Dear Reader,

Today we’re launching our Fall Member Drive to raise $150,000 for independent reporting that helps Vermonters make decisions about their lives and their communities.

A gift of $14 a month — less than 50 cents a day — keeps this service strong and free for every neighbor.

If you believe in the power of independent, trustworthy Vermont news, please become a monthly sustaining member today. If monthly isn’t right, a one-time gift in any amount still helps us reach our Fall Member Drive goal.

Across the country, local journalism is disappearing. Since I began reporting for Vermont newspapers in the early 2000s, the number of journalists in the United States has fallen by more than 75%. Today, one in three counties has no full-time local reporter.

But Vermont is an exception because of you.

A new report from Muck Rack and Rebuild Local News reveals that Vermont maintains the highest number of local journalists per capita in the nation, thanks in large part to VTDigger and the readers who support us. While we still have a long way to go to restore our press corps, this is an achievement worth celebrating.

I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together. But keeping Vermonters informed takes ongoing commitment. When we say we can’t do it without you, we truly mean it: The only way to keep VTDigger strong is with continued support from readers like you.

If you value independent, in-depth reporting that explains complex issues, connects neighbors and holds power to account, I invite you to become a sustaining member today.

Locally owned newsrooms like ours prioritize accuracy, depth and community focus. That work requires time, editors, document requests, travel and follow-up. It’s only possible through reader support. 

Monthly support gives us the resources to stay on top of the issues that matter to you like housing, the environment, immigration, education and rural healthcare. It means we can have reporters in the Statehouse, attend court hearings and knock on doors to include the voices of everyday Vermonters.

Together, we can keep our community informed, connected and strong.

Sincerely,

Sky Barsch
CEO, VTDigger

P.S. Make a gift during our Fall Member Drive and you’ll be entered to win one of two $250 gift cards to Johnson Woolen Mills. New monthly sustainers will also receive a VTDigger sustainer decal.

Read the story on VTDigger here: VTDigger’s fall membership drive aims to raise $150,000.

At VTDigger, we know that good journalism begins with listening, especially to people who often feel left out of the conversation. That’s why VTDigger launched Dirt Road News, a new project focused on understanding how younger and rural Vermonters get their news, what challenges they face, and what local media could do better.

Do you live in a rural Vermont community or small town?

We want to hear from you. While we’re especially hoping to hear from folks under 50, a group we hear from less often, the survey is open to all rural and small-town readers of any age. By listening closely now, we can tell local stories that reflect all of Vermont.

How do you know if you’re rural? Most Vermont towns and small communities qualify. If you’re unsure, you probably are rural enough for this survey!

Your voice matters

We know that every Vermont community is unique. By taking this short survey, you’ll help us:

• Learn what topics matter most to you and your neighbors, and how you like to receive that information
• Understand the barriers and frustrations to accessing local news
• Shape future VTDigger reporting, news products and community engagement

About Dirt Road News

This project goes beyond this survey. We’re also working with local community ambassadors, aka neighbors who are helping us listen and connect, and popping up at trivia nights across the state to gather fresh perspectives in fun, welcoming spaces. You can learn more and follow our project and events by visiting our Dirt Road News page.

Take the survey below!

Thank you for helping shape the future of local news in Vermont.

Read the story on VTDigger here: Take our survey: We want to hear from Vermont’s young and rural voices.

Hello! My name is Theo Wells-Spackman, and I joined VTDigger in July to cover wealth, poverty and economic inequality in Vermont. My position is made possible by Report for America and by VTDigger members who donate to support our work. 

I grew up here, in New Haven and then Weybridge. I’m glad to be back — I recently graduated from Princeton University, where I studied English and journalism. Before arriving at VTDigger as a full-time reporter, I was an intern here, working with this incredible team of reporters and editors. 

In my first few weeks of conversations, I’ve heard a lot of people expressing concern and uncertainty about what Vermont’s future might hold, both for newcomers and those who have been here for generations. 

As I plan what stories to tackle, I want to hear from you: What questions do you have about wealth, poverty and economic inequality in Vermont? What feels urgent where you live? What’s confusing or under-explained?

Please submit your questions in the form below. Our team will review every submission as we plan coverage of this important topic. (We won’t publish your name or town without permission.)

What would you like to know about wealth, poverty, or economic inequality in Vermont? Share your questions and help shape Theo’s reporting!

Sharing contact information is optional. If you’d like us to follow up, check the box below and share your preferred contact. We will never publish your contact details.

Read the story on VTDigger here: Ask Theo: Your questions on economic inequality in Vermont.

Dear Readers,

Want to see more VTDigger stories when you search the news? Google now lets you choose Preferred Sources, a new feature that highlights your favorite outlets in the Top Stories section and a dedicated “From your sources” feed. If you’re signed in to Google in the United States, it only takes a few clicks to add VTDigger and make sure our reporting rises to the top when news breaks.

Quick add (desktop or phone)

• If you’re signed into Google in the U.S., you can click this link to open the preferred sources pop-up with VTDigger prefilled.
• In the pop-up, check “VTDigger.” That’s it! You can continue to search or close the window/tab.
• If you don’t see the pop-up, try a news-related search and follow the steps below.

How to add VTDigger (desktop)

1. Go to google.com and make sure you’re signed in.
2. Search for a newsy topic (for example: “Vermont news”). If the Top stories box appears, look for the small star icon to the right of the “Top stories” heading.
3. Click the star. In the “Preferred sources” window, search for “VTDigger.”
4. Check the box next to VTDigger, then select “Reload results” or close the window.
5. You should now see VTDigger appear more often in Top stories and From your sources when we have fresh reporting related to your search.

How to add VTDigger (phone)

You can follow the same steps in the Google app or your mobile browser:

1. Open Google and sign in.
2. Search for a timely topic. In the top stories carousel, tap the star icon next to the heading.
3. Search for “VTDigger,” check the box, and reload results or close the tab.

Tips & troubleshooting

• Quick add link: If you’re already signed in, try https://google.com/preferences/source?q=vtdigger.org to jump straight to the “Preferred sources” pop-up with VTDigger prefilled.
• Don’t see the star? Try a different query that’s clearly news-related. The option only appears when a “Top stories” box shows up. It’s gradually rolling out, so it may not appear for every user or every search.
• Being signed in matters. Your preference travels with you when you’re signed in to your Google account on that device.
• You can pick more than one outlet. Add other trusted sources anytime. You can also uncheck or edit your list later.

Why it helps

Choosing VTDigger as a preferred source keeps reliable, local reporting close at hand in your everyday searches, especially during breaking news and fast-moving statewide issues. It’s a small step that helps you find updates quickly while keeping your feed focused on sources you trust.

Questions? We’re happy to help: contact@vtdigger.org

Share this guide with a friend who relies on local news.

Read the story on VTDigger here: Keep trusted news at the top of your Google Search.

Thursday, Aug. 21
7–9:30 p.m.
Babes Bar, 221 Main St.
Bethel, Vermont

Looking for a fun Thursday night out in Bethel? Join VTDigger’s Dirt Road News team at Babes Bar for their legendary trivia night. We’ll be on hand with giveaways, special prizes and a chance to chat about how local news can better serve young and rural Vermonters.

