Max Handelman
As seen in:
Yahoo Life,
Aol,
Yahoo Sports,
Deadline,
Yahoo,
CINEMABLEND,
VTDigger,
Burlington Free Press,
Seven Days,
New Hampshire Union Leader
and
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Max Handelman
Vermont Election Day arrives after 131K early ballots
Follow Vermont Election Day arrives after 131K early ballots Max Handelman, Burlington Free Press Tue, November 3, 2026 at 4:56 AM EST Ahead of the polls opening today for the general election, many Vermonters had decided to cast their ballots already via early voting. The Secretary of State's Office had received 131,000 early voter ballots as of Oct. 28, representing over 26% of all registered voters across the state.
Burlington's Onyx Tonics plans 'coffee-centric' menu with Pine St. move
Max Handelman, Burlington Free Press Fri, October 30, 2026 at 4:55 AM EDT 2 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Add Yahoo on Google Onyx Tonics is moving up the block to a new location on 77 Pine St. after spending nearly 10 years in its current spots at 126 College St. Shop owner Jason Gonzalez said he wants a more "coffee-centric" space that focuses more on the roasting process.
Burlington's legendary Vermont Pub & Brewery will close after 38 years
The Burlington brewery and restaurant that more than any business launched the world-renowned Vermont beer scene will close in November, days after marking its 38th anniversary. The Vermont Pub & Brewery, the state's longest-running craft brewery, will close for good after business Saturday, Nov. 14, according to an Oct. 26 announcement on social media. That comes three days after the business reaches its 38th anniversary Nov. 11.
ECHO's adults-only Halloween event turns death into discovery
Max Handelman, Burlington Free Press Thu, October 22, 2026 at 5:07 AM EDT 3 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Add Yahoo on Google The ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain glowed a hazy purple as costume-adorned attendees trickled inside. Fake blood-stained scare actors shambled up and down the stairs as people dissected owl pellets and explored collections of animal bones and taxidermied specimens.
Burlington honors blind pioneer Anne Connelly on White Cane Awareness Day
Dozens walked down Church Street, many with canes in hand, to honor blind trailblazer Anne Connelly last Friday. Gathering at 200 Pearl St., where Connelly once lived, people marched to Burlington City Hall to follow the same route Connelly used to take to her office every day with Vermont's first recognized trained guide dog, Betty.
UVM bets AI copies of patients can cut ICU stays, save lives
University of Vermont researchers want to use AI to build virtual replicas of patients, down to the cellular level, in a project they believe could cut the length of intensive care unit stays by 25%. The plan is to build a "digital twin" system as part of the largest funding award in UVM's history, school leaders said this week: a five-year, $38 million contract, partly funded by the federal Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health.
Popular Burlington brunch spot The Grey Jay to close
Follow Popular Burlington brunch spot The Grey Jay to close Max Handelman, Burlington Free Press Updated Wed, September 30, 2026 at 12:29 PM EDT The Grey Jay, the Mediterranean-spiced brunch spot nestled at the top of Church Street, is set to close. A real estate listing from VT Commercial says the Burlington space is available for lease, with new operations able to start up in February 2027.
Rail City tattoo convention returns to St. Albans this weekend
Max Handelman, Burlington Free Press Wed, September 30, 2026 at 4:56 AM EDT 2 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Add Yahoo on Google St. Albans welcomes the annual Rail City tattoo convention for the third time this weekend, Oct. 3 and 4. The festival, which will take place at St. Albans City Hall, is hosted by local shop 100 Candles Tattoo.
Pumpkin patches, ghost tours and corn mazes open across Vermont
With colder temperatures and changing leaf colors, fall is tumbling into Vermont. But fall brings plenty more with it. Outside of winter, it's probably the season most full of Vermont-y sights and sounds — if you go by the postcards, anyhow. The long line of events has already begun: Oktoberfest Vermont took over Pine Street in Burlington this past weekend, and pumpkin growers just faced off at Sam Mazza's in Colchester to win the heavyweight crown.
