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Podcast pick of the Week and Local Podcast Roundup in this Friday edition!
Weather & Weekend Update:
Happy New Year, Burlington. We might even catch a few breaks of sunshine today, though temperatures will keep sliding into the teens and eventually the single digits by evening. Bundle up tonight because lows will dip right around zero, with wind chills below that by tomorrow morning. Both Saturday and Sunday will be brisk affairs with highs stuck in the mid teens and lows bouncing between the single digits above and below zero. We should stay mostly dry through the weekend, though some light flurries could drift in thanks to lake effect moisture. Looking ahead, early next week brings a chance for more widespread light snow before things warm up a bit by midweek, with highs potentially reaching the 30s by Tuesday and Wednesday.
If you're looking to kick off the first full day of 2026, head to ECHO this morning for SLED Dogs LIVE from 10am to 3pm, where you can get up close with the October Siberians Huskies on the terrace with presentations throughout the day. It's free with admission or membership. Tonight, the Annual Beethoven's Ninth wraps up its run with a 7pm performance at the Elley Long Music Center at St. Michael's College, with proceeds benefiting Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity. Over at Foam Brewers, Rose Asteroid brings their high energy AlternaFunk space rock starting at 8pm. If you prefer bass music with some theatrical flair, Levitation Jones with Lemondoza takes over Higher Ground tonight as well. For a mellower evening, the Venetian Soda Lounge has cocktail piano from 6 to 7pm followed by a jazz duet from 8 to 10pm with no cover. And Light Club Lamp Shop is hosting Holding Napoleon with Phantom Suns and Yabai! from 8:30 to 11pm for $10 if eclectic rock and roll is more your speed.
Saturday morning offers several ways to ease into the weekend. Our BTown Coffee Club meets from 10 to 11am for a casual, no pressure way to meet new folks. Board game enthusiasts can head to Old Town Cafe & Comics in Williston for Board Game Brunch from 9am to noon, and the Essex Free Library hosts Saturday Zentangle from 11am to noon for anyone wanting to slow down and tap into their creativity.
Saturday afternoon and evening is packed. The Von Tramp Hash House Harriers kick off their New Year run at Oakledge Park at 1pm with a 5ish mile trail through woods and roads. From 2 to 4pm, head to Standing Stone Wines in Winooski for a Legislative Session Listening Session with Senator Tanya Vyhovsky, Senator Martine Larocque Gulick, Representative Daisy Berbeco, and Representative Chloe Tomlinson. Shelburne Farms hosts Full Moon Winter Forest Bathing from 4 to 6pm for $35, a guided sensory walk under the full moon with hot foraged tea to warm you up. At 5pm, Cairns Arena in South Burlington has Free Family Skate Night courtesy of Kris Luce Allstate Insurance, with an accessibility focused ice time from 5 to 5:30pm featuring walkers and support devices. From 6 to 9pm, Lift VT transforms into a neon wonderland for the 802 Drip x Lift VT Glow Fitness & Paint Party, with splatter paint tents, a live DJ, and blacklights. Family hour runs 6 to 7pm, and anyone who paints during that window gets a free feather extension from Feather Me Crazy. Shelburne Vineyard hosts Ali T at 6pm, the Seven Days "Best Pop Artist" who brings her indie pop sound and 90s influences. The Northern Bronze Handbell Ensemble performs at Faith United Methodist Church in South Burlington from 7 to 8:30pm with $15 suggested admission. And if you want to laugh away the chaos of the past year, Vermont Comedy Club presents The Roast of 2025 at 8:30pm for $10, which also gets you into the 6:30pm show "New Year, New Jokes." Looking ahead to Sunday, the Mix & Mingle board game event runs from noon to 5pm at The Boardroom on Mill Street, the perfect spot to discover new games and maybe even new friends.
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We’ve got an official Meetup group for Burlington! The city’s packed with things to do. Btown Brief highlights it, and Btown Brief IRL gets you out experiencing it with people.
