A set of new laws designed to enhance public safety statewide is among Governor Phil Scott’s primary objectives. On Wednesday, the governor, along with various state and local officials, gathered in Newport to emphasize the new legislation they believe will increase safety for Vermonters. In recent years, communities from Burlington to Brattleboro have experienced a rise in homicides, gun violence, and drug trafficking. The presence of open drug use, individuals in mental health crises, and repeat offenders is straining police resources and clogging the court system. Currently, there is a backlog of 120 pending homicide cases in addition to 24,000 other criminal cases. During this legislative session, lawmakers enacted several compromise public safety measures, such as providing judges with more options for bail, sealing rather than expunging criminal records, reviving a detox program for those severely intoxicated, and suspending a pioneering law intended to address young offenders in family court.
A man from Brattleboro is in custody following allegations of enticing a child into his hotel room. John Oja, 52, was arrested by the Brattleboro Police Department on Wednesday after receiving a report regarding the incident at the Quality Inn. According to police, hotel staff intervened and safely returned the child to their parent prior to the arrival of officers. The child reportedly showed no signs of harm, according to police. Oja faces a charge of unlawful restraint and is being held on a $1,000 bail with specific conditions for his release. He made a court appearance on Thursday.
On Wednesday evening, shortly before 7pm, the Vermont State Police-Westminster Barracks were called to a home on Fort Bridgman Rd. in Vernon due to a reported family dispute. An investigation found that Kyle Shippee (29) inflicted bodily harm on a family member, damaged a vehicle, and breached court-ordered release conditions. Shippee was cited and appeared in the Vermont Superior Court, Windham Criminal Division earlier today.
Governor Phil Scott announced on Tuesday that local governments, non-profits, and private developers in seven counties are now eligible to apply for more than $67 million in grants for disaster recovery following the floods of July 2023. The counties of Lamoille, Washington, Caledonia, Orleans, Rutland, Windham, and Windsor were identified as the “most impacted and distressed” by the 2023 floods, allowing organizations from these areas to submit applications.
A recall notice has been issued for residents of New Hampshire. If you have Huckins Farm cheese curds in your refrigerator, officials advise you to dispose of them. This is due to improper pasteurization. The recall pertains to containers with a sell-by date of August 9, which were distributed in stores across the region. While no illnesses have been reported, caution is still recommended.
WTSA SPORTS FOR FRIDAY JULY 25th 2025
THE REDSOX ARE BACK ON THE FIELD TONIGHT AT FENWAY TO START A 3 GAME SERIES WITH THE DODGERS, FIRST PITCH AT 7:10PM
THE YANKEES ARE BACK ON THE FIELD TONIGHT AT HOME TO START A 3 GAME SERIES WITH THE PHILLIES FIRST PITCH AT 7:05PM
THE PGA TOUR 3M CONTINUES THROUGH THE WEEKEND AT TPC TWIN CITIES IN MINNESOTA.
NASCAR CUP SERIES THIS SUNDAY ITS THE CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND, BRICKYARD 400 AT INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY, 160 LAPS, RACE TIME AT 2PM.
Brattleboro VT 12U Little League team is currently playing in the state finals, according to Brattleboro Reformer. They won the District 2 tournament with an undefeated 5-0 record.
Regarding the July 23rd game, Brattleboro lost a state finals game to North Adams with a score of 5-2.
On Saturday July 26th, Brattleboro is scheduled to play Essex Town at 11 am in a four-team double-elimination tournament, with the championship game being played that day. The winner will advance to the New England Regional tournament.