Whether you’re a trivia regular or just want to enjoy a great night out, we’d love to meet you. Our team will be there to listen, swap stories and hand out some VTDigger swag. We want to hear what matters to you and your community.

• Free event, all are welcome, no RSVP required
• Trivia promptly starts at 7 p.m.
• Prizes for top teams and raffle winners
• Babes Bar is located at 221 Main St., Bethel, Vermont 05032
• Pro tip: Get to Babes early to reserve your team’s table

Stop by, say hello and enjoy a great night with neighbors and friends. Questions? Email contact@vtdigger.org.

We hope to see you there!

About Dirt Road News

Dirt Road News is a new VTDigger community listening project focused on understanding how younger and rural Vermonters get their news, what challenges they face and what local coverage could do better. This project goes beyond trivia night pop-ups. We’re also working with local community ambassadors, neighbors who are helping us listen and connect, and distributing a survey.

Read the story on VTDigger here: Join us at Babes Bar for trivia night with the Dirt Road News project.

Because of 361 generous readers, we’re celebrating two big wins: VTDigger members helped send 441 children’s books to Vermont kids via the Children’s Literacy Foundation and raised $22,792 to keep fearless, independent journalism thriving in our state.

During the drive, your comments reminded us why this work is so important:

• “I want to support this incredible Vermont organization and support young people in Vermont with books.” – Jane
• “I appreciate what you folks do. Books and knowledge are the key to everything!” – Paula
• “I love VTDigger and getting books to children is very important.” – Holly
• “We need local journalists to be truth tellers.” – Rosanne
• “I am a new resident to Vermont and it’s important to support truth and reading!” – Laurie

Every gift made during the CLiF membership drive means more Vermont children will experience the magic of reading and more Vermonters will continue to have access to the rigorous reporting they rely on. 

We’re grateful to everyone who stepped up for both public service journalism and young readers. We are especially grateful to The Vermont Book Shop in Middlebury for sponsoring the book donation to CLiF, allowing every dollar from our readers to go directly to support independent reporting.

Your support is helping build a stronger, better-informed, and more connected Vermont. Thank you for believing in the power of local news, literacy and community.

With thanks,

Libbie Sparadeo
Director of Membership and Engagement, VTDigger

Read the story on VTDigger here: We did it — Thank you for supporting young readers and local journalism.

Dear Reader,

At VTDigger, we believe the future of our state depends on more than public service journalism — it also requires investing in the next generation of news readers. That’s why your donation to VTDigger will do double duty today: supporting independent journalism and delivering a new children’s book to a Vermont child.

This week, we’re partnering with the Children’s Literacy Foundation (CLiF), a Vermont-based nonprofit that has brought books, author visits and interactive literacy programs to more than 350,000 children in local communities with the fewest resources. Often a book from CLiF is the first new book a child has ever owned.

Every donation we receive by Saturday will send a book directly to a Vermont child through CLiF. Our goal is to send 350 books from 350 community-minded VTDigger readers.

Reading is the foundation of community participation and civic engagement. Every child deserves access to stories, facts and ideas that expand their world. But in many Vermont homes, new children’s books are a luxury. Your gift today helps close that gap.

We’re so grateful to the 76 readers who have already stepped up and we only have a few days to inspire 274 more donors to help us reach our goal. Every gift, no matter the size, brings us closer to delivering both trusted news and the gift of reading to Vermont families.

As a thank you, if you become a monthly sustaining member at $20/month, you’ll receive your choice of a hat or a tote bag from our summer merch drop while helping us invest in a more curious, informed and equitable Vermont.

Your support powers journalism that holds leaders accountable and gives voice to Vermont’s communities. And right now, it also opens doors for children, sparking curiosity and hope with every book delivered.

Join us in building Vermont’s civic future.

Sincerely,

Neal Goswami
Managing Editor, VTDigger

Each donation of a brand-new children’s book via the Children’s Literacy Foundation has been generously underwritten by the Vermont Book Shop. 100% of your gift to VTDigger will directly support our journalism.

Read the story on VTDigger here: Give by Saturday: One donation powers local news and early childhood literacy.

Dear Reader,

As you know, VTDigger is your valuable, independent source of information on what’s happening in Vermont. I am honored to return to Vermont as VTDigger’s new editor-in-chief and to lead this talented team of journalists, who are deeply committed to truth, accountability and community.

Today we are announcing a special partnership that connects two pillars of a healthy community: fact-based journalism and childhood literacy. 

This week, your gift will support local journalism as well as the news readers of tomorrow by sending a brand-new book to a Vermont child through the Children’s Literacy Foundation (CLiF).

Will you help us send 350 books from 350 members by Saturday, July 19?

Just as journalism opens up the minds and hearts of our audiences, children’s books invite young people to learn about new things and feel what it’s like to make different journeys.

In a time when housing, groceries and healthcare dominate family budgets, children’s books shouldn’t be a luxury. But for many families, they are. 

Make a gift today and you will be keeping our community strong by supporting VTDigger’s capacity to provide you with local news and sending a new book to a Vermont child.

Sincerely,

Geeta Anand
Editor-in-chief, VTDigger

Each donation of a brand-new children’s book via the Children’s Literacy Foundation has been generously underwritten by the Vermont Book Shop. 100% of your gift to VTDigger will directly support our journalism.

Read the story on VTDigger here: VTDigger Partners with CLiF and the Vermont Book Shop to deliver books to Vermont children.

On Thursday, July 17, you’re invited to a special event with VTDigger’s editorial team. Join us in Brookfield for an honest, behind-the-scenes look at how we report the facts and hold ourselves accountable to you.

What: In Facts We Trust: Local Journalism in the ‘Fake News’ Era
When: Thursday, July 17 | 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Brookfield Old Town Hall | 93 Stone Rd, Brookfield, VT
RSVP: Free and open to all — but seating is limited, so please reserve your spot.

Whether you’re a longtime reader or just curious how journalism works behind the curtain, this event is for you. You’ll hear directly from our editors about what it takes to produce independent, trustworthy reporting in Vermont and how you can sharpen your own news literacy in the process.

We’d love to see you there.

Read the story on VTDigger here: Join VTDigger for a special event on July 17.

We just launched three fresh designs for summer, and every purchase helps fund the independent journalism you rely on.

Whether you’re heading to the farmers market, planning a hike or just enjoying your morning coffee, these styles are designed with love and say what we all believe: Local news is worth supporting.

Happy place

Vermont is our happy place and we’re showing it with a smile and a state that says it all.

Field notes

Our illustrated ode to summer in Vermont, drawn from a few of our favorite things.

Reader supported

Wear what you believe in: Local news should be free, trusted and powered by the people it serves.

Our summer collection includes T-shirts, tote bags, hats and mugs in warm hues designed by our resident artist, Taylor Haynes (aka our audience & product director). Don’t forget, you can always shop our staff favorites and best sellers too.

Read the story on VTDigger here: New merch: Our love letter to a Vermont summer.

You might’ve noticed an addition to our website. We have officially launched a new housing section, featuring all of our coverage on the state’s housing shortage, impacts of repeated flooding, issues surrounding homelessness and more. 

