Jul 2-8, 2025
Learning Curve: Revamping the State’s Education System; A McNeil Oversight Has Cost Burlington Electric Nearly $1 Million; RiverAware App Issues Flood Alerts; Stowe Art Show Interrogates Protest, History and Democracy
Cover Story
Vermont’s Independent Schools Discussed at Length in Ed Reform
Public school advocates worried that in the final days of negotiations about transforming how schools are financed and governed in Vermont, private schools got inordinate attention.
Obituary: Jon Raymond Ojala, 1952-2025
History buff and avid hiker found peace and purpose on Vermont’s trails
Obituary: Ann Hall, 1929-2025
Accomplished musician discovered her passion at an early age
Panel Named to Take Next Big Steps in Education Reform
The School District Redistricting Task Force will propose ways to consolidate local school governance in Vermont. Its members will start work soon.
Plan for a New Juvenile Lockup in Vergennes Hits a Snag
State officials are no longer pursuing plans to develop the Green Mountain Youth Campus in the city and say they’re looking for a more viable location.
Obituary: Irwin Pensack, 1926-2025
Kind, approachable and a believer in civil rights, audiologist brought the gift of hearing to countless people
Obituary: Cheryl Malkin, 1951-2025
Real estate agent, teacher and activist had a quiet fierceness and a gentle spirit that made the world feel more like home
Obituary: Stuart “Stu” Ralph Ross, 1943-2025
U.S. Air Force veteran and longtime IBM employee is remembered for his sense of humor
Obituary: Gary F. Gilmond Sr., 1945-2025
Longtime Georgia resident had a passion for horses
Vermont Arts Council Announces 2025 Governor’s Arts Awards
Recipients include an internationally acclaimed photographer, a circus arts educator and a collective of artists whose public murals celebrate community and the African diaspora.
Obituary: Thomas A. Dippel, 1958-2025
Natural-born teacher brought science to life for his middle school students
Obituary: Lynn David Townsend, 1937-2025
IBM engineer and Navy veteran loved fishing, boating, bowling and spending time with family
In a Swift About-Face, Burlington Drops Parking Plan for Homeless
On Wednesday, Burlington announced plans to let homeless people stay in vehicles overnight at Perkins Pier. After blowback, the city abruptly dropped the idea.
Obituary: Eliza Penney Riegelman, 1987-2025
Known for her quiet curiosity, wry humor and creative cooking, South Burlington resident led with love
Eye on the Scene: Grace Bowers at Shelburne Museum
Photographer Luke Awtry caught the blues rock prodigy as part of the Ben & Jerry’s Concerts on the Green summer series.
Album Review: Julia Randall, ‘Rom-Com Industrial Complex’
In a sprawling and ambitious debut, the Burlington singer-songwriter presents an emotionally gripping concept record on modern love.
Album Review: Cal Humberto, ‘Maybe You’ve Changed’
Burlington multi-instrumentalist Calvin Wuthrich has dropped a four-song introduction to his new solo direction: luxurious, timeless R&B.
Pardon Seekers in Vermont Plead for an Answer
Gov. Phil Scott has not provided clemency to any of the 117 people who have applied for it during his eight years in office.
Ask the Rev: My Sister Is Addicted to Tanning
A sibling knows suntanning is bad but won’t stop. Here’s how to help a loved one see the light about the negative health effects of sun exposure.
Downtown Middlebury Gets a Rainbow Makeover
In early June, the town’s public works department painted several crosswalks bright colors, eliciting (mostly) positive community feedback.
Jacob Hashimoto’s Airy Art Installation at BCA Center
An immersive installation, sculptural reliefs and a series of 192 prints invite viewers to explore a world created using traditional kite-making techniques.
Free Will Astrology (7/2/25)
CANCER (Jun. 21-Jul. 22): There’s a story from West African tradition in which a potter listens to the raw material she has gathered from the…
The War for Britain Continues ’28 Years Later’ in a Weirdly Wistful Horror Sequel
The franchise that revived zombie pandemic horror returns with director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland again at the helm, a new cast, and an elegiac tone.
New App Alerts Users to Rising Rivers and Streams
RiverAware, developed after Tropical Storm Irene, uses real-time data from a national network of gauges so people know when it’s time to seek higher ground.
Now Playing in Theaters: July 2-8
In addition to Jurassic World Rebrith, 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.
Greg Freeman Looks Out to the End on New Album ‘Burnover’
Ready to drop his new album, full of keen observations and a gnawing sense of mortality, the indie rocker contemplates the Burlington scene.
Protest, History and Democracy Reverberate at the Current Gallery in Stowe
With the exhibition “It often rhymes,” the gallery brings together artists who interrogate and explore symbols of our national identity, history and values.
Leading Bike Tours in Vermont Is No Walk in the Park
Bike tourism is growing, as is the demand for competent guides. Seasoned local pros explain what it’s like to lead a tour group.
An Error Cost Burlington Electric $1 Million
Turnover at a key position led the McNeil Generating Station to miss a deadline for getting renewable energy credits. Regulators say the oversight is concerning.
Letters to the Editor (7/2/25)
Whither Willoughby? Thank you, Seven Days, and reporter Kevin McCallum for your thorough coverage of circumstances surrounding the proposed Industrial Tower and Wireless radio tower…
In Its 175th Season, the Burlington Concert Band Provides Free Music and Community Connection
Since 1851, the band has been performing free summertime concerts. Its musicians mark a major anniversary on July 20 in the Battery Park band shell.
Q&A: Tour Clarence Baker’s Unique Gardens in Roxbury
Baker has been landscaping his lush grounds and transforming junk into garden art for decades. Go behind the scenes of this “Stuck in Vermont” video.
From the Publisher: Good News
The new Vermont Journalism Coalition, a trade organization for local media, recently gathered to discuss urgent and existential challenges.
On the Beat: Parking Garage Parties and Poop Decks
In this week’s music news: Burlington Electronic Department throws a rave, the Otter Creek Music Festival returns, and Rockin’ Ron schools us on nautical lingo.
Wilder Wines Sparkles in Its New Downtown Burlington Home
Sipha Lam moved her tiny natural wine shop this spring, adding a bar. Now a popular $20-and-under shelf is even bigger, and no glass of wine is more than $14.
Matryoshka’s Bakery Owner Shares a Childhood Fave From Russia
In a new South Burlington spot shared with Good Times Café, Maryam Counter bakes classic Eastern European honey cake along with her popular macarons.
Cork Opens Third Stowe Spot and Introduces New Chef
The Nichols sisters have added a second market, which sells candy plus gourmet food and drink. Chef Weston Nicoll now helms their restaurant.
Magnificent 7: Must See, Must Do, July 2-9
Explore our editor’s picks for must-do events in Vermont this week, including the Vermont Symphony Orchestra’s “Summer of Love” tour at venues across the state.
