Good morning, Burlington.

Andrew Mario from Brattleboro died on Dec.

3 while serving as a medic in Ukraine, becoming the first casualty from our state from the conflict. His family said U.S. Embassy officials in Kyiv informed them and plan a memorial gathering next spring.

Alex (a cook) and his wife and 10-year-old son relocated from New York to Burlington after fleeing violence in Ecuador.

They built a new life here by working at local restaurants and enrolling their son in school, though they remain concerned over changes in federal asylum policies.

VTDigger launches a two-week campaign to help families stay warm and support free local news.

Donations received by Dec. 25 fund the Warmth Support Program (administered by Vermont’s Community Action Agencies) and go directly to fuel suppliers with no fees.

Laura Vilalta announced on Sunday that the Burlington Black Cap Coffee & Bakery location permanently closed due to two years of declining sales, reduced foot traffic, and fewer Canadian tourists—she noted the closure was not linked to union negotiations.

The chain will continue to operate in Waterbury, Morrisville, and Stowe.

Twelve communities have received nearly $63,000 in grants for arts & culture projects marking the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.

The funds will support museum programs, a new symphonic work by Burlington’s Vermont Symphony Orchestra and oral history initiatives, with the next deadline set for Feb. 18.

On Friday, Dec. 5, a school raised a Somali flag next to the U.S. flag, and on Monday the district received 200 hostile messages that forced it to shut down its website and lines (state police are reviewing them).

The flag will fly for one week to support Somali students.

On Monday, a video of the Somali flag raising by students at a local school spurred out-of-state calls and threats, prompting the Winooski School District to notify police and route calls to voicemail.

The district will hold a celebration with dishes and a civil-rights workshop to support Somali students.

In August, a family in Winooski was shaken when federal agents detained Blanca’s partner and two relatives near their home — some were later released on bail as they now face financial strain and uncertainty.

UVM scientists at the Vaccine Testing Center — a key contributor in global dengue research — helped develop a one-dose dengue vaccine approved for use in Brazil and an oral antiviral treatment that showed promising results in clinical trials.

Voting for Burlington Free Press' Delta Dental Vermont high school boys hockey preseason player of the year is open now through 9 p.m. Monday, Dec.

15, and the winner will be announced Tuesday, Dec. 16 via the online ballot.

Jessie Diggins of Stratton qualified this weekend for her fourth Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, competing this February.

A decorated cross-country skier, she won gold in 2018 and medals in Beijing, and will retire after the season + end her career on a high note.

Zach Zimmerman Comedy Show

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening with 2023's up-and-coming comedian and writer Zach Zimmerman.

Mihali Concert

7-9 p.m. — Higher Ground — All ages welcome — Experience Mihali's evolving music in a vibrant atmosphere.

Double You Concert

7:30 PM — Higher Ground — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night filled with classic tunes and heartfelt melodies.

Light Up the Night Festivity

4-8 p.m. — Church Street Marketplace — Free entry — Celebrate the darkness with a colorful Fun Run and a sparkling Light Parade.

Wheatus with Troy Millette and The Fire Below

6:30-9:00 p.m. — Higher Ground — $81/ea — Rock out with Wheatus and local artists for an unforgettable night of music.

Vermont's Own Nutcracker

1:00 – 2:30 PM — The Flynn, 153 Main St, Burlington, VT — Ticket prices vary — Experience the holiday magic with Vermont Ballet Theatre's enchanting performance of the Nutcracker.

Merrimack Warriors vs Vermont Catamounts Men's Hockey

6-7:30 p.m. — Gutterson Fieldhouse — Free entry — Cheer on the Catamounts as they face off against the Warriors in an exciting hockey match.

NYE Run/Walk to Highlight

2-3 p.m. — ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain — Free entry — End 2025 on a healthy note with a scenic fun run or walk along the Burlington bike path.