production, and support services — plus childcare and training facilities. Already owning multiple properties, including their current facility and nearby lots, Beta aims to submit its official master plan in July and is actively collaborat...

Vermont Green FC’s home games at Virtue Field are packed to the brim, with fans flooding in hours early—yet the 2,500-seat stadium can’t keep up. While UVM moves forward with a new indoor sports center, soccer supporters are pushing for their field to get the upgrade instead. Expanding seating isn’t easy: bleachers cost a fortune, need university approval, and the process is slow. Despite last year’s co-founders calling capacity a glaring issue, no official expansion plans exist—leaving fans hopeful but frustrated as demand keeps growing.

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South Burlington needs an extra $16.4 million to finish the Bartlett Bay wastewater project—costs ballooned since 2023 due to inflation, new engineering needs, and climate-resilient upgrades. Voters approved $33 million in 2023, but rising expenses and unforeseen challenges mean more funding is critical to keep the plant running smoothly for decades. City leaders are educating residents ahead of the August 11 election, stressing that clean water and reliable infrastructure can’t wait.

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Vermont’s launching a bold new solution to the housing crunch: the 802 Homes Catalog, a pre-approved menu of ready-to-build home designs tailored for different needs—from starter homes to multi-generational living and senior-friendly spaces. Piloted in three towns, this initiative slashes red tape and streamlines construction to make housing faster and cheaper. Inspired by similar programs nationwide, it’s designed to simplify zoning and design hurdles for builders and homeowners alike. The state is now inviting community input through July workshops to shape the final designs before statewide rollout—aiming to turn the housing shortage into a more affordable reality...

Burlington Crash Leaves Cyclist Seriously Injured

Vermont’s history just got a dazzling new spotlight with the “50 for 250” exhibit, celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with 50 handpicked artifacts—from colonial documents to a COVID-19 quarantine sign—that span centuries and everyday life. Now open at the Vermont History Museum in Montpelier, the exhibit is family-friendly, interactive, and growing in real time. Plus, a companion book with essays and illustrations is available for pre-order. Don’t miss this immersive journey through Vermont’s past, on display until January.

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A religious liberty group is challenging Vermont’s Act 73 in federal appeals court, arguing it unlawfully excludes religious schools from a tuition reimbursement program for students attending private schools in other towns. Once open to 46 schools, the program now funds only 18—none religious—sparking a legal battle over whether the law violates a 2022 Supreme Court ruling requiring religious schools to be included when public funds go to private education. While lawmakers claim the exclusion was based on geography or enrollment, not religion, the plaintiffs insist the First Amendment demands inclusion. A federal judge previously denied an emergency injunction, and the ca...

Pride isn’t just for June—it’s a year-round movement, and organizations like Outright Vermont are proving it with events across the state and big plans ahead. From Plattsburgh to Bennington, Pride continues to thrive with festivals, parades, and even a soccer match. Find your local events and support networks at queerera.org—because the celebration’s just getting started.

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Noah Kahan’s beloved hometown sign in Strafford, Vermont, is disappearing—again—thanks to fans flocking to snap photos of the road mentioned in his hit song. The artist has called the thefts “total disrespect,” while locals are split: some welcome the buzz, others are fed up. Kahan’s stepping in to pay for a new sign, proving his commitment to his roots—even as the line between fan devotion and property respect gets blurry.

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Two young hikers, ages nine and eleven, went missing for just an hour on the Marcy Dam Truck Trail in Essex County, New York, but thanks to five forest rangers arriving swiftly at 10 AM, they were found safe by 10:40 AM—reunited with their family before the clock ran out. A powerful reminder to stay vigilant in nature and trust the professionals who make these rescues possible.

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South Burlington just unveiled its long-awaited City Center Park shared-use path — a game-changing link across four key streets — proving decades of vision can finally become reality, with a big celebration set for July 7th.

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Hunger Free Vermont just launched a game-changing map tool to help families find free summer meals for kids under 18—no paperwork, no questions asked. This easy-to-use resource shows real-time locations, hours, and contact info across the state, making it simple for busy families and summer camps to keep kids fed and healthy all season long. Updated weekly, it’s a powerful tech-driven solution that’s turning food insecurity into a thing of the past, one meal at a time.

