Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 25th of March.
Good morning, Burlington.
HomeShare Vermont launched its 2025 Experience Vermont Raffle on March 24th in South Burlington—raising funds for affordable housing programs—while offering prizes like local getaways, dining experiences and outdoor adventures.
Burlington police arrested 25-year-old Bobby Bethune on charges of two counts of assault and robbery and one count of larceny after he allegedly used a note to demand money during three robberies last week on North Winooski Avenue, South Union Street, and at Kinney Drugs on Shelburne Road—he will face a judge on Monday and is held on $10,000 bail at Northwest Correctional Facility.
Gas prices in Vermont remain at $3.09 per gallon with the low hit at $2.82 and high at $3.27 yesterday.
In Burlington, the average dropped 2.9 cents last week to $3.16 today — that rate is 6.4 cents lower than last month and 18.4 cents lower than a year ago.
Burlington named Shawn Burke as the interim police chief on Monday after Jon Murad announced he would step aside on April 7 to aid Burke’s transition.
Burke brings 31 years of law enforcement experience, including two decades in Burlington and six years as chief in South Burlington, and he will now support the department while officials search for a permanent chief.
VAHHS officials told committees that potential federal changes may reduce Medicaid funding by millions and more details are expected by the end of May or June—lawmakers are also reviewing budget issues following the governor's veto.
The Senate unanimously passed a bill to create a fund that will help local farms recover from extreme weather events such as floods+freezes by covering up to 50% of uninsured losses, up to $150,000 per farm.
Lawmakers proposed an initial pool of $7.5 million for fiscal year 2026 and said a review board will decide aid within 30 days of receiving complete applications.
At Monday night's meeting, Burlington officials proposed merging city departments and ending recycling service to save money and close a $2.5 million budget gap—cutting at least 10 jobs amid rising costs.
Councilors also approved a new cat ordinance that lets cats roam free if licensed and if owners pick up after them—while Councilor Joan Shannon ended over 20 years of service with warm thanks from her peers.
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.
Nershi Hann Trio Concert
7-11 p.m. — Higher Ground — Ticket required — Experience the vibrant sounds of Bill Nershi and his trio in a night filled with delightful music.
Rock Point School Open House
4-6 PM — Rock Point School — Free entry — Discover a unique educational environment fostering personal growth and academic success for high school students.
Marsh Lights in Concert
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Whallonsburg Grange Hall — $15 — Experience the delightful acoustic folk-grass sounds of Marsh Lights with Colby Crehan and former bandmates.
KidSafe Collaborative Annual Outstanding Service Awards 2025
9:30-11:30 a.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington Vermont — Free entry — Celebrate local heroes who have made significant contributions to child safety and well-being.
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