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Vermont Officials Deploy Bird Noise Devices to Deter Loitering at Capitol Complex

Vermont Officials Deploy Bird Noise Devices to Deter Loitering at Capitol Complex

The Scott administration in Vermont is implementing a new strategy to address homelessness and quality-of-life concerns in Montpelier. Following earlier efforts that included deploying state Troopers to Burlington, officials are now using bird-noise devices at the historic Pavilion building within the Capitol complex. These devices are intended to deter individuals from gathering on the porch, where incidents such as fights, discarded syringes, human waste, and a fire have been reported. The bird squawking devices will operate between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. This measure comes after previous attempts, including portable toilets and signs requesting people not to gather, proved ineffective. Governor Phil Scott stated that the alternative would be arrests, which the administration aims to avoid. This initiative is part of a broader approach by the Scott administration to manage public spaces and address issues related to the unhoused population.

Vermont Administration Installs Bird Noise Devices at Montpelier Building Amid Homelessness Concerns

Vermont Administration Installs Bird Noise Devices at Montpelier Building Amid Homelessness Concerns

The Vermont Department of Buildings and General Services, under the Scott administration, has installed bird noise deterrent devices at the Pavilion Building in downtown Montpelier. This action follows numerous incidents of individuals sleeping on the building's porches and the discovery of human waste and debris on the property. The Pavilion Building houses the offices of Governor Phil Scott, the treasurer, attorney general, and the Vermont Supreme Court. Earlier this year, a port-a-let was installed near the building to address the issue of human waste, but the problem persisted. Deputy Commissioner Emily Kisicki stated that the noise devices, which emit loud bird calls, were installed to reduce the "nighttime occupancy of these spaces" and mitigate associated activities, rather than directly addressing people sleeping there. The devices are now set to operate from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. via a timer.

Man Arrested After Knife Pulled on Store Manager During Burlington Retail Theft Attempt

Man Arrested After Knife Pulled on Store Manager During Burlington Retail Theft Attempt

Burlington, Vermont police have arrested Nicholas Hulbert, 38, following an attempted retail theft at a downtown City Market. Police reported that Hulbert allegedly pulled a knife on a store manager during the incident on Wednesday evening. After the confrontation, Hulbert fled the scene on foot. However, officers were able to quickly locate and apprehend him less than a block away from the City Market. Hulbert, identified as experiencing homelessness, was taken into custody and is currently being held on $10,000 bail. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about retail theft and the safety of store employees in urban areas.

Vermont Primary Election Results Confirm Governor Phil Scott to Face Democrat Amanda Janoo in November

Vermont Primary Election Results Confirm Governor Phil Scott to Face Democrat Amanda Janoo in November

Vermont's primary election, held on August 11, has set the stage for the November 3 general election. Incumbent Republican Governor Phil Scott will face Democrat Amanda Janoo, an economist, who secured her party's nomination for governor. Janoo won the Democratic primary by sweeping the Northeast Kingdom region, garnering just over 2,000 votes more than her closest contender, Aly Richards. Governor Scott, a five-term incumbent, is seeking re-election. In other key races, one-term incumbent Rep. Becca Balint advanced in the Democratic primary for Vermont's sole U.S. House seat and will compete against Republican Gerald Malloy. For lieutenant governor, Democrat Molly Gray secured the nomination and will challenge incumbent Republican Lieutenant Governor John Rodgers. The primary results largely reflected little competition and no major surprises, with many incumbents and favored candidates advancing.

Winooski Man Charged with Second-Degree Murder in Fatal Downtown Burlington Stabbing

Winooski Man Charged with Second-Degree Murder in Fatal Downtown Burlington Stabbing

Hassan O. Haji, 24, of Winooski, has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the fatal stabbing of Deng Dau, 24, in downtown Burlington. Haji pleaded not guilty to the charge on Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred around 4 a.m. on Saturday in the parking lot behind the civil courthouse on Main Street. According to police, officers responded immediately to the scene. Dau was transported to the hospital, where he later died from a single stab wound to the groin. Security camera footage reportedly shows Haji lunging and swinging his right arm towards Dau's hip during an argument involving a third man, who has not been charged. Detectives tracked Haji to his brother's apartment, where they found blood-stained sneakers. Haji surrendered to police on Tuesday morning and was found with a fresh cut on his right thumb. He has been ordered to be held in prison pending a bail hearing scheduled for August 27.

Vermont Law Enforcement's Collaboration with Federal Border Patrol Under Scrutiny After Deportation Incident

Vermont Law Enforcement's Collaboration with Federal Border Patrol Under Scrutiny After Deportation Incident

A recent incident in Vermont has brought renewed attention to the collaboration between local law enforcement agencies and federal immigration authorities under Operation Stonegarden. A Chittenden County sheriff's deputy, Sgt. Scott Costella, pulled over a car for a traffic violation and subsequently summoned U.S. Border Patrol agents, leading to the deportation of Alex Genri Jimenez, a 22-year-old dairy farmworker. This event has sparked an investigation into whether Costella violated Vermont's Fair and Impartial Policing Policy, which limits local law enforcement's involvement in civil immigration enforcement. In response, Chittenden County Sheriff Dan Gamelin has suspended his agency's participation in Operation Stonegarden. However, five other northern Vermont police agencies continue to participate in the federal program, which provides grants for border security collaboration. The incident has reignited a long-standing debate about the compatibility of Operation Stonegarden with state policies design...