Always a great turn out, ranging anywhere from 7-10 people each week! Another coffee meetup this Saturday at 10am at Zero Gravity. It’s always great seeing familiar faces, and even better meeting new ones each week. We’ll chat about Vermont living, touch on a bit of local news, and share what’s worth checking out around town this weekend. Come hang, have a coffee, and join the conversation.
If you want to connect outside of coffee meet-ups, join the Telegram chat. It’s the easiest place to see what others are up to, share ideas, and make casual plans while I keep improving how these events run. Feedback is always welcome! It’s just a one-man team so any sounding boards are great.
Click here to: Join Meetup group | RSVP here | Support the Newsletter
Won’t catch me missing those NYE fireworks!
Local News (All Links Clickable)
There’s a new 60 second Btown Brief News Quiz! Win monthly Btown merch by reading with intention.
"Burlington's bike path may be frozen over, but the lake is still open for business," per WCAX.
The Queen City rang in 2026 with the Red Hot Chilly Dippers taking their annual plunge into 35 degree water, while families gathered at the waterfront and ECHO's Highlight celebration brought circus performers and a candy dance party before fireworks capped the evening. If you missed it, the video is worth a watch to see the chaos that is Burlington, Vermont.
"There is no such thing as 'American Abenaki,' as Abenaki identity and Ndakina — the ancestral homeland of the Abenaki people — predate colonial borders and cannot be redefined by modern administrative categories," per VTDigger, quoting a joint statement from Odanak and Wôlinak First Nations.
The new K-12 curriculum was developed by Vermont's four state recognized Abenaki groups and overseen by the Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs. The Quebec based nations, who have long disputed the legitimacy of those groups' Indigenous ancestry claims, say they were wrongly excluded from its development. Rep. Troy Headrick of Burlington plans to introduce legislation that would require their consultation and endorsement before any such curriculum could be used in Vermont schools.
"I want to make sure everything's accomplished within those four years," per the Other Paper.
Joe Clark, who has been serving as interim superintendent since September, has officially landed the permanent role with a $200,000 base salary and no performance bonus stipulations. The 54 year old Ohio native brings 14 years of superintendent experience and has already met with nearly 300 community members through his "3Q meetings" initiative. His priorities include rebuilding community trust, establishing new advisory committees, and launching a strategic plan to align district goals with student outcomes.
"I think it's who he is, it's just so charming to people. He's just like Mr. Rogers and Bob Ross," per WCAX, quoting Ken Grant's daughter Lauren.
The 72 year old Lyndon resident runs Ken's Karpentry, a YouTube channel with 198,000 subscribers that blends serious woodworking instruction with off key singing and failed moonwalk attempts. Grant responds personally to every comment and says feedback from parents whose kids watch his videos provides his real motivation.
"More than 400,000 readers checked out our most-read story of 2025," per VTDigger.
That story covered the hundreds of Vermonters forced out of housing when the state's motel voucher program expired in July. Other top reads included coverage of Vice President JD Vance's Vermont visit, the fatal shooting of a Border Patrol agent in the Northeast Kingdom, and the South Burlington superintendent's resignation. The roundup offers a useful snapshot of the issues that defined the year for Vermonters.
"Definitely had a major uptick over the summer when the rules were announced that those tax credits were ending," per WCAX.
The Residential Clean Energy Credit, which knocked 30% off home solar installation costs, expired with the new year as part of President Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill." Williston solar company Building Energy was fully booked by August as crews raced to finish projects before the deadline. The Vermont Public Service Department says residential solar is a small piece of the overall renewable portfolio, but commercial developers now face their own deadline with federal tax credits for larger projects ending in 2027.
"This is a big change for our workforce, and I'm empathetic to their concerns and needs," per VTDigger, quoting Secretary of Administration Sarah Clark.
