

Cover Story
Meghan Sweezey Carves Out Space for Women in Vermont Hockey
The Saint Michael’s College coach and Girls 4 Hockey founder has proven herself a gritty, resourceful entrepreneur and an agent of positive change in the sport.
In Morrisville, North Country Donuts Changes Hands
The doughnut bakery’s founder-owner, Nicole Maddox, has sold her business to Dan Gwaltney, a former education professional and serious hobby baker.
Vermont Attractions Hit by Canadian Tourist Cancellations
Some tourism businesses say Canadian visitors have cited Trump’s tariff threats and his talk of annexing Canada when canceling plans.
Many School Districts Are Cutting Staff Ahead of Budget Votes
Financial pressures are forcing some Vermont districts to make dramatic personnel cuts. Staff and benefits account for roughly 80 percent of school budgets.
Shelburne Cop Who Fatally Struck Cyclist Cited With Felony
Sgt. Kyle Kapitanski is accused of gross negligent operation in the November crash that killed a 38-year-old Burlington man.
Opera Vermont and Circus Smirkus Join Forces in ‘Pagliacci’
Joshua Collier gives Ruggero Leoncavallo’s tragic opera a contemporary update in a production blending professional singing with acrobatics and clowning.
Free Will Astrology (2/19/25)
PISCES (Feb. 19-Mar. 20): Have you been struggling to summon the motivation to start anew in some area of your life? I predict that sometime…
Ask the Rev: My Boyfriend Doesn’t Last Long in Bed
One partner finishes fast; the other doesn’t reach the finish line at all. But with practice, couples should be able to find a way to reach the goal together.
Letters to the Editor (2/19/25)
Defending Bliss [Re Feedback: “‘Upsetting’ Comic,” January 29]: The whole point of the newspaper is to express people’s differing views — to push us to…
Three Questions for Mike Oxready of Winter Is a Drag Ball
Taking over from the House of LeMay, the local drag king ushers the iconic annual tradition into a new era with help from fresh and familiar faces.
No More Mr. Nice Guy: An Interview With Rough Francis’ Bobby Hackney
The Burlington band has a new album, and it’s more punk — and pissed off — than ever. Fall EP is both a howl of frustration and a call to action.
Nusantara Brings a Global Marketplace to Essex
The Essex Experience shop sells furniture, clothing, jewelry and knickknacks from 70 countries, making visitors feel like world travelers, no passport required.
Vermont Artists Add to Smithsonian Exhibition on Rural America
At the Chandler Center for the Arts, viewers can explore change in rural America through historical photos, sounds, video and works by Vermont artists.
Album Review: Warren Haynes, ‘Million Voices Whisper’
In advance of a Flynn show, the blues and slide guitar icon — and former Allman Brothers Band member — returns with his first solo recording in nearly a decade.
Album Review: Ponyhustle, ‘Ponyhustle’
With its eponymous debut album, the longtime Honky Tonk Tuesday house band is poised to be Burlington’s premier purveyor of country and early rock and roll.
With Bread for Peace, Burlington Faith Communities Bake Together
Members of the Ohavi Zedek synagogue and Burlington Friends Meeting have teamed up for a bake sale to help those impacted by the Israel-Hamas war.
Main Characters Fight for Center Stage in ‘A Different Man’ and ‘Your Monster’
Both films could be described as subversive takes on “Beauty and the Beast,” involve the theater, and are provocative enough to spark post-viewing discussion.
Ab Fab: Color Is Everything at Mad River Valley Arts
Photographers Lisa Dimondstein, Julie Parker and Sandra Shenk present more than 30 abstract images based on David Stromeyer’s large-scale sculptures.
Now Playing in Theaters: February 19-25
In addition to A Complete Unknown, 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.
Horseman Tim Hayes Draws Lessons From a Lifetime of Riding
In his new book, Horses, Humans and Love, the New York City native explores equine traits and what they can teach us about parenting, love and healing the world.
Education Proposal Is Latest Attempt to Address Long-standing Challenges
The challenges facing Vermont’s education system — and the policy levers the governor wants to use to address them — have existed for decades.
First-Time Candidates Compete for Burlington Council Seats
The outcome of the races could sway the balance of power on the council, which has been led by a Democratic majority for the past two years.
From the Publisher: Getting There From Here
Seven Days publisher Paula Routly tried flying direct from Burlington to Tampa — in winter — on the airport’s new budget carrier, Breeze.
A Cannabis-Themed Magic Act Will Play Tricks on Your Mind
Las Vegas-based magician Ben Zabin reads audience members’ minds, does sleight of hand with bongs and lighters, and makes jars of weed disappear into thin air.
Ta-Nehisi Coates, SistaStrings Headline the Black Experience
The award-winning writer and the rising musical sister duo crown a day of events in this fourth-annual celebration of Black culture in Burlington and Winooski.
In Memoriam: Andy Van Ness, 1963-2025
Andy Van Ness, 61, of Jonesville, Vt., died on January 24, 2025. He leaves behind two beloved children, Anna and Colin Van Ness. Andy was…
Renovation Helps Roots Farm Market Offer One-Stop Shopping
The store started selling goods from Karin Bellemare and Jon Wagner’s Williamstown-based Bear Roots Farm and is now a retail outlet for many local producers.
Dining on a Dime: Rice Noodle Soup at Ichiban Asian Cuisine
In Burlington’s Old North End, Jason Lin’s new Ichiban Asian Cuisine satisfies with steaming, spicy soup that warms in multiple ways.
Bobcat Café & Brewery in Bristol Has Sold to a Pair of Brothers
After 16 years, chef-owners Erin and Sanderson Wheeler have handed over their brewpub to Jon and Christopher Ruggiero, who plan to stay the course.
Gilfeather’s Fine Provisions to Move Into Ferrisburgh’s Brown Church
Rick and Nancy Benson will expand their takeout biz’s kitchen and grocery options in the former Methodist church, which they purchased from the town.
Magnificent 7: Must See, Must Do, February 19-26
Explore our editor’s picks for must-do events in Vermont this week, including local favorite Cajun band Pointe Noir at Seven Stars Arts Center in Sharon.






