Lewis M. Holmes
Lewis Meredith Holmes lived an engaged life as both a scientist and a humanist, with respect for the mind, the earth and the many people with whom he shared his life.
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Clement “Ted” Meunier
Ted’s life was characterized by his quiet demeanor, yet his robust laugh and zest for life were unmistakable. He approached each day with enthusiasm, pursuing dreams and nurturing his family’s shared adventures.
ICE looks to boost staffing at intelligence hubs in Vermont
The agency is considering hiring 24 contract workers at its offices in Williston to support immigration enforcement operations around the country, federal records show.
Portion of I-91 in northern Vermont named for border agent killed in line of duty
The Vermont Transportation Board approved the request to designate about 11 miles of roadway as the David Chris Maland Memorial Highway.
Windsor, no longer a prison town, still maintains a connection to people who die in state custody
A dedicated lot in Ascutney Cemetery serves as the site of last resort when individuals die in the department’s care without next of kin. An effort to update aging markers and fix burial records is in the works.
PHOTOS: First snowflakes fly around Vermont
The top of Mount Mansfield began to look like winter on Saturday. Read the story on VTDigger here: PHOTOS: First snowflakes fly around Vermont .
Fewer Vermont retailers are accepting food assistance benefits. Here’s why.
New federal hurdles are pushing small stores and farmers markets out of SNAP, cutting off food access in rural towns and hurting local businesses.
Rural Vermont needs the young to choose this place
Montpelier keeps piling regulations on the farms and small rural businesses that might give young people a reason to stay.
What can we do? An answer from Vermont’s premiere theater.
The Flynn asked what it could do to address the uncertainty many of us feel about our nation's future. The answer, Women+ on the Edge of Democracy, takes the stage Saturday, October 24.
Local businessman donates $4 million to financially ailing Brattleboro Memorial Hospital
“I wanted to give something back,” said Willy Buhlmann, who emigrated from Switzerland more than a half-century ago to found and recently sell his Swiss Precision Turning machine shop.
Then Again: Hoff overcame opponent and power of incumbency to make history
Vermont had such a long history as a Republican bastion that Democrats knew defeating even an unpopular governor would be a stiff challenge in 1962.
Vermont colleges should recruit closer to home
Vermont colleges spent too much energy chasing international students instead of recruiting students in their own backyard.
After upsets in 2024, parties focus on key races for balance of power in Vermont Senate
Political leaders are turning their eyes — and their funds — to closely watched contests in the chamber’s Addison, Bennington and Orange County districts.
‘Hollywood, VT’ project spotlights the Green Mountain State’s movie history
A Los Angeles publicist turned Vermont creative producer is focusing attention on such locally filmed classics as Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Trouble with Harry.”
To tax or not to tax: Two towns consider a local option tax this November
Bennington and Hinesburg have local option taxes on the ballot as part of a rising trend in Vermont.
Coffee for the community
Volunteers turned the porch of the closed café into a weekend pop-up, serving coffee and homemade baked goods. “We didn’t want to look like our town was closed,” one organizer said of the effort to create vitality for visitors.
Pro-Phil Scott super PAC launches ad buy, another signal Vermont governor’s race could be close
The PAC is funded by the national Republican Governors Association, which is now spending the most it has on a race in Vermont since 2018.
Addison County lands $3 million grant to fight addiction
“Geographic isolation, provider shortages and pervasive stigma create compounding barriers that prevent individuals from entering and remaining in care,” reads a grant application submitted by the United Way of Addison County.
In his third congressional race, Republican Gerald Malloy is looking for middle ground
Experts highlight a shifting platform in Gerald Malloy’s third campaign– away from Trump and toward Gov. Phil Scott.
A free press under pressure: New York Times’ Eric Lipton speaks in Vermont
The sold out event hosted by VTDigger and Seven Days centered on the importance of investigative journalism and uncovering profiteering in the Trump administration.
Popular Brousseau Mountain trail in Essex County conserved for peregrine falcons and future generations
“We wanted to keep the magical, pristine peacefulness of the whole area intact,” said Ann Sage, who, with her husband, sold the land to the town of Norton.
Rural Vermont is losing its say over its own land
Conservation in Vermont is being defined in a way that excludes the people who actually tend the land.
Vermonters relieved and conflicted after Trump backs off execution livestream
The plan to livestream Nidal Hasan’s execution brought bipartisan unease to Vermonters. The decision to revoke it brings comfort to some.
