Good morning, Burlington.

The Shalom Alliance reported that several days ago a swastika was carved into a door at Sheldon Elementary School in the Franklin Northeast Supervisory Union and urged FNESU to take swift action—by communicating clear steps and offering support to affected families—to prevent further hate vandalism.

Vermont’s outdoor tourism brought in $4 billion last year from 15.8 million visitors.

Decisions made in Washington are creating a tricky dynamic with Canadians as ski season passes for next year increase for American buyers while Canadian sales drop completely.

Tourism Economy Day was celebrated Thursday at the State House — a day that highlighted tourism’s role in keeping Vermont’s small businesses alive, from ski resorts to maple and cider mills.

The Vermont Specialty Food Association held its annual tasting event — connecting lawmakers and producers as tourism contributed nearly $4 billion a year and supported over 30,000 jobs.

Matthew McPherson, a New Jersey high school senior, won a full-tuition scholarship to the University of Vermont on April 3 by pitching his eco-friendly underwear business plan—Boxer Breeze—at the Vermont Pitch Challenge.

His plan uses sustainable materials and a closed-loop recycling system to reduce textile waste.

The Vermont House holds a final floor vote today on an education reform bill that passed a key hurdle Thursday — if passed, it will move to the Senate where lawmakers are working on their own plan.

The bill would change school district boundaries, set new class-size minimums, and shift to a foundation funding formula for schools by 2029.

Two Champlain Valley Union High School students from Nicaragua are preparing to leave the United States after the Department of Homeland Security ended the program that let them stay legally in Vermont on March 25.

School officials said the families received orders to leave within 30 days—raising fears about the students’ chances to attend college in the future.

The Chittenden Regional Planning Commission completed two water quality projects last year—one in Georgia that stabilized a gully along Falls Trail and one at a horticultural farm on Shelburne Road where they aided in stream restoration.

The state has signed a multi-year contract with the EPA to fund additional water quality projects this summer in Winooski, St. Albans, and Georgia.

Burlington’s greenhouse gas emissions fell 19% from the 2018 baseline, and city officials credit the Net Zero Energy Roadmap with the gains—new pilot programs are now testing residential battery storage, flexible EV charging, heat pump bill credits, and on-bill rebate credits to keep reducing emissions. The Electric Department and Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak look to further lower fossil fuel use and boost energy efficiency.

The Vermont DMV reminds Vermonters that starting May 7th, drivers aged 18 and older must have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, driver’s privilege card or another TSA-approved form of identification for air travel and access to federal facilities.

Most current licenses show a star if they are compliant—check yours to avoid travel issues after the deadline.

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.

Devising Lab with Michael Bodel

10:00-11:30 a.m. — The Flynn — Free entry — Explore choreography through cardboard in this unique movement workshop.

Byland

8 PM – 12 AM — Higher Ground — Cost not mentioned — Experience the mesmerizing sounds of Deep Sea Diver's latest album, Impossible Weight.

All Night Boogie Band Live Performance

8:30 PM – 12:30 AM — Nectar's — Limited tickets available — Dance the night away with blues and soul inspired tunes every Thursday in May.

Vermont 1-Day Conference

9:00 AM - 2:30 PM — Edmunds Middle School — Pay what you can — Engage with the stuttering community and gain resources for growth and connection.