Despite union warnings of a mass exodus when Governor Scott's three day in office mandate took effect December 1, resignations actually dropped nearly 10% compared to the same period last year. Still, the policy has its critics and costs, including $430,000 in the first year for new Waterbury office space. The state employees' union continues pursuing legal challenges, with a Labor Relations Board hearing expected in February.
"Medicaid dollars are limited and they are critical, so making sure that providers are delivering services appropriately is of the utmost importance," per Vermont Public, quoting Attorney General Charity Clark.
Revolution Youth, which operates as Eden Valley, admitted to submitting hundreds of improper claims between 2022 and 2024, including backdated records, inflated billing hours, and in some cases entirely fabricated records. The $200,000 settlement includes $150,000 in restitution and $50,000 in penalties.
"I was absolutely thrilled when I saw the number," per VTDigger, quoting Jill Mazza Olson, director of Medicaid and health systems at the Agency of Human Services.
Vermont will receive nearly double what the state expected from the federal Rural Health Transformation grant program, putting it among the highest per capita awards nationally. The one time funding, part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, aims to mitigate harm from Medicaid cuts on rural hospitals. Early priorities include workforce development and tuition assistance for nurses and home health aides, with telehealth expansion and mobile health teams to follow.
Quick Hits
Winooski beer fundraiser raises $8,500 for Vermont food shelves — The Beverage Warehouse held its 11th annual Hops for Hunger event, partnering with local breweries to offer hard to get beers in grab bags with all profits going to area food shelves. Over 11 years, the store has donated nearly $90,000 to help feed hungry Vermonters.
Good News Garage donates used car to Vermont family — The Burlington nonprofit awarded its 80th vehicle of the year to a Colchester family just in time for the holidays. Good News Garage collects, repairs, and redistributes used vehicles to low income families, addressing what they say is a growing need as car costs rise and public transit options shrink.
Vermont highway deaths increase in 2025, ending decades long decline — Sixty one people died in fatal crashes last year, up from 58 in 2024, as a long downward trend in highway fatalities appears to have stalled. Vermont saw a 55% drop in highway deaths over five decades, but the 2020s have averaged 66 deaths per year. State police point to impairment, lack of seatbelt use, and distracted driving as contributing factors.
Thanks to all the readers taking the quiz! Over 30 participants is incredible, keep it up!
How good of a reader are you? Think you’re keeping up with Burlington news? It's time to prove it. Every Monday and Friday, we're dropping a quick 5-question quiz covering the local news you just finished reading. You've got just 60 seconds to answer them all. No looking back allowed. Use the same unique name each time you play so everyone can track your stats in our Hall of Fame, where you'll compete for titles like Sharpshooter (highest accuracy), Speed Demon (fastest average time), and Streak Leader (most consistent player). Make your name (or cool nickname) known to Btown!
And yes, there are PRIZES. Each month, we'll reward the top performers based on the best combination of Total Score and Average Score. That means playing consistently AND playing well will pay off. The more quizzes you complete with high scores, the better your chances of winning. I mean, who doesn’t want cool Btown Merch gear sent to them?
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UVM Athletics: Men’s Hockey and Basketball Falls in Close Contests
The University of Vermont men’s ice hockey team saw a late rally fall short on Monday night, dropping a 5-4 decision to Merrimack at Gutterson Fieldhouse. The Catamounts opened the scoring early with a goal from Jonah Aegerter but found themselves trailing as Merrimack’s offense surged. First-year forward Matteo Michels led the charge for Vermont, recording his first collegiate goal and finishing with a three-point night (two goals, one assist). Massimo Lombardi also found the net on a breakaway, but despite pulling their goaltender for an extra attacker late in the third, the Catamounts could not find the equalizer.
On the hardwood, the men’s basketball team pushed Princeton to the brink but ultimately fell 75-69 in overtime on Tuesday afternoon at Jadwin Gymnasium. Vermont was led by a standout performance from TJ Long, who scored a game-high 30 points and secured nine rebounds. Long forced the extra session with a tying layup in the final 30 seconds of regulation. Gus Yalden contributed 14 points and TJ Hurley added 10, but the Tigers controlled the overtime period, outscoring Vermont 12-6 to secure the victory.
