

From the Publisher: Mutual Aid
Competition fuels the media business. But these days, collaboration makes increasing sense in a state that has finite resources to support good journalism.
A Conversation With Musician, Poet and Producer Kristina Stykos
The veteran Vermont singer-songwriter continues creating despite a vocal disorder, producing records at her Lincoln studio.
Album Review: The Suitcase Junket, ‘To Go On’
The singer-songwriter and musical MacGyver’s new album, a tribute to his late sister, is a meditation on grief and memory.
News
New Hemp Rule Upends Industry for Vermont CBD Producers
The impending federal law, intended to ban intoxicating hemp-derived THC products, could soon threaten the livelihood of local entrepreneurs.
Vermont School Districts Already Face Tough Budget Decisions
Some school boards will have to decide in the coming months whether to close or reconfigure schools, cut staff, or scale back programming.
Private Equity Firms Are Quietly Buying Up Local Funeral Homes
As aging morticians retire and look to sell their businesses, out-of-state entities see profits to be reaped in Vermont’s death-care industry.
Craftsbury Community Donates Apples for Cidermaking Fundraiser
Cedar Hannan knows there are a lot of apple trees in the Northeast Kingdom. With help, the Wildbranch Cider owner is collecting donated fruit for a good cause.
Arts+Culture
Why Are New Hampshire and Vermont Politically So Different?
Brian L. Porto’s new book, ‘Twin States, Different Paths: The Politics of New Hampshire and Vermont,’ traces the history of their divergent ideological cultures.
Book Review: ‘Alice Sees Ghosts,’ Daisy Rockwell
The second novel from the Bennington author and artist is an acerbic comedy of manners about a New England heiress who receives a message from beyond.
‘Dark Botanica’ at BCA Center Presents the Unsettling Side of Flowers
Seven artists from Vermont and elsewhere expand on flowers’ association with the feminine through works that are political, unstable and a bit threatening.
Decomposition Notebook: Soapbox Arts Exhibits Works by Ana Koehler and Hannah Cieri
The show features artworks full of vibrant decay, from figurative paintings to ceramics inspired by rotting wood to an installation of dried plants.
Magnificent 7: Must-See, Must-Do Events in and Around Vermont, Oct. 28-Nov. 4
Explore our editor’s picks for must-do events in Vermont this week, including the Howl’ween Dog Costume Contest along Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace.
Food+Drink
Café Culture: Sampling Five New Coffee Shops in Chittenden County
We headed to Artemus Café, Café Napoli, Clover Café, Meadow Roast Café, and Wild Meadows Books & Café to see what’s brewing in the Burlington-area coffee scene.
Onyx Tonics to Make Downtown Burlington Move After a Decade
Jason Gonzalez will close his College Street coffee shop this week to relocate around the corner into the former Kestrel Coffee Roasters café on Pine Street.
Crumbs: Burlington Bagel Adds St. Albans Location; Westford Provisions Closes
The family-owned bagelry group will add a fifth location by the end of 2026. After just over a year, Westford’s country store has closed its doors.
Music+Nightlife
On the Beat: Spooky Sounds on Halloween
From costumed musical tributes to a rock reimagining of a classic ghost story, Halloween weekend will be a hell of a good time in Burlington and beyond.
On Screen
Seeing Is Never Believing in ‘You Can See Everything,’ the Brilliant Elizabeth Holmes Doc
Comedian Nathan Fielder moves in with the disgraced tech star right before she heads to prison in this documentary he codirected with Lance Oppenheim.
Now Playing in Theaters, October 28 – November 4
In addition to ‘Crawlers’ 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: My Roommate Is Obsessed With Tarot, but I’m Not a Fan
Tarot cards are given a lot of spiritual and energetic meaning, but they’re not for everyone. Don’t want your fortune told? Here’s how to respectfully decline.
Free Will Astrology 10/28/26
Check out Rob Brezsny’s expanded weekly audio horoscopes & daily text message horoscopes: realastrology.com or 1-877-873-4888.
Life Lines
Obituary: Sybil Wilmoth Hindes Hearn, 1944-2026
Longtime resident of Burlington and South Burlington loved “beauty read and beauty seen” and was deeply committed to hospice and end-of-life care
Obituary: William John Callnan, 1949-2026
Business owner and proud father loved camping, traveling and hiking with his family, and he treasured his community and friends
Obituary: Carolyn Subin, 1942-2026
Social worker and “matriarch beyond comparison” advocated fiercely throughout her life for causes she cared about
In Memoriam: Mel Buss, 1954-2025
The plum tree you planted two years ago blossomed this spring and was covered in plums by midsummer. How I wish you could have seen it! I made my first plum clafoutis and thought of you with each delicious bite. I miss you every day — more than I can say — and carry you…
Obituary: Edward E. “Ed” Stygles, 1934-2026
Proud fifth-generation Vermonter lived a life filled with farming, family and friends and never shied away from a conversation or a good deal
In Memoriam: Josephine Marie Cartier, 1934-2026
Life of devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother was a testament to her commitment to family and community
Obituary: Patricia “Patty” Atwood, 1943-2026
Proud co-owner of Ray’s Auto Body in Bolton loved baking from scratch, exploring new places and spending time with the people she loved
Obituary: Ray Atwood, 1941-2025
Co-owner of Ray’s Auto Body and Bolton’s Citizen of the Year in 2004 lived a life of adventure and service






