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

Whoa… I’ve never embedded an Instagram video before, but this felt like the right moment! Kwame shared a video today announcing a few things, one of them being an upcoming collaboration with us, The Btown Brief, and I wanted to share it here. Kwame is a familiar voice to a lot of Burlington listeners; you may know him from his years as the program director at the radio station 95 Triple X, or from seeing him DJ events, festivals, weddings, and community gatherings around town, or even at our regular Saturday morning coffee meet ups (which you should all go to!). Over the next few months, we’ll be working together on monthly arts features that spotlight Burlington artists, through short social videos, mini-podcast segments, and by helping host some really fun Btown Brief events (matched with amazing DJ sets). My hope is that this helps cement regular events people can actually plan around. The kind that make the Btown community feel more connected and alive and smaller. The best friendships are built by getting out of the house and doing things together, especially across a wide range of events to attend, and things to try in the biggest city in Vermont, Burlington!

At its core, this collaboration is about staying rooted in Burlington and making it easier to see what’s happening around town. Expect deeper arts coverage, better event discovery, and more community-driven storytelling. All focused on the people already doing great work here. This is just the beginning, and we’re excited to build it together with you. So be sure to show up, and stay tuned for more Btown content and events!

You can watch Kwame explain some of it below:

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:

If you want to understand why your commute feels rougher every year, the latest episode of There's No "A" in Creemee (hosted by Joanna Grossman and former State Senator Andy Julow) delivers some genuinely alarming numbers. Senator Becca White (D-Windsor) lays out a transportation funding crisis that should be making bigger headlines: only 6% of Vermont's state roads are currently rated "very poor," but that's projected to hit 48% by 2035. A $33 million hole in the transportation fund has already triggered layoffs. White's also pushing a five-year moratorium on AI data centers and a bill to move car inspections to every two years. Small relief, sure, but the kind people actually notice.

But it's White's account of the Mohsen Mahdawi arrest that sticks. White, who was present at the arrest and has known Mahdawi for years, says federal agents refused to identify themselves to her, and watching masked men detain someone at a citizenship interview left her shaken. That's driving her anti-masking bill, which would make it a misdemeanor for federal law enforcement to obscure their identities during operations in Vermont. She's also doing a podcast with former Senator Dick McCormick about retirement and institutional memory (five episodes recorded, two released so far) driven by a worry that these stories will disappear when longtime legislators do.

The episode also features Molly Gray, who officially launched her lieutenant governor campaign at Nomad Coffee in Burlington's South End. Gray, who runs the Vermont Afghan Alliance, calls out the Scott administration for preemptively ending SNAP benefits for certain immigrant groups even though federal law didn't require it—a decision later found to be wrong, but not before vulnerable Vermonters lost food assistance. "There are no ceremonial offices" right now, she says. Worth a listen if you're trying to keep up with the Statehouse this session. Here’s the full listen.

This week in Vermont podcasts, Vermont Edition offers two long episodes worth your time: one exploring how ski season must adapt to a warming climate, and another diving into Act 250 reform and the state's new tiered development system, both clocking in at 50 minutes each. The Morning Drive on WVMT has been especially prolific, featuring U.S. Senator Peter Welch in a quick chat, energy consultant Matt Cota on transportation issues in a 40-minute segment, Major General Gregory Knight and Lt. Col. Jamie Lewandowski discussing the Vermont National Guard, GOP Chair Paul Dame previewing the legislative session and next year's elections, conservative commentator John Klar on agriculture and liberty, NFIB State Director John Reynolds on small business concerns, and healthcare advocate Mike Del Trecco in a 44-minute deep dive on Vermont's healthcare landscape. Over at The Frequency, listeners can catch quick daily updates covering everything from a southern Vermont hospital's ADA settlement and new housing infrastructure financing to the state treasurer's pitch for a prescription drug discount program and a Vermont high school robotics team competing nationally, plus a brief recap on lingering doubts about Governor Scott's education reform push. Meanwhile, Vermont This Week brings together the state's top journalists to round up the week's biggest stories including Governor Scott's education ultimatum, dismissed ethics complaints, and a prescription drug bill in a tight 27 minutes. Finally, soccer fans won't want to miss United In Green's expansive long sit down and conversation with "The Gaffer" on what it takes to build and sustain a championship team through a grueling USL season for Vermont Green.