(Fri ⦁ 6:00pm) Jan 2: 2025-26 Women's Hockey vs Dartmouth
(Sat ⦁ 2:00pm) Jan 3: 2025-26 Women's Basketball vs. New Hampshire
(Sat ⦁ 6:00pm) Jan 3: 2025-26 Men's Hockey vs. RPI
Podcast Picks of the Week:
Sometimes you don’t want to read, you want to listen. So if you enjoy local podcasts about Vermont, you might enjoy this recent episode:
City Councilor Gets Real About Burlington's $12 Million Problem
Ward 6 City Councilor Becca Brown McKnight joined The Morning Drive on WVMT this week, and the conversation got spicy quickly. Burlington is staring down a $12 million budget gap, and the proposed public safety tax only covers about a third of it. Brown McKnight took direct aim at a proposal to shift tax burden from homeowners to landlords and businesses, she's not buying that it helps affordability in a city where 60% of residents rent. "You know what a landlord will do," she said. "You round that $5 up to $50." When a landlord called in to push back, she stood her ground but acknowledged she was speaking broadly, though she didn't back away from the concern that bad actors will use any increase as cover to gouge tenants. Becca was also clearly frustrated that no major housing developments have broken ground under the current administration, despite 450 units coming online this year from projects started under Mayor Weinberger. Her pitch: Burlington needs to stop waiting for businesses to show up and start actively recruiting them, and the city needs to get serious about promoting the neighborhood code that could add dozens of new units if anyone bothered to tell residents about it.
On the overdose prevention center, she confirmed supervised consumption won't be part of the initial rollout, and admitted the Democratic caucus keeps pressing for answers on whether the feds will shut the whole thing down once Trump's US Attorney is in place. Later on, hosts pointed out that sidewalk repairs are slated to stop entirely by 2028. Brown McKnight didn't dispute it. She pivoted to praising DPW's track record chasing federal grants, but the message was clear: something's got to give. Give the 24-minute episode a full listen here.
Local Podcast Roundup
This week in Vermont podcasts, Vermont Edition tackles environmental consciousness with "Decision Making in the Age of Plastics," a substantial 50-minute deep dive, while also spending nearly an hour exploring Rutland's often-misunderstood reputation through a collaboration with the Brave Little State team and another episode on efforts to restore the once-dominant American chestnut tree. Over on The Morning Drive on WVMT, the week brought a parade of political voices including Deputy Vermont Auditor Tim Ashe, Burlington Ward 6 City Councilor Becca Brown McKnight, Essex District State Senator Russ Ingalls discussing the upcoming legislative session, and Vermont Tax Commissioner Bill Shouldice previewing the 2026 filing season. The Frequency delivers its characteristically brisk daily updates, covering Vermont's legal battle with the Trump Administration over Consumer Financial Protection Bureau funding and a lawsuit involving medical privacy concerns. There's No "A" in Creemee is serving up holiday-style "baby cone" mini-episodes, with hosts Joanna and Andy offering accessible takes on Vermont tax policy, the state budget situation, and their predictions for 2026. Vermont This Week rounds out the year with journalists unpacking health care, immigration, and education reform as the biggest stories of the year, and 802 News with Mark Johnson shares the moving story of Burlington attorney Walter Judge, one of roughly 4,000 Americans to receive a heart transplant this year.
Find all the different podcasts by visiting this page I made of local Vermont podcasts
The Btown Brief merch store is live with 15 Burlington inspired designs, each with 3–7 color options and your choice of front or back print. T-shirts, long sleeves, and cropped tees. Printed on a personal favorite, Comfort Colors, for that vintage, lived-in feel.
The designs are subtle nods to the places and things that make this city what it is: Church Street, lakefront sunsets, and yes, even those invasive little zebra mussels. Steering away from the typical "I ❤️ Burlington" stuff. If you've ever wanted to rep the city without looking like a tourist, and support your very own Burlington city guide (me!), this is the easiest way to do it! Every purchase helps keep this thing going.
