Good morning, Burlington.

The Vermont Federal Foundation raffle to fight food insecurity has sold about 80% of its tickets and remains open for the public until it meets its $60,000 goal (tickets cost $20 each online).

Funds will support the Vermont Foodbank and its charitable work.

Ursa Major, a Vermont skincare company, has grown over 15 years to reach $30 million in annual revenue with a focus on clean beauty.

It recently revamped its packaging to use mostly glass + aluminum, appealing to customers who value sustainable ingredients.

A state survey showed last year's drought cost farms over $15.9M.

Agricultural advocates urge lawmakers to support a Farm Security Fund bill — a measure aimed at providing farmers with permanent disaster relief for future weather challenges.

VSAC is accepting applications for over 150 scholarships and forgivable loans for high school seniors and returning college or training students to fund fall 2026 education.

Applicants must submit all required documents by Feb. 11, 2026 (under updated USPS postmark rules).

Lawmakers are set to consider a bill that ends PCB testing in schools — a program started when high PCB levels forced Burlington High School to relocate.

Rep. Peter Conlon’s proposal would cancel future tests while state funds cover remediation for schools that already tested positive.

Animal welfare advocates say shelters face high daily costs caring for abused pets and urge lawmakers to require defendants to pay for this care as Rep. Emilie Krasnow today introduced a bill that would shift costs from rescues to abusers and add penalties for aggravated cruelty.

Burlington officials are reexamining oversight for UVM dorms after student complaints about mold, leaks and broken facilities, and the ordinance committee will meet tomorrow — with input from universities and student groups — to address the inspection gaps.

This move aims to ensure that living conditions meet city standards.

Lawmakers in the House and Senate plan bills to change primary care payments by shifting focus from fee-for-service to patient volume in a bid to improve access and lower costs (targeting 15% of spending for primary care).

They hope the reform will address doctor shortages and reduce wait times.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont launched an ad campaign urging residents to shop around for lower health care costs as it highlights the high prices at UVM Medical Center.

A new diagnostic imaging center in Williston will hold a ribbon-cutting tomorrow to offer more affordable options.

Tim Brookes (72) cancelled his planned Burlington party on Jan.

2 when a nearby drugstore closed early on New Year’s Eve, causing his inhaler price to jump to $314 and nearly miss his flight; he left for Cambridge on Jan. 7.

A free health clinic at the Islamic Society of Vermont offers free primary and specialist care every Saturday at the mosque on Swift - Dorset in South Burlington, addressing care delays that lead patients to the emergency room.

Open since April, the volunteer-run clinic has treated about 200 patients.

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.

Love In Motion: A Valentine's Trolley Experience

5-8 p.m. — Delta Hotels Burlington — $ — Step onto a red carpet and enjoy a charming, romantic trolley ride filled with nostalgia and curated moments for couples.