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Vermont’s Lyme disease surge is fueled by ticks—and scientists are tracking them with drag flags in forests to stay ahead. Over 25,000 ticks collected show more than half carry Lyme, driving up cases and making Vermont a hotspot. This isn’t just local: tick-borne illnesses are spreading north, thanks to climate change, more trails, and better awareness. Stay safe outdoors by dressing right, using repellent, and killing ticks with heat—no need to stay inside.

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Dairy Farmers of America is shutting down its St. Albans, Vermont plant this August, forcing local farmers to truck milk farther to processing hubs in Maine, Massachusetts, and New York — adding costly transport fees directly to their paychecks. This follows the closure of other Vermont plants, including Hood in Barre and Franklin Foods in Enosburg, raising alarms about rising expenses and shrinking local infrastructure. Farmers like John Jenkins say processors control pricing, leaving farmers vulnerable to cost hikes. While Dairy Farmers claims the closures stem from market pressures and high operating costs — despite recent upgrades — farmers fear the loss of loc...

The Washington Central School Board is racing against time to schedule a special election by August 14th, after missing a chance to piggyback on earlier primaries. Legal advice now suggests flexibility in the election date, possibly pushing it to late September. The petition, backed by enough signatures, seeks a district-wide vote on school closures — a move that pits small-town autonomy against the need for cost-saving reforms amid declining enrollment. Complicating matters, the superintendent is stepping down at the end of July, and the board is in the midst of a leadership search — fueling criticism from residents who’ve even contac...

Federal agents in Vermont just indicted five men accused of running a major cocaine operation in Franklin County between April and June — including Tyree Canty, Lord Crayton, and Dimetrice Warner — with three others still unnamed. The bust in St. Albans and Highgate uncovered cash, drugs, packaging, and a firearm, revealing a well-equipped crew. All five face up to 20 years; Canty also faces a potential life sentence for weapon possession. This is a brutal reminder of the stakes when you’re caught in the drug game.

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Vermont’s Fish and Wildlife Department is under fire for shifting its bear hunting policy without science or transparency—extending the season by a month into December, despite admitting killing more bears won’t reduce human-bear conflicts. The sudden reversal, aligned with a hunter’s proposal and possibly a prior promise, raises alarms about accountability, especially since hunting bears while they’re hibernating is legal here. With no clear justification and no public explanation, the department’s decisions risk eroding public trust in wildlife management.

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Eleven years after the historic Obergefell v. Hodges ruling, same-sex marriage is now recognized nationwide — a victory built on early pioneers like Vermont, the first state to legalize same-sex unions in 2000. Congresswoman Becca Balint celebrated the anniversary with her wife, reflecting on how far we’ve come while reminding us the fight for full equality isn’t over.

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Sterling College’s future hangs in the balance as bids close July 20th — but a local group wants to keep the campus alive through housing, childcare, and farming. Their offer fell short, forcing the college board to open the property to all comers. Across Vermont, shuttered campuses face uncertain futures: some eyed for luxury resorts or sold amid tax drama, others repurposed into housing, arts spaces, or public facilities. The Headwaters Land Trust fears the open auction will dilute community priorities, especially since Craftsbury rallied behind the college’s closure. The fate of these once-vital hubs may take years to set...

Meet Peanut, June, and Olive—three unique pets ready to find their forever homes at the Rutland County Humane Society. Peanut’s got puppy energy and needs an active owner who loves hiking and running, plus patience for manners and no little kids. June, an affectionate senior pit bull, enjoys couch cuddles and walks but her cat and kid compatibility is still unknown. Olive, a calm six-year-old cat, craves attention but thrives in quiet, adults-only homes—she’s not a dog person. Each one’s waiting for the perfect match. Ready to bring love into your life? Visit the shelter to...

