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Bundle up, Burlington. We're in the thick of it now, with fine powdery snow continuing to fall through the evening hours. Expect another 2 to 4 inches to accumulate before things taper off overnight, so commutes home could be a slow go. Temperatures will hover in the teens this afternoon before dipping into the single digits tonight, flirting with zero. Tuesday brings a quieter start, though a few stray snow showers may pop up, particularly near the mountains, with only minor additional accumulation. The rest of the week settles into a pattern of mostly cloudy skies and persistent cold, with highs stuck in the teens and overnights hovering around zero through Friday. Keep the layers handy.

If civic engagement is your thing, tonight offers a double feature. The Burlington City Council meets at 6pm at Contois Auditorium, with public forum kicking off at 6:30pm. The agenda is packed: resolutions on community dialogue around the Middle East conflict, a vote on whether to place the Apartheid Free Community Pledge on the Town Meeting ballot (for the third year running, and expected to be voted down again), and a proposed $0.05 increase to the Public Safety Tax to help address the city's projected $10 to $12 million budget gap. Meanwhile, over in South Burlington, local legislators are hosting their monthly Legislative Forum at the South Burlington Library from 6 to 7:30pm, available in person or via Zoom. And if you'd rather dodge responsibility than discuss it, Pickup Dodgeball at the Miller Center runs from 7 to 8:15pm. It's only $5 and no experience required. Also tonight, local rock band Mirage is filming a TV special at LCATV in Colchester at 6pm for the Havana Fairfax Connection series, and they're looking for audience members to fill the seats.

Tuesday brings a tasty lineup. Morning folks can swing by Zero Gravity on Pine Street for Tech Tuesdays [MEETUP] from 8 to 10am, a casual networking breakfast for founders, developers, and the tech curious. For dinner, head to American Flatbread on St. Paul Street from 4 to 10pm for the CRAG VT Benefit Bake, where $3.50 from every large pizza goes to support climbing access and land preservation across Vermont. Even if you've never touched a carabiner, CRAG land includes stretches of the Long Trail and habitat for falcons and other wildlife. That same evening, Local Motion hosts EZ Breezy Bike Rides: Ignite the Night starting at 6pm from Steele Street, a casual, DJ accompanied group ride through Burlington's streets. Bundle up and keep the winter riding spirit alive. Parents of middle and high schoolers should mark down the Healthy Media/Tech Use event at Hunt Middle School from 5:30 to 8pm, featuring BSD tech specialists and Howard Center counselors tackling the realities of raising kids in an always connected world. Dinner's included, and you can drop in for just the sessions that matter most. Runners can also meet up at Black Flannel in Essex for a 5K Run [MEETUP] at 5:30pm (bring your lights, it'll be dark). The Lakeside Open Mic at The Pickled Perch in Colchester starts at 7pm, with sign up opening at 6pm. And over in the New North End, the Hot Dish Potluck at the Odd Fellows Hall (1416 North Ave) runs from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Bring a casserole or any cheesy baked delight to share. It's free, all ages, and substance free.

Wednesday keeps the momentum going. La Reprise on Pine Street hosts a fundraiser for Stepping Stones Children's Center from 5 to 10pm, with a $75 prix fixe dinner and $25 going to support the South End nonprofit that's been serving families for over 35 years. Reservations available online. The Wards 4 & 7 NPA Meeting at the Miller Center (6 to 8pm, dinner at 6) will cover Town Meeting ballot items including the Tax Fairness Advisory Question, the Public Safety Tax increase, the REIB charter change, and the school budget. Mayor Emma Mulvaney Stanik will be there. For a more laid back Wednesday, there's a Paint Party at Devil Takes a Holiday from 6 to 7:30pm. $35 gets you a guided painting session and one drink. It's 21+, no skill required, just good vibes and colorful canvases. Hoops enthusiasts can hit up Pick-up Basketball [MEETUP] with me at Gutterson Fieldhouse from 5:30 to 7:30pm ($10 day pass). I go every week anyway, so come out and join other UVM kids/community members. And at Higher Ground Ballroom, singer songwriter Dean Johnson plays a seated, all ages show touring his debut album on Saddle Creek, with Lily Seabird opening. Doors at 7:30pm, show at 8pm.

