

Cover Story
New UVM President Tromp Gets High Grades — for Listening
Since she arrived in July, Tromp has been delighting students and staff by listening to their concerns. The school’s ideals, she says, will shape its future.
News
Amid an Immigration Crackdown, 23 New Vermonters Become Citizens
Vermont’s newest Americans swore their fidelity to the Constitution in a federal courtroom last week. They came from 16 nations.
Bradford Music Promoter’s Camper Van Biz Was a Fraud, Feds Say
Matt Strong promised to build retirees the campers of their dreams. Instead, he allegedly made off with $477,000 from 10 customers.
Teens in Southwest Vermont Are Building an Airplane
Bennington STEMWorks, a new nonprofit, aims to spark high school students’ interest in aviation through hands-on learning.
From the Publisher: Deep Digger
Since resigning from VTDigger in 2022, founder Anne Galloway has returned to writing for Seven Days. Publisher Paula Routly recaps their media history.
Rutland Chief Was Mum on Report Faulting Cops in Death of Trainee
Officer-in-training Jessica Ebbighausen died in a 2023 crash during a police pursuit. An internal affairs review that surfaced only last week says police should not have chased the suspect.
Food+Drink
With New South Burlington Café, the Kitchen Table Group Grows
The all-day menu from the chefs behind Richmond’s Kitchen Table deploys shared ingredients and culinary skills. The café’s pastry case is especially alluring.
A Cryptic Message From a Stranger Yields a Family Heirloom
Food writer Melissa Pasanen put out a plea for treasured holiday cookie recipes. Coincidentally, one dating back to the 1960s in her husband’s family showed up.
Stowe Street Café to Close in Waterbury
Owner Nicole Grenier decided to shutter her 10-year-old restaurant for business and personal reasons after a potential sale fell through.
Tourterelle Restaurant in New Haven Has New Owners
The restaurant, inn and event venue sold for $2 million. Former co-owner Christine Thomas-Snell will mentor new owners Shelby Mosello and Austin Ping.
The Chocolate Butcher Opens a Williston Store
A food industry consultant has launched his first retail outlet for the rough-cut chocolate chunks he has been selling through grocery stores for a decade.
New Scale Poké Bar; Burlington Black Cap Closed
The local poké chain will open an outlet in South Burlington, while the Church Street café has closed amid a strike and staff call for a boycott.
Arts+Culture
Stuck in Vermont: Spawning Salmon at the Ed Weed Fish Culture Station
Episode 756: The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s spawning operations are helping to restore Lake Champlain’s landlocked Atlantic salmon population.
Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum Opens Two New Exhibitions
Snowboarding’s colorful history — Snurfing, anyone? — and the work of Stratton Mountain Resort photographer Hubert Schriebl are on display in Stowe.
It’s a Small World, After All: Three Shows of Diminutive Art
The state is awash in shows of smaller works to entice holiday shoppers to give the gift of art. We look at three approaches to the format in three towns.
Mad River Macho: Nude Calendar Features Men of the Mad River Valley
The project raises funds for area charities while showing more than just the community spirit of farmers, firefighters and local legends.
Book Review: ‘Pastorals,’ Rachel Hadas
The Danville poet captures a Vermont that is always on the verge of becoming even as it fades in her latest collection.
Theater Review: ‘Dear Jack, Dear Louise,’ Shaker Bridge Theatre
A courtship in letters unfolds during World War II in Ken Ludwig’s play, which is sweet but never cloying in this White River Junction production.
Magnificent 7: Must See, Must Do, December 10-17
Explore our editor’s picks for must-do events in Vermont this week, including renowned vocal ensemble Windborne at Chandler Center for the Arts in Randolph.
Music+Nightlife
Soundbites: Watching the Future at the Spectacular Spectacular
While hosting a youth talent show, music editor Chris Farnsworth was filled with appreciation for late Vermont music teachers Robert Resnik and Jon Gailmor.
On the Beat: More Holiday Shows and New Singles
Foam Brewers throws a pair of holiday shows in Burlington. Plus, new music from Vermont artists including Francesca Blanchard, the Pyros, and Dwight + Nicole.
Album Review: ‘The Vermont Farm Project: A Farm-to-Stage Musical’
Based on real-life interviews, the original musical depicts a day in the life of Vermont farmers facing personal, practical, bureaucratic and political obstacles.
On Screen
‘Hamnet’ Is the Rare Tearjerker That Trusts and Elevates Its Audience
Six Golden Globe nominations went to Chloé Zhao’s adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s novel that imagines a link between ‘Hamlet’ and personal tragedy.
Life Lines
Obituary: Alice Winn, 1940-2025
Former ‘Shelburne News’ co-owner was active in local government and loved being around people
Obituary: Edmond Joseph Tourangeau Jr., 1970-2025
Native Vermonter loved NASCAR, hiking and horses and never minded hard work
Obituary: Frank Landry, 1960-2025
Physician was passionate about teaching and mentoring medical students and residents
Obituary: Randolph S. Hayward, 1947-2025
Former IBM employee was known for quiet generosity, steadfast loyalty, and love for antiques and football
Obituary: Barbara Tognelli Klein, 1954-2025
Lifelong nurse and devout Catholic created a memory garden; used her special talents to help many
Obituary: Mark C. DeVarney, 1954-2025
Accomplished architect and avid bowler was inducted into the Vermont Bowling Hall of Fame
Obituary: Kathryn Grace (Kunzler) Reise, 1938-2025
Girl Scout leader taught campers how to build igloos for winter camping, bake cakes in cardboard boxes and roast turkeys in garbage cans
Obituary: Timothy Saunders, 1973-2025
Georgia resident was a brilliant problem solver, photographer and storyteller who found joy in making others happy
Obituary: Stephen Cheney, 1954-2025
Stephen Cheney quietly passed away at his home in St. George, Vt., on November 25, 2025. Steve was surrounded by Judy, his wife of 52 years; daughter Krista; family; and beloved dogs. He was 71 years old.Steve was born to Nelson and Nancy Cheney in Hartford, Conn., after their car hit a tree en route…
Fun Stuff
Free Will Astrology (12/10/25)
Check out Rob Brezsny’s expanded weekly audio horoscopes & daily text message horoscopes: realastrology.com or 1-877-873-4888
Ask the Rev: What Secret Santa Gift Do I Give the Office Scrooge?
Forget lumps of coal and other malicious gifts. Here’s how to approach a holiday swap even when you drew the name of your least favorite coworker.
Crossword: ‘Mechanics of Solving’ (12/10/25)
Want more puzzles? Visit sevendaysvt.com/games