Shop here: [Btown Brief Merch]
Click the photo!
Events:
Friday, January 2, 2026
General Events
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Trolley Tours at Perkins Pier ($15-$35)
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Morning Tech Help at South Burlington Public Library & City Hall (Free)
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Sled Dogs LIVE at ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain (Free with Admission)
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Animationland Exhibit at ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain (Free with Admission)
11:00 AM: De-Beard Hardwick Post #7 Adjutant Matt Greaves for Special Olympics at Hampton Inn & Vermont Event Center, Colchester (Donation)
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Mah-Jongg at Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston (Free)
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Skiff Oyster Hour at Original Skiff + Oyster (Half-priced oysters)
5:30 PM: Beginning Lyra (Aerial Hoop) | 5-week series for adults at Lines Vermont Studio + Store, South Burlington (Check prices)
5:30 PM: Slow Beginnings: Anti-Resolution Workshop at 100 Dorset Street, Suite 5, South Burlington (Check prices)
8:00 PM: Ru Paul's Drag Race Viewing Party at 165 Church St. (Free)
Gallery Hours: BCA Center's Exhibition: How to Say Goodbye at BCA Burlington City Arts (Free)
Performances
4:00 PM: Sentimental Value at Main Street Landing Film House ($6/$12)
6:00 PM: UVM Women's Hockey vs Dartmouth at Gutterson Fieldhouse (Check prices)
7:00 PM: Annual Beethoven's Ninth at Elley-Long Music Center at St. Michael's College (Check prices)
Live Music/DJ
2:00 PM: Dave Mitchell Blues Jam at Red Square (Free)
5:00 PM: Two for Flinching Live at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction (Free)
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM: Live Music featuring Zach Nugent at Switchback Brewing Co. (Free)
6:00 PM: Devon McGarry Band (Folk Rock/Americana) at Black Flannel Brewing & Distilling, Essex (Free)
6:00 PM: Double Shot is coming back to the Colchester Legion! at 8 South St, Colchester (Free)
6:00 PM: Piano into Jazz at Venetian Soda Lounge (No Cover)
7:00 PM: Two Sev, JP Black, Ron Stoppable (DJ) at Red Square (Free)
7:00 PM: Friday Night at Specs (DJ) at Specs Café & Bar, Winooski (Free)
7:30 PM – 9:30 PM: Live Music at Bleu! at Bleu Northeast Kitchen (Free)
8:00 PM: Levitation Jones, Lemondoza at Higher Ground ($19.68)
8:00 PM: Rose Asteroid at Foam Brewers (Free)
8:30 PM: Holding Napoleon w/ Phantom Suns + Yabai! at Light Club Lamp Shop ($10)
9:00 PM: Rap Night Burlington (Hip-hop) at Drink ($5)
9:00 PM: On Tap presents The Hitmen at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction (Free)
11:00 PM: DJ Taka at Light Club Lamp Shop ($10/$15)
Saturday, January 3, 2026
General Events
9:00 AM: Scouts BSA Christmas Tree Pickup Service at Your Driveway ($15-$20 Suggested Donation)
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Board Game Brunch at Old Town Cafe & Comics, Williston [MEETUP] (Free)
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: BTown Coffee Club at Zero Gravity Brewery [MEETUP] (Free)
10:00 AM: Total Beginner Tap For Adults | 8-week series at Lines Vermont Studio + Store, South Burlington (Check prices)
10:30 AM: Forever Linked Permanent Jewelry POP-UP at Urban Salon, South Burlington (Prices vary)
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Saturday Zentangle with Julia Davenport at Essex Free Library (Free)
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM: The Parcel Project at Amy E. Tarrant Gallery (Free)
1:00 PM – 6:00 PM: VTH3 Trail #083: New Year, Same Oakledge at Oakledge Park [MEETUP] ($6.90)