Climate change brings new threats to Vermont's famous apple orchards | Exclusive
Vermont cultivates 150 apple varieties that get juiced into cider, plucked from pick-your-own orchards and baked into pies. Growers produce roughly 40 million pounds of the fruit every year, and only dairy and maple products outrank apples in crop value. An apple orchard is a year-round endeavor, and farmers statewide are navigating more threats from climate change to keep this Vermont fall staple going.
Climate change brings new threats to Vermont's famous apple orchards | Exclusive
Vermont cultivates 150 apple varieties that get juiced into cider, plucked from pick-your-own orchards and baked into pies. Growers produce roughly 40 million pounds of the fruit every year, and only dairy and maple products outrank apples in crop value. An apple orchard is a year-round endeavor, and farmers statewide are navigating more threats from climate change to keep this Vermont fall staple going.
For thousands of flocking crows, Burlington becomes one big speakeasy | Exclusive
With every year's first frost, Burlington's skies seethe with darting black shapes and deafening caws. The city's murder of crows has arrived. American crows flock here in late fall every year. They're tough to miss when they take over trees and sweep en masse overhead, and in recent years they've seemed more numerous than ever. New research from the University of Vermont's Corvid Relational Observatory and Workshop — or C.R.O.W. — is illuminating why the corvid roost has grown as large as it has.
For thousands of flocking crows, Burlington becomes one big speakeasy | Exclusive
With every year's first frost, Burlington’s skies seethe with darting black shapes and deafening caws. The city's murder of crows has arrived. American crows flock here in late fall every year. They're tough to miss when they take over trees and sweep en masse overhead, and in recent years they've seemed more numerous than ever. New research from the University of Vermont’s Corvid Relational Observatory and Workshop — or C.R.O.W. — is illuminating why the corvid roost has grown as large as it has.
Meta agrees to teen limits as Vermont lands record $92.7M payout
Vermont will receive $92.7 million from Meta as part of a nationwide settlement over the platform's impact on youth mental health. The settlement requires Meta to implement new online protections for users under 18, including daily time limits and nighttime restrictions. Vermont's Attorney General's Office sued Meta in 2023, alleging the company designed addictive platforms while downplaying their harms to children.
VT may tap police to kick out campers as state tries to curb fire risk
Vermont is proposing changes to its primitive camping rules to better protect natural resources and address rule violations. The new plan would allow police and game wardens to issue trespassing notices to campers who break the rules. Campsites would need to be 200 feet from water sources, double the current distance, to protect water quality and wildlife. New campfire regulations would limit fire size, require stone rings and prohibit fires during periods of extreme danger.
Hundreds ride for Shiloh Skalka, demanding safer Burlington streets
Hundreds of cyclists rode through Burlington to honor a 16-year-old student who was fatally struck while riding her e-bike. The ride was organized by a local pedestrian and biker safety group to advocate for safer streets. The driver of the vehicle involved has been accused of negligent operation resulting in a death. A memorial fund established by the teen's family has raised over $100,000 for various youth and animal welfare causes.
Live VT primary results: Sarah George looks set to win prosecutor race
11:24 pm ET Sarah George looks set to secure third term as Chittenden state's attorney Corey Arwood All signs suggest Chittenden County State's Attorney Sarah George has defeated Democratic challenger and former Franklin County State's Attorney Bram Kranichfeld in the high-profile race for prosecutor of Vermont's most populous county.
See our August election news, from VT Legislature to county prosecutor
Vermont's primary election is Aug. 11, and polling stations will soon be popping up across Chittenden County. The Burlington Free Press has pulled together a guide to help voters register and cast their picks in the sometimes confusing thicket of election processes. And in the lead-up to the elections we've been homing in on especially competitive and meaningful races. In the primary, political parties in Vermont select their candidates to run in the fall's general elections, set for Nov. 3.
Primary election day in Vermont: Here's a guide to your ballot
Vermont's primary election is scheduled for August 11 to select party candidates for the November general election. Key races include the Chittenden County State’s Attorney, Democratic nominations for governor and lieutenant governor, and a Republican primary for a U.S. House seat. Incumbent Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George faces a challenge from former colleague Bram Kranichfeld. Two Democratic candidates are vying to challenge Gov.
