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Incoming, the winter storm is upon us! The worst of it is hitting right around the evening commute (4pm) til around 9pm. Expect rates of one to two inches per hour through tonight, and a widespread four to eight inches across the valley by the time it tapers off. The lakeshore could see slightly lower totals if things mix with a bit of rain, but most of us are getting a proper dump. A few lingering snow showers will carry into Saturday morning before gradually fading. Saturday looks cloudy with highs only in the 20s, but Sunday should be the nicer of the two weekend days with more sunshine and temps creeping back into the low 30s.

Before you settle in for a snowy evening, there's still time to catch some live music and winter fun tonight. If you're looking for some outdoor action, head over to the Burton Winter Jam at Champlain College running from 4:30 to 8:30 PM. It's completely free to watch top-tier New England talent throw down in a rail jam competition for a $10,000 cash purse, complete with food trucks, giveaways, and an 8:30 PM afterparty at J Skis. Over at Foam Brewers, Blotter & Friends brings together members of Goose, Mike Gordon's band, Kat Wright's outfit, and more for a free show starting at 8 PM. If comedy and wine are more your speed, Wit & Wine at Shelburne Vineyard has four of Vermont's top standups performing with doors at 7 PM. Down at The Flynn, Minty Fresh Circus delivers a 60 minute Afro futuristic spectacle of acrobatics, hip hop, percussive dance, and physical theater performed by an all Black cast at 6 PM. And at Higher Ground, Langhorne Slim is touring behind his ninth album, The Dreamin' Kind, bringing 1970s style electric rock and roll at 7:30 PM. If you want something a little more low key, Corey & Friends are playing original rock, blues, and country at the St. John's Club from 6 to 8 PM, while over in Winooski, Jason's Farewell at The Monkey House (7:30 PM) is your last chance to catch Jason before he leaves Vermont. Tonight also kicks off the Old East End Winterlude Festival with decorative lighting, handcrafted lanterns, ice luminaires, and live music around a warming fire pit at Schmanska Park from 5:30 to 8:30 PM. Over in Essex Junction, Sticks & Stones brings hard hitting rock to On Tap Bar & Grill at 9 PM.

Saturday is packed even if you need to shovel your way out first. Winterlude continues at Schmanska Park from 11 AM to 3:30 PM with free loaner snowshoes, cross country skis, and sleds, plus live music from Sambatucada! and The Brass Balagan, hot chili, and warm drinks by the fire. Your state reps Tiff and Bram are hosting Coffee with Your State Legislators at Zero Gravity on Pine Street from 8 to 10 AM with updates on ICE protections, the budget, healthcare, housing, and whatever else you want to bring up. While you're at Zero Gravity, of course we have our weekly BTown Coffee Club [MEETUP] holding our casual weekly hangout at the same spot from 10 AM to noon. Absolutely love seeing new faces join the regulars. At Laboratory B on North Street, the Old North End Repair Cafe runs from 11 AM to 3 PM where volunteers will fix your small appliances, electronics, clothing, bikes, and more, totally free. UVM's Innovation Hall hosts Discover Engineering Day from 9:30 AM to 3 PM for students in 5th through 12th grade, with hands on workshops, an engineering scavenger hunt, and lunch included. The South Burlington Library has a free concert with John Hughes, an internationally renowned kora player and percussionist whose West African classical repertoire and original compositions are genuinely mesmerizing, from noon to 1 PM. For a morning outing with the little ones, the Mascot Breakfast in South Burlington offers pancakes, games, crafts, and photo ops with local mascots from 9:30 to 10:30 AM (registration required). In Winooski, the Black History Month Celebration at Last Stop runs all day starting at 11 AM with drink specials, food pop ups (samosas!), live music, and a vinyl sale by Payne and Treasure featuring all Black artists, with proceeds benefiting Winooski Strong. Also in Winooski, Local Candidate Meet & Greet at Scout gives you a chance to connect with city and school board candidates from 10 to 11:30 AM ahead of Town Meeting Day. If you're looking for a snow day adventure outside the city, Snow Tubing at Sharp Park [MEETUP] in Milton runs from 1 to 4 PM ($10 parking, $25 tube rental, no skill required). Queen City Brewery hosts the Burlington Brewery Book Club [MEETUP] discussing Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy from 2 to 4 PM. At the Venetian Soda Lounge, the Ray Vega Afro Caribbean Jazz Ensemble performs the complete A Love Supreme plus other Coltrane classics from 8 to 10 PM. The Destiny Reader Psychic Fair sets up at the DoubleTree in South Burlington from 11 AM to 6 PM (Saturday) and 10 AM to 4 PM (Sunday), with aura photography, personal readings, crystals, and more ($10 admission). Saturday evening brings Beauty and the Beach: Winter is a Drag Ball XXXI to Higher Ground at 8 PM, a massive costume encouraged drag extravaganza benefiting Vermont CARES with performers, dancers, DJs, live music, and a costume contest. Think Disney characters, beach vibes, coral couture. And DJ vibes continue at On Tap in Essex Junction where The Kwame Vibe spins party hits from 8 to 11 PM after Just Us sets the tone from 5 to 8 PM. The Vermont Philharmonic also performs Saturday at 4 PM at the Elley Long Music Center at St. Michael's in Colchester, with the New England premiere of America 250! by Gwynneth Walker and a cello concerto performed by 15 year old Felix Haskins ($25 adults, $20 seniors, free for students). And for some end of day calm, there's a Free Tai Chi Stress Release event at the School of Oom Yung Doe on North Ave at 6 PM.

