Daily
Burlington
Friday, February 20th, 2026
Good morning, Burlington. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of February.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Beta Technologies board member Dean Kamen resigned Wednesday to avoid potential distractions after a review linked him to Epstein through past communications (the review found no legal violations). Vermont Public
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Vermont-raised musician Noah Kahan will appear in a 94-minute Netflix documentary that premieres at SXSW on March 16 in Austin — marking his historic four sold-out nights at Fenway Park — as he prepares to release his new album on April 24. Burlington Free Press
- ➤ On Thursday, Smuggler's Notch Resort revived its winter tradition Ignite the Night with a torchlight parade and fireworks on Morse Mountain — a nod to past festivities. Under new ownership, organizers plan to host more evening shows, inviting guests to enjoy the spectacle after a day on the slopes. NBC5
- ➤ Burlington Discover Jazz Festival runs June 3 to June 7 at The Flynn; on opening night at 7 p.m., 'The Beat Beneath Us' will feature tap dancer Savion Glover, pianist Jason Moran and drummer Chris Dave, and final night 'A Nation Listens' has Chris Potter and Julian Lage. Burlington Free Press
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A WalletHub survey shows Vermont families spend 1.97% of their median income on groceries, ranking the state 26th nationwide. With food prices on the rise, households may need to adjust budgets for essential items (survey based on 26 common grocery items). Burlington Free Press
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Students and community leaders testified at the State House to urge lawmakers to require Holocaust and antisemitism education in public schools (they believe early instruction can help protect future generations) while no formal bill has been introduced. NBC5
- ➤ Vermont’s 2024-25 report card shows more than half the public schools are not meeting performance goals, prompting Gov. Phil Scott to call for transformative changes to better support teachers and students. Education Secretary Zoie Saunders and local leaders say their collaborative approach will help use classroom data for future improvements. NBC5
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Williston Police Chief Patrick Foley (with a 50-year law enforcement career) will retire in July 2026 after serving since 2017, and a national search has begun to name his replacement. Town Manager Erik Wells thanked Foley for his outstanding service. NBC5
- ➤ Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is in California this week to meet with AI experts about how the technology may change jobs and the economy. He will return to propose a bill to pause construction of new AI data centers. VTDigger
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Flu and cold symptoms are rising in Burlington as respiratory illnesses increase across Vermont, with Lakeside Pharmacy seeing more customers buying cough suppressants and decongestants today. Health officials advise vaccination, hand washing and staying home when ill to protect community health. NBC5
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Vermont women’s basketball fell to UMBC, 46+44, at Patrick Gym on Thursday, Feb. 19 as scoring issues and missed shots cost the win; Coach Kresge said the team will regroup for its senior day celebration against NJIT on Saturday, Feb. 21. Burlington Free Press
- ➤ The freestyle portion of the high school Nordic skiing state championships took place on Feb. 19 at Rikert Outdoor Center, with Mount Mansfield girls winning key races and South Burlington's James Langan topping the boys' Division I; classic races will be held on Feb. 24 at Craftsbury Outdoor Center. Burlington Free Press
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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.
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Reprise Concert
7:30 p.m. — Higher Ground — All ages — Experience the Phish revival with an all-star band led by Cal Kehoe.
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Bridal Hairstyling Masterclass with Sara
2-7:30 p.m. — This is Urban Salon — Two ticket options available — Enhance your hairstyling skills with a live demo and hands-on workshop focused on bridal styles.
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Bosch eBike Systems MY26 Dealer Training
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington Vermont — Registration required — Enhance your expertise in eBike technology and service with Bosch's latest dealer certification training.
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The Happy Fits Concert
6:30-9:30 p.m. — Higher Ground — Tickets available — Get ready to groove with The Happy Fits in an energetic live performance.
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Emma Cook Album Release
7-8:30 p.m. — Higher Ground — All ages welcome — Vermont musician Emma Cook unveils her long-awaited indie-folk album, 'Of the Morning'.
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Burlington Irish Heritage Festival Ceili
1-3 p.m. — Contois Auditorium — Donations welcomed — Enjoy a lively celebration of Irish culture with step dancing and traditional music for all ages.
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Liv Greene & Melanie MacLaren Concert
8-10:30 p.m. — Radio Bean — $10 adv | $15 dos — Enjoy an evening of folk music with Nashville-based artist Liv Greene.
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Phil Hanley Live Comedy Show
7-10 p.m. — Higher Ground — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening of laughs with Phil Hanley, a rising star in the NYC comedy scene.
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Heated Rivalry Night
7-10:30 p.m. — Higher Ground — All Ages — Experience the soulful tunes of Dwight + Nicole blending blues, soul, and R&B traditions.
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