These Democrats agree VT costs too much. Here’s how their plans differ
Five Democratic candidates are competing for three seats in the Chittenden Southeast Senate District primary. Candidates are divided on how to best address Vermont's housing shortage and rising healthcare costs. The debate over education property taxes and school district mergers is a key issue for all candidates. Three incumbents are running on a shared platform, while two challengers argue for a different approach.
Who's running in Vermont's statewide, federal primaries this August?
Aug. 4, 2026, 4:55 a.m. ET The Aug. 11 primaries will let voters choose party candidates for offices across Vermont. We've gone in depth on the Chittenden County state's attorney contest between incumbent Sarah George and challenger Bram Kranichfeld, and ahead of the polls opening we'll be spotlighting several more races. Here's a quick guide on some of the major elections for statewide or federal office. (Check out our quick guide on voting, too.) U.S. Rep.
Voting in Vermont: A guide to the August 2026 primary election
Vermont’s primary election is Aug. 11, and polling stations will soon be popping up across Chittenden County. The Burlington Free Press pulled together this guide to help voters register and cast their picks in the sometimes confusing thicket of election processes. It's free for all to read, just like our live Election Day and Town Meeting Day coverage. In these August primaries, political parties in Vermont select their candidates to run in the fall's general elections, set for Nov. 3.
See the new, accessible playground at Burlington's Pomeroy Park
Squealing children stormed the refurbished Pomeroy Park playground, whirling around a new carousel and clambering over a net-covered climbing dome.
Vermont rockhounding grows as hobbyists scour the land | Exclusive
Adventuregoers equipped with pickaxes and sifting pans wade through the Lamoille River and delve into Barre’s rock quarries on a quest for some of Vermont’s oldest and shiniest treasures. These treasure hunters, aptly called rockhounders, are part of a growing community unearthing the state’s gemstones and minerals one dig at a time.
'Super soldier' bugs are ravaging Vermont crops
July 14, 2026, 4:55 a.m. ET The Colorado potato beetle is a highly resilient pest ravaging crops like potatoes and eggplants in Vermont. Researchers describe the insect as an "evolutionary super soldier" due to its resistance to over 200 chemical compounds. Scientists are studying the beetle's genetics and epigenetics to find new ways to control its population. Farmers are testing new tactics, such as delayed planting and decoy crops, to disrupt the beetle's life cycle.
How VT's Ethan and Ira Allen nearly betrayed the American Revolution
Ethan and Ira Allen's legacies as Vermont patriots carry on in the statues, homestead and street signs bearing their names. They're remembered for their guerrilla prowess with the Green Mountain Boys and for their persistence in establishing Vermont as the 14th state. But they were almost traitors, nearly handing Vermont to the British during negotiations now known as the Haldimand Affair.
How VT's Ethan and Ira Allen nearly betrayed the American Revolution
Ethan and Ira Allen are remembered as Vermont patriots but secretly negotiated with the British during the Revolutionary War. Frustrated by land disputes with New York and Congress's refusal to grant statehood, the Allens considered rejoining the British Empire. The negotiations, known as the Haldimand Affair, were driven by both political and economic motivations to protect their land holdings.
South Burlington eyes bike safety on one of VT's most dangerous roads
July 1, 2026, 4:56 a.m. ET SOUTH BURLINGTON — Tens of thousands of cars cruise Williston Road each day, making it one of Vermont’s busiest streets — and one of its most dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians. People on foot or riding bikes have only a cracked, dirt-coated sidewalk abutting the road to separate them from traffic.
Kountry Kart Deli brings its famed late-night food back to Burlington
Kountry Kart Deli will once again fry up hearty sandwiches in the waning hours of the night. Starting this weekend, the Main Street mainstay will re-open its doors on Fridays and Saturdays at 10 p.m. and serve hash-brown loaded breakfast sandwiches, Philly cheesesteaks and more until 3 a.m.
How mosquito traps catch EEE and West Nile before Vermonters get sick
June 24, 2026, 4:57 a.m. ET Vermont's fight against dangerous mosquito-borne diseases starts with a network of traps spread across the state's swamps and forests. The devices lure in mosquitoes, allowing state workers to test for eastern equine encephalitis, West Nile virus and other diseases the insects spread to people and animals.