2:00 PM: Intro to the Art of Lip Syncing at 10 Farrell Street, South Burlington (Check prices)
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Legislative Update & Listening Session at Standing Stone Wines, Winooski (Free)
2:30 PM: CCSC Jan meeting at Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston (Free)
3:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Beary Magical Lights Tour! at Vermont Teddy Bear Factory, Shelburne ($10)
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Full Moon Winter Forest Bathing: shinrin-yoku at Shelburne Farms ($35)
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Full Moon Family Campfire at Shelburne Farms ($5)
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Free Family Skate Night at C. Douglas Cairns Arena, South Burlington (Free)
5:30 PM: Stillness, Sound, & Surrender: A Bhakti Yoga Experience at 100 Dorset Street, Suite 5, South Burlington (Check prices)
6:00 PM: 802 Drip x Lift VT – Glow Fitness & Paint Party at Lift VT, Williston (Check prices)
8:45 PM: Revival Halaqah at 400 Swift Street, South Burlington (Free)
Performances
2:00 PM: UVM Women's Basketball vs. New Hampshire at Patrick Gym (Check prices)
6:00 PM: UVM Men's Hockey vs. RPI at Gutterson Fieldhouse (Check prices)
6:30 PM: New Year, New Jokes at Vermont Comedy Club ($11.99)
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM: Northern Bronze Handbell Concert at Faith United Methodist Church, South Burlington ($15 Suggested Donation)
8:30 PM: The Roast Of 2025 at Vermont Comedy Club ($11.99)
Live Music/DJ
10:15 AM: Toast & Jams at Higher Ground (Donation)
5:00 PM: Mitch and Devon at On Tap at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction (Free)
6:00 PM: Ali T at Shelburne Vineyard (Free)
6:00 PM: Mr Cheng, DJ Chaston, DJ Aras at Red Square (Free)
7:00 PM: Left Eye Jump at Foam Brewers (Free)
8:00 PM: Dj Dan Karoake at 137 Pearl Street, Essex Junction (Free)
8:30 PM: No Chain, Casper Electronics, Massage Envy, Skin Tight, Burrows, Missandri (Punk/Techno) at Light Club Lamp Shop ($10)
9:00 PM: Queeraoke with Goddess at Standing Stone Wines, Winooski (Free)
9:00 PM: On Tap presents Paradox at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction (Free)
10:00 PM: Matt Payne, DJ Raul at Red Square Blue Room (Free)
11:00 PM: Ethan Snyder (Jazz) at Radio Bean ($10)
Sunday, January 4, 2026
General Events
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: MASKS ON! Sundays at ECHO at ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain (Free)
10:30 AM: Visioning & Goal-Setting for the New Year at 1 Mill St (Free)
11:30 AM: NFL Sunday Ticket at Spare Time Colchester (Free)
12:00 PM: Sunday Funday (Games) at 1st Republic Brewing, Essex (Free)
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Mix & Mingle at The Boardroom - Board Game Cafe [MEETUP] (Free)
1:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Sunday Football at the Press House Pub at Citizen Cider (Free)
6:30 PM: Sunday Skates at Leddy Studio at Gordon H. Paquette Arena
Live Music/DJ
10:00 AM: Sunday Brunch Tunes at Hotel Vermont (Free)
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Acoustic Brunch featuring Dale and Darcy at Foam Brewers (Free)
3:00 PM: Ring Joy to the World at Faith United Methodist Church, South Burlington (Check prices)
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM: KARAOKE NIGHT – EVERY SUNDAY! at Venetian Soda Lounge (Free)
9:00 PM – 2:00 AM: Karaoke Sundays! at Einstein Tap House (Free)
That’s All, Burlington!
Whether you're catching some sled dogs at ECHO, cheering on Beethoven, or bundling up for a legislative chat over local wine, there's no shortage of ways to get out and connect this weekend. Stay warm out there, and we'll see you back here Monday.
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