Colchester Man Cited for Driving 102 MPH and Suspected Impairment on I-89 in Milton, Vermont

Colchester Man Cited for Driving 102 MPH and Suspected Impairment on I-89 in Milton, Vermont

Vermont State Police cited Thierno Diallo, a man from Colchester, for driving 102 mph on I-89 south in Milton. The incident occurred on Tuesday night, where Diallo was observed traveling significantly above the posted 65 mph speed limit. Upon stopping Diallo, state troopers noted that he appeared to be under the influence of drugs. Consequently, he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs. Diallo has been cited to appear in court in October to face the charges related to speeding and impaired driving. This event highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to enforce traffic laws and ensure road safety.

Honolulu City Council Considers Fining, Jailing Homeless for Shopping Cart Possession

Honolulu City Council Considers Fining, Jailing Homeless for Shopping Cart Possession

The Honolulu City Council is considering Bill 53, a proposed law that would impose fines of up to $2,000 or up to 30 days in jail for individuals found with shopping carts outside of store premises. The bill also allows for the confiscation of these carts. Council Chair Tommy Waters, who introduced the measure, states that it aims to curb shopping cart theft and abandonment, which he claims create safety hazards by obstructing sidewalks, bus stops, parks, and waterways. Retailers and law enforcement officials support the bill, viewing shopping carts removed from store property as stolen items that incur significant replacement costs. Honolulu Police Maj. Paul Okamoto highlighted that abandoned carts contribute to public safety and health issues, particularly by clogging waterways. The bill passed its first reading on August 12, with several council members supporting it, while others voted with reservations.

Ugandan Asylum Seeker Steven Tendo Receives 90-Day Extension for ICE Check-in in Vermont

Ugandan Asylum Seeker Steven Tendo Receives 90-Day Extension for ICE Check-in in Vermont

Steven Tendo, a Ugandan asylum seeker and licensed nursing assistant at UVM Medical Center, attended a routine check-in at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in St. Albans, Vermont. Supporters gathered, anticipating his potential detention. However, Tendo emerged 15 minutes later, having been granted a 90-day extension before his next required check-in. Tendo has been living in Vermont since 2021 under a stay of removal, which temporarily halted his deportation order. He is currently barred from working while his legal process is ongoing. Tendo expressed gratitude for the overwhelming community support he has received from Vermonters, who have provided housing, food, and educational assistance.

Vermont Healthcare Worker Receives Community Support Amidst ICE Check-in

Vermont Healthcare Worker Receives Community Support Amidst ICE Check-in

Steven Tendo, a Ugandan asylum seeker and licensed nursing assistant at UVM Medical Center, attended a routine Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) check-in in St. Albans, Vermont. Tendo, who has been living in Vermont since 2021 under a stay of removal, was accompanied by a crowd of supporters. Despite initial concerns that he might be detained, Tendo emerged from the facility after 15 minutes to a cheering crowd. He was given a 90-day reprieve before his next scheduled ICE check-in. Tendo is currently barred from working while he navigates the legal process of his asylum claim. He expressed gratitude for the overwhelming community support he has received, noting that Vermonters have provided him with food, housing, and educational opportunities.

Burlington Experiences Spate of Violent Incidents, Reigniting Public Safety Debate

Burlington Experiences Spate of Violent Incidents, Reigniting Public Safety Debate

Burlington, Vermont, experienced a series of violent incidents over a recent weekend, including a fatal stabbing, another non-life-threatening stabbing, two gunfire incidents, and an altercation involving a juvenile. An unidentified man was fatally stabbed early Saturday morning behind 175-199 Main St. and later died at the University of Vermont Medical Center. Burlington police are investigating these events, but no arrests have been announced. These incidents have reignited a long-standing debate over public safety in downtown Burlington, despite city figures indicating a decline in some serious crime measures since 2021. The fatal stabbing occurred almost exactly a year after another fatal attack in August 2025, where Scott Kastner was beaten, leading to second-degree murder charges against two individuals. That previous incident had prompted the Burlington City Council to vote for increased police presence and park closures. Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak acknowledged the upsetting nature of the events but...

Burlington Fire Department Rescues Trapped Resident from Overnight Blaze

Burlington Fire Department Rescues Trapped Resident from Overnight Blaze

Firefighters in Burlington, Vermont, successfully rescued a trapped individual from a burning residence at 20 Hale Court late Sunday night. Emergency dispatchers received calls just after 10:30 p.m. Upon arrival, crews located and extracted the person, who was then transported to the University of Vermont Medical Center. The current condition of the victim is unknown. The Burlington Fire Department, along with assistance from South Burlington and UVM Rescue, responded to the incident. The fire remains under investigation to determine its cause. This event highlights the rapid response capabilities of local emergency services in critical situations.