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Here's what's happening in Vermont news and politics this week. Got a newsworthy event for next week's calendar? Email by Friday to submit.

Monday, April 15

• At 10 a.m., Burlington bigwigs (mayor, police chief) and law enforcement will hold a press conference at the U.S. Attorney's office in Burlington on the "heroin epidemic," which has rather suddenly replaced prescription opiates as the scourge of Vermont. 
• That whole assault-weapons ban in Burlington thing? The city council's charter change committee takes it up today. At the very convenient time of 11:30 a.m. in city hall.
• Vermont's health care reform is important — but damn confusing. Hear Mark Larson, director of the Office of Health Care Access, explain it live at 5:25 on Channel 17.

Rest of the week after the break...

Tuesday, April 16

• At 12:45 a panel sponsored by the Sierra Club and Vermont Law School (and moderated by VTDigger's Anne Galloway) debates ridgeline wind power. At VLS in South Royalton.
• At 1:30, there's yet another hearing in Burlington in the federal death penalty case against accused murderer Michael Jacques, regarding a dispute over discovery materials.
• 350 Vermont is bringing a native Cree activist from nothern Alberta to discuss how tar sands extraction has affected her area. 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Church in Montpelier. 
• Also at 7, the Burlington Redistricting Committee holds a public listening session at the police department.

Wednesday, April 17

• At 5:30 p.m., the House Government Operations Committee will hold a public hearing on the so-called Taser bill, H.225, which would establish statewide training standards for cops who use them.

Thursday, April 18

• At 10 a.m., the "silent partner" in the Mac Parker filmmaking scam, Louis Soteriou, will appear in federal court in Rutland to plead guilty for his role in the fraud.
• At 4:30, those smart folks from IBM will present their findings and recommendations on how to make Burlington a "smarter city" — and a less carbon-y one. In City Hall Auditorium. 

Friday, April 19

• Need more pundits? watch Stew Ledbetter and crew on "Vermont This Week," 7:30 p.m. on Vermont Public Television.

Saturday, April 20

• At 4:20, stop whatever you're doing and puff a huge J. Unless, of course, you're already puffing a big J. In which case, carry on. 

Sunday, April 21

•  Rebroadcast of "Vermont This Week" at 11:30 a.m. on VPT.