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

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.

Shop here: [Btown Brief Merch]

Donate: [Donate to Btown Brief]

Aunt Dot’s Place, a vital community food shelf in Essex, is seeking a volunteer with marketing expertise to join their Board of Directors. As they continue to address local food insecurity, they need help crafting a stronger communications plan to better connect with neighbors, donors, and volunteers. This is a low-barrier, high-impact role as the board meets just once a month on the second Wednesday evening at their Center Road location. If you’re a marketing pro looking to use your skills for good, you can learn more and sign up through United Way.

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

Someone in the r/burlington subreddit asked the question “Coziest bars in Burlington please” and it received 39 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

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:

Take a late afternoon walk through Oakledge Park's upper paths, where the bare trees open up lake views. Stop into Scout & Co. for something warm, then wander the Old North End streets where early winter brings out the character of the houses and porches. Spend an hour at the Shelburne Museum grounds if they're still open for walking, the wide spaces feel quieter this time of year. Head to Main Street Landing for a low-key evening movie or event. Finish with a simple walk along the Burlington Greenway near the waterfront, where things are quieter this time of year and the lake feels steady and still.

I’ll be updating the 202+ Things to Do archive to be winter-related by next week.

But first here’s some events some readers wanted me to highlight!

A reader/local librarian sent this one in! The Fletcher Free Library is hosting a hands-on workshop on January 17th called "AI in our Work and Lives," designed specifically for teens, tweens, and parents. Led by Dr. Marc Natanagara, the session offers a practical deep dive into understanding AI safety, benefits, and everyday uses. It looks like an essential event for families wanting to stay ahead of the technology curve, so registering early to secure one of the limited seats is advised.

Local alt-rockers Brunch the Band are headlining the Monkey House in Winooski this Friday, January 16th, promising a high-energy set blended with '90s garage rock vibes. They will be joined by supporting acts MAD and Jensen Alley, creating a solid lineup for fans of the local music scene. With doors at 8 p.m. and tickets just $10, this looks like a great option for a night out.

A reader reached out to highlight the Repair Cafe happening this Saturday, January 17th, at Laboratory B, urging the community to stop tossing broken items and start fixing them. Bring everything from electronics to clothing between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., where volunteer experts will help troubleshoot and repair goods for free. It sounds like a perfect opportunity for anyone looking to reduce waste and learn valuable DIY skills.

August First is hosting a cozy evening tomorrow, January 15th, to support the Friends of the Fletcher Free Library. Locals are invited to enjoy comfort food and warm beverages while participating in a neighborhood book swap—perfect for clearing out old reads and finding new ones. No tickets are required, making it an accessible and community-focused way to kick off your reading resolutions.

Outdoor Gear Exchange and Four Quarters Brewing are teaming up this Friday, January 16th, for their 5th annual auction benefiting Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports and the Chill Foundation. Attendees can bid on gear from top brands like Burton and Salomon while enjoying a cold drink in the taproom. It shapes up to be a great way to snag some winter equipment while supporting inclusive recreation in the community.

Vermont Fancy Felines is taking over the DoubleTree by Hilton this weekend, January 17th and 18th, for a family-friendly showcase of up to 35 beautiful cat breeds. The schedule is packed with judging rings, a "Parade of Breeds," and even a stuffed animal contest for kids. For feline enthusiasts, this looks like the premier opportunity to learn about different breeds and shop from local vendors.

ECHO is inviting adults to a nostalgia-fueled night on Thursday, January 22nd, featuring interactive Mario Kart competitions and live turtle encounters. The 18+ event combines STEM learning with gaming fun, allowing guests to explore the museum's exhibits with a drink in hand. It stands out as a unique "adults-only" twist on the science center experience, perfect for anyone looking to unleash their competitive spirit.

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