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:

Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak sat down with Joanna Grossman and Andy Julow on There's No "A" in Creemee this week, and the conversation lands differently than your typical mayoral interview. She calls Burlington "the most impossible job," then spends 52 minutes making a pretty convincing case for why. The city is running 200 to 350 people living unsheltered on its streets at any given time, a number she insists is a state crisis that keeps getting dumped at Burlington's doorstep because it's the one place with a bus system and a downtown grocery store. She's visibly frustrated by the disconnect: USA Today ranks Burlington top 10 safest in the country, but the perception problem, which she lays squarely at the feet of out-of-state media owners, persists. She has a direct message for the "I don't go to Burlington anymore" crowd: come back, see it for yourself, and stop relying on secondhand stories to write off your neighbors.

Then the conversation shifts to ICE, and the temperature changes. Mulvaney-Stanak describes standing upstairs in her house, away from her children, watching the live-streamed federal arrest of a legal bystander in Minneapolis and feeling her "nervous system" go haywire. Then she learned Portland, Maine, was surging practically in real time. She called her chief of staff that weekend and scrapped the two-week planning timeline. The tabletop exercise happened essentially the next day. She's also quietly extending Burlington's emergency umbrella over Winooski, noting that federal agents won't care which side of the bridge they're on. There's a notable thread of trust running through all of it: her relationship with Chief Burke, the coordination with state police, the mutual aid networks she's hoping will fill in where city government can't. The episode covers a lot more ground, too, including Act 250 tiering, a gun reform charter change that voters approved twice and the legislature still won't touch, a harm reduction center modeled on Providence, and even a nerdy detour into Dillon's Rule and why Vermont's governmental structures haven't kept pace with modern times. But it's the ICE section that'll stick with you. Worth the full 50 minute listen.

This week in Vermont podcasting, The Frequency has been prolific, covering a local entrepreneur walking away from plans to redevelop a college campus and an unusual mayoral race brewing in Rutland, delivering a Town Meeting Day preview alongside news of a Vermont resident's release from federal immigration detention, and reporting on efforts to solve the housing crisis by helping both renters and landlords. The Frequency also offered a quick Capitol Recap on Senate President Phil Baruth's announcement that he won't run for reelection, explored the story behind Vermont's great seal (a motto, a cow, and some wheat dating back to 1779), reported on a legal settlement securing a beloved state park's future and Vermont's plan to restrict food benefit purchases, and celebrated a Vermonter securing the first men's cross-country Olympic skiing medal since '76. Over on Vermont Edition, listeners got a full 50-minute exploration of alternatives to environmentally damaging road salt, a look at what's been a terrific year for Nordic skating on Lake Champlain, and a visit to the northern community of Alburgh in the latest Town by Town installment, along with a Brave Little State crossover digging into why Vermont largely lacks county governance. Brave Little State also tackled the practical question of when it's actually safe to go ice fishing on Lake Champlain. Vermont This Week brought together top journalists with moderator Mitch Wertlieb to unpack school enrollment pains, accountability court, and how one city is preparing for potential ICE operations. The Morning Drive on WVMT featured a strong lineup, with Senator Ginny Lyons discussing health and child care issues, Executive Director Tim Lueders-Dumont talking state's attorneys and sheriffs, Governor Phil Scott stopping by for his monthly segment, and Paul Perez of the National Border Patrol Council weighing in on border enforcement under the current administration. And Load-In Through the Back kept rolling after its 100th episode milestone with a conversation with Al Olender and a chat with Liam St. John braving the record-breaking snowfall.

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

Help keep the Btown Brief running by becoming a monthly donor! Or click here:

One time donation here: [Donate to Btown Brief]

The Btown Brief merch store is live! Shop 15 subtle, Burlington-inspired designs on premium Comfort Colors tees and long sleeves. No touristy vibes, just high-quality gear that supports this city guide.

Shop here: [Btown Brief Merch]

Whistle Packaging at Generator Makerspace

Help your neighbors stay safe by joining Generator Makerspace for their upcoming Whistle Parties! Volunteers are needed to help package 3D-printed whistles that will be distributed to various organizations throughout Vermont, including African Americans Living in Vermont (AALV) and Vermont Professionals of Color (VT-POC).

You can get involved on Tuesday, March 3rd, or Saturday, March 21st. Tasks include tying strings, folding instructional zines, and assembling the final packs. If you join on March 21st, you can also stop by their sign-making station to prepare for the No Kings Protest. Supplies like paint and markers will be provided, but feel free to bring your own cardboard. Sounds like a great way to get plugged into the community so RSVP today to secure your spot!

Check out this volunteer page for links to find volunteer opportunities all around Burlington.

Someone in the The Dine In/To Go Tour Facebook group asked the question “Where’s your favorite place to get donuts?” and it received 51 comments. Rankings are based on the net upvotes of recommending comments. Here’s what I tallied:

Check out the post here for every answer: The Dine In/To Go Tour | Where’s your favorite place to get donuts

Someone in The Dine In/To Go Tour Facebook group asked the question “What's your favorite place to go to for Italian?” and it received 50 comments. Rankings are based on the net upvotes of recommending comments. Here’s what I tallied:

Check out the post here for every answer: The Dine In/To Go Tour

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

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

This Week’s Food & Drink Picks

View the full list of food & drink deals here.

