Good morning, Burlington.

Businesses on Church Street are undergoing changes as Dear Lucy will close after nearly two decades while Vermont Teddy Bear Factory moves in and other stores expand.

Local leaders hope community support revives downtown — a new store will open soon.

Local pagans are embracing contemporary witchcraft as they blend ancient traditions with modern practices.

Burlington-based practitioner Jillian Kirby and others find meaning in rituals like Tarot readings and nature celebrations (online groups are uniting fans) as Vermont continues its long history of alternative spirituality.

The School District Redistricting Task Force opposes forced mergers that would disrupt education and erase local control.

Lawmakers will soon debate Act 73, which aims to cut costs and streamline services & may reshape district lines amid concerns over larger classes and school closures.

South Burlington High School is celebrating over 50 years of a cultural exchange partnership with a school in Hameln.

German students visit for two weeks in Vermont so they can learn language, life skills and build lasting friendships while sharing local traditions.

Gov. Phil Scott proposed education reforms to ease rising property taxes, which may increase 12% next fiscal year; a public hearing on the Budget Adjustment Act is scheduled next Wednesday (if a buy-down is supported, the hike will drop to 7%), as residents express concerns about long-term affordability.

A CDC report for the week ending Jan.

3 shows Vermont’s flu activity has been upgraded to moderate (with a 24.7% positivity rate and 7.2% of visits for respiratory issues down from the previous week) even as 25 states face very high levels of flu activity.

Data from Realtor.com shows that in October, homes in Chittenden County sold for a median of $505,000, up 1 percent from September and 12.2 percent over October last year.

Single-family homes and condos also saw gains compared to previous figures.

Team USA alpine skier Ryan Cochran-Siegle, inspired by his mother’s 1972 gold medal and a Beijing silver medal, is set to race in Aspen today as he recovers from injuries including a broken neck and torn ACL.

He also supports youth skiing at his family’s Cochran’s Ski Area (Vermont).

Emil Wakim Live

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — Tickets start at $106 — Experience an unforgettable performance by Emil Wakim at Vermont Comedy Club.

Nico Suave & the Mothership Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Higher Ground — All ages welcome — Rock is alive with Nico Suave & the Mothership, hailing from Burlington VT.

Emil Wakim Live

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — Tickets starting at $101 — Emil Wakim brings laughter to Burlington with his unforgettable comedy performance.

Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour 2026

6:30 PM – 12:00 AM — The Flynn — Ticket pricing varies — Experience adrenaline-fueled action and breathtaking landscapes from around the world.

Penguin Plunge

11:00 AM – 1:30 PM — Burlington Waterfront Boat Ramp — $25 – $50 — Dive into Lake Champlain for a chilly plunge in support of Special Olympics Vermont.