Vermont’s hotel-motel emergency housing program’s winter rules expired yesterday. Governor Scott extended the program for vulnerable individuals and families with children through June, addressing concerns about potential displacement for 450 households as lawmakers debate the program’s future in a budget adjustment bill. The House approved the bill after the Governor vetoed a previous version that extended the hotel program. The Senate was expected to vote on the measure yesterday.
Steven Waldman, president of Rebuild Local News, addressed the Vermont Statehouse on March 14, advocating for legislation to redirect state advertising funds to Vermont media outlets. He highlighted the local news crisis, with newspapers closing at an alarming rate and Vermont experiencing a 54% drop in newspaper employees since 2013. Waldman argued that the decline of local news harms communities, leading to increased polarization, corruption, and decreased civic engagement. He proposed that redirecting state advertising dollars, currently spent with out-of-state firms, to local media would support their viability and ultimately benefit local governments. Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas emphasized the importance of a free and independent press for government accountability, praising the legislation as a vital step in sustaining Vermont’s local news outlets.
Tremaine “Brody” Knight, a 43-year-old man from Hartford, Connecticut, is facing serious charges in Vermont, including murder-for-hire and distribution of cocaine and fentanyl. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Vermont announced Knight’s arrest, which took place last Tuesday. Court documents reveal that law enforcement, working with a confidential informant, conducted drug purchases from Knight in both Massachusetts and Brattleboro. Shockingly, during one of these transactions, Knight allegedly solicited the informant to commit murder in exchange for $10,000. He reportedly provided specific details about the intended victim and the murder plan, even offering a $1,000 down payment. Knight was apprehended shortly after this exchange and is scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday.
A new initiative from New Hampshire authorities is highlighting the
dangers of distracted driving. Twenty-two people died on New
Hampshire roads from 2021 to 2024 because of distracted driving,
according to the DMV. A new task force announced last week aims to
address the problem through social media and PSAs that encourage
drivers to focus on the road and put their phones down behind the
wheel. Authorities say specific patrols from state and local police will
also target distracted driving.
The trial of a self-described “white nationalist” accused of violating
Vermont’s gun magazine capacity law is finally getting underway in
Bennington. Max Misch is accused of purchasing a 30-round rifle
magazine in New Hampshire back in 2019 and bringing it to Vermont.
Under a groundbreaking 2018 law signed by Gov. Phil Scott, the
maximum capacity for a long gun is 10 rounds. Misch lost an appeal to
the Vermont Supreme Court challenged the law. The jury draw in his
trial began yesterday.
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire is launching a new six-bed adolescent psychiatry unit on April 7th, addressing a shortage of pediatric mental health beds. The unit will serve kids aged 12-17 experiencing mental health crises. A multidisciplinary team of specialists will provide comprehensive treatment through a collaboration between the Children’s Hospital at DHMC and Dartmouth Health psychiatry.
Vermont wildlife officials are urging drivers to be cautious of migrating frogs and salamanders during spring. These amphibians cross roads to reach breeding wetlands, especially on warm, rainy nights. Volunteers sometimes act as crossing guards in certain towns. Vermonters are encouraged to report amphibian crossings to the Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Atlas, which helps officials identify areas where wildlife passages are needed to improve road safety for animals.
WTSA SPORTS FOR WEDNESDAY APRIL 2nd2025
THE CELTICS ARE BACK HOME TO TAKE ON THE HEAT TONIGHT, THE CELTICS ARE LOOKING FOR THEIR 10TH WIN IN A ROW, TIP OFF AT 7:30PM.
THE BRUINS ARE OFF TONIGHT AS THEY TAKE ON MONTREAL ON THURSDAY, THEY DROP THE PUCK AT 7:00PM
THE REDSOX PLAY GAME 2 OF THEIR 3 GAME SERIES WITH THE ORIOLES TONIGHT, FIRST PITCH AT 6:35PM
THE YANKEES ARE HOME TO PLAY GAME 2 OF THEIR 3 GAME SERIES TONIGHT AGAINST THE DIAMONDBACKS, FIRST PITCH AT 7:05PM