

Cover Story
After a Hiatus, Can Circus Smirkus Revive Its Big Top Tour?
An accident and near bankruptcy forced the Greensboro youth circus to cancel its signature event this summer, raising questions about its long-term viability.
News
After a Rural Revolt, Dems Favor Rolling Back Act 250 Reforms
Just two years ago, lawmakers approved tougher development rules for rural areas. Facing harsh backlash and potential political fallout, they’re changing course.
As Immigration to Vermont Drops, a ‘Demographic Cliff’ Looms
Schools and employers are feeling the impact of the Trump administration’s crackdown on refugee resettlement.
A 530-Year-Old Manuscript Is on Display at Burlington’s Public Library
The hand-printed religious treatise written in old biblical Latin was originally published in 1494. It will be on display at the Fletcher Free Library until May 24.
From the Publisher: Human Touch
Rick Woods, Seven Days’ first salesman and general manager, died on April 13. Publisher Paula Routly reflects on his lasting influence at the paper.
Arts+Culture
Opera Legend Denyce Graves Makes a Surprise Appearance in Burlington
The retired superstar is helping to raise funds for a Jamaican school damaged by Hurricane Melissa.
Three Poet Laureates Are Among the Vermonters Who Contributed to a Fiery New Protest Poetry Anthology
Sharon Darrow of Sutton edited the collection, which emerged from a local workshop and launches on Saturday with an evening of readings in St. Johnsbury.
Upper Valley Baroque to Perform Its First Madrigal Concerts
Led by Italian director Filippo Ciabatti, the ensemble will sing works by the form’s most prominent practitioners at two concerts this weekend.
Q&A: Vermont Fiber Fans Knit for Food at the Makery in Burlington
Crafters knit, weave, sew, crochet and raise funds for food insecurity in a nationwide knit-a-thon. Go behind the scenes of this “Stuck in Vermont” video.
Crossing Guard Christine Tyler Hill’s Little Zine Goes Big
The Burlington illustrator shares her thoughts in ‘The Cloud Report,’ a monthly zine that has gone viral, bringing the Old North End to subscribers worldwide.
Moving Pictures: St. Johnsbury Athenaeum Switches it Up
The institution debuts “Gallery Spotlight” to bring 19th-century works down from the rafters and into better public view, starting with two by Jervis McEntee.
Magnificent 7: Must-See, Must-Do Events in and Around Vermont (April 22-29)
Explore our editor’s picks for must-do events in Vermont this week, including slopeside spring tradition Tailgate Party at Jay Peak.
Food+Drink
Champlain Valley Apiaries to Hit 100th With Next-Gen Leader
Despite dire bee die-offs, Curtis Mraz has stepped up at his family’s legacy Middlebury biz. Honey and apitherapy sales will help support a new HQ in New Haven.
Sweet Abilities Bakery Celebrates Grand Opening in Fairfax
The family-run spot bakes fresh doughnuts, bagels and filled croissants. Lynn Orton plans to hire people with special abilities like her son, who works with her.
Hangry Hogg Barbecue Truck Parks at South Burlington’s University Mall
Chef Jason Evans has moved his mobile barbecue biz from Rutland to Chittenden County. He serves Texas- and Kansas City-style smoked meats with scratch sides.
Three Questions for Competitive Baker and Cold Hollow Cider Mill Bakery Manager Jenn Gryckiewicz
The pastry chef and former bakery owner won ‘Sugar Rush’ with a purple octopus cake. As of March, she crafts whimsical cakes plus classics in Waterbury Center.
Music+Nightlife
Forged in Fire: Robber Robber’s Heat-Tested New Record
The Burlington indie-rock outfit made it through an apartment fire to record its best album to date, ‘Two Wheels Move the Soul.’
On the Beat: New Tunes From Ruth Garbus, Bob Wagner and More
It’s a hot week for new Vermont releases, including tracks by Garbus, Wagner, Marcie Hernandez, Julia Randall and Deerest.