The new Housing category rounds out our news topics to eight, joining Health, Environment, Government & Politics, Economy, Life & Culture, Education and Public Safety. 

These categories not only help you, the reader, navigate our site more easily, but also demonstrate what our reporting priorities are as a news organization. 

Since summer 2023, housing reporter Carly Berlin has been covering housing for VTDigger and Vermont Public through a Report for America partnership, focusing on issues such as:

• The impacts of repeated flooding on Vermont’s housing stock
• State leaders’ response to rising homelessness
• The experiences of unhoused Vermonters and other residents navigating the state’s housing market
• The wide-ranging economic impacts of Vermont’s severe lack of homes — and the efforts to boost the state’s housing supply
• All things housing-policy related at the Statehouse, from land use law to funding for affordable housing programs to tenant protections
• The impacts of federal changes to housing policy and funding on Vermonters

We’ve recently published pieces on a plan to overhaul the state’s response to homelessness and dissolve the motel voucher program, the need for wastewater infrastructure, the possibility of building new homes in factories and the results of recent changes to state land use rules. 

If you value VTDigger’s coverage of housing — one of the most urgent issues facing Vermont — please consider becoming a sustaining monthly member. Reader support makes it possible for Carly and our other reporters to investigate policy decisions, share the stories of those most affected and hold leaders accountable. Your one-time or monthly gift ensures this essential work continues.

Read the story on VTDigger here: Why we created a new housing section on VTDigger.org.

Dear Reader,

Affording a life in Vermont is becoming harder for more people and the consequences are real. From housing and child care to health care and food, many Vermonters are navigating rising costs with fewer options and more stress.

Too often, public conversations rely on averages that mask the realities many Vermonters face. At VTDigger, we believe journalism has a responsibility to go deeper and reflect lived experiences, expose systemic gaps and ask tough questions about what’s working and what’s not.

That’s why we’re launching a new reporting beat focused on wealth, poverty and economic inequality in Vermont.

Report for America is helping fund this new beat. But to fully sustain it, we need our readers to chip in for the remainder. Our goal is to raise $50,000 this year.

Thanks to a generous local donor, all gifts made by Saturday, June 14 at 11:59 p.m. will be matched dollar for dollar. Will you double your impact and help us launch this new beat?

A familiar name. A critical new role.

We’re proud to share that Theo Wells-Spackman will join VTDigger in July as our newest Report for America corps member.

Theo, who grew up in Weybridge and interned in our newsroom last summer, recently graduated from Princeton University. As part of the national Report for America service program — which places talented journalists in local newsrooms across the country to report on undercovered topics — Theo will investigate the economic policies and systems that shape life for Vermonters across income levels, regions and backgrounds.

During his previous stint at VTDigger, Theo covered a range of topics including flood recovery and the Vermont state college system with empathy, insight and rigor. We’re thrilled to welcome him back and excited to see what he uncovers next.

But we can’t do this without you.

Every donation through Saturday will be matched and bring us closer to launching a beat that delivers real answers. Any gift up to $500 will be doubled and help us launch this beat with care, accuracy and a community mandate.

Theo’s reporting will focus on the root causes of Vermont’s affordability crisis, follow the flow of public funding and elevate the experiences of those most affected by economic hardship. He’ll look closely at proposed solutions and report back on what’s actually making a difference.

If you believe Vermont needs deeper, clearer, more consistent reporting on the rising cost of living, now is the time to act. Help us build a beat that delivers answers.

Your donation today will go twice as far to support hard-hitting, solutions-focused journalism.

Sincerely,

Neal Goswami
Manaing Editor, VTDigger

Read the story on VTDigger here: Introducing VTDigger’s new Report for America corps member: Theo Wells-Spackman.

Dear Reader,

Vermonters are facing a growing affordability crisis. From housing and health care to child care and groceries, many people are struggling to keep up. 

These pressures affect communities in every corner of the state. 

That’s why VTDigger is launching a new reporting beat focused on wealth, poverty and economic opportunity in Vermont. This beat will dig into the root causes of economic hardship, examine the systems meant to offer support and elevate the stories of Vermonters navigating these challenges every day.

Thanks to our partnership with Report for America, we have secured partial funding for the role. Now, we’re asking our readers to help us close the gap and bring this position to life.

In order to launch this beat, we need to raise $50,000 this year. Will you be one of the readers who makes this new beat possible?

Why this work matters now

Vermont has long depended on imported wealth to sustain its economy, but is this model still working?

This new reporter will explore the challenges and opportunities facing different communities. From rural poverty and housing insecurity to the impacts of demographic shifts sparked by the pandemic, this beat will cover a broad range of topics including:

• Root causes of Vermont’s affordability crisis
• The experiences of Vermonters most affected by economic challenges
• Regional disparities and areas for change
• Gaps in state services and nonprofit safety nets
• How economic policy affects Vermonters differently depending on geography, age and background

This beat will help ensure that policy conversations are grounded in reality, informed by evidence and inclusive of the full range of Vermonters’ experiences.

Backed by Report for America and readers like you

VTDigger is honored to be selected as a host newsroom by Report for America, a nonprofit journalism service program that places talented reporters in local newsrooms to cover underreported topics. The program covers a portion of the reporter’s salary, but requires that the remainder come from community support.

Unlike some chain-owned commercial media, VTDigger is a nonprofit news organization that does not charge subscriptions to read our work — so readers from all economic backgrounds have access to the information they need. But, we can only hire and sustain our team with our readers’ support. We don’t receive federal funding, and every dollar we raise, we put into fulfilling our mission. 

You can help us close the gap and launch this vital work. If you value fact-based reporting that explains complex issues, amplifies unheard voices and holds power to account, please consider making a donation.

Your support whether $15 or $500 will help us launch this beat with care, accuracy and a community mandate.

Thank you for your readership and support.

Sincerely,

Lesli Blount
Chief Revenue Officer, VTDigger

Read the story on VTDigger here: Help VTDigger investigate Vermont’s affordability crisis.

VTDigger has hired experienced journalist Liana Teixeira as deputy managing editor to help guide the newsroom’s award-winning coverage across Vermont.

Teixeira will join VTDigger on May 19 and work alongside Managing Editor Neal Goswami to help run the day-to-day operations of the 20-plus newsroom staff.  She has most recently worked as an editor and recruiter in Virginia. She has previously worked for Business Insider as assistant managing editor and held several newsroom leadership positions in Connecticut.

Teixeira will work with the newsroom leadership team to oversee three senior editors and more than a dozen reporters and interns while helping guide VTDigger’s daily news coverage as well as its investigative special reports.

Meanwhile, Austyn Gaffney has joined VTDigger and University of Vermont’s Center for Community News through a new reporting and instructing partnership. Gaffney recently completed a fellowship on The New York Times’ Climate Desk, where she’s covered record-breaking weather events, shrinking sea ice, wildfire risks and the accelerating impact of climate change on vulnerable communities.

At VTDigger, her reporting will focus on environmental science reporting. At UVM, she will mentor undergraduate students on environmental reporting through the Center for Community News program. This new position’s primary funding source is a generous gift by the Canaday Family Charitable Trust along with financial support from the University of Vermont, David Blittersdorf, Mathew Rubin and Kathryn Stearns.

