Good morning, Burlington.

Vermont’s Swift Water Rescue Team returned home Sunday afternoon to Colchester after spending 11 days in the South and Midwest helping with severe weather that caused tornado damage and flooding — the team reported that floodwaters had begun to recede across many affected areas.

Vermont contractors closed out 2024 strong and now plan to keep busy as they face potential cost hikes from tariffs (25 percent) on Canadian goods and a tight labor market.

They are using backup plans and training efforts while continuing work on projects from technical centers to housing and public infrastructure.

Vermont band The Tenderbellies will celebrate the release of their second album When the Thunder Rolls with a concert at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge in South Burlington on Saturday, April 19—aiming to spur a fuller regional tour after 12 years of performing.

Vermont Construction Academy, a new 10,000-square-foot training center in Winooski, was built in seven months with industry donations & support to address a local worker shortage.

The center will officially open at the end of April and begin training new apprentices in September to add 100 certified workers each year.

State officials warn hikers that walking on muddy trails during mud season—lasting until late May—will compact soil and raise flood risks, leaving vegetation vulnerable.

The Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation advises residents to use paved and gravel paths until trails are dry.

Nine candidates are running for four seats on the VEC Board of Directors as three districts have uncontested races while six candidates compete for the West Zone-at-Large seat.

VEC members will vote by mail or online from April 15 to May 9 and winners will be announced at the Annual Meeting on May 10 at Jay Peak Resort—where a complimentary breakfast is served at 8 a.m.

A U.S. District Court jury awarded former fertility doctor Misty Blanchette Porter $1.125 million after ruling her 2017 firing from Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center broke Vermont’s disability discrimination law.

The 14-day trial had 20 witnesses including Dartmouth Health CEO Joanne Conroy testify — the verdict ends a long legal fight she started when she said she was fired for speaking up about questionable practices — and her attorneys may soon seek legal fees.

RunVermont announced the M and T Bank Vermont City Marathon and Relay will happen Sunday, May 25, over Memorial Day Weekend in Burlington with about 5,000 runners, 20,000 spectators and 800 volunteers expected.

The race will cover a 26.2-mile route starting and ending at Waterfront Park — a Boston Marathon qualifier — and offer cash prizes in several divisions.

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.

Burlington Anime Fest

10 a.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington Vermont — Kids enter FREE with paid adult ticket — Enjoy a family-friendly day filled with voice actors, vendors, attractions, and a huge cosplay contest.