Nov 5-11 2025
Beta Technologies Hits Stock Market With $1 Billion IPO; UVM Students Pressure Officials to Improve Campus Housing; Break Room Lets You Smash Stuff Without Consequences; Tasting New Versions of Five Chittenden County Eateries
Cover Story
Beta Soars in Stock Market Debut. Can It Reach New Heights?
Vermont’s high-flying electric aviation startup made a big impression during its public debut on the New York Stock Exchange. But there are hurdles ahead.
News
UVM Students Pressure Officials to Improve Campus Housing
Students have documented leaks, mold and pests in their dorms. They want UVM to be held to the same standards as traditional landlords.
Race for VTGOP Chair Heats Up Ahead of Vote
Paul Dame, who was leading the party when it made significant electoral gains in 2024, faces a challenge from Sen. Russ Ingalls, who says the party has no money.
Vermont Orchards Aid Jamaican Workers After Hurricane
Hundreds of Jamaicans were in Vermont to pick apples when Hurricane Melissa ravaged their homeland. Orchards are raising money to help them repair damages.
From the Publisher: Humor Me
After catching comedian Jimmy Carr at the Flynn in Burlington, Seven Days publisher Paula Routly reflects on his salty, sometimes controversial standup.
Food+Drink
Tasting New Versions of Five Chittenden County Eateries
From Big Spruce in Richmond to Majestic in Burlington, a handful of established spots have seen changes in chef, owner or location. Now what’s on their menus?
Clover Café Aims for December Launch in South Burlington
Sister and brother Amaya and Wolf Baustert will open a coffee shop in a high-visibility Shelburne Road spot with local pastries and locally roasted beans.
The Skinny Pancake Group Closes Its Stowe Restaurant
Founder-owner Benjy Adler said that labor shortages prompted the closure and called Vermont the hardest area to staff of the three states where he operates.
Cask & Cork Merges Waterbury’s Wine Vault and the Vermont Beer Collective
The Wine Vault’s Anastasia Kohl took over the neighboring beer biz last year and recently rebranded. Now, the retail shop-bar is stocked with both beverages.
Arts+Culture
Break Room Lets You Smash Stuff Without Consequences
The new South Burlington business encourages people to shatter dishes, break glassware and clobber windshields to let off steam and reduce stress.
Mourning in America: BCA Center Art Show Explores Private and Public Grief
The exhibition pulls together works by eight artists who deal with individual and collective trauma and loss in a moving and heartfelt presentation.
Say It With Paint: Larry Bissonnette’s Solo Show in Waterbury
The Vermont artist and autism advocate presents his early works at the Hesterly Black gallery, which hosted a screening of the 2011 documentary about him.
New Director Shakes Up Aurora Chamber Singers’ Fall Concert
Music director Cameron Brownell introduces a seismic shift for Burlington’s early-music singing group with a program that includes contemporary composers.
Q&A: BarnArts’ Haunted Village Theater Builds Community in Barnard
On October 18, guides led visitors to five outdoor locations to see Halloween-themed performances. Go behind the scenes of this “Stuck in Vermont” video.
Page 32: Short Takes on Five Vermont Books
Seven Days gives the read on five new books by local authors, including a novel about small-town Vermont life and a riveting history of the CIA.
Magnificent 7: Must See, Must Do, November 5-12
Explore our editor’s picks for must-do events in Vermont this week, including Virginia alt-rock quintet Carbon Leaf at Higher Ground in South Burlington.
Vermont International Film Festival Attendance Sets 13-Year High
The 10-day event tallied more than 9,000 attendees — a 26 percent jump over last year. It featured 80 films from 40 countries.
Music+Nightlife
Causing a Scene: 25 Years of the Radio Bean
The small downtown music venue has been a vital part of Burlington since 2000, playing host to countless bands, genres and communities.
Eye on the Scene: Dobbs’ Dead Halloween Show
Photographer Luke Awtry bids a fond farewell — for now — to All Night Boogie Band’s Jess Leone and Brendan Casey, who moved to New York City last week.
Album Review: Hammydown, ‘Former You’
The Burlington indie-rock band’s long-awaited debut LP highlights the wit, charisma and fearlessness of songwriter and bandleader Abbie Morin.
Album Review: Repelican, ‘Dim Halo’
The latest album from Panton musician Jon Ehrens is a gloriously eclectic piece of indie rock and electro pop.
Vermont Comedy Club Launches Nonprofit Vermont Comedy Arts
As it turns 10, the Burlington laugh factory plans to expand and give its education programs room to grow. The new nonprofit is seeking a downtown space.
On Screen
The Dark Satire of ‘Bugonia’ Feels All Too Timely
A conspiracy theorist abducts a pharmaceutical exec, convinced he’s saving the planet, in this remake of a Korean film from director Yorgos Lanthimos.
Now Playing: November 5-12
In addition to “Sarah’s Oil,” 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.
Life Lines
Obituary: Christine Emaline Reitz, 1939-2025
Nurse and accomplished seamstress volunteered for humanitarian causes and always wanted to help others
Obituary: Marshall “Mac” Allen Cummings, 1976-2025
Small-business owner and dedicated Phish fan exuded positive energy and accepted everyone for who they were
Obituary: Diane Marie Small, 1939-2025
Loving mother of four was deeply passionate about her spiritual work and serving others
Obituary: Jack Williamson, 1940-2025
Publisher for Garden Way created one of the first publishing houses that focused on the homesteading movement
Obituary: David Huddle, 1942-2025
Prolific and accomplished writer will be remembered as a beloved husband, father, friend, teacher and mentor
Obituary: Janet Tudhope Austin, 1933-2025
Vermont native’s careers in nursing and real estate inspired the creation of two permanent awards
In Memoriam: A.J. Senator, 1917-1985
Dearest Dad, It has been 40 years since you passed away. We hold you in our hearts each and every day. Much love, Peter, Christina, Lynn, Jeff and grandchildren
Fun Stuff
Free Will Astrology (11/5/25)
Check out Rob Brezsny’s expanded weekly audio horoscopes & daily text message horoscopes: realastrology.com or 1-877-873-4888
Ask the Rev: My Sister Treats Her Dogs Like Children
A child-free woman considers her pets as her “fur babies.” But is hosting a baby shower for a dog going too far? The Reverend weighs in.
