

Cover Stories
Despite $928 Million Spent, Lake Champlain Cleanup Is Falling Behind
Vermont is halfway into a 20-year project to address toxic algae blooms. But the results are mixed, and the problem has worsened in some spots.
Mandated Audit of Lake Champlain Cleanup Efforts Was Never Done
Lawmakers knew the project was expensive and sought an outside evaluation. But no firms stepped up, and lawmakers moved on to other concerns.
News
Neighbor Dispute Over Old Brick Store Roils Charlotte
The beloved general store is thriving. That’s created problems for the homeowners next door.
A Ritual of Remembrance at ‘Day of the Dead’ Event
About 100 people gathered in Middlebury for the Mexican holiday, which included a mass and procession to celebrate their deceased loved ones
A Trolley Tour of Burlington Caters to the Deaf Community
The goal of the November 6 event is to improve accessibility, raise awareness and break down barriers for those who cannot hear.
From the Publisher: Water Rescue
In a yearlong collaboration with ProPublica, Seven Days is probing why nearly $1 billion in spending has not dramatically improved Lake Champlain’s water quality.
Arts+Culture
VSO Jukebox Marks 10 Years of Turning Classical on Its Ear
The Vermont Symphony Orchestra’s string quartet celebrates its anniversary with a run of shows in which, like its namesake, audiences will choose the music.
Page 32: Short Takes on Five Vermont Books
New releases include a history of Jewish immigrants in the Green Mountain State, a novel within a novel about small-town life and a biography of Amelia Earhart.
A Spooky Anthology Featuring Vermont Artists Returns
The second annual ‘Samhain Harvest,’ produced by Old Town Café & Comics in Williston, showcases horror writers and artists from Vermont and beyond.
A Two-Person Art Show Creates Perfect Pairings in Montpelier
Works by Hannah Morris and Duncan Johnson play off each others’ strengths to enhance color and composition in a show at the Vermont Supreme Court Gallery.
Good Vibrations: Sarah Walker’s Paintings at Hexum in Montpelier
The artist’s intense palette and complex geometric forms create their own energy through layers of fluid paint and carefully inscribed lines.
John Killacky, Former Flynn Director and State Legislator, Dies at 74
A dogged defender of artistic freedom, Killacky died from metastatic prostate cancer on November 2.
Magnificent 7: Must-See, Must-Do Events in and Around Vermont, November 4-11
Explore our editor’s picks for must-do events in Vermont this week, including the dark and vibey Serial Killer Speakeasy at Flynn Space in Burlington.
Food+Drink
Northeast Kingdom Potato Specializes in the Humble Spud
On a historic Guildhall farm, Matt Linehan grows 30 kinds of potatoes for chefs, stores, schools and food shelves while still digging out from flood debt.
World Famous Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum Opens in Wilder
Maggie Cassidy’s collection of whimsical tableware outgrew her kitchen, so she decided to display it in a tiny windowed trolley for all to see.
B.U. Pub Gets New Owners — and a Remodel — in Colchester
Also known as the B.U. Emporium, the dive on Porters Point Road has been a locals’ bar since the 1970s. The Oliveira family will keep its neighborhood vibe.
Music+Nightlife
Joe Agnello Comes Into His Own on Latest Solo Record
The Burlington singer and guitarist has made a career of channeling other musicians. His new record as Joe Something offers a glimpse of the real thing.
On the Beat: Music Awards and Political Beef
In this week’s news: Vermonters face off in the New England Music Awards, the Dead Shakers want to fight Miro Weinberger, and Allison Fay contemplates the end.
Album Review: Cady Ternity, ‘Chatoyance’
The Northfield indie-rock band’s new release is a dense, heady record that shape-shifts, glimmers and refuses to be categorized.
On Screen
Movie Review: Laika’s Stop-Motion Animation ‘Wildwood’
Studio Laika’s stop-motion animation weaves Decemberists front man Colin Meloy’s novel into a spellbinding epic with an ornery heroine.
Now Playing in Theaters, November 4-11
In addition to ‘You Can See Everything’ 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: Should I Be Preparing for the Power Grid to Go Down?
Amid social media alarm about the Pentagon’s “FORTRESS America” initiative, here’s advice on seeking reliable news and stocking up for other emergencies.
Free Will Astrology (11/04/26)
Check out Rob Brezsny’s expanded weekly audio horoscopes & daily text message horoscopes: realastrology.com or 1-877-873-4888.
Life Lines
Obituary: Maureen Ann Griffin, 1938-2026
Teacher, avid reader, and lover of art, theater and travel was enchanted with the natural beauty of Vermont
Obituary: John R. Killacky, 1952-2026
Artist, curator, arts administrator and legislator instructed and published widely on the arts and cultural policy
Obituary: Stanley John Bissonette, 1936-2026
“True Vermont woodsman” and longtime public works director and volunteer firefighter in Hinesburg was a bedrock of the community
Obituary: Steven A. Billado, 1961-2026
Family was central to Barre man’s life, and he loved reading to his grandchildren
Obituary: Andrew Damian Champagne, 1963-2026
Enthusiastic champion for the Democratic Party, live music and the city of Burlington registered nearly 2,000 Vermonters to vote






