A new legislative biennium began. Vermonters rallied for climate action while wild weather events swept the state. Our lone Congress member took on a key role in a historic impeachment. Sen. Bernie Sanders launched his second presidential campaign. And in the closing weeks of the year, scandals and shakeups rocked the Burlington Police Department and the state Department of Corrections.
VTDigger was there to capture it all. In 2019, veteran Vermont photographer Glenn Russell joined VTDigger’s digital team. Glenn’s images capture the drama and humanity of events ranging from impassioned protests to the indictment of the Jay Peak developers. Meanwhile, VTDigger’s beat reporters help document news where it happens, from the U.S. Capitol to far-flung rallies.
Here are some of our favorite images of 2019.
The 2019 legislative session saw the opening of key debates on affordability, environmental issues, marijuana and more. By the closing gavel, few of them were resolved. See “Work in Progress,” Glenn Russell’s full gallery from the 2019 session.
Outside the Statehouse, Vermonters pressed policymakers to take action on the climate crisis. Climate protests — often led by student organizers — took place throughout the year, culminating in the Global Climate Strike on Sept. 20.
Meanwhile, VTDigger’s Elizabeth Gribkoff took a closer look at how climate change is impacting Vermont now — and what policymakers plan to do about it.
Another key theme of this year’s protests: many Vermonters believe the Trump administration is abusing its power. President Donald Trump’s approval rating in Vermont is the lowest in the nation, and Vermonters took to the streets to protest Trump’s policies and call for his removal.
The lead-up to the U.S. House impeachment vote on Dec. 18 saw Vermont’s lone Congress member, Rep. Peter Welch, take a leading role. Welch came out in favor of an impeachment inquiry in July, then gained national attention for his questioning in the committee hearings over the Ukraine scandal. VTDigger’s Kit Norton traveled to Washington for a front row seat.
VTDigger also followed the Sanders campaign to New Hampshire, South Carolina, New York and D.C., as the senator works to lock down his support in the early primary states.
Back in Vermont, VTDigger’s business coverage spanned the state. From the burgeoning hemp fields in Lamoille County to manufacturers around the state, we captured Vermont’s economy in action.
The first F-35 fighter jets touched down in Burlington in September. The Vermont National Guard celebrated their new mission, while local opponents continued their years-long campaign against the basing.
Meanwhile, VTDigger’s team sought out the stories that don’t always get top billing, from one-off celebrations to Vermonters’ daily lives.
Follow VTDigger on Instagram to see our latest photography all year round.
