

Cover Story
Vermont’s Lawmakers Push Big Ideas — but Struggle to Fund Them
Legislators pass laws to strengthen education, environmental protections and more. Just one thing is lacking: the money to do the work.
News
Insanity Defense Complicates Prosecution of Jason Eaton
The case has been unusual from the start: A man is accused of shooting three college students as they walked past his Burlington apartment in a shocking act of violence with no apparent motive. The victims — Hisham Awartani, Kinnan Abdalhamid and Tahseen Ali Ahmad — and their families believe that Jason Eaton targeted the…
Vermont Is Designing Simple Homes to Help Speed Construction
A pilot program is meant to help ensure that homes with preapproved designs get green-lighted quickly. The state is seeking input on 10 home plans.
After 12-Year Journey, Message in a Bottle Is Found on Shore of Lake Champlain
An outing to clear trash on Green Up Day turned into an exciting find for Jeffrey Trubisz when he discovered a bottle with a whimsical note inside.
From the Publisher: Portrait of an Artist
Marc Nadel’s caricatures have delighted Seven Days readers since 2009. Learn more about his cover image this week and how he got his start.
Arts+Culture
Stuck in Vermont: Visit ‘Cardtopia,’ an Interactive Cardboard Castle at Highland Center for the Arts
Episode 767: The participatory art installation will be at Highland Center for the Arts in Greensboro through the end of July.
Theater Review: ‘White,’ Between the Willows
James Ijames’ fraught dramedy examines the complexities of white privilege through a contemporary prism of race, gender and sexual orientation.
New Book Examines the Toxic Masculinity of Military Education
Freelance investigative reporter Jasper Craven traces the history of military schooling and the corrosive traits it infuses into all levels of American society.
Young Randolph Composer Arranges Vermont State Song for Orchestra
For its 25th anniversary concert, Green Mountain Youth Symphony performs a new take on “These Green Mountains,” composed by 20-year-old alumnus Callum Robechek.
In ‘Pollock’s Last Lover,’ Author Stephen P. Kiernan Dips His Brush in the Art World
The Charlotte author’s latest novel tells a tale of ambition, art and romance set in two different historical eras in New York City.
Elliot Burg’s Portraits Convey History, Resilience and Personality
In a show at the Vermont Supreme Court Gallery in Montpelier, the Middlesex photographer brings together images of people from all over the world.
Painters Ben Finer, Tara Wray and Lucy Mink Offer a ‘Non Sequitur’
Finer, curator at Kishka Gallery & Library, presents his own work and that of Wray and Mink in a creepy, surprisingly cohesive show at the Phoenix in Waterbury.
Magnificent 7: Must See, Must Do Events in and Around Vermont (May 13-20)
Explore our editor’s picks for must-do events in Vermont this week, including eminent trumpeter Sean Jones at Vermont Jazz Center in Brattleboro.
Food+Drink
At Neighborhood Noodle in Manchester, It’s Always Ramen Season
Soup in summer? When it’s chicken shio from this new ramen shop, yes. Emily and Ian Shore have created a year-round destination in southern Vermont.
With Nippon Naturals, Paul Travers Brings Japanese Wine to Vermont
After a career in financial services, Travers found an unexpected retirement project that’s making natural wine from Japan a thing in the Green Mountain State.
Kismayo Kitchen in Burlington Has Been Sold to New Owners
Anisa Mohamed, widow of the restaurant’s chef-founder, Ahmed Omar, has passed the baton to Abbas Mohamed and his wife, Mashaer Ebaid, who plan no major changes.
Music+Nightlife
On the Beat: Sound Therapy, Fresh Tunes and New Shows
In Vermont music news: Things get meditative with a “Live Binaural Journey”; All Night Boogie Band drop new music; and Spruce Peak Arts announces Pete Yorn.
Back in the Saddle: Musician Xander Naylor Rides Again
After surviving a brutal bike accident, the Burlington guitarist and composer returns with a new album — and a new lease on life.
Album Review: Swamp Camp, ‘Swamp Camp’
The Vermont trio of Boxguts, Tha Truth and Rico James delivers a hip-hop concept album that’s ridiculous in the best way. Just watch out for snakes.
On Screen
A Writer Learns the True Meaning of Hospitality in Twisty Horror Flick ‘Hokum’
In the third film from rising scare filmmaker Damian McCarthy, Adam Scott plays a grump who discovers more than colorful characters at an Irish hotel.
Now Playing in Theaters, May 13-20
In addition to ‘Obsession’ 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
Free Will Astrology (5/13/26)
Check out Rob Brezsny’s expanded weekly audio horoscopes & daily text message horoscopes: realastrology.com or 1-877-873-4888.
Ask the Rev: I’ve Been at My Job for Years Without a Raise or Promotion
A longtime employee wrestles with whether to stop trying to get ahead. Here’s advice for seeking a salary increase and seeing what other jobs are out there.






