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Weather & Monday Rundown:

Bundle up this morning, Burlington. We're waking up to a bitter cold start with temperatures in the single digits below zero across much of northern Vermont, and even colder in the Northeast Kingdom where readings could dip into the teens below. A narrow band of lake effect snow has been dumping on communities along Lake Champlain in Essex County, New York, but that should taper off as winds shift southerly. The bigger story for us: light to moderate snow moves in this afternoon and sticks around through the evening commute. Expect a dusting to two inches in the Burlington area, with the central and southern Green Mountains potentially seeing up to five inches. Roads will be slick, so plan accordingly. Tuesday brings a brief reprieve with highs approaching freezing, but another system rolls in Tuesday night with snow transitioning to a wintry mix Wednesday morning. On the flip side, a January thaw arrives later in the week, pushing temperatures into the upper 30s Thursday and possibly the low 40s by Friday and Saturday.

Now for what's happening around town. Kick off your morning with a moment of zen at Mindfulness Mondays w/ Sarah O'Brien Hammond at Hula from 8:30 to 9:00 AM. Tonight over in Winooski, the City Council is holding its FY27 budget meeting at City Hall from 6 to 9 PM, featuring presentations on the Capital Improvement Plan and Public Works Department. If you've ever wondered how decisions get made about plowing, paving, and city assets, this is your chance to weigh in on where your tax dollars go. Also this evening, Spanish learners of all levels can head to Ben & Jerry's from 7 to 8 PM for Spanish Chat, a kid friendly session before the group returns to Three Needs next week. And if you're looking to get crafty, the Ladies Social Group is hosting Crafting in Community(MEETUP) at their Essex Junction space from 6:30 to 8:30 PM, whether you knit, color, scrapbook, or just want some creative company.

Tomorrow brings a full slate despite the incoming snow. Kick off the day with Tech Tuesdays - Breakfast(MEETUP) at Zero Gravity Brewery from 8:00 to 10:00 AM, where the Vermont Technology Meetup hosts a casual morning of waffles and networking for local tech professionals. Or, check out Hula for Networking Coffee with the NoW from 8:15 to 9:15 AM, an intentional connection session for women and gender-diverse folks. At ActiveVT on the waterfront, a six week Women's Intro to Weightlifting course kicks off at 4 PM for beginners ready to build strength training into their routine. Over on Pine Street, Queen City Indivisible holds its monthly meeting at Queen City Brewery from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, with discussion focused on influencing the Vermont legislative session that convenes that morning. The Winooski Democrats are also gathering at Specs Café Bar at 6:30 PM to talk candidate support and Town Meeting Day. Runners can shake off the cold with a 5K at Barnyard(MEETUP) in South Burlington at 5:30 PM, and don't forget your lights for the evening loop. Phoenix Books Burlington hosts Vermont author Brittany Viklund at 7 PM to celebrate her new book, The Little Book of Winter, offering 70 ways to find coziness and contentment in the cold months. Schitt's Creek fans won't want to miss trivia night at Switchback Brewing starting at 7 PM (doors at 5), while Higher Ground's Showcase Lounge continues its Tuesday Trivia at 7:30 PM. And if you prefer your trivia with a burger, the Forever 38 meetup group is heading to Burger Bar in Colchester(MEETUP) at 7 PM.

Wednesday offers plenty to explore as well. Queen City BNI hosts physical therapist Jessica Hill at the Flynn at 11:15 AM for a presentation called "Nothing Changes Until Something Moves," covering practical strategies for pain reduction and mobility. Dairy farmers and ag folks can head to the DoubleTree starting at 10 AM for a Vermont Dairy Meeting featuring speakers on corn silage, feeding strategies, and dairy market futures, with lunch provided. At Burlington Beer Company, the Vermont Real Estate Meetup welcomes Brad Minor from Allen, Brooks & Minor for a Chittenden County Apartment Market Update at 6 PM. Old Spokes Home is offering a Bike Fit Workshop from 6:30 to 8:30 PM, led by James Johnson from Analog Cycles, covering how common cycling issues can be addressed through proper fit. And for those looking to level up their computer skills, Burlington Tech Center begins an eight class Advanced Digital Skills Training series at 6 PM, covering Google Workspace and Microsoft Office. The Vermont Pinball League also kicks off its ninth season ($40 for the season) at The Pinball Co-op in South Burlington at 6 PM, with matches running Wednesdays and Fridays through February. Thursday rounds out the week with an Artist Talk featuring fused glass artist Gabrielle Bauman at the First Congregational Church of Essex Junction from 9 to 11 AM, hosted by the Essex Art League. That evening, the Forever 38 crew is at it again with Trivia Night at Four Quarters(MEETUP) in Winooski from 6 to 8 PM.

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.

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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.

The lake has begun freezing over!

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"This unilateral military action was reckless, illegal and taken without any congressional briefing, approval or oversight," per Seven Days.

