Inaugural event, on Oct. 1, to focus on coverage of South Burlington ICE raid and protest
WILLISTON, Vt. — Have you ever wanted to join a book club, but for journalism? Vermont news outlets are teaming up with the state’s newest bookstore and café to create just such an event, bringing together readers and reporters each month to discuss notable news stories.
Journalism Club will take place at 6 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month, starting Oct. 1, 2026, at Wild Meadows Books & Café in Williston. It’s sponsored by the Vermont Journalism Coalition, Wild Meadows and the Williston Observer. Those interested in attending the inaugural event can RSVP here.
The monthly event is inspired by Article Club, which was created earlier this year by a Tampa Bay Times reporter seeking to initiate conversations about journalism in her community.
Here’s how Vermont’s version works: Organizers will select and circulate a news story or two ahead of each meeting, and participants will be asked to read, listen to or view them in advance. Journalists who reported the stories will be invited to discuss the process and answer questions from participants.
Paul Heintz, who covers Vermont and the northern border for the Boston Globe, will moderate Journalism Club each month at Wild Meadows.
The inaugural event will focus on local coverage of the March 11 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid in South Burlington that led to violent clashes between law enforcement and protesters. Local and state police later released more than a hundred
hours of body camera footage recorded that day, providing journalists with an unusual amount of firsthand documentation — an opportunity and a challenge.
The conversation will center around two pieces drawn from that footage:
- Seven Days’ “Bodycam from ICE raid shows local chief caught in the middle”
- Vermont Public’s “No exit: Inside a botched ICE raid in Vermont”
Seven Days reporter Lucy Tomkins and Vermont Public reporter Liam Elder-Connors will join the Oct. 1 event to discuss their stories.
Susan and Rick Cote, owners of Wild Meadows and the Williston Observer, said they are excited to bring community members together to discuss the essential work reporters do in Vermont.
“Local journalism is a cornerstone for a healthy democracy,” said Susan Cote. “Journalism Club will create a space for dialogue about issues important to our community and offer a fascinating look at what it takes to report impactful and honest news.”
The Vermont Journalism Coalition, which represents more than 40 news outlets, is eager to help replicate such events in other parts of the state, according to executive director Kristen Fountain.
“Journalists are unearthing interesting and important stories all over Vermont,” Fountain said. “We think regional Journalism Club chapters would be a great way for communities to connect with them and their work.”
Wild Meadows is located at 27 Market Street in Williston. RSVPs are appreciated but not required.
CONTACT:
Susan Cote: susan@willistonobserver.com
Rick Cote: rick@willistonobserver.com
Kristen Fountain: contact@vermontjournalism.com
Paul Heintz: paul@paulheintz.com
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