Thursday is stacked. Vermont Stage opens Murder on the Orient Express at Main Street Landing at 7:30pm, Ken Ludwig's theatrical adaptation of the Agatha Christie classic. It runs through the weekend with shows Friday and Saturday as well, appropriate for ages 12 and up. The Vermont Catamounts host UMBC at Patrick Gym at 7pm in an America East matchup, a good chance to see how the conference race is shaping up. Ghostface Killah brings Wu Tang royalty to Higher Ground Ballroom with doors at 7pm and show at 8pm, supported by DirtyDurdie and Mister Burns & Friends. Comedian Chloe Radcliffe kicks off a run at Vermont Comedy Club with a 6:30pm show Thursday, plus two shows each Friday and Saturday. She's an NYC based comic and former Tonight Show writer with a Midwestern warmth and New York edge. Over in South Burlington, Spotlight 802 at the library (5:30pm appetizers, 6pm speaker) features a Vermont Brewers panel with folks from Weird Window, Black Flannel, and Zero Gravity. The Howard Center Arts Collective hosts a winter exhibit reception at Main Street Landing from 4:30 to 6pm as part of the Arts Alive Program. And for the morning crowd, Business, Bagels & Big Ideas runs from 8:30 to 10am in Shelburne, celebrating 10 years of the Shelburne BNI chapter. Meanwhile, the Btown Brief crew will be meeting for Trivia Night [MEETUP] at Four Quarters Brewing in Winooski starts at 5:30pm (game at 6pm).

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Burlington City Council Will Vote Again on 'Apartheid-Free' Resolution

Tonight's vote comes after Council President Ben Traverse initially tried to keep the item off the agenda, citing safety concerns and the divisive atmosphere surrounding the issue. The city attorney ruled he couldn't block it. Democrats, who hold seven of 12 seats, have voted against similar measures the past two years and are expected to do so again. Also on the agenda is a separate resolution from Democratic councilors to fund community dialogue sessions through the Community Justice Center, an attempt to address the conflict's local impact without the ballot question.

Vermont USCIS Employees Tapped to Help ICE Enforcement in Minnesota

These workers typically process applications and check for immigration fraud. They've never been sent out of state or performed enforcement work before. Rep. Becca Balint called the move "outrageous," noting these are public servants who signed up to help people navigate the system, not conduct door to door enforcement. The reassignments come amid heightened tensions following the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis woman by an ICE agent earlier this month, which sparked protests including one in Williston that drew about 300 people; on top of the shooting we had over the weekend back in Minneapolis.

Mothership Brewery Launches in Burlington; Broken Hearts Burger Closes in Fairlee

Head brewer Destiny Saxon and cofounder Paul Sayler separated the brewpub at 115 St. Paul Street from Zero Gravity back in 2022, though the two still collaborate in limited fashion. Mothership works more closely now with Stowe's Idletyme Brewing, and its rotating tap list is only available at American Flatbread. A "hard launch celebration" is planned for around Earth Day. Meanwhile, up in the Upper Valley, Broken Hearts Burger in Fairlee closed January 10, with owner Matt Walker's Instagram now reading "On a hiatus or gone forever. Nobody's really sure."

UVM Sociology Professor Enters Vermont State Senate Race

Nikhil Goyal, an adjunct assistant professor at UVM and former senior policy advisor to Sen. Bernie Sanders, launched his campaign for the Chittenden Central seat as a Democrat/Progressive. His platform centers on property tax relief, education funding, healthcare costs, and affordable housing. Goyal has also pledged to accompany immigrants to court hearings, citizenship interviews, and ICE check ins, positioning himself as a vocal opponent of the Trump administration's immigration policies.

Vermont High School Juniors Can Apply for a Free, Fast-Tracked Associate Degree

The program, available to current 10th, 11th, and 12th graders, has seen students graduate at twice the rate and in half the time compared to community college peers nationally. Since launching in 2022, CCV has tripled the number of low income students accessing Early College and persisting toward degrees. Vermont has New England's lowest rate of students continuing to college after high school at 40%, but students who participate in Early College continue at 80%. Applications are open now at ccv.edu/freedegree.

On the Beat: Lane Series Returns

Highlights include jazz guitarist Badi Assad on January 30, Venezuelan singer Nella on February 13, and a cappella group Roomful of Teeth with Gabriel Kahane on April 17. Elsewhere in local music news, Burlington garage rockers Robber Robber got a shoutout from the New York Times, which named their new single "The Sound It Made" among its "8 Songs We're Talking About This Week." The track was inspired by the band's eviction from their Burlington apartment after their landlord notified them the property was being destroyed.

