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National Trust for Local News Acquires Vermont Community Newspaper Group to Combat 'News Deserts'

National Trust for Local News Acquires Vermont Community Newspaper Group to Combat 'News Deserts'

The National Trust for Local News, a Colorado-based nonprofit organization, has announced its acquisition of the Vermont Community Newspaper Group (VTCNG). This move marks the trust's first expansion into Vermont, adding to its existing ownership of newspapers in Colorado, Georgia, and Maine. The VTCNG includes five weekly publications: the Stowe Reporter, the News & Citizen of Lamoille County, The Other Paper of South Burlington, the Shelburne News, and The Citizen of Charlotte and Hinesburg. The deal, finalized for a nominal fee, aims to secure the future of these local news sources. The owners of VTCNG, Bob Miller, Judy Kearns, and Biddle Duke, cited increasing financial stresses as the reason for seeking nonprofit ownership. The National Trust for Local News has stated that there will be no layoffs, and the 15 full-time and two part-time employees will be retained, with the office remaining in Stowe. Editorial leadership and the advertising business model will also remain unchanged.

National Trust for Local News Acquires Five Vermont Newspapers, Expanding Regional Holdings

National Trust for Local News Acquires Five Vermont Newspapers, Expanding Regional Holdings

The National Trust for Local News, a nonprofit organization that owns the Portland Press Herald and numerous other newspapers across Maine, Georgia, and California, is set to acquire five weekly newspapers in Vermont. The deal, which will close this month, involves the purchase of the Vermont Community Newspaper Group, which publishes The Stowe Reporter, News & Citizen, The Other Paper, The Citizen, and Shelburne News. The owners of the Vermont Community Newspaper Group are selling the company for a nominal fee, citing increased financial pressures. All 15 full-time and two part-time employees of the Vermont Community Newspaper Group will retain their positions. This acquisition marks an expansion for the National Trust, which will now own newspapers in four states. The Trust's model involves raising funds through donations and grants to acquire and invest in news organizations, aiming for them to become self-sustaining through subscriptions, advertising, and events.

National Trust for Local News Acquires Five Vermont Newspapers, Expanding Nonprofit Model

National Trust for Local News Acquires Five Vermont Newspapers, Expanding Nonprofit Model

National Trust for Local News Acquires Five Vermont Newspapers, Expanding Nonprofit Model

Clearway Energy Selected to Develop 800 MW Wind Farm in Northern Maine, Boosting State's Renewable Capacity

Clearway Energy Selected to Develop 800 MW Wind Farm in Northern Maine, Boosting State's Renewable Capacity

Clearway Energy Selected to Develop 800 MW Wind Farm in Northern Maine, Boosting State's Renewable Capacity

2026 Fall Foliage Peak Forecast Revealed by Interactive Map

2026 Fall Foliage Peak Forecast Revealed by Interactive Map

The Old Farmer's Almanac has released its annual fall foliage map, providing a detailed forecast for when different regions of the United States will experience peak leaf colors in 2026. According to the map, northern states such as Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and New York will begin to see vibrant fall colors as early as October 1, with higher elevations experiencing changes even earlier by late September. The Midwest, including Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, will reach peak foliage by November 1, while the southernmost regions of the U.S. will have to wait until December 1 to observe any significant changes. The map uses color-coded indicators to show the progression of foliage, from green (no change) to red (peak vibrancy), and eventually brown and grey as the season ends. Rainfall, temperature, and frost may influence the timing and intensity of the colors.

New Hampshire Nepali Community Raises Funds for Nepal Disaster Relief

New Hampshire Nepali Community Raises Funds for Nepal Disaster Relief

The New Hampshire Nepali community is actively raising money for disaster relief efforts in Nepal, following devastating flooding and landslides that occurred last week. Local Nepali community leaders report that New Hampshire is home to approximately 3,500 people of Nepali heritage, many of whom reside in the Manchester area and have direct connections to those impacted by the disaster. Madhab Gurung, vice president of the NH Nepali Community group, stated that one community member lost an uncle and 35 relatives, while many others have lost family members and homes. As of Thursday afternoon, the group had raised about $84,000, with support coming from both Nepali individuals and other concerned Granite Staters. The community has also organized vigils in Manchester and in front of the statehouse in Concord to honor the victims.

