New Wednesday Editions! Monday and Friday are reserved for news and events. Wednesdays are for everything else worth highlighting.

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:

Federal immigration enforcement has shattered the illusion of safety in rural Vermont, where unmarked vehicles are now detaining residents in towns like Winooski and Berkshire. On Vermont Edition, reporter Pete Hirschfeld breaks news that ICE removals in the region have increased tenfold in 2025 (from roughly 900 to nearly 10,000) marking a drastic shift from targeted arrests to mass operations. Host Mikaela Lefrak presses Hirschfeld on the human toll behind these numbers, revealing that families are being separated during routine commutes, yet many remain defiant and committed to staying in the state. The conversation exposes a critical vulnerability in Vermont's economy, as these enforcement waves directly threaten the essential agricultural workforce. University of Vermont anthropologist Teresa Mares and Syracuse geographer Laura-Anne Minkoff-Zern, authors of the new book Will Work for Food: Labor Across the Food Chain, join the program to dismantle the economics of this labor crisis. They argue that while the H-2A visa program mandates a living wage of $18.83 per hour, it paradoxically hurts small local farms that cannot compete with corporate agribusinesses capable of absorbing those costs. Furthermore, Vermont’s signature dairy industry is largely excluded from these visas due to year-round labor needs, leaving its workforce uniquely exposed to the current federal crackdown. The authors note that the volatility is compounded by a lack of worker power; despite over 700,000 frontline food production workers nationally, less than 3% hold union membership. In this vacuum, local alternative models like "Milk with Dignity" are attempting to fill the void where federal protections and traditional unions have failed. Ultimately, the episode presents a sobering reality: the collision of aggressive deportation policies and a fragile, consolidated food system is forcing Vermonters to reckon with the human cost of their grocery bills. Listen to the full 50 minute episode here.

This week in Vermont podcasts, Vermont Edition delivers: their annual winter books show assembles "super readers" from across the state with gift-worthy recommendations. And, as mentioned previously, a timely examination of how federal immigration enforcement (with over 100 arrests in Vermont during the past 10 months) is rippling through tight-knit communities and threatening local food supply chains. The Octagon sits down with ski filmmaker Mike Hayes for a nearly 50-minute conversation about documenting Mt. Mansfield's backcountry scene. The Morning Drive keeps busy with guests including Vermont-NEA president Don Tinney on Act 73 and education funding, Spectrum Youth's Mark Redmond, local author Joshua Walker discussing his new book "The Coach," and UVM ROTC representatives. The Frequency offers daily briefings covering hospital budgeting shortfalls in Brattleboro, rising landfill fees for Upper Valley residents, ski area news, and a compelling two-part story following Blanca and Samuel as they navigate healthcare subsidies affecting farmers. 802 News with Mark Johnson tackles education reform challenges in a meaty 53-minute episode, while There's No "A" in Creemee goes deep on school redistricting with State Senator Martine Gulick. Vermont This Week dissects a voter data lawsuit and property tax forecasts, and Brave Little State takes on a poignant question from Manny, recently released from prison, investigating what happened to Vermont's halfway houses. For music fans, Load-In Through the Back welcomes Wood Brothers percussionist Jano Rix for a freewheeling 50-minute chat, and United in Green delivers an hour-long conversation with Vermont Green FC legend Connor Tobin about players' rights. Finally, Net Zero Energy Vermont brings back energy education advocate Sophia Donforth for a quick 10-minute reflection on four years of work across the state.

Find all the different podcasts by visiting this page I made of local Vermont podcasts

If you enjoy this newsletter, and want to support local journalism, be sure to check out my Btown Brief merch store, opening in Friday’s edition so Stay Tuned!

The North End Food Pantry in Burlington is actively recruiting volunteers to support its mission of feeding neighbors in need. As a completely volunteer-run organization, the pantry relies on community members to fill critical roles, including Food Pickup Drivers to transport donations and Food Distribution Helpers (a role highlighted as ideal for high school students). Drivers are particularly needed for quick one-hour shifts on Saturday and Sunday mornings to collect fresh items from local partners. These morning runs are essential for keeping the shelves stocked with produce and deli goods for the week ahead.

For those with limited schedules, the pantry offers flexible opportunities with no permanent commitment required, including assistance with Monthly Clothing Drives on the last Sunday of every month. Residents interested in making a tangible difference can find more details and sign up for shifts directly on the volunteer page.

I beefed up the volunteer page recently so check out this volunteer page for links to find volunteer opportunities all around Burlington.

Someone in the r/burlington subreddit asked the question “Best Chinese food in town?” and it received 71 comments. Rankings are based on the net upvotes of recommending comments. Here’s what I tallied:

Check out the post here for every answer: Reddit Post

Do you agree? If not, send me your favorite recommendation by replying to this email!

Check out the previous polls I tallied: ”Best of” Btown Eats Polls Archive

This Week’s Food & Drink Picks

View the full list of food & drink deals here.

Five more to help you make the most of Burlington:

Take a walk through Leddy Park’s upper trails where the paths stay quiet this time of year and the lake peeks through the trees as you go.
Stop into Kru Coffee on Pine Street for something warm, then wander the South End for a low-key browse of shops and studios while everything feels calm before the holiday rush.
Visit the Ethan Allen Homestead trails for an easy loop along the river where the air feels crisp and the views open up as the leaves come down.
Check out Foam Brewers in the late afternoon for a relaxed drink with a view of the lake, even better now that the crowds have thinned for the season.
End your day with a quiet stroll around the UVM Green, where the early winter light and historic buildings make the campus feel especially peaceful.

Full list’s always waiting here when you need a plan: 202+ Things to Do

Let’s look a little further out and see what events are worth keeping on your radar:

Gary Simons at Radio Bean Thursday, December 18 | 7:00 PM | $10 Get ready for a night of laughs as local comic Alex St. Louis hosts a special showcase at Radio Bean. This month features NYC-based headliner Gary Simons, a 2024 "Comic-to-Watch" at the New York Comedy Festival who has opened for heavy hitters like Mike Birbiglia and Roy Wood Jr. Known for his witty, introspective style, Gary is making the trip up to Burlington for a set you won't want to miss. Madeliene Bogard and Alex St. Louis will kick off the night.

Shakey Graves at Higher Ground Wednesday, Dec 17 & Thursday, Dec 18 | 8:00 PM Americana favorite Shakey Graves brings his "memorable performance" to South Burlington for a two-night run. If you're looking for live music to warm up your week, grab tickets while they last. Fans can expect hits like "Dearly Departed" and "The Perfect Parts."

Festive Fridays: Light Up the Night Friday, December 19 | 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Head to the Church Street Marketplace for a festive evening of holiday cheer. The night kicks off with a Fun Run at 5:30 PM, followed by a Light Parade at 6:00 PM featuring a fleet of decorated trucks (including the glowing SD Ireland cement mixer!). It’s a perfect family-friendly way to enjoy the lights and holiday tunes.

Vermont's Own Nutcracker at The Flynn Saturday, Dec 20 & Sunday, Dec 21 | Multiple Showtimes A beloved local tradition returns! Vermont Ballet Theater presents their magical rendition of The Nutcracker exclusively at The Flynn. Follow Clara’s journey through the Land of Sweets with Tchaikovsky’s timeless score and stellar choreography. A holiday treat for all ages.

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