Neighbors Sue Bagel Company

Robert Payson and Kathy Brunette filed suit in 2024 alleging nuisance, trespass, and negligence after Myer's moved to Shelburne Road in 2023. A Superior Court judge issued a split decision in December, dismissing the trespass and negligence claims but allowing the nuisance claim to proceed to trial. Myer's installed a blower to address the issue, but the neighbors say problems persist. The parties are headed to mediation in February.

Vermont: Bipartisan Lawmakers File Bill to Expand Marijuana Sales, Cut Excise Tax, and Allow Events

Senate Bill 278 would eliminate THC concentration limits for flower, raise the cap for concentrates to 70%, and double the retail purchase limit to two ounces. It would also authorize cannabis events, delivery services, and on premises consumption alongside food service. Perhaps most notably for the industry, the bill would cut the state's cannabis excise tax from 14% to 10% and remove the requirement for pre approval of advertisements. Municipalities that haven't yet voted on allowing retailers would be required to put the question on the 2026 ballot.

Radio Bean's Future in Flux as Owner Plans to Step Aside

Lee Anderson, who founded Radio Bean 25 years ago, announced he's looking for new ownership for the North Winooski Avenue venue. His ideal scenario is a cooperative model where he stays on as a co-owner, though he's open to other arrangements. The club's financial struggles are "no secret," Anderson said, and he believes diversifying beyond drink and ticket sales is essential. Radio Bean remains open with months of shows booked, and Anderson hopes to have a definitive plan by summer. He's keenly aware of the venue's importance to Burlington's music scene, especially after Nectar's closed last year.

3 Years After Act 76, Lawmakers Eye Vermont's Lagging Child Care Workforce

Since Act 76 expanded the state's child care subsidy program in 2023, the industry has added 100 programs and 1,700 care slots. But workforce recruitment remains the primary constraint. Lawmakers are considering S.206, which would create a tiered state licensure system for child care providers. Advocates say it would establish a clearer career path, though some worry it could disadvantage workers who don't go through traditional degree programs. The committee heard testimony Wednesday on balancing higher standards with practical pathways for those already in the field.

Beta Technologies Seeks to Pilot Medical Flights in Vermont This Year

The South Burlington firm has proposed partnering with helicopter operator Metro Aviation to move medical supplies between Vermont and northern New York, potentially launching later this year. The proposal responds to Trump's "Unleashing American Drone Dominance" executive order, which instructs the FAA to partner with states and electric aviation companies on demonstration projects. Beta CEO Kyle Clark told Congress the initiative could advance the industry by a year. Metro Aviation, which already provides medical transport at UVM Medical Center, plans to purchase at least 20 of Beta's aircraft with delivery expected in 2028.

Sweetwaters to Reopen on Burlington's Church Street

David Melincoff, who owned the downtown fixture for half of its 41 year run, is working with investors and former executive chef Jessee Lawyer to reopen the 120 Church Street restaurant by late April. Sweetwaters closed in 2022 to make way for Pascolo Ristorante, which recently moved back to its original location at 83 Church Street, leaving the space vacant. Lawyer, who cooked at Sweetwaters for nine years, plans to tighten the menu while keeping fan favorites like the cornflake crusted chicken fingers and Shirt Sleeve wrap. He's also bringing back the smoker for wings, pulled pork, and brisket.

UVM's Center for Community News Announces New Hires and Promotions

The Center for Community News announced three key appointments: Courtney Lamdin, formerly of Seven Days, joins as Community News Service editor; Scott Finn's role expands to UVM's first lecturer of journalism and democracy; and Sima Bhowmik has been hired as research assistant professor after serving as CCN's first post-doctoral fellow. The organization's Vermont newsroom now produces roughly 400 original stories annually for partner outlets across the state, with more than 100 students participating each year as reporters, researchers, and interns.

Burlington-Based K-9 to Help with Super Bowl Security

Cypress, the 7½ year old black lab who works as an explosives detection dog at Burlington International Airport, is headed to Santa Clara next month to provide security at the Super Bowl. The TSA tapped Cypress and his handler Vince Obregon as part of the agency's support for major events. Cypress, who was trained in Texas with large crowds, is also featured as Mr. November in the 2026 TSA Canine Calendar.

