Editorial: A phrase to ponder

In his column today, Middlebury College Professor Hector Vila writes a probing piece about how the humanities might be an antidote to the anxieties of today’s era; how love and the concern for each other might counter our society’s obsession with the ills that ail us.

As this calendar year draws to a close, the sense of renewal and rejuvenation, of starting with a fresh slate has a strong cultural pull.

The downtown was packed with college students getting Middlebury Money and spending it in local stores; most of the downtown’s businesses were open until 8 or past, and many were serving free cookies and various beverages.

As the Middlebury Snowbowl prepares for opening day this Saturday, Dec. 9, loyal skiers and riders are excited to take advantage of several new amenities.

In a two-part series looking at how Vermont schools continue to educate youths accused of violent crimes there are two quick takeaways: First, these are rare instances that seldom involve local schools, and second, there are ample precautions taken within … (read more)

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders this week voiced strong opposition to President Biden’s proposal to allocate another $10.1 billion of emergency funding to Israel in its war against Hamas.

Today, as death and tragedies mount in the Israeli invasion of Gaza in response to the murderous attack by Hamas on Israel, and as Ukraine continues to repel Russia’s invasion of its sovereignty with high death tolls on each side, we take this moment to s … (read more)

Yes, Israel has the right to defend itself against the barbarous attack on Oct. 7 led by Hamas. So too, however, does the United States have a right to withhold or restrict support to an over-reaction by Israel against the Palestinian people.

Quaint sayings have their place, and the headline of this piece captures what it takes to put on and pull off an event as seemingly straightforward as a half-marathon through town.

The houseless problem is more complicated than just providing shelter.

Out of the chaos of the past three weeks, is Rep. Mike Johnson, the newly elected U.S. House Speaker, a ray of hope that the Republican-led House of Representatives can finally govern? 

Last Tuesday at Middlebury’s selectboard meeting, about two dozen downtown merchants, property owners and interested citizens urged town officials to get a handle on crimes occurring in the downtown.

Lauded as a long-time academic scholar at Middlebury College, author, philosopher, columnist, devoted husband, mentor to Middlebury selectboard members and good friend, the passing of Victor Nuovo, 91, last week prompted a half-an-hour tribute by former a … (read more)

Tuesday night, the Middlebury selectboard devoted the better part of almost two hours to discussing the recent spate of crimes in the downtown that have victimized, frustrated and terrorized downtown merchants.

Important news on the local climate front this week came when Vermont State Treasurer Mike Pieciak spoke in favor of proposed legislation that would divest the state’s pension fund from investments in fossil fuel companies.