Barre wins flood recovery funds for long-awaited North End housing
The North End neighborhood was hard-hit by flooding in 2023 and 2024. City leaders hope the newly funded plans are the first step toward a bigger transformation.
Expenses for EB-5 mop-up total $14 million as judge OKs $1 million more in fees
The 10-year-old receivership will wind down, the court receiver said, closing out a process that allowed Jay Peak and Burke Mountain ski areas to emerge after the financial scandal.
Don’t pour more money into a broken healthcare system
Before Vermont spends new tax dollars on universal primary care, advocates need to account for decades of failed reform.
After a stormy week, cold arrives and much of Vermont passes peak foliage
The high elevations of the northern Green Mountains could see accumulating snowfall this weekend.
Vermont’s land laws should incentivize people who heal the land
Tax and permitting rules built for large-scale operations leave little room for small landholders who do the most to bolster ecosystem services.
English programs face rising anxiety amid fears of immigration enforcement
The services bring people from around the world together under one roof. Read the story on VTDigger here: English programs face rising anxiety amid fears of immigration enforcement .
David Martin
David loved life so very much. He found joy in all of the people and places surrounding him and was brought to tears more often from smiles than from sadness.
Robert A. Burley, FAIA
To the end, Bob offered to all a compliment, a word of encouragement, a funny line, and a beaming smile.
Vermont Conversation: Stealing Elections, American Style: Voting rights attorney David Walbert on how the 2026 election could be hijacked — and saved
“One of the lessons that the election deniers learned in 2020 was it's good to control the people that count,” said Walbert, whose new book recounts stories of voter suppression and stolen elections dating back 150 years.
Feds issue warning on grant funds after Vermont identifies own mistakes
Federal officials are telling Vermont to take immediate corrective action after state officials caught mistakes in how Vermont identifies underperforming schools. The state is writing the feds back, saying their reprimand is premature.
‘Fuck the Flock cameras’: On big tech, Vermont’s candidates for governor differ on style and substance
Amanda Janoo wants to make Vermont a national leader on regulating AI. Phil Scott says that’s better left to the feds, working together with tech companies.
Turn Trump’s $90 payment into a campaign check
That $90 Medicare rebate is yours to spend. Why not send it to a candidate before Nov. 3?
Engaged young voters across Vermont aim to get their peers to the polls
Voters aged 18-29 consistently see the lowest turnout rates of all age groups. Young voting advocates are rallying the troops to show up on election day.
Cheaper tuition alone won’t get first-generation students to college
Vermont is cutting the cost of college, but money doesn’t teach a rural teen how to get there.
Former Vermont Rep. Noel Neely died two days before being found, documents show
Search warrants revealed Noel Neely died of nitrogen asphyxia two days before being found in her Norwich residence.
Tuition free college or training? Yes!
Education is an investment, and enrolling in college or training can feel like a risk. But when you take cost out of the equation, new doors open. Learn about five programs available right now that make it possible to pursue a host of careers, tuition free, at any age or stage of life.
An ‘arms embargo’ organization could cost Vermont dearly
A campaign targeting 35 Vermont manufacturing and technology employers, supporting thousands of jobs, could destroy livelihoods and struggling communities.
Essex County parking saga comes to a close
Judge dismisses the Essex County sheriff’s appeal against an ongoing parking lot construction project.
UVM Health watchdog turns its sights to Vermont’s broader healthcare system
Regulators can put pressure on a narrow slice of Vermont’s healthcare costs, but in their last report, independent liaisons open a conversation of how Vermont can reduce costs more evenly across the healthcare sector.
Burlington man accused of killing his wife with a flashlight denies murder charge
The suspect also faces three counts of child cruelty as police said the incident took place in the presence of three children.
Vermont Supreme Court closes case in Westmore residents’ fight against telecommunications tower
The Court denied a motion filed last month by seven Westmore residents. Read the story on VTDigger here: Vermont Supreme Court closes case in Westmore residents’ fight against telecommunications tower .
Manufacturing leaders tackle Vermont workforce challenges
Employers, educators and officials met in Brattleboro to discuss building a stronger manufacturing talent pipeline.
Newport mayor strives to revitalize city after years of struggle
Newport’s hardships slowly diminished the once bustling city’s vitality. Now Mayor Rick Ufford-Chase says he aims to answer the question: ‘How do you bring a city back to life?’
Behind tinted windows, ICE is watching
What ICE does to migrants today should worry every American, not just those being deported.
Evelyn Beliveau
Lyn was an unflappable, reassuring, kind, loving presence, a bottomless well of patience and generosity.