ZZ Top to Play Champlain Valley Fair with George Thorogood

The Champlain Valley Fair has announced ZZ Top and George Thorogood and the Destroyers will play a show on Friday, September 4. Tickets go on sale to the general public on January 29. Other acts announced for this year's fair include country artists Warren Zeiders and Jordan Davis, plus Bret Michaels with Night Ranger on September 6.

August First to Close Next Week for 'Space Rejuvenation'

The popular Burlington bakery and café will be closed from Monday, January 26 through Sunday, February 8 for what they're calling "much needed space rejuvenation." Pick up options will be available at an unspecified date during the closure.

Gov. Scott Joins Growing Number of Lawmakers Criticizing ICE-Related Shootings

Governor Phil Scott issued a sharp statement following the second fatal shooting of a protester in Minneapolis over the weekend, calling on President Trump to pause immigration operations and "de-escalate the situation." The 37 year old victim, Alex Pretti, was shot by U.S. Border Patrol officers on Saturday. Sen. Bernie Sanders called for all federal agents to be withdrawn from Minneapolis, while Rep. Becca Balint accused the administration of "weaponizing an agency against us."

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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The Vermont men’s basketball team secured a 62-52 road victory over Bryant on Saturday afternoon. TJ Hurley led the offense with 26 points, shooting 8-for-16 from the field, marking his second consecutive game with at least 26 points. Gus Yalden contributed 14 points as the Catamounts held a 30-17 lead at halftime and maintained control through the second half.

At Patrick Gymnasium, the women’s basketball team extended its home winning streak against Bryant to seven games with a 71-53 victory. Jadyn Weltz scored a season-high 21 points, while Keira Hanson added 12 points. Vermont shot 53.3% from three-point range and held the Bulldogs to 39.3% shooting from the field.

On the ice, the women’s hockey team completed a weekend sweep of Boston University. On Saturday, Stella Retrum scored two goals in her 100th career game to lift Vermont to a 2-1 win. Goaltender Zoe Cliche made 27 saves to secure the victory. This followed a 5-2 win on Friday where special teams proved pivotal; the Catamounts scored three power-play goals and one shorthanded goal. Darci Matson netted her first goal as a Catamount in the Friday contest.

The men’s hockey team dropped a pair of games to UMass at Gutterson Fieldhouse. In a defensive battle on Saturday, UMass scored a late winner with 6:20 remaining to take a 1-0 decision, despite a strong performance from Vermont goaltender Aiden Wright. On Friday, UMass goaltender Michael Hrabal made 42 saves to shut out the Catamounts 4-0.

In Olympic sports, the swimming and diving team defeated Siena 167-114 on Senior Day, setting six new pool records at Forbush Natatorium. Records fell in the 200 Yard Medley Relay, 100 Back, 100 Breast, 400 IM, 50 Free, and 200 Free Relay.

The Nordic skiing team wrapped up the Colby Carnival with three podium finishes on Saturday. Fin Bailey earned his first career win in the 7.5k CL Int., while Luke Rizio placed second. Haley Brewster finished third for the women’s team, helping the squad to a second-place overall finish at the carnival.

Finally, the track and field team competed at the MIT Gordon Kelly Invitational, where Alex Beal won the 1000m for her fourth straight victory. Erin Carty added a win in the 200m, and Kyle Hoffman led a 1-2 Vermont finish in the men's 400m.

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I hope you’re enjoying those Wednesdays editions! I have plans for a rotation of Food Deal highlights, Poll Questions, Top Reddit Posts, Volunteer Opportunities, Reader Photos, Restaurant Spotlights, Small Business Features, and Btown Explained (quick local deep dive). Or Dine Out Review, Podcast Pick, Pet of the Week (adoptable to user submitted), new local Job Highlights, a Burlington Throwback Photo or Fact, and a quick Burlington Game like “Spot That Location”, VT crossword, or unscramble popular Burlington terms.

Here are some of my favorite btownbrief links:

Full list of 202+ activities to do at anytime is always waiting here when you need a plan: 202+ Things to Do

Full list of restaurant reviews here.

Soon to be updated with even more Burlington food deals. View the full list of food & drink deals here.

Thanks for reading this evening's edition of the Btown Brief. Whether you're digging out from today's snow or planning your week ahead, we hope this helps you stay connected to what's happening around town. Click through the links, support your neighbors, and stay warm out there.

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