Sunday shapes up to be the pick of the weekend with a bit more sunshine. The Intervale Center's annual Wintervale festival runs from 11 AM to 2 PM with free ski and snowshoe demos, guided winter walks, a live raptor presentation from VINS, a community chili cook off, a bonfire with s'mores, and hot cocoa from Lake Champlain Chocolates. The Lunar New Year Celebration at Tuttle Middle School in South Burlington welcomes the Year of the Horse from noon to 3 PM with a luncheon and student performances, hosted by the Vermont Chinese School for its 32nd year ($25 adults, $10 kids, no reservations, first come first served). There's also a Clothing Swap at 342 Pearl Street from 5 to 8 PM where you can drop off what you don't wear and pick up something new for free. At Foam Brewers, Marissa Nadler with Maria BC performs ethereal folk and ambient Americana at 7:30 PM ($17 advance, $20 door). One I'm especially excited about: Abstract VT: Live! at the Venetian Soda Lounge from 5 to 7:30 PM. This is the first ever live recording of Abbey B.K.'s local music podcast, featuring short interviews and performances from Kiley Latham, Ava Sophia, and Andriana Chobot in a listening room setting. I got to sit down with Abbey today to talk about our projects and the energy around her and what she’s doing is great. It's all ages and tickets are $12.50 on Eventbrite. If you love Burlington's music scene, this is one to show up for. Sunday also brings the 2026 RTF Fat Bike Rally at Catamount Outdoor Family Center in Williston from 10 AM to 2 PM with free trail access, chili, cocoa, and loaner bikes. For a morning nature outing, join a Tree ID and Natural History Tour of Ethan Allen Park led by a Vermont Master Naturalist from 10 AM to noon ($10–$15). And if you're looking for four legged fun, Pups & Pints at Switchback runs from 1 to 5 PM where you can grab a beer and a hot dog alongside your dog, with proceeds benefiting Passion 4 Paws rescue. The February Training Meet Up also happens Sunday at Fare thee Well Farms in Williston from 10 to 11 AM for dog training ($20 entry). And wrapping up the weekend at The Flynn, Darcy & Jer: Average At Best Tour brings live comedy at 8 PM.

Why support? Every week, I scan 24+ local sources: 12 event calendars, some of those being Seven Days, Front Porch Forum, Facebook events, plus 9 others and 12 news stations, from VTDigger to WCAX to Vermont Public to Community News Service, plus 8 others, to keep you connected. If this lengthy newsletter saves you time, or has introduced you to new experiences in Burlington, then definitely consider chipping in!

