Burlington's heat wave rolls on through Monday evening, with temperatures having climbed into the mid-90s today under brilliant sunshine. The good news for those of us who wilt in sticky weather: humidity levels are staying civilized, with dew points lounging in the 50s and low 60s, making this heat actually bearable. Tuesday promises more of the same scorching temperatures, possibly even a degree or two warmer, before Wednesday brings our next shot at relief with a cold front sliding through. That front will deliver some scattered showers and thunderstorms Wednesday afternoon, along with stickier air as dew points creep into the upper 60s. By Thursday and Friday, we'll settle back into gorgeous late summer weather with sunshine and temperatures in the upper 70s to low 80s.

Tonight offers the perfect excuse to skip cooking and explore Burlington's evening scene. For those seeking inner peace after a Monday at the office, Rewire Your Reality kicks off at 6 PM with a meditation session that promises to do more than just calm your mind in the moment. This monthly gathering (happening every second Monday through December) focuses on creating lasting change in habit patterns and putting your body into a healing state. The session runs until 7 PM, leaving plenty of time to catch the free screening of 'Apocalypse Now' at 7 PM at the Film House at Main Street Landing. Meanwhile, Radio Bean hosts Emma Cook & Grace Palmer starting at 7 PM for an intimate folk and Americana performance that showcases Cook's upcoming album "Of the Morning," featuring songs about moon phases, climate crisis, and the raw experience of turning thirty during a pandemic.

Tuesday brings its own collection of Burlington gems worth marking on your calendar. The highlight has to be The Moth's August StorySLAM at Burlington Beer Co., where storytellers compete with five-minute tales on the theme "CHILDISH." Doors open at 6:30 PM with the show starting at 7 PM, and at around $20, it's worth grabbing tickets in advance rather than hoping for door sales. Earlier in the day, catch Ian Campbell's duo set at the Burlington Concert Series at 12:30 PM for a lunchtime musical break. Tuesday evening also features Love Island USA Trivia at Switchback's Beer Garden, with doors at 5 PM and trivia starting at 7 PM, perfect for Season 7 superfans who can pair their pop culture knowledge with smokehouse fare.

Wednesday through Thursday keeps the momentum going with an impressive lineup that takes advantage of our improving weather forecast. Wednesday evening brings the Craftsbury Chamber Players' final concert of the season at 7:30 PM at Elley-Long Music Center in Colchester, featuring works by American composers and Brahms' Quintet in B minor. Thursday offers multiple options: start with Shelburne Vineyard's fundraiser for The Janet S. Munt Family Room from 6 to 8 PM, where every drink purchased supports local families while you enjoy music from The Tenderbellies' Collin Cope and Chris Page. Downtown, Party on the Bricks presents Barbacoa's instrumental surf rock at 5:30 PM on Church Street, followed by Foam Brewers hosting Fust at 7 PM for free. Cap off Thursday with the Oscar-winning animated film "Flow" at Flicks in the Park starting at 8 PM, a wordless masterpiece about animals navigating a flooded world that apparently mesmerizes both humans and their pets alike.

This week, Burlington is baking well above its historical high average of around 81 °F, with temperatures peaking in the mid-90s °F and not threatening the all-time 101 °F record. Over the next three days, the heat persists (mid-90s turning to upper-80s) continuing a stretch of temperatures noticeably above the norm.

Early Friday morning, I lost one of the most beloved companions a crew could ask for. This one’s for you Phoebe, may you live on forever and ever in everyone’s memory, since you touched so many hearts along the way. You showed us what unconditional love really is..

Burlington City Council Grapples with Homelessness Crisis and Data Controversy

After missing Thursday Btown Brief edition, here I am now posting about last Monday’s City Council Meeting. Burlington faces a perfect storm of crises this winter with Vermont's unsheltered population jumping 62% statewide while the city loses 66 shelter beds compared to last year. CEDO's Sarah Russell delivered sobering statistics showing over 500 state-funded motel rooms sitting empty due to 80-day stay limits, with Chittenden County seeing a 22% increase in unsheltered individuals. The meeting erupted into heated debate when public records requests revealed the Sheriff's Department keeps no data supporting Councilor Becca Brown McKnight's claims about crime reduction near Food Not Cops' meal service. Councilor Carter Neubieser called it a "bold claim that has real impacts on hundreds of people volunteering their time," while others urged moving past "political bickering" to focus on solutions. Despite downtown economic concerns, the council voted 10-1 to maintain the 2.5% gross receipts tax on restaurants and bars, unanimously doubled rideshare fees to $0.50 per trip, and approved $3.77 million for fleet purchases amid disagreement over electrification pace. Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak also strongly criticized a Trump administration executive order targeting federal funding for harm-reduction programs, vowing Burlington will maintain its evidence-based approach using local and state funding. Be sure to click the link to see the full summary, and also see past summaries on city council meetings.