Vermont Supreme Court sides with school board on principal firing
Supreme Court upholds civil court decision. Read the story on VTDigger here: Vermont Supreme Court sides with school board on principal firing .
UVM Medical Center unions approve contracts and avert a strike
A sweeping majority of the more than 2,000 members of the two unions who voted, cast ballots in favor of the agreements, which largely address the unions’ demands surrounding staffing levels.
Our schools are being crushed by state mandates
A sharp drop in the state’s excess spending threshold is forcing Hartford to make deep cuts, even as expenses rise.
Let’s have a substantive debate on energy affordability
The gubernatorial candidates need to say how they would make energy more affordable for Vermont households and businesses.
A new tree pest could be catching a ride on your car
Humans inadvertently brought spotted lanternflies to the U.S. from Asia, and Vermonters play a big role in limiting their spread in the state.
VTDigger named Distinguished News Site, earns top investigative reporting honors
“These most recent awards build upon a long track record of excellence and impact at VTDigger.” — Brendan Kinney, CEO
A Vermont degree should come with a green card
As international enrollment falls, Vermont stands to lose millions in economic activity. A green card for full-tuition graduates would change that.
Political mailer sparks Vermont disclosure complaint
The attorney general is reviewing allegations that a PAC failed to disclose donors and file a required report.
Fight trafficking by decriminalizing consensual adult sex work
Vermont's prostitution laws make it harder for people to report exploitation and for survivors to rebuild their lives.
Political polls historically underestimate Phil Scott. Will 2026 be different?
Two new polls differ sharply on Vermont’s governor’s race. History suggests the numbers deserve a closer look.
At odds over the “Aud,” Vermont Coyotes announce departure from Barre
This season will be their last at the Barre Civic Center, the team announced. Read the story on VTDigger here: At odds over the “Aud,” Vermont Coyotes announce departure from Barre .
Vermont high schools feel the pinch with fewer international students enrolling
Visa delays and shifting Trump administration policies are leading to less international interest in a U.S. education, school leaders say.
For Vermont cell users, breaking up is easy to do
It’s a familiar reality for many people in Lamoille County: The phone call dropped. The texts won’t send.
Godnicks celebrates 100 years of furnishing Rutland
A fourth generation of Godnicks celebrate the milestone. Read the story on VTDigger here: Godnicks celebrates 100 years of furnishing Rutland .
Man taken into custody in Vermont faces murder charge in his mother’s death in Massachusetts
Court records made public Friday revealed that an argument about cats between the mother and son preceded the fatal shooting.
PAC money is rolling in as Vermont’s election nears
A constitutional amendment on labor rights and Amanda Janoo’s campaign for governor appear to be generating national-level interest, campaign finance reports show.
School budgets run on diesel
As fuel costs eat into district finances, the question is what gets cut to keep buses running.
Police identify officer and victim involved in Williston shooting
The officer, Ethan Favreau, has been placed on administrative leave. No charges have been filed as of Friday afternoon.
John Rodgers sought to tie Molly Gray to ‘mistreatment of migrant workers.’ Here’s what records show.
Molly Gray is not involved in the operation of Four Corners Farm, according to her brother, farm manager Peter Gray.
Michael DeForge
An avid outdoorsman, Michael could often be found hunting and fishing the woods and waters of East Montpelier, Calais, and Woodbury.
Vermont general election ballots mailed later than expected
Following “technical problems,” all ballots were mailed by Oct. 7, according to the Secretary of State.
Police face barrage of questions but provide few answers about shooting by Williston officer
The injured man suffered a gunshot wound to his hip in the early Thursday morning shooting and was treated at the hospital and released, according to police.
A decade of remembering: Good grows from grief
A 2016 crash has the grim distinction of being Vermont’s deadliest mass homicide. The effects of the tragedy rippled through the Harwood high school community foremost, stretching outward to Vermont as a whole.
Universal primary care is at the center of the race for governor. How would it work?
Democratic challenger Amanda Janoo has proposed an income tax on the wealthiest Vermonters to fund primary and preventive care for all state residents. The idea has been met with support, skepticism and questions.
Vermont school districts scramble to cover the increased cost of diesel
Typical school buses run on diesel fuel. With prices at the pump remaining steadily high since September, districts are considering how to come up with the extra money.
A salute to the Northeast Kingdom’s sharpest wit
No label quite captures a commentary this tongue-in-cheek. Read the story on VTDigger here: A salute to the Northeast Kingdom’s sharpest wit .
The fall foliage is the best it’s been in years
Warm temps and Saturday sunshine make foliage viewing a weekend must-do. Wetter weather is on the way.
