

Cover Story
Can Amanda Janoo Pull Off an Upset in the Race for Governor?
In just a few months, the first-time candidate has transformed from a political unknown into perhaps Gov. Phil Scott’s most formidable challenger yet.
Magnificent 7: Must-See, Must-Do Events in and Around Vermont, October 14-21
Explore our editor’s picks for must-do events in Vermont this week, including Vermont-born standup superstar Tina Friml at Town Hall Theater in Middlebury.
News
Debate Intensifies Over ‘Raise the Age’ Court Reform
The reform treats most 18-year-old offenders as minors in court proceedings. State officials oppose expanding it to 19-year-olds.
UVM Medical Center Cuts Raise Concerns About Care for Vulnerable Patients
As the hospital prepares to close two units, nurses and families question whether patients with complex needs will receive the same specialized care elsewhere.
A Groton Woman Creates a Free ‘Community Closet’ and Food Pantry
Due to increasing demand, Jodi Fleurie-Wohlleb recently moved her Re-Treasured Community Closet to a bigger space. It’s become the town’s social hub.
From the Publisher: North Star
In this week’s paper, Richmond’s Jen Rose Smith — who just won Travel Journalist of the Year — takes readers with her to Québec’s Manicouagan Reservoir.
Arts+Culture
Visit Manicouagan, One of the World’s Largest Impact Craters
Five hundred miles northeast of Burlington is a dreamscape gouged some 214 million years ago by a meteor. Here’s how to get there and what to do once you arrive.
Previewing the Vermont International Film Festival in 48 Loglines
Peruse these short and sweet descriptions to make your viewing schedule for the 10-day festival, which kicks off October 16 in Burlington.
Essex Community Players Rebound From ‘Rocky Horror’ Drama
After anonymous threats forced the cancellation of the musical in April, the community theater company is back with a new board and a “stellar new season.”
Theater Review: ‘Northanger Abbey,’ Shaker Bridge Theatre
The White River Junction company presents the U.S. premiere of a bold reimagining of Jane Austen’s novel as a quick-change comedy with a queer perspective.
Book Spotlight: ‘Wildwood,’ Ashley Woo
A newcomer to rural Vermont fears her historic family home is haunted in the debut supernatural thriller from the Norwich author.
Eric Killorin Pictures the State’s Abandoned Places
The Middlebury photographer and urban explorer documents some of Vermont’s spookiest sites, from a defunct radar station to an abandoned mall.
Tick Tock: ‘Time Keeping’ at the Henry Sheldon Museum
Timepieces from the museum’s collection ranging from pocket watches to grandfather clocks sit alongside contemporary collage works by Luciana Frigerio.
Food+Drink
The Burlington-Area Mexican Food Scene Grows in Unexpected Places
Tacos on handmade tortillas in the University Mall food court? Homestyle dishes from across Mexico in a sapphic cocktail and vinyl bar? ¡Por supuesto!
Distiller Luke Backus Bottles the Environment as Bourbon
At Backus Distillery, Westfield’s cold winters and humid summers work on the whiskey barrel by barrel. The result is a small-batch spirit rooted in place.
Yên Vietnamese Café & Kitchen to Launch Soon in Winooski
Summer Cao’s second restaurant will serve dishes from her native Vietnam in the former home of Donwoori Korean, which she moved to Main Street last year.
Music+Nightlife
Comedian Kendall Farrell Returns to His Roots
The Green Mountain State native headlines Vermont Comedy Club before recording his debut special in his current home of New York City
On the Beat: Celebrating a Jazz Master in Brattleboro
In Vermont music news: Vermont Jazz Center honors the music of Randy Weston, Pluto Rising throw a cosmic release party, and Zero Gravity hosts a record fair.
Album Reviews: Six New Records From Vermont Artists
We listen in on some of Vermont’s newest releases, including music from Step Twin, Bluephonics, Eloise & Co., and Chris Clark.
On Screen
If You Think ‘The History of Concrete’ Sounds Like Boring Material, Think Again
In his meta documentary, comedian John Wilson takes a wonderfully wild approach to the story of a humble yet crucial staple of our built environment.
Now Playing in Theaters, October 14-21
In addition to ‘Sense and Sensibility’ 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 10/14/26
Check out Rob Brezsny’s expanded weekly audio horoscopes & daily text message horoscopes: realastrology.com or 1-877-873-4888.
Ask the Rev: Is Seeing a Cardinal a Sign From My Dead Mom?
Dear Reverend, My mother died last year. She lived a great, long life, but of course I still miss her very much. Now, every time my sister sees a cardinal, she gets excited and says it’s mom sending a message. I don’t really understand why, as our mother wasn’t particularly fond of birds. I’m actually…
Life Lines
Obituary: Laurie Ann Martello, 1958-2026
South Burlington woman’s life was measured by the connections she made with her family and the love that they shared back
Obituary: Gary William Brooks, 1955-2026
Lifelong New England sports fan showed up for his family, who appreciated his unique personality and unmistakable sense of humor
Obituary: Bob Burley, FAIA, 1927-2026
Mad River Valley architect left his imprint on iconic landmarks in Vermont and beyond, including working with Eero Saarinen on the St. Louis Gateway Arch
Obituary: Thierry F. Guerlain, 1951-2026
Passionate cyclist, music lover and pickleball player approached life with a playful irreverence and showed up for the people around him
Obituary: Kevin Goldenbogen, 1972-2026
Pastor was dedicated to welcoming the stranger and caring for others
Obituary: Larry Arthur Limoge, 1934-2026
Self-employed businessman’s greatest sources of pride were his family, his faith and his 63-year marriage
Obituary: Peter Edvard Beneš, 1948-2026
Restaurant and hospitality professional showed his love through service and made people feel appreciated and cared for
Obituary: Thomas Phillips Johnson Jr., 1939-2026
Documentary filmmaker and advocate for the public good worked to preserve local history and the land that touched and motivated him
Obituary: Evelyn Vinton Beliveau, 1931-2026
Unflappable, empathetic and generous Jericho woman was the magnetic center of her home and “more fun than a barrel of monkeys”






