

Cover Story
Have You Voted Yet? Our 2026 Vermont Primary Guide Can Help.
Find stories on top-tier contested races that will be decided on August 11, Q&As with the candidates, a ballot lookup tool, and more.
News
From the Publisher: You’re the Boss
Reporting on elections looks very different than it did 50 years ago. Read about Seven Days’ approach and this week’s primary election guide.
Spending Reaches New Heights in Races for State Senate
Some candidates are raising and spending more money than ever to run for a legislative seat. Some lawmakers say the trend is worrisome.
First-Time Candidates Richards, Janoo Vie to Take on Scott
Progressive economist Amanda Janoo and Aly Richards, who led Let’s Grow Kids’ campaign for childcare subsidies, are seeking the Democratic line for governor.
Three Democrats Are Vying to Take on Republican LG John Rodgers
Democrats think they have a good chance to reclaim the LG’s post in the upcoming election year. Who will they pick for the job?
Audit-ion: Ashe and Graeter Seek the Dem Nomination for Auditor
The primary centers on whether the state’s watchdog office needs seasoned leadership or a fresh approach to public accountability.
Entrepreneur’s App Allows Parents to Choose the Videos Kids Watch
Galen Dow created GoCaboodle to prevent kids from being fed inappropriate videos online. Parents are finding it helpful, he said.
Arts+Culture
Williston Newspaper Owners Open Bookstore and Café as a Spot to Congregate and Celebrate the Written Word
Susan and Rick Cote, owners of the ‘Williston Observer,’ hope their new business in Finney Crossing gives the community a needed gathering space.
Jordan Klepper and Steve Waltien on Comedy in the Trump Era
Ahead of their Flynn show, “The Daily Show” correspondent and former “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” writer talk about the politics of political comedy.
Vermont Author Chris Bohjalian Discusses His New Novel, ‘The Amateur’
The story follows a young golf prodigy whose life falls apart after she accidentally kills a caddy at her Westchester County country club with a stray ball.
Vermont Film Festival Comes to a New Screen in Woodstock
Now at the historic Billings Farm & Museum, the fest presses play on a packed two days of 24 films from the Green Mountains and beyond.
Theater Review: ‘Rent,’ Weston Theater Company
Thirty years after its premiere, Jonathan Larson’s musical still shows the courage of young artists and rebels to face AIDS and embrace life with joy.
International Art Star Miles Greenberg Brings His Body to Stowe
The Current presents two multichannel video installations that showcase Greenberg’s endurance-based performance art and love of the human form.
A New Gallery Goes Old School in Hanover
Dartmouth alum Kyle Timothy Blood has opened a new commercial fine-art gallery focusing on artists with college connections
Magnificent 7: Must-See, Must-Do Events in and Around Vermont: Jul. 29-Aug. 5, 2026
Explore our editor’s picks for must-do events in Vermont this week, including ’90s alt-rock stalwarts Spin Doctors at the WhistlePig Pavilion in Stowe.
Food+Drink
First Bite: With Burl’s Downtown Kitchenette, a Diner Is a Diner Again
The Oasis was a Burlington diner staple for 50 years, but its sleek car was most recently a taqueria. Now the Farmhouse Group returns it to its roots.
Feeding Champlain Valley Now in Charge of Gleaning in Chittenden County
Volunteers harvest the excess produce that farmers can’t sell, and food shelves and other local anti-hunger organizations get it to people in need.
Jamaican Taste Cuisine Cooks Homestyle Dishes in Burlington
Natalie Bailey is simmering up the classics of her native Caribbean island, such as oxtail stew and curry goat, in her small restaurant on lower Church Street.
Twisted Halo Returns to Chittenden County With Essex Spot
With a second location, Emma Slater brings her signature crisp, custardy churro-style doughnuts made with fresh-milled local flour back to the Burlington area.
Entrées & Exits: Kiss the Cook Is for Sale; Cork Market on Moscow to Close
In food retail news: A longtime kitchen shop on the Church Street Marketplace is looking for new owners, and one of Cork’s market locations in Stowe is done.
Music+Nightlife
Soundbites: Weird Ramblings From a Weekend of Live Music
Music editor Chris Farnsworth reports on his recent adventures at the “Weird Al” Yankovic show in Essex Junction and the Ramble in Burlington.
On the Beat: New Music From Greg Freeman and Cricket Blue
This week in Vermont music news: fresh albums on the way from Greg Freeman and Cricket Blue, Rik Palieri takes on fascism, and the Eyetraps get revenge.
Album Review: Kyle Chadburn & the Earthbound Spirits, ‘So Much Left to Show’
The Americana singer and his band incorporate funk, soul and a ton of horns on their new LP — an eclectic record with many strengths.
On Screen
Now Playing in Theaters, July 29-August 5
In addition to ‘I Want Your Sex’ 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.
A Tragedy and a Comedy About Artists Breaking Rules: ‘Hadestown: The Musical’ and ‘I Want Your Sex’
The filmed version of Vermont native Anaïs Mitchell’s Tony Award-winning musical is playing in local theaters for a limited time.
Fun Stuff
Ask the Rev: I Was in a Relationship With My Father’s First Cousin
While dating, or even marrying, a first cousin once removed is legal in Vermont, it still hits close to home and can add to toxic family dynamics. Beware.
Free Will Astrology (7/29/26)
Check out Rob Brezsny’s expanded weekly audio horoscopes & daily text message horoscopes: realastrology.com or 1-877-873-4888.
Life Lines
Obituary: Wallace Lamont Johnston, 1936-2026
Dedicated educator, engineer and beloved family man was a proud Aggie who could often be spotted riding his beloved Segway
Obituary: Joseph Oppenlander, 1931-2026
U.S. Army veteran and civil engineering professor at UVM enjoyed boating on Lake Champlain and traveling
In Memoriam: Angela Comeau, 1972-2026
Family and friends gather to remember “beacon of infectious energy” who was most proud of being a mother
Obituary: Edward “Ed” Willette, 1954-2026
Third-generation lineman’s most cherished times were spent with his children and grandchildren
Obituary: Mary-Lou Rene (Chaffee) Lapierre, 1955-2026
Jericho woman served more than 1.2 million lunches to students during a nearly 30-year career at the local elementary school
Obituary: Susan (Wilson) Squier, 1937-2026
Jazz vocalist, psychotherapist, and victims’ advocate and counselor was committed to helping people who were otherwise unable to afford services
Obituary: Shiloh Irene Skalka, 2010-2026
Artist, cat lover and straight-A student cherished her friends and had a profound appreciation for the beauty of the world
Obituary: Peter Anthony Dietrich, MD, 1937-2026
Chest radiologist and emeritus professor at the UVM Medical Center was a gifted storyteller who could identify most birds by their song
In Memoriam: John Bramblett, 1946-2026
Family and friends come together to remember a natural mentor who generously shared his time, skills and knowledge
Obituary: Ruthann Dodge Pierson, 1958-2026
Burlington native is remembered for her generous heart, giving personality and relentlessness in providing for her children






