

Cover Story
A New Era of Enforcement On Vermont’s Northern Border
Apprehensions along the 295-mile Swanton Sector have plummeted. But now, the Border Patrol is assuming a harsher and more expansive approach to its duties.
News
Report Could Complicate Murder Case in Police Recruit’s Death
Tate Rheaume is charged with aggravated murder of Rutland police recruit Jessica Ebbighausen. His lawyer says an internal affairs report shows he deserves leniency.
Vermont Is Building an Inventory of State Land for Housing
Gov. Scott has told state agencies to take a close look at the properties they own to see if any can be sold or leased to housing developers.
‘North Avenue News’ Changes Hands (and Not Much Else)
The owners of Phoenix Books have bought the free monthly paper and will continue to offer quaintly informative news to 17,000 Burlington residents.
With No New Pennies, Banks Are Already Feeling the Pinch
Financial institutions and retailers are adjusting to the fact that pennies are in short supply.
From the Publisher: Eyes on the Border
When Seven Days hired immigration reporter Lucy Tompkins in 2025, she took on a crucial beat. This week, she reports on the U.S.-Canada border under Trump.
Food+Drink
First Bite: Sampling Farmers & Foragers Hillside at the Old Lantern Events Barn
With weekly Wednesday dinner and Saturday brunch, the food truck biz is giving Charlotte locals new reasons to head to the longtime event venue.
King Arthur Baking’s ‘Sweet & Salty!,’ Reviewed by Kids
With their new cookbook for kids, the Norwich baking experts serve up almost 100 recipes from chocolate cake to pizza party buns. Six young Vermonters put them to the test.
Curry Leaf to Replace Montpelier’s KSherpa Dinner House
Inder Saini will add a third Indian spot to his small, regional group in the space vacated by Kamal Sherpa, who has opened Star Kitchen Indian Nepali in Barre.
Mothership Brewery Launches in Burlington; Broken Hearts Burger Closes in Fairlee
A staple of the Burlington beer scene gets a new name after 20-plus years, while an Upper Valley burger joint cryptically ends its run, at least for now.
Arts+Culture
Stuck in Vermont: Vermonters Struggle With Rising Health Insurance Costs, and Some Are Going Without
Episode 759: Meet a Cornwall family of four whose premiums are almost $32,000 this year and two uninsured people — one of whom had a recent accident.
Book Review: ‘The Near and Distant World,’ Bianca Stone
In her latest collection, the Vermont poet laureate muses on life, death and love, and the power of even mundane physical objects to sustain memories.
Artist Mary Mattingly Creates Hydrologic Poetics at the Current
The Brooklyn artist engages viewers at the Stowe gallery with photos, digital collages and sculptures that consider how water connects us.
At Montpelier’s Hexum Gallery, ‘Echo’ Displays Abstract and Unusual Works
For the gallery’s third anniversary, a selection of owner John Zaso’s personal collection highlights pattern, repetition and obsessive attention to medium.
Magnificent 7: Must See, Must Do Vermont Events, January 21-28
Explore our editor’s picks for must-do events in Vermont this week, including Next Stage Arts’ Cereal & K-Pop: Cabin Fever Cure! in Putney.
Music+Nightlife
Soundbites: Phish Food for Thought
Did the Vermont jam titans take a subtle shot at ICE agents during their New Year’s Eve show at Madison Square Garden? Even Phishheads aren’t sure.
On the Beat: Lane Series Returns
The chamber music series at UVM is back. Plus a high school hip-hop showcase at the Odd Fellows Hall and new music from Robber Robber and REDAdmiral.
Album Review: LACES, ‘LACES EP’
The Burlington quintet combines five different bands into one eclectic sound encompassing indie rock, Americana and even shades of funk.
On Screen
‘My Undesirable Friends: Part 1 — Last Air in Moscow’ Is an All-Too-Timely Documentary About the Death of a Free Press
Julia Loktev shot her stunningly intimate portrait of Russia’s embattled independent media scene on the eve of the invasion of Ukraine.
Now in Theaters, January 21-28
In addition to Song Sung Blue, 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.
Life Lines
Obituary: Edwin Merton Owre, 1928-2026
Renowned artist and beloved UVM professor taught, inspired and delighted students for more than 30 years
Obituary: Liza Kate Driscoll, 1978-2026
Longtime leader of Essex Hollow Playschool made people feel instantly welcomed, cared for and seen
Obituary: Linus Wayne Kinner, 1931-2026
Devoted family man lived an extraordinary life filled with purpose, service and compassion
Obituary: Loren Ralph Strong, 1953-2026
True Renaissance man was a pilot, loved sailing, read extensively, and was an expert woodworker
Obituary: Elsbeth “Beth” Mode, 1934-2026
A true explorer, Burlington woman hiked Nepal, toured Russia and biked 600 miles per summer at age 86
Obituary: Dean A. Pallozzi, 1963-2025
Committed to improving community health, data specialist and passionate outdoorsman was known for his kindness and thoughtfulness
Obituary: Rudolph “Rudy” McDonald, 1937-2026
Navy veteran served on the USS Iowa; loved deer camp and fishing on the Winooski River
Obituary: Reida Lipton, 1929-2026
Community-oriented Girl Scout leader had a magnetic spirit that made others feel instantly welcomed
Obituary: Dr. John J. “Jack” Murray, 1937-2026
Pediatrician with illustrious career was happiest when caring for his patients, including making house calls
Fun Stuff
Free Will Astrology (1/21/26)
Check out Rob Brezsny’s expanded weekly audio horoscopes & daily text message horoscopes: realastrology.com or 1-877-873-4888.
Ask the Rev: Is My Boyfriend Too Into ‘Heated Rivalry’?
A viewer questions whether her beau got too hot under his jersey. But as the Rev says, a person doesn’t have to play on the same team to appreciate the steam.