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'Abstract VT' Podcast Uncovers Hidden Gems of Vermont's Creative Scene

Seven Days profiled Abbey Berger-Knorr (Abbey B.K.), the 23 year old host behind the Abstract VT podcast, which features in depth conversations with Vermont creatives using chosen songs as a jumping off point. Abbey got her start at Big Heavy World, hosting the local music program Rocket Shop before the Pine Street nonprofit closed in December after three decades. With the studio gone, she's pivoting Abstract VT into a monthly live show at the Venetian Soda Lounge, starting this Sunday, February 22. The first installment features Kiley Latham, Ava Sophia, and Andriana Chobot. After sitting down with Abbey myself, I can attest that she’s not only passionate but has a genuine curiosity about what people have to say, which is exactly what makes for a great interviewer. If you’re looking for something to do this Sunday evening, her first live recording is well worth checking out. Tickets for the session are $12.50.

Vermont Bill Would Repeal Retirement Mandate for Professors

H.532, which passed the House in late January, would repeal a Vermont statute allowing colleges to force professors to retire at age 70. The bill is described as a technical correction since federal law has already prohibited mandatory retirement since 1994 via the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. The bill is now in the Senate Education Committee. UVM history professor Steven Zdatny, 75, offered a candid take on the broader tension: older faculty bring deep expertise but also command higher salaries and occupy positions that younger scholars need.

Vermont's School Enrollment Is Dropping at an Alarming Rate

This is a deeply reported piece and worth the full read. The numbers in Burlington alone tell the story: K through 12 enrollment has dropped from 3,528 to 2,972 over 20 years, and the brand new high school opening this fall was built with capacity for 1,150 students but currently has only 850 to fill it. Superintendent Tom Flanagan points to a familiar one two punch: the state's rock bottom birth rate and a housing market that's pushing young families out. The median single family home in Burlington hit $550,000 last year, and three bedroom rents are hovering near $2,300. Meanwhile, the statewide debate over Act 73 and school district consolidation remains stalled in the Statehouse, leaving individual communities to figure it out on their own. The question of whether to close one of Burlington's six elementary schools is likely coming soon.

Burlington Mayor Announces Preparations in Case of ICE Surge

Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak signed an executive order Tuesday laying out the city's playbook if federal immigration enforcement escalates locally. The order directs emergency plan reviews, establishes communication lines with neighboring towns and the school district, and mandates training for city employees on how to respond if federal agents enter a city facility. Burlington police will not assist with civil immigration enforcement under the state's fair and impartial policing policy, but officers will be required to respond to the scene of any civil immigration action to document events and ensure medical care. The move comes as the Vermont Senate advances two related bills, one banning law enforcement from wearing masks in public and the other barring civil arrests at sensitive locations like schools and hospitals.

Judge Releases Steven Tendo From ICE Custody

A federal judge in New Hampshire granted Tendo's habeas petition on Friday, ordering the release of the Ugandan asylum seeker who was detained by immigration agents in a Shelburne parking lot earlier this month. Tendo, a pastor and health care worker who has lived in Vermont since 2021, was immediately taken out of state to a facility in Dover, N.H. after his arrest. His detention drew protests across Burlington and statements from Vermont's entire congressional delegation. His attorneys caution that while the release is a significant win, Tendo's broader immigration case remains unresolved and his legal situation is still precarious.

Beta Technologies Board Member Resigns After Appearance in Epstein Files

Dean Kamen, best known as the inventor of the Segway, stepped down from the South Burlington based electric airplane company's board Wednesday. Recently released DOJ files showed Kamen in frequent communication with Jeffrey Epstein well after Epstein's 2008 conviction, including visits to properties in New Mexico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Kamen says the relationship was business related, involving water purification technology for African nations. Beta had already hired a law firm to investigate earlier this month. Kamen holds over 800,000 shares in the company, worth roughly $15 million at current prices.