National Trust for Local News Acquires Vermont Community Newspaper Group, Expanding Nonprofit Ownership

National Trust for Local News Acquires Vermont Community Newspaper Group, Expanding Nonprofit Ownership

National Trust for Local News Acquires Vermont Community Newspaper Group, Expanding Nonprofit Ownership

Northern U.S. Regions Identified as Tick Infestation Hotspots with High Disease Risk

Northern U.S. Regions Identified as Tick Infestation Hotspots with High Disease Risk

Several regions across the northern United States are experiencing significant tick activity and elevated risks of tickborne diseases. Acadia National Park in New England is noted as a growing hotspot, with both lone star and blacklegged ticks present, particularly in popular tourist areas. North-central Pennsylvania exhibits some of the strongest documented tick activity and high Lyme disease rates, attributed to its extensive forests. North-central Minnesota also reports major concentrations of ticks, especially in forested landscapes around the Brainerd Lakes area, with Minnesota recording some of the highest tick activity nationwide and a high incidence of Lyme disease and anaplasmosis. Northwestern Wisconsin is another significant hotspot for blacklegged ticks, the primary vector for Lyme disease in the region. Southwestern Vermont shows the state's highest concentration of infected ticks, with over half of tested blacklegged ticks carrying at least one pathogen. Michigan's Upper Peninsula is identifi...

Aviation Museum of New Hampshire Seeks Fourth High School for Student Airplane Building Program

Aviation Museum of New Hampshire Seeks Fourth High School for Student Airplane Building Program

The Aviation Museum of New Hampshire is actively searching for a fourth high school to join its innovative student airplane building program for the 2027-28 school year. This program, which began in 2019 with the Manchester School of Technology, allows high school students to build a real, flyable two-seat all-metal aircraft as part of a credit-earning course. The completed aircraft are then sold, with proceeds funding the next build. Following the success in Manchester, where students completed their first aircraft in 2022 and a second is awaiting FAA certification, similar programs were established at Lebanon High School in 2024 and Farmington High School in 2025. The museum commits to raising $320,000 in start-up funds for each new program, which then becomes self-funding, and provides trained volunteer mentors.

National Trust for Local News Acquires Vermont Community Newspaper Group, Including South Burlington's The Other Paper

National Trust for Local News Acquires Vermont Community Newspaper Group, Including South Burlington's The Other Paper

The National Trust for Local News has acquired the Vermont Community Newspaper Group (VTCNG), which publishes five weekly newspapers across Vermont. This acquisition marks the national organization's first presence in the state, adding to its existing footprint in Colorado, Georgia, and Maine. The newspapers included in the purchase are The Stowe Reporter, News & Citizen (covering greater Lamoille County), The Other Paper (covering South Burlington), The Citizen (covering Charlotte/Hinesburg), and Shelburne News. According to a statement from VTCNG owners, the sale aims to ensure a sustainable future for these community newspapers and facilitate investment in expanding their coverage. The National Trust for Local News was founded in 2021 with the mission to prevent the formation of 'news deserts' resulting from the closure of local community newspapers. While the organization has experienced rapid expansion and some operational challenges in the past, including selling off Colorado newspapers and reducing ...

Graham Platner no longer scheduled to speak at Labor Day rally

Graham Platner no longer scheduled to speak at Labor Day rally

Former Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner is no longer set to speak at a Labor Day rally when he makes his first major public appearance since ending his campaign against Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine

Why some U.S. travelers are paying 20% more this Labor Day

Why some U.S. travelers are paying 20% more this Labor Day

How you can avoid paying higher prices without staying home.