A representative for Governor Phil Scott said that he has rejected a preliminary inquiry from the federal government regarding the deployment of the Vermont National Guard to Washington, D.C. to assist President Trump’s initiatives against a “crime emergency” in the area. A preliminary inquiry serves as a precursor to a formal government request. In an initial report, Scott’s Chief of Staff, Jason Gibbs, mentioned that “a few dozen” soldiers from Vermont might have been sent to the capital had Scott accepted the request. He further stated that both Scott and most Vermonters believe that sending the VT National Guard to D.C. in this situation would not be a suitable or proper use of their forces.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), Ranking Member of the Senate Subcommittee on Social Security, Pensions, and Family Policy, announced his intention to introduce the Keep Billionaires Out of Social Security Act. This legislation, revealed in advance of the 90th anniversary of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s signing of the Social Security Act, aims to reverse the harmful cuts implemented by the Trump administration to the Social Security Administration (SSA). It seeks to prevent the closure of Social Security field offices, facilitate the application process for seniors and individuals with disabilities to receive their entitled benefits via phone, and ensure the SSA is adequately resourced to expedite the approval of earned benefits.
In Dummerston, a multi-purpose structure that contained an apple packaging facility and a sugaring operation at Dwight Miller Orchards was consumed by flames. “It will require several days for cleanup,” stated West Dummerston Fire Chief Larry Pratt Jr. on Sunday morning. The three-alarm blaze took place in the vacant building around 4 p.m. on Saturday. Pratt characterized the structure as a “total loss.” Approximately 15 fire departments responded to the incident, according to Pratt. He noted that one firefighter sustained a minor finger injury. Fire investigators were present at the scene on Sunday. Due to the dry conditions, they had to summon three or four brush units to manage some spot fires related to wildfires. The embers from the fire are believed to be the likely cause of these fires.
Over 100 people were rescued at Hampton Beach within a week due to flash rip currents. Patrick Murphy, the chief of the New Hampshire State Beach Patrol, reported that approximately 144 people were saved over six days last week, as significant surf conditions of 3-to-5 feet generated flash rip currents. Officials indicated that Tropical Depression Dexter, located offshore, contributed to the creation of substantial waves. Murphy noted, “A considerable amount of sand was displaced in those flash rip currents, particularly during high tide, which is unusual for this area.” These rescues were unrelated to any forthcoming tropical storm systems. Prior to last week, only about 50 rescues had been recorded. Officials mentioned that the number of rescues on days with rip currents can vary unpredictably, which was evident in this instance. The New Hampshire State Beach Patrol stated that they have previously experienced 40, 50, or even 60 rescues in a single day, but exceeding 140 is not common.
Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas says she is committed to safeguarding voter data. Recently, Vermonters may have noticed outreach from the federal government requesting voter information, including state voter lists. Sarah says they will not share Vermont voter data with the federal government. This decision is based on two main reasons. Firstly, Vermont law explicitly forbids the sharing of this data, and secondly, the U.S. Constitution grants states the power to manage elections, not federal agencies she said.
The turnout for the ninth annual backpack giveaway at Brattleboro Auto Mall was exceptionally high this past Wednesday. “It began as the busiest event we have ever hosted,” stated Lylah Wright, the office and advertising manager at the Reformer. Initially, there were some concerns due to the heavy rain, but it soon subsided. Wright reported that 200 backpacks were distributed during the event. Brattleboro Area Realty sponsored complimentary hot dogs, which were provided by Newton’s Curveball Concessions, a food stand operated by two brothers from Dummerston School. Additionally, Big Brothers Big Sisters contributed their support.
WTSA SPORTS FOR SATURDAY AUGUST 16th 2025
THE REDSOX HOST THE ORIOLES TONIGHT AND TOMORROW FOR 2 GAMES AT FENWAY FIRST PITCH TONIGHT AT 7:10PM
YANKEES HAVE THE NIGHT OFF AS THEY TRAVEL TO TAMPA BAY TO TAKE ON THE RAYS FOR 2 GAMES FIRST PITCH ON TUESDAY AT 7:35PM
THE PATRIOTS BEAT THE MINNESOTA VIKINGS 20 – 12 ON SATURDAY FOR A PRESEASON GAME,THE PATS WILL PLAY THEIR FINAL PRESEASON GAME AGAINST THE GIANTS ON THURSDAY KICK OFF AT 8PM.