Her first day was May 1.

“VTDigger is fortunate to welcome two extremely talented journalists to the staff at a time when deeply reported, accurate news matters more than ever. Liana and Austyn have the skills, talent and experience to help advance the newsroom as it enters an exciting new era under the leadership of incoming Editor-in-Chief Geeta Anand,” Goswami said.

Promotions

Lesli Hill Blount, who consulted on funding strategy starting in January, has been officially appointed as Chief Revenue Officer. Blount is leading the revenue team to grow funding for the newsroom by strengthening relationships with donors, members and business underwriters. She will work directly with businesses who support VTDigger’s work through our advertising program. Blount previously spent a dozen years as director of business sponsorships at Vermont Public and has held positions at KeyBank and the Greater Burlington YMCA.

Emma Cotton has been promoted to a senior editor at VTDigger. Cotton joined the organization in 2020 through a partnership with Report for America as VTDigger’s southwestern Vermont reporter. She most recently served as an environmental reporter. In her role, she will supervise several reporters, coordinate coverage, edit stories and contribute to newsroom leadership initiatives.

Habib Sabet, previously a night editor for VTDigger, has been promoted to business and general assignment reporter.

Teixeira and Cotton replace former Deputy Managing Editor Alicia Freese and former Senior Editor Diane Derby, respectively. Freese stepped back to pursue other opportunities and Derby retired in April after a long career in journalism and politics.

“Congratulations to the team members who have been promoted, and a warm welcome to the new faces in our newsroom. I’m deeply grateful to our entire team for their continued commitment to journalistic excellence,” VTDigger CEO Sky Barsch said. “And to our funders: Your support makes it possible to bring on professionals of this caliber. Thank you. Vermonters will be well-served by their talent and dedication.”

Read the story on VTDigger here: VTDigger makes key hires and promotions.

VTDigger announced Wednesday that Geeta Anand, a Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist, author and university dean, has been named the organization’s next editor-in-chief.

Anand has worked as a journalist for nearly 30 years as a foreign correspondent in India for The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, covered City Hall for the Boston Globe, and wrote “The Cure,” a book about a father’s fight to find a cure for his terminally sick children, which was adapted into the film, “Extraordinary Measures” starring Harrison Ford. Most recently, she served as dean of the University of California Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism.

In the early 1990s, Anand covered southern Vermont and the City of Rutland for The Rutland Herald, where she uncovered across-the-board errors in Vermont by one of the nation’s biggest credit reporting companies, prompting Congress to pass a new law.

Eager to hone her investigative reporting skills, Anand eventually left the Herald for bigger news publications. But even as she did so, she promised her husband, Greg Kroitzsh, a Vermonter whose parents ran the Salt Ash Inn in Plymouth, that they would return one day in the future, when she hoped to bring all of her skills and experience to lead a news publication. 

“This job is really coming full circle for Greg and me,” Anand said. “It has always been our dream to come back to Vermont, and this job gives us the chance to do that in a way that is truly meaningful as a journalist and journalism leader.” 

In her role at VTDigger, Anand will lead the 20-plus VTDigger newsroom to excel in its mission to produce rigorous journalism that explains complex issues, promotes public accountability and fosters democratic and civic engagement.

“I look forward to working with VTDigger’s staff and board to develop a bold and ambitious vision for our newsroom’s future,” Anand said.

“We will together find a way to enable our newsroom to take on the biggest, boldest investigative projects while also continuing to cover the most important news in our state,” she said. “My first task will be mentoring and supporting our editorial staff in achieving these goals while also leading sustainable lives.”

“I will also relish supporting CEO Sky Barsch in raising the funds to make VTDigger’s journalism sustainable, and in continuing to create a supportive newsroom culture,” she continued. “It is fundamental to enabling our reporters and editors having the emotional resilience to produce courageous journalism over the long term.”

Barsch said Anand’s appointment marks a defining moment for Vermont journalism, one that will shape the future of independent news in the state.

“Geeta Anand is not only one of the most extraordinary journalists of our time, she’s also a visionary with a gift for inspiring and empowering those around her,” Barsch said. “The excitement we feel about her joining our team is matched only by the impact her leadership will have on the state of Vermont.”  

Gaye Symington, president of the Vermont Journalism Trust, VTDigger’s parent organization, highlighted the importance of VTDigger’s new editorial leadership.

“That a leader of Geeta’s caliber is eager to move across the country to lead VTDigger’s newsroom is a powerful testament to the quality of our journalism and its impact on Vermont,” Symington said.

Anand’s first day with VTDigger is July 1.

Read the story on VTDigger here: Geeta Anand named editor-in-chief of VTDigger.

During our Spring Member Drive, 1,940 readers took action to support VTDigger — including 211 new sustaining monthly members! Together, our members are powering the kind of in-depth, public service journalism Vermonters rely on.

We’re especially grateful to welcome 338 first-time donors. Whether you’ve been reading VTDigger for years or recently found your way to our reporting, your support ensures we can continue to provide rigorous journalism grounded in the facts.

As a contributing member shared, “I think your reporting can bond Vermonters in helping and supporting each other, especially during these chaotic times. I can’t really afford to donate, but I feel strongly that we need to know what’s really going on in Vermont and how to help each other.”

An extra special thanks goes out to the 106 sustaining members who chose to give an additional one-time gift during the campaign. Monthly sustaining support helps fund long-term projects and strengthens our ability to respond to emerging stories.

During the final two weeks of the campaign, VTDigger members also raised $5,460 for the scholarship fund at Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports. This donation will help ensure people of all abilities have access to outdoor recreation, regardless of financial circumstances.

One member reflected on the impact of this opportunity, “I very much appreciate all of what VTDigger does for local journalism. Additionally, a lovely young person I know greatly benefits from Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports. The joy of being on mountain bikes and skis again is palpable. Thank you for the opportunity to give to both.”

If you love the outdoors and want to help, Vermont Adaptive is always looking for volunteers to get involved. 

We recognize that these are challenging times for many Vermonters, which makes your support even more meaningful. Together, we’re keeping Vermonters connected and informed — two things that are essential to our communities and our democracy.

Thank you for being part of this work.

With gratitude, 

The VTDigger Team

Read the story on VTDigger here: Thank you for supporting local news and Vermont communities this spring.

Dear Reader,

Your support powers journalism that holds decision makers to account — and brings Vermonters’ stories to light. Will you make a gift now during our Spring Member Drive?

Last fall, over 1,500 unhoused people exhausted their stays through Vermont’s motel voucher program – including 378 kids.

The evictions were the result of new restrictions placed on the state’s politically contentious emergency housing program. I was in the room when lawmakers agreed to them, and over the course of months, I tracked their impacts. 

That meant putting in countless calls to state officials and service providers to get a handle on the scale of the situation, and their response to it. But mostly, it meant spending hours with the people directly affected by the change in policy – including many who got in touch with me after reading my initial reporting. The grandmother in Barre trying to find a safe place to stay with her six-year-old granddaughter. The Burlington family of four contemplating where to pitch a tent. 

