Montpelier News Today | 2 Min New | The Daily News Now!

A major thunderstorm slammed into the Northeast Kingdom last night, sending tree limbs crashing down—especially on Darling Hill Road in Burke—and triggering widespread power outages across central Vermont, with Waterbury and Middlesex hit hardest. Nature’s sudden fury left residents stunned, reminding everyone to stay weather-aware during unpredictable seasons. Officials are still tallying damage,...

Vermont’s election season is heating up—with primaries coming soon and the general election just around the corner. From governor down to sheriffs and state’s attorneys, voters have a big say in shaping the state’s future. The Secretary of State’s office has made it easy to find candidates in your area, check your voter registration, preview your ballot, and request an absentee ballot—all on the V...

Vermont Lottery just dropped some big numbers—Powerball, Gimme Five, Pick 3 & 4, Megabucks Plus, and Millionaire for Life—all drawn July 8, 2026. Winners, here’s how to claim: under $500? Grab a retailer or lottery HQ. $500–$5K? Head to any M&T Bank branch (Mon–Fri, 8AM–4PM, no holidays). Jackpot? You must visit lottery HQ in person with your signed ticket, ID, and claim form—claim within one year...

Amazon’s new delivery station in Champlain, New York, is officially live — speeding up last-mile deliveries and signaling big economic growth for the region. With its strategic location near the Canadian border and I-87, the facility is a major win for local officials like Mayor Janet McFetridge, who see it as proof Champlain is a prime spot for business. The move promises new jobs, stronger local...

Montpelier police responded to a church on Main Street to find a 58-year-old man with severe facial injuries after being brutally assaulted—punched multiple times and thrown to the ground. The 48-year-old suspect, Stefan Kluckner, was arrested on the spot and now faces aggravated assault, disorderly conduct, and violating his own release conditions. Already under court-ordered restrictions, Kluckn...

Rutland County’s school board cancels its summer retreat amid uncertainty over Act 170, the new state law forcing district mergers by 2028. With August packed and no clear agenda, leaders are delaying decisions until fall—hoping to align priorities before joining merger study groups. They’re also weighing whether to push for input on potential consolidations and CESA participation, after last year...

Vermont’s top economic agency is set for a leadership change as Lindsay Kurrle steps down after five years as secretary, paving the way for Tayt Brooks to take the helm. Kurrle, who led the agency since 2019 and previously headed the Department of Labor, earned praise from Governor Scott for guiding the state through floods and the pandemic with strong partnerships and resilience. Brooks, a longti...

Governor Phil Scott just vetoed a bill designed to speed up renewable energy projects in Vermont, sparking surprise among supporters who thought the administration backed it. The legislation, H.710, aimed to treat multiple energy facilities on the same land as one unit, cutting down on redundant infrastructure like separate roads and power lines. Backers said it would make solar and wind power mor...

Shelters meant to help the homeless may be doing more harm than good—only three people moved into permanent housing in a year, while others face harsh discharge even in winter, risking lost IDs, meds, and dignity. With inconsistent enforcement and little oversight, these low-barrier shelters often cycle people through the system without solving root causes. My own struggle to appeal a discharge an...

Bonnie Tyler, the powerhouse voice behind the global anthem “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” has died at 75 after an unexpected illness in Portugal. Her career, marked by three Grammy nods and a voice forged through throat surgery, soared from humble beginnings inspired by Janis Joplin and Tina Turner. Beyond her billion-streamed hit, she delivered chart-toppers like “Holding Out for a Hero,” represe...

Kids from kindergarten to eighth grade are crushing it in the Good Citizen Challenge, earning entries for a major D.C. trip by completing 25 civic tasks. This week’s standout submissions? Elijah Maynard’s creative “I Voted” sticker design, brothers Levi and Noah Fiorentino’s museum adventure, and Theo Moore’s community hustle—baking and selling garden produce to raise $65 for his school mural. Tun...

Iran blames the U.S. for an airstrike near its sole nuclear plant, as Washington confirms hitting 90 targets to disrupt Iran’s attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz — a move that’s already sparked retaliatory strikes, wounded civilians, and reignited fears of a full-scale regional war. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: a...

