

Cover Story
In John Rodgers’ Upset Win, Some See a Bright Political Future
Rodgers’ rural roots and blue-collar background helped John Rodgers tap into the wave of anti-tax anger gripping the state.
Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Ban Smartphones in Vermont Schools
The legislation would require school districts to adopt policies to prohibit students from using cellphones and personal electronic devices during the day.
Obituary: Russell Berger III, 1961-2025
Enthusiastic leader won rookie honors at Thunder Road and made friends everywhere he went
Shelburne Selectboard Approves Housing Project Agreement
The O’Brien Brothers construction company wants to build 375 homes on a property near Shelburne Village. On Tuesday, the selectboard gave its approval.
Vermont Construction Company Vows to Improve Worker Conditions
The Colchester company came under fire for housing migrant workers in warehouse space. Now it has joined forces with worker rights groups.
Scott Outlines $9 Billion Budget to Skeptical Lawmakers
Gov. Phil Scott pitched a spending plan that he said would prevent another increase in property taxes for education next year. Democrats expressed concerns.
Vermont Delegation Blasts Trump’s ‘Unconstitutional’ Federal Funding Freeze
Shortly before 5 p.m. on Tuesday, a federal judge issued a stay and blocked the freeze from taking effect. The judge’s order expires at 5 p.m. on February 3.
Obituary: Jeanie Margaret MacDonough, 1940-2025
Charlotte woman dedicated her career to Vermont’s public school system and making a meaningful difference in the lives of students and teachers
Obituary: Susan M. Griffin, 1957-2025
Vermont native’s life was defined by her giving nature, and her greatest joys were her grandchildren
In Memoriam: Jeffrey Rodliff, 1981-2005
Twenty years ago, nine students in a privately managed apartment on the University of Vermont campus fell ill to carbon monoxide poisoning. Tragically, one of…
Suspect in Border Patrol Shooting Makes First Court Appearance
Teresa Youngblut, the 21-year-old suspect charged in the fatal shooting of a U.S. Border Patrol agent made her first appearance in federal court in Burlington late Monday afternoon.
Obituary: Benjamin Waitt Thurber, 1932-2025
Pastor and accomplished artist will be remembered for his commitment to his community
Obituary: Gloria Joy Beaulieu Daley, 1940-2025
Activist lesbian-feminist and RN helped found the Vermont Women’s Health Center
Obituary: Mark Best Ducharme, 1944-2024
U.S. Army veteran and co-owner of Buggyman Antiques in Johnson, Vt., never met a dog he didn’t love
Obituary: James “Jim” Manley, 1938-2025
Milton native remembered for his determination, loyalty, and love for his family and his unwavering pride in his community
UVM Advises Administrators to Plan for Possible Budget Cuts
Facing a possible budget shortfall, the University of Vermont has asked some nonacademic administrators to look for ways to trim their budgets if needed.
Brandy Melville Opens on Church Street, Sparking Controversy
Known for its “one-size-fits-most” clothing, the controversial brand is the subject of a scathing HBO documentary.
Obituary: Jean Paul Hawkins, 1937-2025
Husband, father, uncle and friend to many enjoyed sharing his love of the outdoors with his family
Obituary: David C. Hamilton, 1954-2025
Beloved analyst was always drawn to the natural world, especially birds, and Mount Philo, his sacred place
Vermont Education Secretary Unveils Sweeping Plan to Transform K-12 System
Gov. Phil Scott’s administration wants to overhaul how Vermont’s schools are funded, governed and evaluated. The state would have just five regional districts.
Middlebury College Appoints Its 18th President
Ian Baucom will start his job on July 1. He is coming from the University of Virginia, where he has been serving as vice president and provost.
On the Beat: Groundhog Fest Debuts in Burlington
A new Burlington festival is packed with local talent. Plus, the Northern Roots Festival returns, and the International Music Series kicks off in Brattleboro.
First-Person Storytelling Festival Returns to the Flynn
Ryan J. Haddad headlines the *snap* First Person Arts Festival, which also features five up-and-coming performers, including Vermonter Gina Stevensen.
Album Review: Glorious Leader, ‘How I Made My First Million’
The Northeast Kingdom indie singer-songwriter drops a new EP and companion hardcover book, weaving a story of endless hustle and catchy choruses.
