Good morning, Burlington.

A newly renovated family shelter on Pearl Street in Burlington opens today for nine homeless families, featuring private rooms, shared bathrooms + a playroom for children.

Operated by the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity, the shelter will offer a safe place for families to transition toward permanent housing.

Sky Barsch, CEO of VTDigger since 2023, will step down on June 1 after guiding the news site to reduce losses with cost cuts and higher donations; she remains involved as union negotiations over AI use continue.

VTDigger announced that CEO Sky Barsch will step down (effective June 1) and guide the news organization through a smooth transition until then.

The Board of Trustees is now searching for a new CEO to build on the strong foundation established during her leadership.

South Burlington High School has launched a student-run food pantry—coordinated by seniors Ally Leduc and Katie Williamson—to offer anonymous access to shelf-stable foods for students during winter break, helping 28% who qualify for free or reduced lunch.

On Monday, Jan 26, Burlington saw a heavy northeast snowfall as residents took to Church Street to ski and spotted buried toys — a lively scene amid winter weather.

State officials expanded emergency cold-weather shelters to four additional locations — including Burlington’s Miller Center — following Friday, Jan.

23’s harsh snap as temperatures hit -10 and calls for help surged.

New Census Bureau data shows that the U.S. population grew by only 0.5% in 2025 because net international migration fell sharply.

Vermont saw its population drop by 0.3% amid lower migration rates nationwide compared to domestic gains in other states.

Twelve U.S. Army athletes are heading to the Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina after intense races in Europe, including Vermont’s Sean Doherty who credits his training at home and a disciplined military mindset (Lt. Col. Christopher Fogt leads Team USA bobsled team).

Two Vermont teen ski racers, Bronson Culver from Burke Mountain Academy and Chelsea Charles from Stratton Mountain School, were named to the National Brotherhood of Snowsports 2026 team roster, officials announced; they will be honored at the 53rd summit at Keystone Resort from Feb. 28 — Mar. 8.

Officials barred student fans from Tuesday's basketball game at Cieplicki Court between CVU and Rice following racist online posts (only junior varsity athletes and adult family members attended) while law enforcement ensured safety.

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.

TAZ Live Concert

7-10:30 p.m. — Higher Ground — Ticket prices not listed — Experience the electrifying talent of TAZ, a rising star who has graced major stages worldwide.

2026 Burlington Weekend Food Art and Crafts Show

10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. — Burlington City Arts @ The BCA Center — Vendor fees apply — Discover tasty eats, cool crafts, and fun vibes at this vibrant community showcase.

The Lowdown at Higher Ground

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Higher Ground — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with Vermont's funniest at this new comedy event.