Americans awoke Saturday to news that U.S. troops had captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in an overnight operation dubbed "Absolute Resolve." President Trump announced the U.S. will now "run" Venezuela. Vermont's entire Congressional delegation swiftly condemned the action, with Sen. Sanders calling for Congress to immediately pass a War Powers resolution and Sen. Welch noting Vermont Air National Guard members had been deployed to Puerto Rico as part of the military buildup. Welch called Maduro's pending drug charges in New York "Trumpian hypocrisy," pointing out that Trump recently pardoned former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernández, who was convicted of trafficking 400 tons of cocaine in the same court. Protesters gathered on Church Street Saturday, chanting "Money for jobs and education, not for war and deportation." Adjutant General Greg Knight confirmed all Green Mountain Boys are safe, though the Guard could not confirm whether Vermont personnel were involved in the strikes. Local reactions were mixed: Ann Culkin of Essex Junction said she was "horrified" and "embarrassed," while visitor Ty Monteverde of Florida supported capturing someone who "likes to bring drugs into this country." Despite unease over the operation, residents expressed relief that no American deaths occurred. (WCAX)

"Vermonters deserve excellence from their state government. I intend to use the tools of the Auditor's office to help make sure they get it," Ashe wrote in a press release, per Seven Days.

The former Senate president pro tempore and current deputy state auditor announced Friday he'll seek to succeed the retiring Doug Hoffer, who has held the office since 2012. Ashe, who lost a 2020 lieutenant governor primary to Molly Gray, said he plans to focus on health care, affordable housing, and weather emergencies. A campaign kickoff is planned for later this winter.

"It can't just be about the beer. It's gonna be the beer, the atmosphere, the little bit of food, and a little bit of live music now and again," co-owner Ivan Tomek told Seven Days.

The brewery will take over Simple Roots' former space at 1127 North Avenue in the Ethan Allen Shopping Center, with a taproom opening targeted for February. Upper Pass has also signed a lease on an adjacent storefront that will double their production space, allowing them to bring back small batch sours, lagers, and barrel aged beers while continuing to contract brew their core brands through Zero Gravity.

"There are so many different people that make up the fabric of what this community is and what it looks like and what it feels like," said organizers Myles and Alexandra Jewell, per WCAX.

The Old North End Community Center opened its doors on New Year's Eve for residents to contribute squares to a collaborative quilt inspired by the Robert Frost poem. Attendees shared a meal while crafting their pieces, with plans to display the finished work at Burlington City Hall or the community center. Organizers hope to make it an annual tradition.

"It's been really fun to be a part of this community and learn everyone's story," Only Cannoli owner Sarah Howley told NBC5.

After months of distributing free food on Church Street following changes to SNAP benefits in November, Howley has partnered with King Street Laundry to expand her community support program. The laundromat already runs a free laundry day from 1 to 3 PM every Wednesday, and now free lunches will be available too. The partnership is expected to continue through winter.

"We really did not see a whole lot of effect of the ski resort on the stream chemistry or flow," UVM professor Jamie Shanley told VTDigger.

After 25 years of continuous research on Mount Mansfield's watersheds, UVM researchers found their original hypothesis was wrong: Stowe Mountain Resort hasn't significantly impacted stream chemistry. What they did find is more concerning for everyone. National Weather Service data shows the mountain's snow season has shrunk by almost three weeks since 1965, with later snowpack onset and earlier spring melt. The weakening snowpack increases risks of midwinter flooding and summer drought.

"The amount of actual pounds of product in Vermont are minuscule compared to the rest of the country," Barnard dairy farmer Paul Doton told the Valley News, per VTDigger.

While U.S. agricultural exports to China have fallen 54% on average this year, Vermont's have increased by 78%. The culprit? Whey prices. The dairy byproduct, used in protein powder and baby formula, has jumped significantly in price since early 2024. Agri-Mark, owner of Cabot Cheese, is the state's largest whey exporter to China, and Vermont is on track to break all records for whey exports in the past five years.

"There are times when flights have been delayed, and people are stressed. He'll lie down next to them, and they'll just pet him so it makes them feel so much better," handler Cathy Chamberlin told WCAX.

Buddy, a two year old golden retriever, has been greeting travelers at Burlington International Airport for a year and a half now. Several times a week during busy hours, Chamberlin and Buddy set up near the gates to offer stressed flyers a moment of calm. The pup was especially popular during the holiday rush, and joins one other therapy dog named Ellie Mae on the BTV comfort crew.

"There is a big drop off in car knowledge based on gender. Society has really created an auto industry where men are the ones who know about cars, which is just a result of no effort being put in to teach people," Allison Rowley told Vermont Public.

The 22 year old hobby mechanic launched Rowley Wrench to offer free workshops on basic vehicle maintenance, particularly aimed at women, queer folks, and people of color who may feel intimidated at traditional auto shops. She's partnering with Good News Garage and hosting free virtual workshops on the first Saturday of every month.

"My New Year's resolution is to reach out and take care of those around me in my community more," said Emily Pallas of Milton, per WCAX.

