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

After a relatively mild stretch, we're waking up to some clouds and even some very light snow in some places. Skies should clear through the afternoon with highs reaching the upper 20s. Thursday stays quiet and cold with highs in the low 20s under partly sunny skies. Friday brings increasing clouds ahead of a clipper system that will drop another inch or two of snow Friday night into Saturday morning. But the real story is what's behind it: an arctic blast is barreling in this weekend, prompting First Alert Weather Days for Saturday and Sunday. Highs will crater into the single digits with dangerous wind chills plunging to -20°F to -40°F… conditions where frostbite can set in within 10 minutes. We'll start to see gradual moderation early next week, but for now, enjoy today's relative warmth while you can.

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:

News Talk WVMT's Morning Drive with Anthony and Dan sits down with Kevin Chu, executive director of the Vermont Futures Project, for a frank conversation about why Vermont is hemorrhaging economic momentum, and what it would actually take to turn things around. The numbers are brutal: Vermont ranks 51st in effective business tax rate (more than double the national average), 43rd in cost of living, 44th in land use regulation, and was one of just three states to lose population last year alongside West Virginia and Mississippi. "We're on the podium," Chu quips about Vermont's third-place ranking in state tax collections per capita, "but that's actually not a podium I want to be on."

The thing is, Chu isn't just here to depress you. The data shows young people, ages 25 to 44, actually want to move to Vermont. More 25-to-29-year-olds have relocated here in the past three years than all 65-plus movers combined. "We're doing the hard part," he argues. "The hardest part is attracting people to want to be here." The problem is retention. People arrive, hit the wall of $600,000 housing costs and regulatory quicksand, and leave. When Anthony asks why Vermont dropped from 3rd to 22nd on a national talent attraction scorecard, Chu's answer is blunt: "We haven't done enough to address the economic factors or the housing factors that might keep them here long term." The pandemic brought a wave of remote workers seeking quality of life; exactly the tax-paying, workforce-age residents Vermont desperately needs, and we let them slip away.

Chu lands one point that's hard to shake: "If housing is a human right, then it should be right to build housing." Right now, he says, the default answer to any housing proposal is no; and developers spend years clawing toward a yes that can be killed by a single rejection at either the local or state level. When a caller suggests raising taxes on the top 1% as a fix, Chu points out Vermont already ranks third nationally in tax progressivity. "Going from third to second or first is not going to be the solution that solves everything," he says. People have choices, especially high-net-worth folks who can assess whether they're being targeted and simply leave.

There's a silver lining buried in the rural decline numbers too: latent capacity. Towns that once had 5,000 residents and now have 3,000 still have the infrastructure, the school seats, the buildings, the roads, to absorb growth quickly if we let it happen. Vermont's smallness, Chu argues, means we can shift momentum faster than a Massachusetts or Texas. The physics analogy he drops is nerdy but apt: momentum equals mass times velocity, and while Vermont lacks velocity right now, our small mass means it takes far less energy to change direction. The question is whether anyone under the golden dome is interested in pushing. Be sure to give it a full listen here, it’s 41 minutes long, but worth it if you want to try understanding the perspective of Kevin Chu, a Middlebury graduate and lifelong Vermonter who leads the Vermont Futures Project, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to using data and research to evolve the state's economy toward a thriving and affordable future for everyone.

This week in Vermont podcasts, Vermont Edition delivers a fascinating deep dive into the history of Bennington College's Black Music Division, exploring how avant-garde musician and professor Bill Dixon created this groundbreaking department in the mid-1970s, while other episodes tackle the pressing debate in Brattleboro over homeless encampments as Vermonters endure the current cold snap, examine a new book called "Bernie for Burlington" reflecting on how the famous senator transformed the city before becoming a mitten-wearing meme, and host another cross-border conversation with the CBC's Radio Noon amid escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada. The Morning Drive on WVMT features a trio of substantive conversations, with Libertarian Party of Vermont Chair Anne Lepeltier, Senate Republican Leader Scott Beck reflecting on the first few weeks of the legislative session, former Vermont State Economist Art Woolf discussing his latest Substack column on median income in the state, and, as you already heard about, Vermont Futures Project Executive Director Kevin Chu weighing in on economic momentum. Sports fans won't want to miss 802 News with Mark Johnson, where Vermont journalist Peggy Shinn offers an exciting preview of the Winter Olympics in Italy, highlighting events and athletes with ties to the Green Mountain State. The Frequency covers an eclectic mix this week in its signature quick-hit format, from a heartwarming story about a Massachusetts man whose nonprofit creates accessible LEGO instructions for blind fans, to practical advice on dealing with those giant icicles hanging from your roof, to programs helping Vermonters seek shelter during the frigid temperatures, to news about a local electric aircraft company vying for Trump Administration grants, to a Capitol Recap on proposals to deregulate Vermont's health insurance market, and even a historical look back at the 1808 purchase of land in Windsor that would become Vermont's first state prison. Politics junkies should tune into There's No "A" in Creemee for a "vt-poli sampler pack" featuring an exclusive on the Williston ICE sit-in alongside statehouse sessions with House Commerce Chair Mike Marcotte and Rep. Jana Brown, while Vermont This Week brings together the state's top journalists to dissect Governor Phil Scott and ICE, opioid settlement money, and border crossings. For those craving longer, more immersive listens, Load-in Through the Back sits down with Brian Vander Ark of The Verve Pipe for a delightful hour-plus conversation with the esteemed songwriter, The Octagon chats with Stowe Mountain Rescue Deputy Chief Drew Clymer about his passion for service and the ins and outs of backcountry rescue operations, and United in Green welcomes Shawn and Rob from Portland's Dirigo Union supporters group for a sprawling 90-minute discussion on New England soccer and the Hearts of Pine origins. Rounding out the week, Net Zero Energy Vermont spotlights the important work of CVOEO's weatherization program with Program Manager Dwight DeCoster explaining how the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity helps Vermonters stay warm.