Have corrections? Email me at [email protected]

Someone started this spreadsheet for the most up-to-date.

Help grow it! Add your deal here.

Five more to help you make the most of Burlington:

Start with a skate at Leddy Arena where you can lean into the season without worrying about the weather. Head over to Petra Cliffs for an indoor climbing session if you want to move your body but stay warm. Spend an hour at the Shelburne Museum’s indoor galleries or the Fleming Museum if you’re craving something quiet and thoughtful. Stop into Muddy Waters or Speeder & Earl’s and claim a cozy corner with a book while the cold does its thing outside. End the evening at the Majestic 10 in Williston for a movie night that feels like a proper winter reset.

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

Events Coming Up Soon:

Lane Series: Montréal Guitar Trio Friday, February 27th

For a night of incredible musicianship, head over to The University of Vermont Recital Hall this Friday at 7:30 p.m. These virtuosic six-string players are taking the stage for a unique acoustic concert paying homage to the legendary Ennio Morricone and other musical luminaries. With tickets ranging from $5 to $35, it’s an accessible and culturally enriching way to kick off your weekend with world-class acoustic music.

Hotel Vermont Ice Bar Friday, February 27th – Saturday, February 28th

Grab your cowboy boots for a Western-themed “Hoedown on the Harbor” at Hotel Vermont this weekend! Kicking off Friday at 6 p.m. and continuing Saturday at 5:30 p.m., this 21-and-up extravaganza invites partygoers to chill with custom ice sculptures, sip on frosty cocktails featuring local spirits and brews, and hit the dance floor with DJ Cre8. With tickets between $55 and $75 (which include tokens for food and drink), you can hit up the photo booth and enjoy Burlington's most anticipated winter tradition.

'Uncle Vanya' Saturday, February 28th

If you're craving some classic theater with a modern edge, the Vermont Repertory Theatre is mounting David Mamet’s contemporary adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s 19th-century masterpiece at the Black Box Theater (Main Street Landing). Premiering this Saturday at 7 p.m., the play plunges into the lives of a disillusioned family in rural Russia. Expect a brilliant mix of unrequited love, jealousy, and despair acting as catalysts for laughter in this comedy. Tickets run from $20 to $30.

The Black Experience Saturday, February 28th

Burlington’s citywide observation of Black History Month culminates in the fifth installment of The Black Experience at the Flynn Main Stage this Saturday at 7 p.m. This flagship celebration promises an evening of visionary dialogue, artistry, and collective imagination. Eminent author and leading antiracist scholar Dr. Ibram X. Kendi headlines with a holistic presentation tapping into the rich contributions of Vermont’s Black community, followed by a performance from Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and cultural ambassador Mumu Fresh. Tickets run from $20 to $48.75 for this vibrant community event.

Women's Festival of Crafts Sunday, March 8th

Celebrate International Women’s Day by supporting over 40 women artisans at The Essex Resort & Spa. Running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., shoppers can browse handmade crafts and then make a day of it with $5 off dining at the Lazy Goat Tavern (with proof of purchase) and a complimentary spa enhancement voucher. It's a wonderful way to shop local and treat yourself.

A Vivaldi & Mozart Candlelight Experience Friday, March 13th

Prepare for an enchanting evening at Malletts Bay UCC in Colchester. Lumos Experiences is bringing a magical string trio tribute featuring Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik and Vivaldi's Four Seasons, all surrounded by a sea of glowing candles. With sittings at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., this intimate classical concert is guaranteed to be a memorable night.

Dirtwire Tuesday, March 17th

Looking for St. Patrick's Day plans? Experimental world-beat trio Dirtwire is taking over Higher Ground in South Burlington at 8 p.m. Known for their unique blend of electronic beats and traditional acoustic instruments, their live shows offer a mesmerizing, high-energy dance experience that defies standard genres.

STOMP Wednesday, March 18th

The international percussion sensation comes to The Flynn Main Stage at 7:30 p.m. Expect an explosive, utterly unique performance where the eight-member troupe uses everything from matchboxes and brooms to garbage cans and hubcaps to create magnificent rhythms. It’s a pulse-pounding show that’s perfect for audiences of all ages.

Maple Madness Saturday, March 21st

Celebrate Vermont’s sweetest tradition right in downtown Burlington. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Church Street Marketplace transforms into a maple wonderland complete with syrup samples, live music, fire pits, axe throwing, and even evaporator demonstrations. This free community event is the perfect way to ring in Maple Open House Weekend.

Thievery Corporation Wednesday, March 25th

Pioneering electronic music duo Thievery Corporation brings their genre-defying sound to Higher Ground at 8 p.m. Celebrating decades of global beats and inclusivity, their live performances feature a killer band of players and an array of diverse vocalists. It promises to be a vibrant, multicultural musical journey.

Mike Gordon Sunday, March 29th

Phish bassist and co-founder Mike Gordon is hitting the stage at Higher Ground at 8 p.m. Returning to the road with his latest band, Gordon brings a live show filled with hypnotic movement, unexpected sounds, and his signature kaleidoscopic musicianship. It’s a must-see for local jam-band fans wanting to catch a legendary musician.

Share this newsletter with everyone you know that’s interested in all things Burlington! 5 referrals gets you your own shoutout on the newsletter.