Vermont
He flipped off a trooper and got charged. Now Vermont is on the hook for $175K
ST. ALBANS, Vt. (AP) — Vermont has agreed to pay $175,000 to settle a lawsuit on behalf of a man who was charged with a crime for giving a state trooper the middle finger in 2018, the state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union said Wednesday.
The lawsuit was filed in 2021 by the ACLU of Vermont on behalf of Gregory Bombard, of St. Albans. It says Bombard’s First Amendment rights were violated after an unnecessary traffic stop and retaliatory arrest in 2018.
Trooper Jay Riggen stopped Bombard’s vehicle in St. Albans on Feb. 9, 2018, because he believed Bombard had shown him the middle finger, according to the lawsuit. Bombard denied that but says he did curse and display the middle finger once the initial stop was concluded.
Bombard was stopped again and arrested on a charge of disorderly conduct, and his car was towed. He was jailed for over an hour and cited to criminal court, according to the ACLU. The charge was eventually dismissed.
Under the settlement signed by the parties this month, the state has agreed to pay Bombard $100,000 and $75,000 to the ACLU of Vermont and the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression for legal fees.
“While our client is pleased with this outcome, this incident should never have happened in the first place,” said Hillary Rich, staff attorney for the ACLU of Vermont, in a statement. “Police need to respect everyone’s First Amendment rights — even for things they consider offensive or insulting.”
The Vermont State Police did not have a comment on the settlement. Vermont did not admit any wrongdoing as part of the deal.
Bombard said in a statement provided by the ACLU that he hopes the Vermont State Police will train its troopers “to avoid silencing criticism or making baseless car stops.”
Vermont
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Vermont
VT Lottery Lucky For Life, Pick 3 results for Dec. 28, 2025
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The Vermont Lottery offers several draw games for those willing to make a bet to win big.
Those who want to play can enter the MegaBucks and Lucky for Life games as well as the national Powerball and Mega Millions games. Vermont also partners with New Hampshire and Maine for the Tri-State Lottery, which includes the Mega Bucks, Gimme 5 as well as the Pick 3 and Pick 4.
Drawings are held at regular days and times, check the end of this story to see the schedule. Here’s a look at Dec. 28, 2025, results for each game:
Winning Lucky For Life VT numbers from Dec. 28 drawing
12-17-25-34-42, Lucky Ball: 09
Check Lucky For Life VT payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from Dec. 28 drawing
Day: 4-7-6
Evening: 7-4-9
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from Dec. 28 drawing
Day: 3-4-2-2
Evening: 7-6-2-5
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
For Vermont Lottery prizes up to $499, winners can claim their prize at any authorized Vermont Lottery retailer or at the Vermont Lottery Headquarters by presenting the signed winning ticket for validation. Prizes between $500 and $5,000 can be claimed at any M&T Bank location in Vermont during the Vermont Lottery Office’s business hours, which are 8a.m.-4p.m. Monday through Friday, except state holidays.
For prizes over $5,000, claims must be made in person at the Vermont Lottery headquarters. In addition to signing your ticket, you will need to bring a government-issued photo ID, and a completed claim form.
All prize claims must be submitted within one year of the drawing date. For more information on prize claims or to download a Vermont Lottery Claim Form, visit the Vermont Lottery’s FAQ page or contact their customer service line at (802) 479-5686.
Vermont Lottery Headquarters
1311 US Route 302, Suite 100
Barre, VT
05641
When are the Vermont Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
- Gimme 5: 6:55 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily.
- Pick 3 Day: 1:10 p.m. daily.
- Pick 4 Day: 1:10 p.m. daily.
- Pick 3 Evening: 6:55 p.m. daily.
- Pick 4 Evening: 6:55 p.m. daily.
- Megabucks: 7:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
What is Vermont Lottery Second Chance?
Vermont’s 2nd Chance lottery lets players enter eligible non-winning instant scratch tickets into a drawing to win cash and/or other prizes. Players must register through the state’s official Lottery website or app. The drawings are held quarterly or are part of an additional promotion, and are done at Pollard Banknote Limited in Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Vermont editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Vermont
‘One of Vermont’s most unique natural areas’ Additional 190 acres of Pawlet conserved
PAWLET — The Nature Conservancy in Vermont (TNC) has announced the conservation of 190 acres of land in Pawlet, expanding TNC’s North Pawlet Hills Natural Area to nearly 1,600 acres. This acquisition marks TNC’s eighth conservation project in the area and continues a decade-long effort to protect a beloved hiking area and one of Vermont’s most ecologically diverse landscapes.
The North Pawlet Hills are defined by Haystack, Middle, and Bald Mountains, known as “The Three Sisters”, and four smaller hills, forming a striking cluster of forested peaks in the northern Taconic Mountains. For generations, hikers have summited Haystack Mountain to enjoy sweeping views of the Mettawee Valley, Mount Equinox, and beyond. The area is recognized statewide for its rare natural communities, with dry oak “savannas” that support more than 20 rare plant species. Peregrine falcons nest on the cliffs that feature dramatic outcrops of slate and quartzite.
The newly protected 190-acre tract, located between Burt Hill and Haystack Mountain, includes an uncommon dry oak-hickory-hophornbeam forest, a headwater stream of the Mettawee River, and steep west and south-facing slopes that harbor at least three rare plant communities. The land has been owned by the Moore family for generations, and its conservation is part of a larger effort to protect both forest and agricultural lands in the valley below. Funding support was provided by the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board.
“This purchase expands one of Vermont’s most unique natural areas,” said TNC Vermont State Director Eve Frankel. “By continuing to protect the land around Haystack Mountain, we are safeguarding rare habitats, clean water, and the scenic landscapes that define Pawlet. We are grateful to the Moore family, our partners, and the community for their commitment to this special place.”
The North Pawlet Hills Natural Area remains open to the public, with a trail leading to the summit of Haystack Mountain and its panoramic views. TNC Vermont will continue to pursue opportunities to expand conservation in the region, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the ecological richness and beauty of the Three Sisters and surrounding hills.
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