Burlington Company Helps Topple Trump's Tariffs

The U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Trump's sweeping tariffs on Friday in a 6 to 3 ruling, and a Burlington company was at the center of the case. Terry Precision Cycling, a women's cycling gear company, was one of five American businesses that sued, arguing Trump exceeded his authority when invoking an emergency powers law to impose tariffs on nearly all U.S. trading partners. CEO Nik Holm estimated the tariffs cost his company over $200,000 in 2025 alone. The ruling upholds two lower court decisions and sets the stage for a legal fight over refunds for companies that already paid.

Savu Sauna to Open Burlington Bathhouse

The popular outdoor sauna company is building an 8,000 square foot bathhouse at 208 Flynn Avenue, with construction expected to begin next month and a fall opening planned. Floor plans show multiple saunas, a steam room, warm pools, cold plunge, and lounge areas, with both day passes and memberships available. Savu has been operating since 2021 at locations along Lake Champlain, in Jeffersonville, and Waitsfield. This fills a gap left when the larger Silt Botanica Bathhouse project on Pine Street fell through in 2024 due to contamination cleanup costs. An open house is scheduled at the South End space on February 26 from 4 to 8 PM.

South Burlington Students Protest Federal Immigration Action

Roughly 200 South Burlington students walked out of school Friday and marched along Dorset Street in protest of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. The walkout was organized by the high school's Social Justice Union and coordinated with a similar rally at Essex Westford. Middle schoolers from Tuttle eventually joined the march as well. The demonstration reflects a broader wave of student led activism in the area, with organizers saying conversations about immigration enforcement have been constant in hallways and classrooms.

Governor Scott's Plan Is Meeting the Moment for Burlington

This op ed from Greater Burlington Industrial Corporation president Frank Cioffi offers a progress report on Governor Scott's downtown Burlington action plan, now past the 100 day mark. Cioffi points to a restored sense of confidence among business owners, noting that state trooper presence on Church Street had an immediate effect on shoplifting and employee safety. COTS doubled its year round shelter capacity with the new Waystation on Pearl Street, and Spectrum expanded from 5 to 14 licensed mental health counselors. It's a notably optimistic take, though Cioffi acknowledges Burlington isn't out of the woods and calls for sustained state police presence this spring and continued investment in housing and support services.

Jitters Café & Lounge Buzzes All Day in Burlington Square

The new all day café and bar occupies the ground floor corner of Burlington Square, the building that rose from what everyone called "the Pit." With 75 plus seats, a full bar, a panini and breakfast menu, and a just launched espresso martini program, Jitters is positioning itself as downtown's new spot to camp out with a laptop or settle in for the evening. Co-owner Tim LaPrade is a UVM alum who opened the original Jitters in Melrose, Mass. 13 years ago. The Burlington location adds bar bites like nachos and a smash burger, and the tuna melt is apparently a sleeper hit.

Nearly 400 Vermont Resident Physicians Seek New Contract

Contract negotiations between roughly 400 resident physicians and UVM Medical Center began in December, and the previous contract expired February 6. The residents, represented by the Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR-SEIU), are pushing for higher pay, childcare support, shift length caps, and improved meal and education stipends. Many residents report paying more than 50 percent of their income on rent alone. The union is also proposing "common good" provisions including protections for patients from immigration enforcement. This comes as UVMMC nurses and technical professionals prepare for their own negotiations this year.

Vermont's County Fairs Worry Updated Water Rules Could Threaten Their Future

Vermont's county fairs generate about $9 million annually, but a stormwater runoff rule requiring permitted systems for areas with more than three acres of impervious surface is creating real headaches. The Vermont State Fair in Rutland is the hardest hit: 17 of its 60 acres are impervious, a brook runs through the middle of the grounds, and just the engineering feasibility study would cost $170,000 before any actual construction. Fair organizers told lawmakers that a year or two of construction downtime could put them out of business entirely.

