Good morning, Burlington.

The Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity opened an extreme cold shelter at the Miller Center in Burlington’s New North End to help those without warm shelter; the facility operated eight nights this winter and was full Thursday (open 5 p.m. to 8 a.m.), with more nights planned.

Trader Joe’s at 200 Dorset St. in South Burlington released its 17th Annual Customer Choice Awards results for 2025 on Jan.

29, naming Pork & Ginger Soup Dumplings as the top overall product, seasonal Spiced Cider the favorite drink, and Garlic Butter Irish Potato Chips the best new snack.

In February, Burlington and South Burlington venues will host 28 arts events (including concerts, plays, and comedy shows) designed to engage local audiences.

The schedule starts with the Vermont Youth Orchestra on Feb. 1 and features a show with Stavros Halkias on Feb. 12.

Public works departments in Burlington and nearby towns are reporting road salt shortages as a nationwide supply disruption continues.

Local contractors are now overbuying salt to prepare for harsher winter storms — officials say milder recent winters left them with lower stockpiles.

Vermont Agency of Education officials proposed statutory changes to modernize truancy laws + promote prevention-focused strategies as Maple Run saw a 17% drop in chronic absenteeism this quarter.

Lawmakers will review the proposal next week to create consistent statewide policies.

Vermont lost over 1,800 residents last year, marking the highest percent drop in the nation as more people left than moved in.

Experts warn that low birth numbers (the state had the fewest births) may strain housing and the workforce soon.

Vermont basketball coach John Becker addressed reporters after the Catamounts beat UMBC 64-55 on Thursday, Jan.

29. He praised the team's strong performance in a game that energized local fans.

Team USA just announced its Olympic roster for 2026 + four Vermont skiers will compete in Alpine, Freestyle, and Cross-Country skiing in Milano-Cortina.

The announcement comes on Friday, Jan. 30 as athletes prepare for the games.

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.