Vermont

Americans Are Traveling to Vermont and Oregon To Commit State-Assisted Suicide

Published

2 years ago

August 22, 2024

Americans Are Traveling to Vermont and Oregon To Commit State-Assisted Suicide

At least 26 people have traveled to Vermont for the purpose of medically assisted death, accounting for nearly 25 percent of the state’s reported assisted deaths from May 2023 through June 2024, according to data from the Vermont Department of Health.

Similarly, in Oregon, 23 out-of-state residents utilized medical assistance to end their lives in 2023, as reported by the Oregon Health Authority, CBS News reports.

In a significant policy shift, Vermont lifted its residency requirement in May 2023, followed by Oregon two months later. Montana allows aid in dying through a 2009 court decision, though the ruling does not specify residency rules. Recent legislative efforts in New York and California to permit out-of-state residents to access aid in dying did not pass.

During the 2023-24 legislative sessions, 19 states, including Pennsylvania, considered aid-in-dying legislation, according to Compassion & Choices. Delaware was the only state to pass such legislation, though it awaits the governor’s action.

Despite logistical challenges, such as finding doctors in a new state and traveling when severely ill, dozens of terminally ill nonresidents have made their way to Vermont and Oregon to die. Both states require patients to be assessed by two doctors, have a prognosis of less than six months to live, be mentally and cognitively sound, and be physically able to ingest the lethal drugs.

CEO of Death With Dignity, Peg Sandeen, noted that these restrictions are intended as safeguards to balance patient rights with legislative concerns. However, she told CBS that “such rules create undue burdens for people who are already suffering.”

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Vermont

Girls Vermont Varsity Insider Athlete of the Week winner powered by Delta Dental

Published

4 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Press Room

Girls Vermont Varsity Insider Athlete of the Week winner powered by Delta Dental

The votes have been tallied and the girls winner of the Vermont Varsity Insider Athlete of the Week powered by Delta Dental is … Callie Spaulding of Windsor basketball.

Spaulding collected 51.55% of the 43,310 total votes cast in the girls contest. The junior was nominated after helping Windsor advance to the Division III semifinals for the 10th consecutive year with double-digit outings in a pair of playoff contests. Spaulding chipped in 10 points and three assists during the playdowns and was one of four Yellow Jackets to score double digits (11 points) in their quarterfinal victory over Enosburg.

The online voting at burlingtonfreepress.com began Monday, March 2, and closed at 9 p.m. on Thursday, March 5.

Check burlingtonfreepress.com for the next ballot, which will be published on Monday, March 9.

Delta Dental Girls Athlete of the Week winners in 2025-26 school year

Winter season

Feb. 23-March 1: Callie Spaulding, Windsor basketball

Feb. 16-22: Lydia Ruggles, St. Johnsbury gymnastics

Feb. 9-15: Mae Oakley, Burr and Burton, Alpine skiing

Feb. 2-8: Chloe Moodie, Peoples basketball

Jan. 26-Feb. 1: Marlie Bushey, Milton basketball

Jan. 19-25: Brinley Gandin, Rutland basketball

Jan. 12-18: Grace Bourn, Rivendell basketball

Jan. 5-11: Patricia Stabach, Stowe indoor track and field

Dec. 29-Jan. 4: Hannah Drury, U-32 hockey

Dec. 22-28: Brooke Osgood, Oxbow basketball

Dec. 15-21: Kayla Cisse, South Burlington basketball

Dec. 12-14: Harlow Hier, Colchester basketball

Fall season

Oct. 27-Nov. 2: Eme Silverman, Poultney soccer

Oct. 20-26: Veronica Moore, Bellows Falls field hockey

Oct. 13-19: Ava Francis, Vergennes soccer

Oct. 6-12: Savannah Monahan, Milton soccer

Sept. 29-Oct. 5: Rachel Scherer, North Country soccer

Sept. 22-28: Trista Favreau-Ward, Missisquoi field hockey

Sept. 15-21: Reese Gregory, Essex volleyball

Sept. 8-14: Isabelle Gouin, Hazen soccer

Aug. 29-Sept. 7: Avery Hansen, Lake Region soccer

Contact Alex Abrami at aabrami@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter: @aabrami5.

Contact Judith Altneu at JAltneu@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter: @Judith_Altneu.

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Vermont

Friends, family rally behind Vermont veteran charged with domestic terrorism

Published

16 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Press Room

Friends, family rally behind Vermont veteran charged with domestic terrorism

NEWPORT, Vt. (WCAX) – Friends and family of a Vermont veteran charged with domestic terrorism rallied in Newport Thursday, saying the charges stem from a mental health crisis and are unwarranted.

Vermont State Police say Joseph “J.J.” Millett, 38, of Newport, called a veterans crisis line in February, making suicidal statements and threatening a mass-casualty event.

Court records say Millett had guns and wrote what investigators call a manifesto. He turned himself in, and state police say they disarmed him at the barracks. He pleaded not guilty and was never formally arrested or placed in jail. He is currently in a treatment facility.

Supporters say the threats were the result of new medication and a mental health crisis. “But all the way to domestic terrorism for a man that fought overseas — he wasn’t a terrorist. He’s been fighting terrorists half his life,” said Chad Abbott, a friend who served with Millett overseas.

Abbott said he believes the charges could have unintended consequences for veterans seeking help. “These hotlines that they put out for us is to kind of get us the help we need. And now, none of us are going to want to call that,” he said.

Millett’s sister, Courtney Morin, said her brother served in the Vermont Guard for nearly 10 years and has struggled with mental health since returning home. “He suffers from depression, anxiety — he has PTSD. So, he’s actually been seeking help for his mental health for probably as long as he’s been home,” Morin said.

Orleans County State’s Attorney Farzana Leyva said the charge is warranted and that Millett was not calling for help when he contacted the crisis line. “He called the crisis helpline to make the threats. I think we have to be very clear about that. Those were threats. He did not call the crisis helpline for help. He called anonymously,” Leyva said.

She said the evidence — including repeated threats — Millett’s access to guns, and a manifesto justifies the charge and protects the public. “My priority is public safety, which is the highest priority that I have right now,” Leyva said.

Morin said she believes her brother was trying to get help. “I think he was seeking help. I mean, it’s all a trail of him seeking help, being on different meds. You know, we’re not in his head. We don’t know what he’s dealing with. And especially if you’re dealing with it alone,” Morin said.

Millett continues to receive treatment and is due back in court later this month.

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Vermont

Vermont high school playoff scores, results, stats for Thursday, March 5

Published

1 day ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

Vermont high school playoff scores, results, stats for Thursday, March 5

The 2025-2026 Vermont high school winter season has begun. See below for scores, schedules and game details (statistical leaders, game notes) from basketball, hockey, gymnastics, wrestling, Nordic/Alpine skiing and other winter sports.

TO REPORT SCORES

Coaches or team representatives are asked to report results ASAP after games by emailing sports@burlingtonfreepress.com. Please submit with a name/contact number.

▶ Contact Alex Abrami at aabrami@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter: @aabrami5.

▶ Contact Judith Altneu at JAltneu@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter: @Judith_Altneu.