As the new year gets underway, we’re taking a moment to look back at the images that helped tell Vermont’s story in 2025. From civic engagement and legislative whispers; surprise federal visits and overlooked municipal drama; to the end of a critical housing program and the expansion of an immi gration crackdown — VTDigger was on the ground to capture the scene. Our veteran staff photographer Glenn Russell selected and reflected on his favorite images of the year. U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem arrives at the Northeast Kingdom International Aiport in Coventry on Thursday, January 29, 2025. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger This photo is the result of a tip, a long drive, a long wait, and one frame using a long lens (a 500mm f8 reflex manual focus lens). Sen. Anne Watson, D-Washington, chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee, left, confers with Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Baruth, D-Chittenden Central, at the Statehouse in Montpelier on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. Senate Republicans were attempting to strip Watson’s committee of a bill proposing to repeal the Affordable Heat Act. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger Sometimes, it’s the turn of a head into good light that makes a photo. Several hundred people gathered at the Statehouse in Montpelier on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, to protest actions taken by the Trump administration. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger Good photos are simple photos. Brian Dunkling of Hinesburg asks a question during a public meeting of the Fish and Wildlife Board in St. Albans on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Anglers are questioning new proposed fishing regulations. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger I love these assignments. Real people asking real questions of those in power. Johnathon Johnson raises his hand to ask a question during Lincoln’s town meeting on Monday, March 3, 2025. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger Several hundred demonstrators gather outside the Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, to protest the detention of Mohsen Mahdawi. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger Cassandra Torres-McCarron talks about the prospect of having to leave the Motel 6 in Colchester on April 1, when the state’s motel housing program’s next deadline occurs. Seen on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger When I photograph a person in distress, I always wonder if I’m helping or hurting. Sen. Alison Clarkson, D-Windsor, right, confers with Sen. Ruth Hardy, D-Addison, on the floor of the Senate at the Statehouse in Montpelier on Friday, May 16, 2025. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger This is how the whole thing works. Two people connecting, confiding, conferring, considering… A lawn tractor processes up Main Street during the 50th annual Memorial Day parade in Orwell on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger Vermont Green Football Club’s Zachary Zengue helps up Lionsbridge FC’s goalie Henry Hampshaw after colliding with him in Burlington on Friday, July 25, 2025. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger I’m always looking for sportsmanship when I’m photographing a game, including a championship contest. Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian activist formerly detained by ICE, prepares to speak as thousands of demonstrators gather for a “No Kings” protest rally in Burlington on Saturday, June 14, 2025. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger There was a lot going on here for everyone. This looks like the one peaceful moment of his day. Sen. Seth Bongartz, D-Bennington, speaks as House and Senate members of the education reform bill conference committee meet at the Statehouse in Montpelier on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger It gets pretty dry in some of those committee meetings. You have to be paying attention to get a good photo. Little details can make all the difference. Volunteer Catelyn Martinez harvests rainbow chard during a gleaning by Community Harvest of Central Vermont at Dog River Farm in Berlin on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger Gus Seelig, executive director of the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, dons a hard hat ahead of a groundbreaking ceremony marking the beginning of construction of 40 affordable apartments at the Cambrian Way housing complex in Burlington on Thursday, August 7, 2025. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger Curmudgeonly old photographers refer to these events as Grip and Grins. I was pleased to transcend the paradigm using the compression of a long lens and symmetrical composition. Plus Gus has been working in the trenches forever. John McClain of Howevale Farm in Tunbridge cleans out a stall in a barn at the Tunbridge World’s Fair on Thursday, September 11, 2025. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger I love going to fairs and wandering around looking for just the right moment. Read the story on VTDigger here: VTDigger’s staff photographer looks back on his 15 favorite images of 2025. ...read more read less