State police investigate shooting by Williston officer that wounded a man early Thursday
The injured man was taken to a hospital, where he was reported in stable condition.
Vermont governor’s race will test voters’ appetite for raising new taxes — or cutting them
There’s broad consensus that affordability is a problem, one political observer said. But Amanda Janoo and Phil Scott hardly see eye-to-eye on how to solve it.
Vermont’s ‘slopaganda’ problem
After a successful challenge of Vermont's AI political media law, computer-generated election satire continues to make waves.
Don’t tax Vermont expats out of coming home
A huge tax increase on second homes could push out owners with deep Vermont roots and let wealthier buyers with fewer ties take their place.
Florida evangelist purchases former Green Mountain College campus from whiskey mogul
The sale price for the Poultney campus property was $6 million. Read the story on VTDigger here: Florida evangelist purchases former Green Mountain College campus from whiskey mogul .
Vermont Digital Services Secretary Denise Reilly-Hughes to leave role for private sector
Scott’s office praised the outgoing secretary’s work improving the state’s cybersecurity systems and exploring AI possibilities.
Parents of cyclist who was killed in crosswalk file wrongful death lawsuit against driver
"She loved to ride her bike," the teen’s father said Wednesday, after bringing the legal action against folk artist Douglas Knapp.
Vermont’s housing crisis needs bold answers
Homelessness has become ordinary in Vermont. And that is extraordinary. Read the story on VTDigger here: Vermont’s housing crisis needs bold answers .
For Sam Lucci, Freedom & Unity made the path back to college a “no-brainer”
“There might be a point where I have to weigh the cost of tuition against everything else,” Sam said. “But as long as there is Freedom & Unity, I can plan my life and my next semester and a path to my degree.”
Vermont Conversation: Forester, influencer and author Ethan Tapper on why ‘it’s our responsibility to carry hope for each other’
Tapper’s new book, “The Forest Year: Finding Hope in a World Worth Saving,” explores the power of staying and paying careful attention to the environment around you.
Federal boost advances West Brattleboro Terrace redevelopment
A $1.75 million federal award moves forward a $19 million plan for 30 energy-efficient homes for older residents.
Vermont summer food aid for families expires this weekend
Time is running out for most families to use grocery benefits that help feed children during the months when schools aren’t in session.
Lt. gov. candidates largely agree on politics, clash personally
Lt. Gov. John Rodgers and challenger Molly Gray met Tuesday for a tense debate hosted by Vermont Public.
Rink on the brink: Barre makes last-minute ice rink repairs, but the arena’s future is uncertain
For one local high school coach, the rink holds three generations of family history.
Proposal 4’s language is flawed
The Legislature’s own constitutional law expert has raised concerns about the amendment’s language.
Vermont colleges chart a path forward against demographic and financial headwinds
“We cannot lose more colleges in Vermont if we're going to try to address Vermont's demographic issue,” said a leader of Middlebury College.
Vermont’s return-to-office order is an insult
The order ignores the dignity, work ethic and worth of the people who do the state's work.
UVM Medical Center unions reach tentative agreement in contract negotiations
Union members now have until Sunday to vote on ratifying the contract. Read the story on VTDigger here: UVM Medical Center unions reach tentative agreement in contract negotiations .
Brattleboro fire chief deploys for 13 months
Chief Jay Symonds serves with the New York Army National Guard. The planning for a handoff to an interim chief began several months ago.
Attorney for man charged in a deadly police chase seeks to quiz potential jurors before seeking change of venue
The lawyer called it an “efficient way to address the enormous amount of publicity this case has generated, and the strong feelings that appear to exist in a large number of people in Rutland County.”
New report finds low reconviction rates for teens in first years of Vermont’s ‘Raise the Age’ law
“My hope is that this will encourage our lawmakers and policymakers and the administration to hold the course with ‘Raise the Age,’” said the chair of Vermont’s Council for Equitable Youth Justice.
Not every job needs to be done in the office
The return-to-office order could drive out workers Vermont can't afford to lose.
Despite some overall progress, Vermont test scores show a widening achievement gap
The state’s initial evaluation of its annual standardized test scores shows a widening gap between marginalized students and others. The Vermont Agency of Education says the state’s school funding model is to blame.
Vermont can help keep Canada close
As tariffs push Canadian businesses toward other markets, Vermont can use its ties to Quebec to its own advantage.
Marilyn Houston
Marilyn was a lively, compelling soul. She challenged everyone she met with an intellectual curiosity that was unmatched.