The Faces and Fashion of the Burlington Vintage Market

The UVM Cynic profiles the weekly Saturday flea market at University Mall, where vendors from across Vermont sell everything from 1950s accessories to Carhartt workwear to vintage records. The photo feature highlights vendors like Stay Gold Vintage (1920s through Y2K pieces), Space Cadets Vintage (eclectic finds including old trophies and paintings), and Fear and Clothing (80s through 2000s streetwear and band tees). If you've been meaning to check it out, it runs every Saturday.

Mikaela Shiffrin Wins Olympic Gold in Women's Slalom

Vermont's own Mikaela Shiffrin, who trained at Burke Mountain Academy, took gold in the women's slalom at the Milan Cortina Winter Games on Wednesday, finishing a full 1.5 seconds ahead of the silver medalist. It's her third Olympic gold, making her the only American in Alpine skiing history to reach that mark. She's 30 and still the best in the world at what she does.

Downtown City Market Closed After Shoplifting Incident

The downtown City Market on South Winooski Avenue closed for the day on Wednesday after a shoplifting attempt on Tuesday turned violent, involving the assault of four people (including a police officer), a deployed fire extinguisher, and broken glass. A staff member was hit with a thrown glass bottle and taken to UVM by ambulance. Burlington police arrested a 20 year old Plainfield man on scene. The store reopened Thursday morning, but this follows a pattern: the co-op says it deals with multiple security incidents almost daily at that location.

Wintervale Brings Outdoor Recreation to the Intervale

The Intervale Center's annual Wintervale festival is this Sunday, February 22 from 11 AM to 2 PM. Free cross country ski and snowshoe rentals, a wildlife tracking walk led by Vermont Fish & Wildlife, a raptor meet and greet from VINS, a tree ID walk, bonfire and s'mores, and a community chili cook off. It happens rain, snow, or shine, and it's free.

Vermont Philharmonic Presents 'Heritage in Harmony'

The Vermont Philharmonic performs Saturday at 4 PM at the Elley Long Music Center at Saint Michael's College in Colchester. The program includes the New England premiere of America 250! by Gwynneth Walker and a cello concerto performed by 15 year old Felix Haskins. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, and free for students.

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Women’s Lacrosse defeated Iona 8-5 in their home opener at Virtue Field. Five different Catamounts recorded at least one goal, led by Jane Trauger who completed her third hat trick of the season, and Lydia Doraz who scored twice. Goalkeeper Ayla Shea made a career-high nine saves in the victory. The Catamounts will stay home to face Marist on Saturday.

In men's soccer news, eight NCAA Division I programs have introduced the inaugural Northeast Spring Cup. The Vermont men's soccer team will compete in the North Region alongside Boston College, Boston University, and New Hampshire in a multi-day showcase designed to provide high-level competition during the spring semester.

At the 2026 America East Championship, the Vermont women's swimming and diving team moved into a tie for third place after strong performances over the first two days. On the opening night, the Catamounts earned podium finishes in the 200 Medley Relay and 800 Free Relay. They followed that up on day two when the 200 Free Relay team of Ellie Fazio, Havana Layton, Natalie Schick, and Anastazja Szukala secured a victory with a time of 1:32.32, marking the second straight season UVM has won the event.

On the basketball court, both Catamount squads suffered tough losses to UMBC. Men’s Basketball fell to the Retrievers 75-62 on the road, despite a team-high 21 points from TJ Long and a 17-point, 12-rebound double-double from Gus Yalden. Meanwhile, Women's Basketball dropped a narrow 46-44 decision to UMBC at Patrick Gym. UMBC's Jade Tillman hit a stepback jumper with five seconds remaining to secure the win, overcoming a 19-point effort from Vermont's Nikola Priede. The women's team will host NJIT for Senior Night on Saturday.

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Stay warm out there tonight and take it slow on the roads. If you're heading out this weekend, shovel a neighbor's walk while you're at it. And if any of these stories caught your eye, click through and give the local reporting a read. It matters.

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