In the summer of 2024, I had the privilege of joining VTDigger as a newsroom intern. VTDigger is an award-winning nonprofit news outlet that covers a variety of beats across Vermont. With the largest newsroom in the state, VTDigger produces rigorous local journalism that explains complex issues and promotes public accountability. Founded in 2009, the news organization seeks to shape the future of journalism by using an innovative nonprofit business model, prioritizing digital-first storytelling and pioneering community news sharing projects.
During my 12-week internship, I pitched, reported and wrote a combination of breaking news stories and in-depth investigations as a general assignment reporter. My full VTDigger portfolio is available here, but some of my stories are linked below.
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Local politics and statewide policy
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Vermont’s child care providers have new hope after Act 76, but worries remain
Since the state’s child care subsidy program was overhauled last year, providers have been able to make investments in their programs. But some are asking if the progress made so far will be enough.
Amid a housing crisis, Greensboro proposes putting apartments in its town hall
Local employers and officials say affordable housing is crucial for the town’s future. But others worry about the logistics of building an apartment complex in the heart of a small community.
Zoning in Huntington held a Vermonter back. So he moved his house to Bolton.
The adjacent towns have different land use rules for forested mountain areas. One resident acted on the opportunity.
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Flood recovery and response
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As Vermont’s weather worsens, emergency communications aren’t reaching all of its rural residents
Local officials say they can only do so much, and only a fraction of Vermonters have signed up for the state-level emergency alert system.
‘The system is not designed for this’: Central Vermont towns grapple with future floods
Homeowners and town leaders are rethinking what it means to live in high-risk areas and whose responsibility it is to make flood resilience a reality.
‘The darker undercurrent’: Floods seep into art and writing in Vermont
Despite losing supplies, inspiration and community hubs to this summer’s floods, Vermont’s artists and writers are using creative outlets to find healing and promote solidarity.
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Environmental reporting
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As Vermont loses its ash trees, towns race to stop the beetle that’s the culprit
The emerald ash borer, an invasive pest that kills ash trees, has been detected in 13 Vermont counties and is still spreading. But towns often don’t have the budget, or the guidance, to address it.
Vermont’s brown pine trees aren’t dead. They’re just a little sick.
White pine needle disease — another long-term effect of last summer’s heavy rains in the Green Mountain State — is forecast to be more prevalent this year than in past years.