I am always deeply humbled when people allow me into their lives during times of remarkable hardship, and are willing to stay in touch over the long term. Bringing their stories to you, our readers, takes time and care to get right. 

Your support helps us reveal the everyday impacts of decisions made in Montpelier. And we know the decision-makers are reading, too. After my reporting this fall, dozens of lawmakers spoke out against the motel evictions – including some who helped craft the law — and state officials opened new family shelters after we reported on the state’s lack of them.

We can’t do this work without you. When you donate to VTDigger, you’re helping shine a light on how government decisions play out in real people’s lives — and you’re helping hold leaders accountable to the communities they serve.

There is just one week left in our Spring Member Drive. If you value this kind of deep, unflinching reporting, please make a gift today. Every dollar helps sustain our independent journalism.

Thank you for your readership and support.

Sincerely,

Carly Berlin,
Housing and infrastructure reporter

Carly Berlin is a Report For America corps member shared by VTDigger and Vermont Public.

Read the story on VTDigger here: Less than one week left: Stand up for local reporting.

Dear Reader,

Although you may have seen a few snow flurries recently, spring in Vermont always brings a sense of renewal and possibility. This year, our Spring Membership Drive is fully embracing that spirit.

I’m thrilled that VTDigger is partnering with Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports, a nonprofit that empowers people of all abilities through inclusive sports and recreation. 

When you donate today, your gift will do double the good: it fuels independent journalism and sends $5 to Vermont Adaptive. Will you join us?

This collaboration is close to my heart — because I’ve seen firsthand what adaptive sports can mean to a person and their family.

My brother Shane is an athlete with disabilities. Growing up, I watched him navigate a world that often wasn’t built with him in mind. That’s why it meant so much when our family found places where he could truly participate and thrive. Whether he was in the saddle through a therapeutic horseback riding program or aiming for a strike in Special Olympics bowling, I loved seeing his confidence, spiritedness and joy shine through.

Vermont Adaptive promotes independence and furthers equality through opportunities including alpine skiing, snowboarding, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, sailing, cycling, hiking, rock climbing, veterans’ programs and more.

And just as Vermont Adaptive helps people access the outdoors, VTDigger helps Vermonters access the truth.

During our Spring Drive, when you support VTDigger, you’re also supporting Vermont Adaptive. Together, we’re advancing connection — through sport, through journalism and through the power of an informed community.

If this resonates with you, I hope you’ll consider making a donation today. Your gift fuels investigative reporting, holds power to account, and helps ensure Vermonters of all abilities and backgrounds are reflected in our coverage — and in our future.

Sincerely,

Sky Barsch
CEO, VTDigger

P.S. Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is always looking for passionate and caring volunteers with a love for the outdoors. If you’re interested, visit their website to learn more.

Read the story on VTDigger here: A note from our CEO: Your gift will do double the good.

Dear Reader,

At VTDigger, we are committed to telling the stories that matter — including stories of resilience, determination and strength in our communities.

This spring, we’re partnering with Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports to expand access to outdoor recreation — while supporting local, independent journalism that keeps Vermont informed.

For the last two weeks of our Spring Drive, every donation VTDigger receives will also send $5 to Vermont Adaptive’s scholarship fund, ensuring more people can access life-changing outdoor recreation.

Today your donation does double duty. Will you join us?

Bonus: Become a $15 monthly sustaining member and get a free VTDigger hat!

Breaking down barriers with Vermont Adaptive

VTDigger is partnering with Vermont Adaptive because we believe in independence and access to the outdoors, regardless of ability to pay.

For many, getting outside is an easy, everyday experience. But for individuals with disabilities, there can be insurmountable barriers without access to the right resources. For more than 37 years, Vermont Adaptive has helped thousands of participants explore what’s possible.

The nonprofit organization provides specialized equipment, instruction and support that fosters adventure, mental health and self-confidence. In 2024 alone, the organization provided more than 5,300 outings in 2024 to children and adults with disabilities and nearly 1,500 outings for veterans.

Van Wart understands that impact firsthand.

After losing his vision in his late 20s, he assumed his days on the slopes were over. But this February, more than 15 years after his last ride, Vermont Adaptive helped him get back on a snowboard at the VI/Blind Athletes Winter Festival at Pico Mountain.

With the support of skilled volunteer guides, Van quickly found his rhythm. “The feeling I had more than anything else was just a smile glued onto my face,” he said. “It was exhilarating. It was a sense of life.”

By the end of the weekend, he was riding independently.

“I left that weekend thinking, ‘I can do this again.’ What Vermont Adaptive does is just incredible… from the moment you walk in, the attention to detail, the equipment ready and waiting, the way they support every participant — they go the extra step. You showed me what I could do.”

For Van, getting back on a board wasn’t just about rekindling an old hobby. It was about remembering what he was capable of.

Why your support matters

Being independent doesn’t have to mean going solo.

Vermont Adaptive helps people of all abilities gain independence through the support of a passionate community — just as VTDigger delivers rigorous, independent journalism made possible by its readers.

When you give today, you strengthen both local journalism and outdoor access for all. Will you join us?

Stories like Van’s are the reason VTDigger exists — to connect, inspire and inform us all. And reader support is the reason VTDigger can maintain its independence.

Thank you for reading and being a part of what makes Vermont a special place. And thank you for considering a donation during our Spring Member Drive.

Sincerely,

Libbie Sparadeo
Director of Membership and Engagement

P.S. Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is looking for passionate and caring volunteers with a love of the outdoors. If you’re interested, visit their website to learn more.

Read the story on VTDigger here: VTDigger partners with Vermont Adaptive for Spring Member Drive.

VTDigger took home 13 journalism prizes Saturday at the 2025 New England Newspaper & Press Association conference in Portland, Maine, including five first-place finishes.

The nonprofit, independent digital news outlet received honors across a broad spectrum of categories in the 2024 New England Better Newspaper competition, including first place in the  “Climate Change or Weather Reporting” category for its collaborative, 10-part Downstream series. The series, which eight reporters contributed to, looked at what changed a year after catastrophic flooding devastated large parts of Vermont.

Reporters Carly Berlin and Habib Sabet, and former intern Babette Stolk won first place in the “General News” category for coverage of Vermont’s motel housing program. Judges found their March 2024 story about evictions from the program “clear, crisp and compelling.” 

Berlin also won first place in the “Excellence in Newsroom Collaboration and Partnerships” category for her housing coverage for VTDigger and Vermont Public. Berlin is a Report for America reporter shared by the two news outlets and reports on housing issues.

Erin Petenko, VTDigger’s data and Washington County reporter, was a first place winner in the “Best Infographic on Website” for her work charting historic rainfall in Vermont.

Former political reporter Sarah Mearhoff secured a first place finish in the “Local Personality Profile” category for her “Mojo the dog” story. The story, which profiled a K9 with the Vermont Attorney General’s Office that sniffed out evidence of child sex abuse, was “well-written and informative,” according to a judge. 

“The story not only tells the reader about the importance of Mojo’s job, but also lets the reader into his world,” the judge wrote.

VTDigger CEO Sky Barsch noted that the VTDigger team received more awards in the 2024 contest than any previous year. She said the awards demonstrate the newsroom’s commitment to high-quality journalism.