Resolutions ranged from the heartfelt to the playful, with one South Burlington resident resolving to be "more annoying" while playing Star Wars Legion. A Forbes health poll found most people abandon their resolutions after four months, so experts recommend developing a routine and rewarding yourself along the way. For what it's worth, WCAX's sales traffic manager completed her goal of reading 100 books in 2025 and plans to do it again. My New Year’s Goal? Make people feel more connected with the community members around them. Cheers to 2026 and all the fun events planned!

"Obits have next to nothing to do with death and, in fact, absolutely everything to do with life," writes Seven Days, quoting former New York Times obituary writer Margalit Fox.

The annual Life Stories package profiles six Vermonters who passed away this year, including trans rights advocate Brenda Churchill, rock and roll roadie Todd "Highway" Sica, author Jay Karl Stevens, civil rights activist Sister Sankofa, Weybridge farmer Roger Wales, and art teacher Linda "Jan" Danziger. Each profile runs about 1,500 words and reflects on what it means to be part of Vermont's fabric.

Quick Hits

Forty three new Americans representing 24 nations took their oaths of allegiance at the Federal Courthouse in Burlington on Tuesday. Rep. Becca Balint and Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas were among the officials on hand to welcome the newest citizens and their families.

Sen. Bernie Sanders administered the oath of office to Zohran Mamdani, New York City's 112th mayor, on Thursday. Mamdani, 34, is the city's first Muslim mayor and has pledged to freeze rent, eliminate bus fares, and provide universal child care. Sanders defended the agenda against critics who called it radical.

The Mad River Glen Cooperative has raised nearly $2 million of its $2.5 million goal to purchase over 1,000 acres of skiable land adjacent to the ski area. The cooperative exercised its first right of refusal after a third party made an offer on the property. They have until February 7 to finalize the purchase with a two thirds member vote. The land would remain undeveloped and open for backcountry skiing.

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?

Ready to play? Click the link below, enter your name, and show us what you've got. Btown Brief Quiz

View the potential prizes on the Btown Brief Merch Store

UVM Athletics: Catamounts Secure Victories in Basketball and Ice Hockey

The Vermont women’s basketball team remained undefeated in conference play on Saturday afternoon, defeating New Hampshire 72-56 at Patrick Gymnasium. Sophomore Nikola Priede led the Catamounts with a career-high 35 points, shooting 16-for-20 from the field. Jadyn Weltz recorded her fourth career double-double with 10 points and 11 assists, while Keira Hanson added 13 points. Vermont pulled away in the second half, shooting 53.4% from the field for the game.

In men’s basketball action, the Catamounts opened America East play with a decisive 80-61 road victory over New Hampshire at Lundholm Gymnasium. TJ Hurley paced the offense with a team-high 20 points. Sean Blake contributed 17 points, six assists, and three steals, and Gus Yalden added 18 points. Vermont dominated the interior, outscoring the Wildcats 42-22 in the paint and controlling the boards 32-28.

On the ice, the women’s hockey team completed a weekend sweep of Dartmouth with a 2-1 win at Thompson Arena. Stella Retrum tallied a goal and an assist, including the setup for the game-winner in the third period. Lauren O'Hara scored the equalizer in the first period, while goaltender Zoe Cliche made 26 saves to secure her second consecutive win.

Back at Gutterson Fieldhouse, the men’s hockey team shut out RPI 3-0 on Saturday night. First-year goaltender Aiden Wright earned his first career shutout with 30 saves. After two scoreless periods, Blake Steenerson broke the deadlock just 11 seconds into the third period. Jens Richards and Daniel Sambuco sealed the victory with empty-net goals in the final minute.

  • (Thu ⦁ 7:00pm) Jan 8: 2025-26 Men's Basketball vs. Binghamton

  • (Fri ⦁ 7:00pm) Jan 9: 2025-26 Men's Hockey vs Northeastern

  • (Sat ⦁ 7:00pm) Jan 10: 2025-26 Men's Hockey vs. Northeastern

Events:

Monday, January 5, 2026

General Events

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

General Events

Live Music/DJ

  • 6:00 PM: Bashment Tuesday (DJ) at Akes Place (Free)

  • 7:00 PM: ANDRE YUKON WITH JOHNNY BURKE OF THE HORSES at The Monkey House (Check Price)

  • 7:00 PM: Diamond (Indie) at Radio Bean ($10)

  • 8:00 PM: Dead Is Alive with Dobbs' Dead at Einstein's Tap House ($15)

  • 9:00 PM: Big Easy Tuesdays with Jon McBride (Jazz) at The 126 (Free)

  • 9:00 PM: Honky Tonk Tuesday at Radio Bean ($10)

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

General Events

Performances

Live Music/DJ

  • 8:30 PM: Jazz Night with Ray Vega at Hotel Vermont (Free)

  • 9:00 PM: Jazz Sessions at The 126 (Free)

Thursday, January 8, 2026

General Events

Performances

Live Music/DJ

Watch for Wednesday Editions!

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

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

That’s All, Burlington!

Stay warm out there today, and if you're heading out this afternoon, give yourself some extra time for that snowy commute. We'll be back later this week with more local news and happenings. In the meantime, click through to support the journalists and organizations covering our community.

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