

Cover Story
Burlington’s Money Woes Are Forcing Difficult Decisions
The city government has grown larger and costlier to sustain. Officials are considering whether city hall can deliver the same services with less.
Obituary: Terald Jed Wilson, 1951-2025
Cofounder of the Track2wing Project was passionate about hunting dogs, the outdoors and habitat conservation
Obituary: Kathleen C. Koepele, 1942-2025
Long-practicing psychoanalyst lived a life rich with intellectual pursuit, creative expression and deep familial love
Obituary: La Verne Maria “LVM” Shelton, 1945-2025
Musician, singer, educator and philosopher found a spiritual home in Quakerism
Obituary: Derek J. Stubbs,1989-2025
Standout athlete was a proud father and uncle who charmed everyone he met with his goofy nature and beaming smile
Obituary: Ann Tangney Lovald, 1950-2025
Adventurer, animal lover, weaver and fashionista leaves a legacy of creativity, wit and unforgettable style
Obituary: Donna W. Bourassa, 1940-2025
Multitalented powerhouse of a woman was a giver, first and foremost
With Layoffs, Burlington Mayor Presents Balanced Budget
At a press conference on Monday, Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak said officials have a plan to close the city’s $8 million budget hole. The fix includes 18 layoffs.
Obituary: Margaret T. Douglas, 1938-2025
Homemaker and mother of three loved animals, crossword puzzles and watching the birds at her feeders
Obituary: Barbara Tenney Parker Gay, 1926-2025
Longtime library professional made an impact through many public service efforts
Obituary: Geoffrey Grove, 1969-2025
Vermont Freemason had a gift for making people feel safe, seen and accepted
Vermont Arts Leaders Resolve to Continue Their Work
In a town hall with Rep. Becca Balint and Sen. Peter Welch, leaders of nine organizations expressed defiance as President Trump attacks federal arts and culture agencies.
More Than 100 Businesses Seek Relief From Burlington ‘Crisis’
The open letter to Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak calls for action on 10 fronts, including relocating a pop-up soup kitchen and restoring a downtown police presence.
Greensboro Voters Reject Affordable Housing Project
Despite a housing crunch, Greensboro residents shot down a plan to sell off their town hall so that it could be converted into 20 affordable units.
Obituary: William Cruikshank Jr., 1941-2025
Renaissance man taught himself to build houses, loved a good knock-knock joke and could recite Shakespeare by heart
Burlington Electronic Department Celebrate Three Years
Through their de facto production company, Roost.World’s Zaq Schuster is making a scene and conjuring club-kid utopia in Burlington.
On the Beat: Talking Femme Fest With Burly Girlies
The Essex femme punk act, which is all about creating a community where everyone can feel safe in the mosh pit, hosts a “punk prom” at Higher Ground.
She Went Flat After a Mastectomy — Now She’s Helping Others
After foregoing breast implants post-mastectomy, Richmond’s Lisa Taft Sylvester self-published a photobook capturing 12 “flatties” flaunting their smooth chests.
Lawmakers Debate Bills They Hope Will Make Immigrants Safe
Lawmakers are considering several bills aimed at making the state safer for migrants. Governor Scott opposes many of them.
Free Will Astrology (5/7/25)
TAURUS (Apr. 20-May 20): Classical ballet dancers often seek to convey the illusion of weightlessness through highly stylized movements. Innovative Taurus choreographer Martha Graham had…
‘The Surfer’ Is a Movie Unusual Enough to Deserve Nicolas Cage
It may look like a home invasion thriller, but in this minimalist story set on a beach, the question of who is “home” and who is the “invader” is up for grabs.
Ask the Rev: My Boyfriend Grew a Beard, and I Can’t Stand It
Whiskers are ruining the mood for one partner. Here’s how to talk to a loved one about their physical appearance while protecting their feelings.
Now Playing in Theaters: May 7-13
In addition to the Legend of Ochi, 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.
Eye on the Scene: Rough Francis at Waking Windows
The local scene said goodbye not only to the eclectic Winooski indie music festival but also to the beloved Burlington punk band.
Northern Vermont Is a Hot Spot for a Rare Fungal Infection
Blastomycosis, a fungal disease, has been cropping up around the Green Mountain State, particularly in three northern counties.
VSO Season Finale Features Vermont Composer Alexandra du Bois
Before the Vermont Symphony Orchestra tackles Mahler’s Symphony No. 1, it performs a local composer’s electrifying work inspired by the Civil Rights Movement.
Krusted Gold in Rutland Keeps Used Clothing in Circulation
The new thrift store offers shoppers a by-the-pound or curated shopping experience. Less desirable clothing donations are shipped off to a recycling company.
S.P.A.C.E. Exploration: Burlington Gallery Members Show 115 Artworks
The Pine Street gallery’s annual members’ show is on view, with a record number of established and emerging artists presenting all kinds of works.
AI Meets the Romantic in Ned Richardson’s Show at the Front
Playing on our ways of seeing, the Moretown artist creates AI landscapes and combines computer parts with vintage stereogram images and a poetic sensibility.
Health Care Leaders Are Scrambling to Prevent Another Major Insurance Hike
The future of Vermont’s health care system could hinge on whether hospitals are willing to make tough decisions — and fast.
From the Publisher: Trail Talk
As President Donald Trump threatens to sell off national parks, publisher Paula Routly reflects on hiking in the wilderness — with a Bookstock speaker.
Letters to the Editor (5/7/25)
A Profile in Courage Thank you for the brilliant article on the hard work and courage involved in the passing of the civil union bill…
Album Review: The Tenderbellies, ‘When the Thunder Rolls’
On its second LP, the Burlington bluegrass act further solidifies its reputation as one of Vermont’s quickest-pickin’ bands.
Album Review: Reid Parsons, ‘Back to Back’
The Burlington singer-songwriter’s full-length debut is a jazzy folk-pop record that wants listeners to keep their heads up.
Indie-Folk Musical ‘The Vermont Farm Project’ Premieres at Northern Stage
After three years in development, the musical uses all the languages of theater to suggest the everyday miracles a farmer experiences from sunrise to sunset.
Donwoori Korean Relocates and Opens Stylish Winooski Spot
Entrepreneurial siblings Summer and Khoi Cao quickly outgrew their Korean restaurant’s original South Burlington space and came home to expand.
Three Questions for Heike Meyer of Fairfax’s Brot Bakehouse
The Vermont baking instructor recently became one of three American certified bread sommeliers. We asked her what that means and other knead-to-know questions.
Nomads Restaurant to Bring Arabic Food to Burlington
Mahati Mohamed and his business partners will offer a menu that represents their Egyptian, Iraqi and Moroccan heritages as well as some American favorites.
Magnificent 7: Must See, Must Do, May 7-14
Explore our editor’s picks for must-do events in Vermont this week, including a scrummy Bug Banquet at the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium in St. Johnsbury.