Boaters Scramble After a Marina Loses Its Lease in Charlotte

Andy O'Brien's Charlotte Sailing Center got the boot after 20 years when Lake Champlain Transportation declined to renew his lease at the end of July. The ferry company has given boat owners until September 1 to remove land-stored vessels and October 1 to vacate moorings. While the Pecor family, which owns the ferry company, hasn't revealed their plans for the 10-acre waterfront property, speculation runs wild given their previous attempts at developing a restaurant in Burlington and relocating their maintenance yard. For now, dozens of boat owners are frantically calling around for new moorings, with some already securing spots at less convenient locations like Shelburne Shipyard.

Vermont Receives More Than $60M for Flood Resilience Projects

Vermont just secured $68 million in federal community development block grants aimed at helping towns devastated by the 2023 floods build back stronger. The bulk of the funding targets Lamoille and Washington counties for infrastructure improvements, housing development, and planning initiatives. Governor Phil Scott emphasized the urgency of the investment as Vermont faces increasingly intense and isolated storms. The timing is particularly significant as Vermont grapples with potential changes to FEMA that could affect future disaster recovery efforts.

Trump Cuts $62.5 Million in Promised Federal Funding to Vermont Solar Projects

Vermont's Solar for All program, designed to reduce electricity costs for low-income households through solar installations, was killed Thursday evening when the EPA withdrew its $62.5 million grant. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin called the nationwide $7 billion initiative a "grift" with excessive administrative costs. The program, championed by Senator Bernie Sanders as part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, would have benefited renters in affordable housing developments with installations planned for early 2026. Commissioner Kerrick Johnson confirmed the state is exploring litigation alongside other affected states and tribes to restore the funding that was meant to address Vermont's energy burden disparities.

Q&A: Outgoing Corrections Commissioner Nick Deml on the Challenges Facing Vermont's Prisons

Nick Deml steps down August 15 after nearly four years leading Vermont's prison system, passing the torch to former Burlington Police Chief Jon Murad. In his exit interview, Deml painted a picture of a corrections system stretched beyond its original mandate, now expected to provide education, substance use treatment, and community-standard healthcare while managing a workforce crisis that's seen vacancy rates drop from 32% to 15%. The pandemic fundamentally changed the inmate population, with people entering the system much sicker than before 2019. Despite investing $30 million in staff compensation and partnering with community organizations, Deml warns that corrections facilities have become the default endpoint for people cycling between homelessness, emergency rooms, and incarceration as other social safety nets fail.

For Vermont Green FC, Soccer and Social Advocacy Go Hand in Hand

Vermont Green FC's championship season showcased more than athletic prowess, with fan-organized fundraisers collecting over $25,000 for Migrant Justice and the Vermont Immigration Legal Defense Fund during the team's playoff run. The club's identity intertwines environmental justice with community activism, featuring halftime speeches from political leaders and advocates, themed nights supporting labor and pride movements, and banners declaring "Abolish ICE" alongside team colors. Co-founder Patrick Infurna acknowledges that while the political stance might alienate some potential fans, the club won't compromise on issues it considers urgent. The approach seems to be working: the national championship game sold out instantly with over 5,000 attendees, double the ticketed capacity, many drawn as much by the club's values as by the beautiful game itself.

Soundbites: Who Killed Nectar's?

The death of Nectar's came from a thousand cuts: Main Street construction that eliminated walk-up traffic, sky-high rent from landlord Joe Handy, changing demographics with Gen Z drinking less and seeking less live music, and perhaps most painfully, the venue's own identity crisis. When Ed Maier's ownership group took over in 2022, they pivoted hard toward making Nectar's a jam band shrine, losing the eclectic mix that had defined the club since 1975. Local bands stopped trying to book there as touring jam acts dominated the calendar. The loss stings particularly because it removes two stages from a city already hurting for venues. Yet Burlington's music scene adapts: Einstein's Tap House has built a new stage on the site of the legendary Club Toast, while the Skinny Pancake and Odd Fellows Hall ramp up their live music offerings.

Burlington Police Officer on Paid Leave After Shooting at Driver, Troopers Say

A Burlington police officer fired their weapon at a driver near 16 Prospect Hill around 12:40 a.m. Sunday during a search for a vehicle connected to a disturbance call. No injuries were reported in the incident, which is now under investigation by Vermont State Police. The officer has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the investigation's completion. Following state police review, the case will move to the Vermont Attorney General's Office for an independent assessment of the use of force. The officer's identity will be released after the standard 24-hour waiting period.