“These awards are a reflection of the hard work and heart our newsroom puts into every story,” Barsch said. “We’re proud to be recognized among such talented peers across New England. Our commitment to serving Vermonters with in-depth, independent journalism remains as strong as ever — and it’s an honor to see that work celebrated.”

Other VTDigger coverage to receive awards at the March 29 ceremony included:

• Spot News Story (second place) — Emma Cotton for her story about a woman who survived being swept away by floodwaters. 
• Racial, Ethnic or Gender Issue Coverage (second place) — Auditi Guha for her story about an immigrant restaurant owner shut out of recovery money following floods. 
• Outstanding Newsletter (second place) — Sarah Mearhoff and Shaun Robinson for the Final Reading Vermont Statehouse newsletter. 
• Spot News Photo (third place) — Glenn Russell for his shot of the aftermath of a January storm.
• Contemporary Issues Photo (third place) — Glenn Russell for his shot of an apartment building partially swept away by flooding.
•  Best Overall Website (third place) — Taylor Haynes for her work building and maintaining VTDigger.org.
• General Excellence (third place) — The staff of VTDigger for its collective journalistic work. 

NENPA represents more than 450 news organizations throughout New England. The 2024 awards competition included work published from August 2023 through July 2024. VTDigger generally competed in a division that includes news services and other online news sites but also won several awards in a combined class that included all entrants. 

“Earning 13 awards is no small feat, and it’s emblematic of the VTDigger newsroom’s commitment to excellence. It’s an honor to work alongside such a talented and dedicated team who continue to deliver incredible journalism day in and day out,” said Neal Goswami, VTDigger’s managing editor. 

Read the story on VTDigger here: VTDigger nets 13 awards at the New England Newspaper & Press Association’s annual conference.

Two months ago, a shooting in Coventry, Vermont, left a border patrol agent and a 28-year-old visitor dead. Any fatal shooting is alarming and tragic, but this story has taken a number of increasingly strange twists and turns.

VTDigger has been on the ground from the start, breaking news and connecting the dots in this unsettling case. This is why we don’t just chase headlines — we dig deeper. But investigative journalism isn’t easy, and it isn’t cheap.

If you can, please help support my work, and that of my newsroom colleagues, today during VTDigger’s Spring Member Drive.

In this case we’ve helped reveal that two people involved in the shooting had ties to an unusual ideology, a cast of mysterious figures and several other deaths in multiple U.S. states. This story continues to draw national attention. And VTDigger journalists have been at the forefront in reporting it.

VTDigger reporters have attended court hearings in Burlington and driven out on snowy roads into the remotest corners of the Northeast Kingdom. We’ve spent hours poring over pages and pages of court documents, impenetrable blog posts and public records. And we’ve spoken to dozens of people in at least five states — real estate agents, firearms dealers, court officials, attorneys, law enforcement agents, neighbors and more — many of whom are afraid for their lives and reluctant to speak to journalists.

We’ve repeatedly broken news about the people involved and the law enforcement response, and we’ve gone toe-to-toe with bigger, better-resourced media outlets as we piece together this bizarre tale.

If you value the kind of rigorous, on-the-ground reporting that brings crucial stories to light, I hope you’ll consider making a donation today. Your support ensures that we can continue asking the tough questions, driving the dirt roads, and uncovering the full story—no matter how complex it gets.

Thank you for considering a donation to power investigative journalism for Vermont.

Sincerely,

Peter D’Auria
Government Accountability & Health Care Reporter

P.S. You can read all our coverage of this developing story here.

Read the story on VTDigger here: Unraveling a national story — right here in Vermont.

Behind every breaking story, every investigative deep dive and every carefully crafted newsletter is a team of VTDigger journalists who make it happen.

I have the privilege of seeing that work up close every day. And I can tell you: it’s not easy. It takes relentless curiosity, an unshakable commitment to truth and long hours spent digging — sometimes through documents, sometimes through floodwaters, sometimes through political spin.

If you can, please contribute today during VTDigger’s Spring Member Drive. Your gift in any size will help our nonprofit newsroom bring you news you can’t find anywhere else.

Local journalism doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because dedicated reporters ask tough questions, follow leads, and show up when it matters. It happens because an editor pushes for accuracy, a photographer captures the essence of a moment and a data journalist turns numbers into stories that hold the powerful accountable.

At VTDigger, everything we publish is made possible by a newsroom that works tirelessly to inform Vermont. And that newsroom is powered by readers like you.

VTDigger is not backed by corporate owners or investors. The vast majority of our budget comes from donations and goes directly to paying our journalists — because they are the reason we exist. 

The only way we can continue this work is with the support of our readers. Will you join us?

If you value journalists who hold power to account and ask the tough questions, I hope you’ll make a gift today. Your support ensures that this work continues—this year, next year, and for years to come.

Sincerely,

Neal Goswami
Acting editor-in-chief, VTDigger

Read the story on VTDigger here: The journalists who keep Vermont informed — and why they need you.

Dear reader,

Across America, the free press — one of democracy’s foundations — is under attack. Journalists face threats, billionaires control newspapers, and misinformation is spreading faster than ever. Powerful interests are working to shape the narrative to serve themselves. But VTDigger won’t let that happen in Vermont.

This spring, we’re gearing up to dig like never before. With rapid changes in Washington and pressing challenges facing Vermonters, VTDigger needs your support to shine a light on the facts. 

Will you join our Spring Member Drive by donating in the amount that works best for you? 

Here, we’re committed to reporting the truth, even when it makes those in power uncomfortable. We believe in giving Vermonters the information they need to make daily decisions, hold their leaders accountable and shape the future of our state.

Issues facing Vermonters right now — economic hardship, housing access, education funding, substance misuse, climate change — need to be discussed in the public sphere in order to develop solutions. With your support this year, VTDigger will:

• Hire a reporter dedicated to covering wealth, poverty, and economic inequality.
• Track and explain how new federal policies will impact Vermonters.
• Deepen our commitment to investigative journalism to ensure transparency in government, business and public institutions.

We need your help to keep up the fight. Will you make a one-time donation, or better yet, become a monthly sustaining member?

Vermont needs VTDigger for fearless, fact-based journalism. And VTDigger needs you.

Sincerely,

Sky Barsch
CEO, VTDigger

Read the story on VTDigger here: Spring for truth: Support local news now.

Join VTDigger at The Hub CoWorks in Rutland on Wednesday, March 26, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for an evening with VTDigger’s staff and leadership, including our Southern Vermont reporter, Greta Solsaa.

This will be a casual opportunity to connect with our team and learn more about our journalism. We’re eager to engage with our readers in the area. We hope to hear from you about the issues that matter most in your community and how VTDigger can best serve you. 

You’ll have the chance to meet Greta, CEO Sky Barsch, and other members of VTDigger’s senior leadership and staff, including board members Gaye Symington and Carolyn Meub. In addition to a conversation with Greta, we’ll open the floor for a Q&A session so you can ask questions and share your thoughts.

The event is free thanks to Heritage Family Credit Union, but space is limited. Register here to secure your spot today.

