Good morning, Burlington.

Three Vermont establishments advanced to the finals of the 2025 James Beard Awards — Burlington's Honey Road, The Grey Jay, and May Day in Burlington along with Wolf Tree in White River Junction are now nominated in top culinary categories.

Winners will be announced on June 16 — and the finalists will join competitors from major cities across the nation.

A Lyndon Institute student won best in show at the Vermont Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Art Contest with her painting of a common merganser—Cassy Pan.

She will compete at the national contest and her artwork will appear in a touring exhibit across the country.

The 19th Vermont Organics Recycling Summit will be held in Randolph on April 30th from 8:15 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Vermont State University — featuring hybrid and in-person sessions and a keynote by Michael Martinez.

Free tours — and workshops will follow on May 1st to help Vermonters learn how composting supports sustainable communities.

The Legislature’s chief counsel said Gov. Phil Scott’s executive order extending motel voucher stays for families with children and people with acute medical needs through June 30 bypassed the legislature and was unconstitutional.

The order left out other vulnerable groups such as seniors and domestic violence survivors.

Rümeysa Öztürk, a Tufts graduate student from Turkey, was moved from Massachusetts to Vermont then flown to Louisiana despite a federal judge’s order not to move her.

Prosecutors say the court did not have authority over ICE actions—her attorneys claim her rights were violated after her visa was revoked on March 21.

Vermont and U.S. Labor officials will host a Wage & Hour Employer Seminar today at Hula Lakeside — in Burlington — to explain wage rules including overtime, tipping, and child labor laws.

The free session will let local business owners ask questions and network with peers.

House lawmakers approved a $9 billion budget that relies on federal funds that might be cut by summer—this could force tough choices between property tax relief and essential services for vulnerable residents.

Lawmakers said a federal reconciliation vote around Memorial Day may lead them to revise spending before the legislative session ends.

A local nonprofit asked state lawmakers to reallocate $500,000 from addiction services into an oral health fund that will help recovering drug users pay for needed dental care—an effort aimed at improving their job prospects; the proposal did not make it into the House budget and may be considered by the Senate.

The Free Press sports department announced the 35th Annual All-State Girls Basketball Team that names 40 players from across Vermont—Burlington High’s Nylah Mitchell earned the Miss Basketball title for the 2024-25 season.

Coaches and media helped choose first and second teams plus honorable mentions from high schools around the state.

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.

Book Launch: Piecework / Travail à la pièce, a bilingual collection of two plays by Vermont playwright and performer Abby Paige.

Celebrate this landmark publication with Abby Paige in her home community. Performances, conversation, and appreciation of Burlington’s rich and diverse local history! 7:00pm, OFF Center for the Dramatic Arts (1127 North Ave Ste 27, Burlington).

Kingdom Kids Live Show

7:30-9 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience a lively performance at Burlington's favorite comedy venue.

Community Egg Hunt

5-7 p.m. — City Hall and Rick Marcotte Central School — Free entry — Enjoy a family-friendly egg hunt with arts and crafts, face painting, and more fun activities.

New England Log & Timber Design-Build EXPO

1-7 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington Vermont — Check for entry details — Explore innovative log and timber design solutions from top builders and vendors.