Champlain Housing Trust Breaks Ground on 40 Affordable Apartments in Burlington's North End

Champlain Housing Trust and Evernorth broke ground Thursday on 100 Cambrian Way, bringing 40 permanently affordable apartments to Burlington's North End by next year. The $23.8 million project, powered by solar and geothermal energy, sets aside 10 units for Burlington Housing Authority voucher holders potentially transitioning out of homelessness. Average rents will run $1,325 for a one-bedroom, $1,530 for a two-bedroom, and $1,840 for a three-bedroom. The development represents the third affordable building at Cambrian Rise, with a fourth planned to add 30 affordable condos through CHT's shared equity program. State Treasurer Mike Pieciak called housing Vermont's number one economic issue, noting employers struggle to attract talent when workers can't afford to live here.

Too much news this week to skip these stories, so here's your rapid-fire roundup:

It’s a packed newsletter this Monday! It’s a one man team out here, so if you appreciate this local journalism and want to keep it going, consider a small donation using the link below, or right to my Venmo @BtownBrief ! Now onto the next section!

Monday, August 11, 2025

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Thursday, August 14, 2025

Help Out at the Cambrian Way Block Party
Cathedral Square and Champlain Housing Trust are hosting a neighborhood block party on Saturday, September 6 from 2–6pm, and they need volunteers to help make it happen! Tasks include set-up, clean-up, grilling, and helping with activities. It’s a great way to give back, meet neighbors, and enjoy some food and fun while you’re at it. The event takes place outside Juniper House and Laurentide on North Ave in Burlington. To sign up and get the details, reach out to Lizzy at [email protected] or Jane at [email protected].

Check out this page for links to four great sites with volunteer opportunities all around Burlington.

Today’s picks:

Five more ways to keep your days feeling full and easy. Start with a visit to the Morgan Horse Farm in Middlebury where you can see the horses up close and learn a little Vermont history along the way. Take a stroll through the gardens at the UVM Horticulture Farm in South Burlington if the gate is open and enjoy some quiet time surrounded by blooming trees and open fields. Stop by Citizen Cider on Pine Street for a flight and a casual meal in a bright and friendly space. Walk the trails at Shelburne Bay Park and take in the mix of forest, shoreline, and quiet lake views. If you are in the mood for something spontaneous, head to Junktiques Collective in the South End and see what treasures you can find.

Full list’s always waiting here when you need a plan: 202+ Things to Do

Soon to be updated with even more Burlington food deals. Shoutout to Shawn, a Btown Brief reader who sees the value in finding restaurant specials that feel like a win for both the people and the businesses themselves. Thanks, Shawn! Updates to come… In the meantime, here are this week’s picks for deals:

View the full list of food & drink deals here.

Gold Restaurant brings a distinctive and intimate dining experience to Burlington’s Old North End, offering a modern, globally influenced take on Italian cuisine. Located on N. Winooski Avenue, the small dining room fosters a cozy atmosphere perfect for a date night or quiet meal with friends. Chef-owner Charles Spock’s menu is built around handmade pastas and seasonal ingredients, featuring clean, light preparations that stand apart from more traditional Italian-American fare. The positive buzz since last summer’s opening suggests it's a promising new fixture in the neighborhood.

The menu successfully showcases a creative culinary perspective. Seasonal ravioli, a standout brisket praised for its tenderness, and unique fusion dishes like a re-imagined Waterfall Beef highlight the kitchen’s range. Portions are generous for the price point, with most entrées landing under $25, and are complemented by a well-curated list of natural wines and cocktails. Friendly, attentive service further elevates the experience, making diners feel welcome from the moment they arrive in the warm, inviting space.

However, the very elements that define Gold may not appeal to all. The dining room’s small, 30-seat capacity creates intimacy but can also make securing a reservation challenging at times. Furthermore, the menu’s frequent changes, while a nod to seasonality, mean a beloved dish from one visit may be gone by the next. Diners looking for classic, red-sauce Italian comfort food will not find it here, as the focus is squarely on a modern, fusion-forward approach that, while inventive, may not suit every palate.

View the full list of restaurant reviews here.

Another Monday in the books, Burlington. As we navigate construction zones, mourn lost venues, and celebrate new beginnings, remember that this city's resilience comes from all of us showing up for each other. Support your local bands, check out those community events, and maybe grab a friend for meditation tonight. Want to share a tip or just vent about downtown parking? Drop us a line. Until next time, stay cool out there.

If you like what I do, help support the newsletter by buying me a coffee using the link below. Or, right to our Venmo @btownbrief. Or, buy an advertising spot for your business.

Dropping tasteful merch for the Btown Brief soon, stay tuned!

And share this newsletter with everyone you know that’s interested in all things Burlington!