See Burlington celebrate Juneteenth with music, food and remembrance
June 22, 2026, 3:17 p.m. ET The Juneteenth Celebration Choir kicking off the day's setlist with gospel music, performing "God Will Open Doors" by Walter Hawkins in Burlington on June 20, 2026. Max Handelman Faustina Sepenu from Faustina's Pies served treats from the streets of Ghana in Burlington on June 20, 2026 for Juneteenth. Attendees enjoyed the meat and veggie pies she's been baking for 30 years.
Fourth of July fireworks and parades across VT celebrate America 250
Vermont will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with events across the state. Festivities include parades, fireworks, concerts and historical exhibits in places like Burlington, Colchester, and Stowe. The Vermont Symphony Orchestra will perform its "America 250" tour in five different locations. Many towns will host celebrations on July 3rd and July 4th featuring live music, food and family activities.
Burlington watch parties fuel World Cup hype in Vermont Original
June 16, 2026, 2:55 p.m. ET Burlington is hosting a series of World Cup watch parties to bring the community together. Local businesses are participating by showing games and offering soccer-themed specials to attract customers. The events aim to build on the city's growing reputation as a soccer hub following recent local team successes. Venues like the Fletcher Free Library are also screening games to foster community engagement.
Full Circle Theater’s ‘30Under60’ Puts the Audience in Control
Leila Teitelman clasped her hands to her chest and stared up at the ceiling of a practice room at the University of Vermont’s Royall Tyler Theatre in Burlington. As she delivered a woeful monologue lamenting the rise of authoritarian power, Harley Winzenried sprinted and leapt across the room, grasping at the air with a look of dismay.
How libraries across VT help kids learn about birds, bugs and plants
WINOOSKI — Flecks of dirt tumbled to the floor of the Winooski Memorial Library as kids and parents rolled balls of mud between their hands. They sprinkled goldenrod and New England aster seeds into their earthy art projects, fashioning a buffet for insects — and, by proxy, the local birds that eat them. This hands-on mud ball making was one of several activities April 11 meant to help kids get into birding. The campaign is a collaboration between libraries such as Winooski's and Audubon Vermont.
Birding for Kids brings wildlife education to the Winooski Memorial Library
Via Community News Service, a University of Vermont journalism internship, for The Winooski News WINOOSKI — Flecks of dirt tumbled to the floor of the Winooski Memorial Library as kids and parents rolled balls of mud between their hands. Attendees sprinkled goldenrod and New England aster seeds into their earthy art projects, fashioning a floral buffet for insects that local birds get to feast upon in turn.
‘Downtown Lights’ Art Installations Illuminate Burlington
Revelers who were bundled against the cold hurled cotton snowballs — not at each other but at a “Snow Throw” target. Their frosty breath and steam from mugs of hot chocolate misted the frigid air. Dancers clad in parkas and woolen hats vibed to music from DJ Amelia Devoid, while others sculpted mini snowmen and printed winter-themed graphic T-shirts under a canopy of light-adorned trees.
BLUE BTV offers cash to cut stormwater runoff
A local organization is helping property owners install measures that reduce stormwater runoff — one of the leading pollutants in Lake Champlain. BLUE BTV, an organization dedicated to stormwater mitigation, is partnering with the City of Burlington to offer residents up to $2,000 to implement rain gardens, permeable driveways and other projects that absorb stormwater before it reaches Lake Champlain.
How you can curb storm runoff into Lake Champlain and get paid for it
A local nonprofit is helping Burlington property owners install measures that reduce stormwater runoff — one of the leading ways pollutants enter Lake Champlain. BLUE BTV, which is dedicated to stormwater mitigation, is partnering with the city to offer residents up to $2,000 to build rain gardens, permeable driveways and other projects that absorb stormwater before it reaches Lake Champlain.
Burlington Program Offers Homeowners Cash to Cut Stormwater Runoff - Community News Service
A local nonprofit is helping Burlington property owners install measures that reduce stormwater runoff — one of the leading pollutants in Lake Champlain. BLUE BTV, a non-profit organization dedicated to stormwater mitigation, is partnering with the City of Burlington to offer residents up to $2,000 to implement rain gardens, permeable driveways and other projects that absorb stormwater before it reaches Lake Champlain.
