Good morning, Burlington.

Local Jewish groups held candle-lighting ceremonies Sunday night to celebrate Hanukkah and mourn news of the Sydney attack.

Leaders said extra police and strong community support helped ease fears and built unity.

Local grocery chains will have shorter hours on Christmas Eve, with ALDI closing at 4 p.m. and others like Shaw’s and Trader Joe’s closing between 5 and 7 p.m.+ shoppers should verify store hours before heading out.

Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront hosted the Pomerleau Family Holiday Party at Hotel Champlain on Dec.

14 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Over 400 local children and caregivers enjoyed a festive holiday meal, gifts, crafts, and entertainment, with guests also eligible to register for a free city program.

A gunman shot people at Brown University Saturday, killing two and injuring nine; Vermont student Hisham Awartani—who was paralyzed in a previous Burlington incident—was not near the violence.

Beta Technologies plans to add nearly 1,000 jobs mostly in Vermont over the next 18 months following its recent $1 billion IPO – CEO Kyle Clark said the initiative will partner with local colleges and technical programs to prepare future employees.

A new report shows that visitor spending in Chittenden County topped $1B (record tourism year 2024) as part of $7B in statewide economic activity.

Officials said the tourism sector now supports nearly (10%) of local jobs.

UVM Leahy Institute awarded $2.5M today to expand 16 partnerships that will boost rural health care, lower energy costs, and improve environmental projects on campus.

Over 31 groups and 25 UVM members will work on initiatives including robots to remove microplastics and school-based asthma care.

On Monday, Burlington City Council approved a $104,000 proposal by CVOEO and the Howard Center to develop a new recovery shelter at 184 Pearl Street with 12 to 13 beds for unhoused and recovering individuals.

The shelter will open by Feb. 1 — officials are seeking additional staff.

CDC data shows flu-like activity is rising nationwide with concerns that a new flu variant and low vaccination rates may lead to more hospitalizations among older adults (especially those over 65).

Health experts advise Burlington residents to speak with their providers to get vaccinated promptly.

High school sports fans in Burlington can vote for the girls Athlete of the Week on the Vermont Varsity Insider contest, which began Monday, Dec.

15 and will continue until 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18 (voting is by ballot on burlingtonfreepress.com).

UVM men's basketball held off a late comeback to secure a 66-59 win against Merrimack on Sunday, Dec.

14. The win marked their second straight after a Pepperdine victory and sets up a home game against Siena Wednesday at 7 p.m.

High school sports fans can vote online for the boys Athlete of the Week presented by Delta Dental through 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec.

18 at burlingtonfreepress.com. Voting opened Monday, Dec. 15 and nominees include Griffin Nelson (Harwood hockey) among others.

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.