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

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Students at the Sustainability Academy are looking for Everybody Wins! Reading Mentors to become a consistent friend and reading partner for a child. This rewarding role requires just one hour a week on Wednesdays or Thursdays during your lunch break, running from October through early May. Whether you’re reading together, playing games, or just chatting, your presence can make a huge impact on a student's success and confidence in school. If you're looking for a fun and easy way to connect with the Burlington community, you can apply online or email Katie at [email protected] for more information.

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

Someone in the The Dine In/To Go Tour FB Page asked the question “I'm craving some wood fired pizza in Chittenden county. Who would you suggest and what's your favorite pizza? ” and it received 115 comments. Rankings are based on the net upvotes of recommending comments. Here’s what I tallied:

Top Recommendations:

Check out the post here for every answer: FB Post

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.

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Help grow it! Add your deal here.

Five more to help you make the most of Burlington:

Start with a walk through Centennial Woods where the bare trees open up longer sightlines and the trails stay quiet. Stop by Kru Coffee downtown for something warm and take your time sitting inside before heading back out. Visit the Fleming Museum on the UVM campus for an easy indoor break that still feels thoughtful and local. Take a slow lap around Calahan Park where the open space makes even a short walk feel refreshing this time of year, maybe even hop on the ice rink while you’re there too. Wrap it up with an early evening stop at Radio Bean for live music or just a drink in a cozy room while the night sets in.

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

Events Coming Up Soon: (Sorry if you see these again in Friday’s edition!)

An Adult Boozy & Smutty Book Fair Wednesday, February 4th

Happening today at 1st Republic Brewing Co in Essex Junction, this unique Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) event runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Hosted by Phoenix Books, it combines bestsellers and romance reads with craft beers and wine. It looks like a fun, low-pressure way to shop for a new favorite book while enjoying a drink with friends or a date.

Downtown Lights: Snow Ball Friday, February 6th

Church Street Marketplace comes alive this Friday evening from 5-7 p.m. with the free Downtown Lights: Snow Ball. The event features sparkling light projections by Vanish Works, music from DJ Amelia Devoid, and plenty of winter activities like snowball-throwing challenges and mini snowman making. With loads of hot chocolate on hand, it shapes up to be a magical, family-friendly start to the weekend.

Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour Friday, February 6th – Saturday, February 7th

For those seeking adventure from the comfort of a theater seat, the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour stops at the Flynn Main Stage for two nights. Emceed by the hosts of the "National Park After Dark" podcast, the screenings feature adrenaline-fueled films about climbing, skiing, and exploration. Tickets range from $15-$40 for this showcase of jaw-dropping feats and mountain culture.

Penguin Plunge Saturday, February 7th

Brave souls will dive into the icy waters of Lake Champlain at Waterfront Park this Saturday at 11 a.m. to support Special Olympics Vermont. Whether you are preregistered to take the dip yourself or just want to cheer on the daredevils from the shore, it’s a spirited community tradition that raises funds for a great cause. Spectating is free, while plungers raise money to participate.

Winter Renaissance Faire Saturday, February 7th – Sunday, February 8th

The Champlain Valley Exposition transforms into a winter wonderland of days past this weekend. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, attendees can enjoy fight performances, music, and dance, or browse wares from craft artisans. Tickets are $5-$30 (kids under 6 are free), offering a perfect escape for anyone looking to don some period garb and indulge in a turkey leg or two.

Further Out Events To Keep on Your Radar:

Stavros Halkias Thursday, February 12th

Comedian Stavros Halkias brings his "The Dreamboat Tour" to the Flynn Main Stage next Thursday at 8 p.m. Known for his crowd work and podcast appearances, the Baltimore native promises a night of laughs for local comedy fans. Tickets are available now for what is sure to be a popular show in downtown Burlington.

Great Ice! Fireworks Friday, February 13th

Kick off the Great Ice! festival in North Hero with a bang. The festivities at Hero's Welcome General Store start with a Christmas Tree Bonfire at 6:30 p.m., followed by a fireworks display over City Bay at 7:00 p.m. A skate party on the lighted rink follows, with food and drink vendors on site to keep everyone warm and fed.

WOKO Gigantic Indoor Flea Market Sunday, February 15th

Treasure hunters should mark their calendars for the massive indoor flea market returning to the Champlain Valley Exposition. Running from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., the event features aisles of antiques, collectibles, and handmade goods. With a $5 entry fee and free parking, it’s a classic Vermont winter pastime for finding unexpected bargains.

Milton Winter Festival Saturday, February 21st

Looking a bit further ahead, Milton is celebrating the season—and kicking off America's 250th anniversary—at Bombardier Park West. The festival runs from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and is packed with free activities: horse and sleigh rides, dog sledding meet-and-greets, snow bowling, and a lantern parade finale. It sounds like a fantastic community gathering to embrace the snow before spring arrives.

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The Lowdown at Higher Ground Monday, February 23rd The Higher Ground Showcase Lounge in South Burlington hosts a new comedy night starting at 7:30 p.m. Hosted by Maggie Maxwell (NBC, Reductress), this 18+ seated showcase features a curated lineup of top-tier talent, including Vermont’s reigning "Funniest Comedian" Donavin Andronaco, Tracy Dolan, and more. It looks like the perfect Monday night pick-me-up for anyone looking to catch the funniest folks in the local scene.