Trappers, Educators Protect Against Invasive Beetle
Across six sites in Vermont’s forests, Savannah Ferreira and her team of trappers are on the lookout for six-legged invaders. If the rogues establish a stronghold here, they will pillage tree habitats and hold sugar producers hostage. The trappers cloak lures in forest camouflage to spring on their would-be enemy: the Asian long-horned beetle (ALB). Should the trappers prevail, the […] Remember Me
Trappers and educators protect Vermont against invasive beetle
Across six sites in Vermont’s forests, Savannah Ferreira and her team of trappers are on the lookout for six-legged invaders. If the rogues establish a stronghold here, they will pillage tree habitats and hold sugar producers hostage. The trappers cloak lures in forest camouflage to spring on their would-be enemy: the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB). Should the trappers prevail, the pest won’t establish a beachhead here. Fail, and the results would be ruinous.
Trappers and educators protect Vermont against invasive beetle
Across six sites in Vermont’s forests, Savannah Ferreira and her team of trappers are on the lookout for six-legged invaders. If the rogues establish a stronghold here, they will pillage tree habitats and hold sugar producers hostage. The trappers cloak lures in forest camouflage to spring on their would-be enemy: the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB). Should the trappers prevail, the pest won’t establish a beachhead here. Fail, and the results would be ruinous.
Vermont trappers fight to keep invasive beetle out
VERMONT — Across six sites in Vermont's forests, Savannah Ferreira and her team of trappers are on the lookout for six-legged invaders. If the rogues establish a stronghold here, they will pillage tree habitats and hold sugar producers hostage. The trappers cloak lures in forest camouflage to spring on their would-be enemy: the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB). Should the trappers prevail, the pest won't establish a beachhead here. Fail, and the results would be ruinous.
If Asian long-horned beetles invade, Vermonters 'stand to lose a lot of our trees'
Vermont officials are actively trapping for the invasive Asian long-horned beetle to prevent it from establishing in the state. The beetle poses a significant threat to Vermont's hardwood forests, especially maple trees, and the state's sugar industry. Eradication efforts in infested areas require cutting down all host trees within a large radius, as seen in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Trappers and educators protect Vermont against invasive beetle - Community News Service
TOWNS STATEWIDE — Across six sites in Vermont’s forests, Savannah Ferreira and her team of trappers are on the lookout for six-legged invaders. If the rogues establish a stronghold here, they will pillage tree habitats and hold sugar producers hostage. The trappers cloak lures in forest camouflage to spring on their would-be enemy: the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB). Should the trappers prevail, the pest won’t establish a beachhead here. Fail, and the results would be ruinous.
Giant pumpkin squashes record at Sam Mazza’s weigh-off in Colchester
Max Handelman UVM Community News Service James Beane won the annual giant pumpkin weigh-off at Sam Mazza’s Farm with a record-breaking 1,814-pound pumpkin. The Vermont Giant Pumpkin Growers have hosted the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth-officiated event for 19 years. Growing giant pumpkins is a difficult process, requiring hundreds of gallons of water daily and careful pruning of vines.
Giant pumpkin squashes past record at Sam Mazza’s weigh-off
COLCHESTER — Attendees at Sam Mazza’s Farm scurried out of the way as a forklift trudged to an awaiting crane — metal and gears groaning as the lift struggled beneath the weight of its freight. The crane lugged the load to a massive red scale, the audience waiting to hear the judge’s official measurement. The cargo: James Beane’s 1,814-pound giant pumpkin — a record-breaking fruit that took first prize at Sam Mazza’s annual giant pumpkin weigh-off.
Giant pumpkin squashes past record at Sam Mazza’s weigh-off - Community News Service
COLCHESTER – Attendees at Sam Mazza’s Farm scurried out of the way as a forklift trudged to an awaiting crane — metal and gears groaning as the lift struggled beneath the weight of its freight. The crane lugged the load to a massive red scale, the audience waiting to hear the judge’s official measurement. The cargo: James Beane’s 1,814-pound giant pumpkin — a record-breaking fruit that took first prize at Sam Mazza’s annual giant pumpkin weigh-off.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Max
Contact Max, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack