Good morning, Burlington.

Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports announced that an anonymous donor provided a $500,000 matching gift for its Vermont Adaptive Forever endowment fund, which will double donations up to that amount.

The board contributed about $30,000 toward the $3 million goal as the nonprofit continues to offer sports and recreation for people with disabilities—supporting over 5,300 outings in 2024.

An anonymous artist from Buffalo, NY has filled 10 potholes in Burlington with mosaic art and kind messages, even though voters set aside money for official repairs from a $20 million bond—this free effort brightened sidewalks.

City officials warn that unapproved fixes can block safety checks and may remove the work after an inspection—meant to catch deeper problems in the pavement.

Vermont Humanities and the state Department of Libraries announced the finalists for the 2024 Vermont Book Awards in fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry and children’s literature.

Winners will be announced May 3 at College Hall in Montpelier — Bill McKibben will serve as the keynote speaker.

With bears coming out of hibernation earlier than usual, state biologists ask Vermonters to remove bird feeders, secure garbage and add electric fences to protect livestock—steps meant to stop bears from linking food with homes after disturbances were reported in Putney, Hinesburg and Dorset. This advice follows a rise in bear-related incidents seen in recent months.

Today, Vermont lawmakers are working on a bill to ease new housing construction and improve project appeals, which many say cause long delays—this measure will boost funds for programs like VHIP while some lawmakers and the governor argue it falls short without including the SPARC program. The legislation is under review as the session continues at a crucial midpoint.

Legislative leaders said they are willing to drop $14.9 million in state spending if Governor Scott extends motel stays for unhoused Vermonters—a change that would let nearly 600 adults and over 160 children remain sheltered after April 1.

They asked for existing funds to extend the winter shelter rules until June 30 so children, pregnant women, disabled people, veterans and domestic violence survivors can keep their access to shelter.

March is Blood Clot Awareness Month and health officials say UVM Medical Center treats about 1,600 new blood clot cases each year.

Dr. Mary Cushman warns patients with risks like older age, cancer or certain medications to watch for signs like leg pain, swelling and shortness of breath—symptoms that need a doctor’s care.

Survivors, caregivers and health professionals met at the State House yesterday to urge lawmakers to pass H136 that would require insurers to cover biomarker testing for cancer and other diseases—promising more Vermonters access to personalized treatment.

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network organized the event with stories from patients and experts to highlight current gaps in care.

Joe Pera Live at Vermont Comedy Club

Standup comedian Joe Pera will perform multiple shows at Vermont Comedy Club, known for his unique comedic style and popular Adult Swim series.

Ricky Dover Jr. Live at Higher Ground

Rock musician Ricky Dover Jr., originally from Houston and raised in Knoxville, brings his dynamic performance to Higher Ground in South Burlington.

Female Founders: Olympians

Olympians join the stage at Hotel Vermont to talk about life as an entrepreneur after the Games! Carissa Gordon Gump is a 2008 Olympian in the sport of weightlifting, and Jennifer Kessy is a silver medalist at the 2012 London Olympics, and now both are entrepreneurs pursuing their own venture!

Charlie Parr Concert

7:30-11:00 p.m. | Higher Ground | Tickets available | Enjoy an evening of soulful music with Charlie Parr at Showcase Lounge.

Langston Kerman Live at Vermont Comedy Club

Langston Kerman, an accomplished comedian and actor known for his work on various television series, returns to Vermont for a night of comedy.

Admitted Student Day

10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Hoehl Welcome Center — Free entry — Discover your future as a Purple Knight with faculty, classmates, and majors on display.

Bella White Concert

7:30-11:00 p.m. | Higher Ground Showcase Lounge | Ticket prices vary | Experience the soulful sounds of Bella White live in concert.

Atsuko Okatsuka Comedy Show

3 PM - 5 PM | Vermont Comedy Club | Tickets selling fast | Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka brings joy and silliness through her viral #Dropchallenge on tour.

Throwback: A Grown-Up Book Fair

1:30-8 p.m. — O.N.E. Community Center — Free entry — Take a nostalgic trip down memory lane with books, fun activities, and community vibes.

12/OC Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Higher Ground — Ticketed event — Experience an evening of live music at a popular local venue.