For Retirees, There Are Extra Costs to Living in Vermont
Soaring property taxes, a new payroll tax, costly housing and big heating bills make living in Vermont a labor of love for many seniors.
Album Review: YETI MANE, ‘American Classical Studies’
Vermont rapper, producer and music journalist Justin Boland samples a slew of classic jazz sounds on his latest release, delivering a hip-hop “Ars Poetica.”
Daniel Craig Plays a World-Weary William S. Burroughs-Inspired Character in ‘Queer’
The film isn’t so much a story as a vibe, an immersive study of a character and a historical moment. The real action happens in the spaces between the words.
Timothy Curtis Pairs Two Philadelphia Artistic Traditions
In an exhibition at the Current in Stowe, the New York City artist marries the history of Philly graffiti with 19th-century Pennsylvania Dutch stoneware.
Now Playing in Theaters: January 22-28
In addition to Nosferatu, 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.
Artists Serve Up ‘Layer’ Takes at Adamant Co-op
From paintings and collage to sculpture and video, nine local artists interpret the concept of “Layers” in a varied show at the little gallery.
From the Deputy Publisher: Mr. Rodgers’ Neighborhood
Vermont has a new Republican lieutenant governor. During Inauguration Week, deputy publisher Cathy Resmer considers party lines and the political divide.
School Funding Proposal Would Change How Vermont Pays for Education
The Scott administration is proposing a transition to a foundation formula, a commonly used way of paying for schools that would give more power to the state.
Ask the Rev: Winter Is Turning Me Into an Old Fart
Vermont winters are long, cold and dark — they can turn even longtime residents into couch potatoes. Here’s advice for fighting off the seasonal doldrums.
Letters to the Editor (1/22/25)
‘A Click Away’ Speaking of fitness [Wellness Issue, January 15], I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your fantastic online issues. Wednesdays…
Vermont History Center Opens Research and Exhibition Gallery
In a treasure hunt-like space in Barre, a new “open-storage” room allows the public to view more of the Vermont Historical Society’s 30,000-artifact collection.
Québec’s Ice Skating Trails Are a Highlight of Winter
From the forest maze of Domaine Enchanteur to urban tracks in Montréal, the province offers skaters the freedom of gliding outdoors.
Soundbites: Peak Music in Stowe Trains the Next Generation of Musicians
The new school offers fresh lessons and new ways to train tomorrow’s musicians. Founder Pete Cornell’s programs emphasize songwriting and recording.
‘Hadestown: Teen Edition’ Hits Stages Across Vermont
Several student groups are performing the teen adaptation of Anaïs Mitchell’s Vermont-born musical that became a Broadway sensation.
Free Will Astrology (1/22/25)
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In old Hawaii, it was forbidden for ordinary people to touch objects that belonged to the chiefs or to anyone with…
Get to Know Winooski’s Howl Bier in Three Drinks and a Snack
The lager-focused taproom and public house brings Euro inspiration, collaborative beers and thoughtful nonalcoholic drinks to a long-cursed spot on the rotary.
Inspired by Their Young Son, a Shelburne Farm Family Grows and Sells Poppin’ Charlie’s Popcorn
When curling up with a movie this cozy season, consider popping some locally grown popcorn inspired by the youngest member of Shelburne’s Lapierre Farm family.
Restaurateur Jed Davis to Add Three Chittenden County Eateries
The Farmhouse and Awesome Times groups will open a Farmhouse Tap & Grill and new Italian American Spaghet in Williston plus another South Burlington Bliss Bee.
Natural Wine-Focused Bar Renée to Open in Burlington
Alex Leopold spent three years looking for a space before securing 202 Main Street, most recently the Other Half. He’ll serve wines from Vermont and beyond.
Café NOA Reopens in Montpelier with New Operators
Cousins Sadananda Hira and Amit Mojumdar are offering a classic American breakfast and lunch menu under the guidance of the café’s founder, Joe Buley.
Magnificent 7: Must See, Must Do, January 22-29
Explore our editor’s picks for must-do events in Vermont this week, including The Rocky Horror Picture Show with a live shadow cast at Lebanon Opera House.






