Good morning, Burlington.

According to GoFundMe's annual report, Vermont fundraisers raised nearly $9M in 2025 with the top day on Oct.

30. Efforts helped orchard workers, a road rage victim, a grieving Fairfax family, and an athlete fighting rare cancer—showing statewide generosity.

Several familiar restaurants reopened in new spaces or updated their locations earlier this year; Nomad Coffee and Bakery and Mr. Creemee (which now offers both soft and hard ice cream) and other eateries are serving renewed menus to local diners.

Diners can enjoy a fresh start across the community.

The Agency of Agriculture report shows Vermont farmers lost $18 million from a summer drought that affected 81,748 acres from June to September.

Dairy farms will have to buy winter feed because low crop yields hurt their own supplies.

Researchers at the University of Vermont Herbarium discovered a new fern—Polystichum Hildae—named after longtime volunteer Hilda White, who celebrated her 95th birthday with a surprise party on Dec.

23. Her work mounting over 50,000 specimens supports vital ongoing research at UVM.

Burlington residents can now receive up to $2,000 from nonprofit (BLUE BTV) to install rain gardens and permeable driveways that cut stormwater runoff before it reaches Lake Champlain; the program, which has already funded 38 projects, partners with the city to improve local water quality.

The Department of Mental Health is offering a free 30-hour live virtual training course starting Jan.

13 to help clinicians address problem gambling issues. The training (30 credits) aims to equip providers to spot co-occurring mental health challenges and advance specialist certification requirements.

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.

Emil Wakim Live

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — Tickets start at $106 — Experience an unforgettable performance by Emil Wakim at Vermont Comedy Club.

Nico Suave & the Mothership Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Higher Ground — All ages welcome — Rock is alive with Nico Suave & the Mothership, hailing from Burlington VT.