Album Reviews: Six New Records From Vermont Artists
A roundup of some of the area’s latest releases, including albums from Daffodil-11, english major and Bonji.
On Screen
Ian McKellen Tears Up the Screen (and Canvases) as a Narcissistic Art Legend in ‘The Christophers’
Steven Soderbergh’s latest is an engrossing two-hander drama about a failed artist hired to forge the work of the washed-up idol who once inspired her.
Now Playing in Theaters, April 22-29
In addition to Normal here’s what is playing in Northern and Central Vermont movie theaters this week. Listings include new movies, vintage films and a directory of open theaters.
Fun Stuff
Ask the Rev: Is My Friend Addicted to AI?
AI is becoming part of our reality, whether we like it or not. Research into AI addiction is is underway, and several resources already exist that can help.
Free Will Astrology (04/22/26)
Check out Rob Brezsny’s expanded weekly audio horoscopes & daily text message horoscopes: realastrology.com or 1-877-873-4888.
Life Lines
Obituary: Nathaniel “Nat” Frothingham, 1939-2026
Editor and publisher of the Bridge newspaper in Montpelier combined sheer determination with an insightful editorial approach
Obituary: Terje Anderson, 1958-2026
Montgomery resident was a dog lover, cookbook collector, and global leader for social justice and person-centered public health
Obituary: James Michael Kiefer, 1962-2026
Passionate landscaper, mountain biker and dedicated coach found his “tribe” through his love of basketball
Obituary: Willard “Bill” L. Bickford Sr., 1932-2026
Banking professional, lover of music and avid outdoorsman was defined by devotion to his family and service to his community
Obituary: Eleanor Horton Clavelle, 1925-2026
Matriarch spent 100 summers on Malletts Bay, happily surrounded by her family
Obituary: Clara Jane Bond, 1940-2026
Burlington woman loved traveling and big adventures and worked to help shape the city she loved
Obituary: Richard Swenson Woods, 1960-2026
One of Seven Days’ first employees found his happy places outdoors and was fed by a lifelong love of music
Obituary: Terry J. Allen, 1947-2026
Reporter, editor, photojournalist and ceramic artist traveled the world exploring the complexities of the human condition
In Memoriam: Robert J. Johnson, 1939-2026
Family, friends and colleagues gather to honor pioneering sports medicine researcher
In Memoriam: Thomas Wolenc, 1952-2025
Tom’s Celebration of Life April 25, 2026, 1-5 p.m., at the Worthen Library in South Hero, Vt. Come and celebrate the crazy life of Tom Wolenc. If you have photos to share, please make a copy. I would love stories written down for memories. Light snacks provided.
Obituary: Nathan Walpole, 1976-2026
Proud father, professor and accomplished animator had an enduring commitment to creativity and nurturing the next generation
Obituary: Kathryn “Kate” Brown, 1952-2026
Williston woman believed in finding the good in every situation and making life brighter for those around her
Obituary: Paul M. Cook, 1933-2026
Longtime GE designer held multiple patents and was awarded for his work with the MathCounts program in Vermont schools
Obituary: Peter Whitney Dustira, 1946-2026
Woodcraft and design professional was “king of the barbecue, kitchen and espresso machine” and transformed his backyard into a tiny orchard
Obituary: William “Bill” S. Stone, 1941-2026
Lifelong learner, lover of travel and former Peace Corps volunteer turned happenstance meetings into lifelong friendships
Obituary: Alice Marie Landon Baker, 1940-2026
St. George woman loved caring for her cats, feeding wild animals and meeting people while driving a Burlington city bus
Obituary: Dr. Robert John Lavallee, 1941-2026
Professor was a founding member of the psychology department at Saint Michael’s College
In Memoriam: Ronald E. Buxton
Family and friends celebrate the life of U.S. Air Force veteran, well-loved school bus driver and active resident of Jericho
Obituary: Mary K. (Buley) Estey, 1949-2026
Burlington native dedicated herself to raising her family