Graduation bells rang loud this week as Burlington High School and South Burlington High School celebrated their 2026 classes — marking the end of high school and the thrilling start of what’s next. Burlington High made history with its first-ever graduation in its brand-new building, graced by Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak and Senator Bernie Sanders. Meanwhile, South Burlington High held its ceremony at Patrick Gymnasium, where Principal Patrick Burke — in custom Chuck Taylors and a student-designed gown — delivered his final speech. The school also debuted the Patrick D. Burke Award, given to senior John Francis McDougall, while Thomas Awasum and Olivia Roy deli...

Hypnotist Steve Bayner is back at the Champlain Valley Fair after announcing retirement in 2022, bringing his mind-bending act to daily free shows — a nostalgic staple for generations. Meanwhile, the fair celebrates its 2000 milestone with archival footage of 18-year-old Christina Aguilera’s electrifying debut performance. This year’s lineup blends big-name acts like Warren Zeiders, Jordan Davis, ZZ Top, and hip-hop stars Bow Wow, Soulja Boy, and Fat Joe, alongside Bret Michaels and Night Ranger — all while motorsports roar in the background. Full daily schedules drop mid-July, and while Bayner’s shows are free with admission, major concerts require separate tickets. W...

Dartmouth Health is hemorrhaging cash, posting a $63.5 million first-quarter deficit fueled by brutal winter disruptions and soaring labor costs—especially from pricey traveling nurses. To survive, they’re slashing expenses and boosting patient access, joining a chorus of Vermont hospitals all bleeding money in a region-wide healthcare crisis.

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John Bolton, Trump’s former national security advisor, just pleaded guilty to illegally retaining classified info — a move that could spare him jail time, though a judge still holds final sentencing power. His deal caps prison at five years, but he can walk away if the sentence or fine exceeds expectations. Bolton’s controversial memoir sparked the probe, and while other Trump critics have faced charges — some dropped — Bolton chose a plea over trial. The judge’s decision looms October 28th, with political stakes high.

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A deadly crash on Newton Road in Lowell leaves 22-year-old Maddison Hayden dead after her side-by-side rolled over — and the driver, Randy Lemieux, walked away unharmed. Charged with DUI causing death, Lemieux faces $10K bail and court next Monday. Tragically, Maddison wasn’t wearing her seatbelt — a sobering reminder to always buckle up. Investigators continue to piece together the night’s events, with speed suspected as a key factor.

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A federal judge has blocked President Trump’s controversial executive order aimed at creating a federal voter list and controlling mail-in ballots, ruling it oversteps presidential authority and violates separation of powers — a major win for states ahead of the midterms. Just days earlier, another similar order requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration was also struck down, revealing a pattern of federal election directives facing legal roadblocks. States like Arizona, which rely heavily on mail voting, are rallying behind the ruling as a safeguard for voters — especially military families and rural residents — against what they see as federal interfer...

Vermont’s unemployment holds steady at 2.6%, below the national average, but labor force participation dips—seen as a chance for grads to leap into leadership roles. State revenues dipped slightly, with corporate and estate taxes lagging, though education funds rose. Senator Peter Welch opposes a Postal Service rule that could restrict mail-in voting, warning it undermines election access. Vermont Saves hits $8 million in retirement savings, expanding to small businesses. Plus, Vermont gets federal waiver approval to redirect education funds toward student achievement, streamlining spending through 2029.

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A Middlebury man, 48-year-old Kevin Odell Senior, got caught trying to smash his way into an ATM with an axe—charging him with attempted burglary, grand larceny, and criminal mischief. Surveillance caught it all, plus a booking photo helped ID him fast. He’s been cited, released, with court next month. It’s a wild reminder that even with modern security, old-school tactics still pop up.

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Burlington’s bike paths are facing a dangerous new threat: high-speed electric motorcycles, marketed as e-bikes but legally classified as motor vehicles, are being ridden by teens as young as thirteen—leading to reckless behavior, close calls, and growing safety concerns. With speeds up to 50 mph and strict licensing requirements, these machines don’t belong on shared trails. Advocates urge parents to consult local bike shops before buying, and officials are pushing for clearer rules to keep everyone safe.

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