• What: Meet & Greet with VTDigger
• Where: The Hub,67 Merchants Row (at street level), Rutland, VT 05701
• When: Wednesday, March 26, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
• Details: Light refreshments provided; accessible ground-level space
• RSVP: via Eventbrite

If you live in the area and having access to reliable, nonpartisan news matters to you, we want to meet you! We hope to see you there.

This event is made possible in part by the generosity of Heritage Family Credit Union.

Read the story on VTDigger here: You’re invited! Meet VTDigger’s Southern Vermont Reporter.

At VTDigger, our readers are at the center of everything we do. As the media landscape evolves, we’re committed to staying ahead of new technologies and delivery methods to ensure you get the news and information you need, the way you want it.

We want to hear how you’d like to receive our news, opinion pieces, photographs and other content. We will be sharing short surveys throughout the year with the goal of better understanding what’s working, troubleshooting what needs improvement and informing new, relevant ways to serve you, our readers.

Our first survey of 2025 is focused around our newsletters and products. We’re aiming to improve our newsletters and provide more value to your reader experience.  The survey has 9 questions and only takes 3 minutes to complete — plus you’ll have the chance to win a $100 gift card from Vermont Glove.

Whether you’re an avid or occasional VTDigger reader, your perspective will help our process. Fill out the survey below. 

A huge thank you to Vermont Glove for their partnership. 

Vermont Glove makes high performance work, ski and outdoor gloves that offer heavy-duty protection with extreme dexterity and durability. Hand-sewn in Randolph, Vermont. Learn more: vermontglove.com

Read the story on VTDigger here: Help shape the future of how we deliver the news.

At VTDigger, we know Town Meeting Day is more than a tradition — it’s democracy in action. Our team is committed to bringing you in-depth reporting so you have the information you need to participate in decisions that shape your community.

If you value this kind of news, please help support it by becoming a sustaining member or making a one-time donation.

Local democracy depends on an informed public — and that’s where VTDigger comes in. Our newsroom works tirelessly before, during and after March 4 to cover Town Meeting Day from every corner of Vermont. From tracking key votes to delivering results in real time (sometimes into the early morning hours), our journalists ensure Vermonters stay informed.

Imagine what Vermont would look like without a press dedicated to keeping democracy transparent — or if this reporting were locked behind a paywall.

If you value having a trusted, independent news source covering Town Meeting Day, I invite you to make a donation today — or better yet, become a monthly sustaining member.

Your gift helps us cover more towns, report on more critical decisions and keep this vital service available to all.

Join us in making sure local democracy has the coverage it deserves.

With gratitude,

Neal Goswami
Managing editor, VTDigger

Read the story on VTDigger here: Town Meeting Day: A win for local democracy.

Have you ever considered writing for VTDigger’s opinion section? Can you think of anyone who should? Are you frustrated that you haven’t seen a certain point of view articulated or a certain subject tackled in our opinion pages?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, we want to hear from you. 

As VTDigger seeks to continue improving its opinion section, we’re hoping to identify new voices willing to share their views on issues facing Vermont. Here’s how you can help: Fill out this form to share your suggestions of topics to cover or writers to recruit. And if you’re interested in picking up a pen yourself, check out our submission guidelines and send your work to opinion@vtdigger.org.

Why are we making this ask now? Put simply, our research has confirmed what we already suspected: We’re hearing from — and publishing — those representing a narrow slice of Vermont. We want to make space for opinions from people of a variety of demographic, ideological and experiential backgrounds. In short, we want our pages to represent the breadth of Vermont. 

This effort builds on the work we’ve been doing over the past year to revamp our opinion section, with a goal of making it more structured, diverse, engaging and factual. Some of the changes have been small, like using imagery to make clear what is an opinion piece and what is not. Others have been more systemic, like scaling back on our publishing quantity to allow for more thorough fact-checking. 

Here are some of the bigger changes we’ve made:

We are concentrating on pieces that deal specifically with Vermont issues, or look at broader topics through a Vermont lens. That’s the focus of VTDigger’s news coverage, and we think it makes sense for it to be the focus of our opinion section, as well.

We’ve built new fact-checking systems for our opinion pieces. Though our writers will and should come to different conclusions, we must ensure that their arguments are based on a foundation of factual information. We’re now asking our writers to link to their source material so that we — and, more importantly, our readers — can understand and verify it. If a piece includes statistics, quotes or provable claims, we’re seeking to ensure that those are accurate. 

We are running fewer pieces. This is partly due to the enhanced fact-checking process and a more intensive editing process. But we’re also trying to take a more active role in selecting which pieces to feature. We’re not running everything that meets our guidelines. We’re instead trying to feature a range of pieces that are interesting, well-written, challenging, surprising and reflect a variety of viewpoints.

We’re trying to understand who we’re hearing from — and whose voices are missing. From time to time, we’re surveying our opinion writers with a series of demographic questions. The data we collect helps inform our efforts to broaden our pool of writers. 

We’re limiting the frequency of submissions and reducing the number of opinion categories. VTDigger has historically run letters-to-the-editor, commentaries and columns. While most opinion writers were limited to one published piece a month, a select group of columnists were published as often as every other week. We’re now phasing out the columnist category and holding everybody to the same standard of a maximum of one piece a month. We hope this will lead to a greater variety of views. 

We’ve simplified the submission process. If you have an opinion piece to submit, no matter the length or format, you should send it to opinion@vtdigger.org.

We know there’s much more we can do to improve our opinion section, and we hope you’ll share your thoughts on what we should prioritize. Drop us a line here or below — and keep reading and writing. 

Read the story on VTDigger here: VTDigger’s revamped opinion section is seeking new voices.

After four rewarding years leading the VTDigger newsroom, I’m departing Vermont’s preeminent news organization. I’m excited to return to the work I most enjoy — reporting and writing — but I will miss VTDigger more than I can describe. 

And I will definitely continue to support this scrappy nonprofit as a monthly contributor. (Yes, this is a fundraising pitch, and I will ask you in boldface type to contribute by clicking this link!)

Let me tell you why I’m planning to do so.

For many readers, I imagine, VTDigger’s journalism just pops up on their phone or in their inbox or on their social media feeds. Perhaps they notice a familiar byline or marvel at a particularly insightful story or captivating photograph. But they probably don’t spend too much time wondering, “How’d they do that?”

I’ve spent the past four years watching them do that. And let me tell you: It’s impressive. If more Vermonters could see what it takes to move a story from pitch to publication — and the dedication and professionalism with which VTDigger journalists approach that work — I imagine they’d rush to become monthly contributors. 