A brand-new grocery revolution is rolling through Saint Johnsbury, Vermont—meet the Caledonia Food Co-op, a community-driven co-op that just opened its doors, stocked with fresh, local produce and artisan goods straight from Vermont farms. Born from a two-year effort that began in 2018, this isn’t just another store—it’s a mission to empower local farmers, boost regional agriculture, and give resi...

Vermont’s rolling out “802 Homes” — a smart, community-driven housing initiative designed to slash costs and speed up construction with pre-built blueprints for small, affordable homes and apartments. Partnering with AARP Vermont and Utile Architects, the state is inviting older residents and locals to shape the designs through public workshops, ensuring safety, accessibility, and real-world affor...

Jasper Hill Farm in Vermont just crushed it at the national cheese stage, winning best of show with their seasonal raw milk cheese, Winnimere—wrapped in spruce bark, aged to perfection with a rich, earthy flavor. Not a one-hit wonder either: they were also finalists at the World Championship Cheese Contest earlier this year, proving their consistent excellence. This award isn’t just sweet—it’s a b...

Beavers are on the attack — two swimmers near Turtle Island on Lake George were bitten in a July 4th incident, prompting a rabies shot emergency and a swimming advisory for campsites 1-5 until at least July 14, 2026. Officials urge everyone to stay clear of the water and all wildlife, especially beavers, and report any unusual or aggressive animal behavior. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a S...

Graham Platner, Maine’s Democratic Senate hopeful and oyster farmer, has dropped out after fresh allegations of sexual assault emerged — claims he denies but says he’s stepping aside to honor the movement he represents. The Maine Democratic Party is now rushing to hold a nominating convention to pick his replacement, with state reps like Valli Geiger already encouraged to run. Platner, who won the...

A tragic dog attack unfolded Tuesday afternoon at Overlook Park in Essex — a pit bull, reportedly off-leash and brown, allegedly lunged at a walking trail visitor’s dog, leading to its fatal injury. The owner, a woman in her 40s or 50s with a child nearby, is now being sought by police as the investigation continues. The dog was rushed to the vet but succumbed to injuries. Authorities urge witness...

A tragic dog attack in Essex, Vermont, left a beloved pet dead after being mauled by an unleashed pit bull on a popular trail—shocking the community and sparking urgent calls for responsible pet ownership. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public report...

Maine’s Democratic Senate race just imploded as candidate Graham Platner dropped out after a woman accused him of sexual assault — a claim he denies but that’s now sunk his campaign. With the party’s hopes pinned on flipping the seat from Republican Susan Collins, Platner’s exit leaves Democrats scrambling to find a replacement before July 27th. His departure underscores deep rifts within the part...

Floods in Vermont have left communities reeling, with FEMA’s help arriving too late for long-term recovery—like home buyouts and infrastructure fixes—that’s bogged down in endless paperwork and bureaucratic delays. Residents like Katie Swick are stuck in a cycle of stress and frustration, while towns in the Northeast Kingdom last year had to rely on state funds after FEMA fell short. The human tol...

Vermont’s Fire Cadet Academy is igniting the next generation of heroes—youth like Connor Griffus, inspired by family and firehouses, are getting real-world training in high-stakes scenarios. Led by seasoned pros like Chief Michael Genzlinger, this hands-on program isn’t just about dreams—it’s a proven pipeline to careers, helping tackle critical staffing shortages and ensuring communities stay pro...

Vermont is set to get $1.3 million from a Cash App settlement over security flaws that allegedly helped scammers thrive—money that’ll bolster state services while forcing Cash App to beef up protections, including a scam hotline and victim reimbursements, to rebuild consumer trust in digital finance. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise...

Don’t miss the free Alzheimer’s education event in Burlington on July 15th — experts will cover caregiving, money mistakes, and dementia diagnosis at the Burlington Harbor Hotel, helping thousands in Vermont access vital support and answers. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level...

Vermont’s Governor Phil Scott just signed an executive order to slash health insurance costs by boosting competition and expanding access—targeting families, small businesses, and seniors struggling with skyrocketing premiums. By welcoming more insurers, adjusting age-based rates, and letting small groups pool coverage with tax breaks, the plan aims to make healthcare more affordable and flexible....