Here’s what I’d love Vermonters to see:

• The up-and-coming reporter who moved back to her hometown to ensure that it’s covered well in the statewide news media
• The opinion editor who painstakingly fact-checks reader submissions to ensure we’re not contributing to the spread of misinformation
• The veteran Vermont journalist who knows what’s happening in the criminal justice system before anyone — and who jumps in his car at a moment’s notice to get to the literal scene of the crime
• The data wiz who scrubs spreadsheets to find the story, builds tools to make public information accessible and, most importantly, helps Vermonters find the best creemees
• The former VTDigger intern who has worked his way up the ranks, taking on a troubled state institution, mastering complex state policy and quickly becoming one of the best reporters in Vermont
• The senior editor who is so well-sourced she could be her own one-woman newspaper 
• The reporter who started at VTDigger the day of the 2023 floods and immediately carved out an entirely new beat around housing and homelessness
• The photographer who has spent decades covering Vermont and still gets a kick out of finding a fresh angle in the Statehouse
• The senior editor who lives in the Northeast Kingdom and never stops reminding us to get out of Chittenden and Washington counties
• The conscientious writer who has to be forcibly removed from his stories at the end of the day because he’s so intent on fact-checking them one last time
• The night editor who ties up every loose end at VTDigger as our readers are going to sleep and makes sure they’ll have a fresh newsletter in their inbox when they arise

I could go on. 

These are the people who make VTDigger what it is. They’re not here for fame and, believe me, they’re not here for fortune. They’re here because they care about Vermont and are committed to informing Vermonters. 

So why am I busting out the boldfaced type on my way out the door and asking you to donate (by clicking here!)? Because to make sure these journalists can continue to do this fine work, we need your help. 

This is a lean organization. Sure, we spend money on an office, on insurance, on those fancy reporter’s notebooks and on our crack business team, whose members pay the bills, keep the website running and raise money to keep us afloat. But the vast majority of the cash that comes in goes right back out the door in the form of paychecks for journalists. 

We’re not sending a cut to corporate owners. We’re not trying to please investors. We’re just trying to produce as much high-quality journalism as we can afford. And we all know that’s necessary in this increasingly turbulent world. 

So, please, help keep this organization going and, hopefully, growing. I won’t be here to guide it, but I’ll be cheering it along from the sidelines. 

Sincerely,

Paul Heintz

Former editor-in-chief, VTDigger

Read the story on VTDigger here: Outgoing editor-in-chief: I’m leaving VTDigger, but I’ll definitely continue to contribute.

Paul Heintz, who has led VTDigger’s newsroom for the past four years, plans to leave the nonprofit digital news organization next month to return to reporting and writing. 

Heintz was named managing editor of VTDigger in December 2020 and was promoted to editor-in-chief in November 2022. In those roles, he has overseen close to two-dozen journalists at the state’s leading daily news organization. He led the newsroom through the latter years of the Covid-19 pandemic, multiple catastrophic flooding events, two historic election cycles and many investigations and special projects. 

During Heintz’s time at the helm, VTDigger has won dozens of regional and national journalism awards, including the Online News Association’s breaking news award for the news outlet’s coverage of the July 2023 floods and LION Publishers’ public service journalism award for its legislative “Full Disclosure” project.

“I’ve been tremendously fortunate to work alongside the most talented journalists in Vermont as they deliver on VTDigger’s mission of explaining complex issues, promoting public accountability and fostering civic engagement,” Heintz said. “Though I’m stepping back from this role, I’ll continue to be VTDigger’s biggest cheerleader as it reinvents the way we deliver — and pay for — the news and information Vermonters need to understand their state.”

Sky Barsch, VTDigger’s CEO, thanked Heintz for his service to VTDigger, particularly during a period of transition in its leadership. 

“Paul has given a lot to VTDigger as editor-in-chief, guiding the newsroom with dedication and a clear commitment to excellent journalism,” Barsch said. “While we’ll miss him as editor, we’re excited that he’ll continue to contribute his talents as a reporter and are looking forward to reading his work. Thank you, Paul, for your hard work and the important stories we published under your leadership.”

Gaye Symington, president of VTDigger’s board of trustees, said, “I have long admired Paul as a journalist. At Digger he works incredibly hard to make sure Digger provides high quality, fact-based news that informs and connects Vermonters.”

Prior to joining VTDigger, Heintz spent nine years at Seven Days newspaper, as a staff writer, columnist and political editor. He got his start in Vermont journalism reporting for the Brattleboro Reformer.

Heintz has been named the AP Sevellon Brown New England Journalist of the Year by the New England Society of News Editors and won the New England Newspaper & Press Association’s Morley L. Piper First Amendment Award for his successful advocacy for Vermont’s first media shield law. 

Heintz plans to pursue reporting opportunities covering northern New England. He also plans to work part-time for the University of Vermont’s Center for Community News, contributing to its efforts to support journalism in Vermont and throughout the country. Heintz will conclude his work at VTDigger in February.

Read the story on VTDigger here: Editor-in-chief Paul Heintz to leave VTDigger in February.

Vermont’s nonprofit digital news organization has made key hires in recent months and promoted talented staff into new roles. 

The newly filled positions stretch across VTDigger’s newsroom and its revenue and operations department, including key roles such as chief revenue officer, audience and product director, night editor and southern Vermont reporter.

“These hires and promotions are an investment in VTDigger’s mission to provide in-depth, trustworthy journalism for Vermonters,” said Sky Barsch, VTDigger’s CEO. “We’re excited to welcome new talent to the team while also recognizing and promoting the hard work and dedication of our longtime staff.”

The recent hires and promotions include:

Yardain Amron, night editor — Amron spent eight years as a freelance reporter, audio producer, magazine editor and editorial strategist before joining VTDigger in September as night editor. He earned a master’s degree in geography at the University of British Columbia and most recently served as an instructor at the School of the New York Times.  

Lesli Blount, interim chief revenue officer — A nonprofit leadership adviser and philanthropy consultant, Blount is consulting with VTDigger to strengthen its relationships with donors, members and business underwriters. Blount previously spent a dozen years as director of business sponsorships at Vermont Public, and has also held positions at KeyBank and the Greater Burlington YMCA.

Greg Bonica, staff accountant — Bonica, who most recently worked for BlueCross BlueShield of Vermont, joined VTDigger in January as a staff accountant. He has close to a decade’s worth of experience in accounting, finance and operations. 

Peter D’Auria, health care and government accountability reporter — Since joining VTDigger in October 2021, D’Auria has served as a key member of the news organization’s policy team, first covering education and then health care and human services. In January, he became VTDigger’s health care and government accountability reporter, a role that will allow him to put his investigative reporting skills to work across state government.  

Taylor Haynes, audience and product director — Haynes joined VTDigger as its first creative director in April 2021 and has since led the charge on major rebranding and website redesign projects. In December, she was named audience and product director, a role focused on expanding and diversifying VTDigger’s readership, growing newsletter subscriptions and increasing revenue to fund its journalism. 

Greta Solsaa, southern Vermont reporter — Solsaa, who grew up in Rutland, returned to her hometown in November to cover southern Vermont for VTDigger, focusing on Rutland County and Bennington County.  She previously worked as an outreach coordinator and research writer for the University of Vermont’s Center for Community News and as a freelance reporter. 

Ethan Weinstein, state government and politics reporter — Weinstein first joined VTDigger as an intern in January 2022 and became a staff reporter that May, covering southern Vermont and, later, the state correctional system. Weinstein spent the last year covering education and corrections. He now joins Shaun Robinson as one of VTDigger’s two state government and politics reporters, keeping close tabs on Vermont’s legislative and executive branches. 

VTDigger is currently hiring a business and general assignment reporter.

Read the story on VTDigger here: VTDigger makes key hires, promotes existing staff.