Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 29th of March.
Good morning, Burlington.
The Vermont Department of Labor reported that the seasonally adjusted statewide unemployment rate held at 2.6 percent in February and that labor force participation was 65.5 percent, with employment falling slightly and unemployment rising.
The department said the next report will be released on April 18th at 10:00 a.m.
On March 28th the Vermont House passed the FY26 budget and a property tax reduction law by a strong tri-partisan vote — the budget vote was 103-38 and both bills now head to the Senate.
The measures include investments in housing, health care and education and aim to lower property tax increases for Vermonters.
Vermont’s new State Workforce Development Board was announced by the Office of Workforce Strategy and Development and includes 27 members from business, workforce partners and local officials; it will meet virtually on April 14 from 10 a.m. to noon.
Governor Phil Scott said the board will help address Vermont’s labor shortage — it will coordinate education, training and job center services to support local businesses and workers.
Gov. Phil Scott issued an executive order extending Vermont’s hotel and motel shelter program until June to keep children and those with medical conditions housed.
The decision delays the end of General Assistance emergency housing on April 1 and gives the Department for Children and Families time to secure better housing options.
The Vermont Department of Health announced it lost nearly $7M in federal grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that had supported vaccine programs and the detection of infectious diseases.
The Department of Mental Health also lost funds for community-based support and crisis response—officials said the cuts will affect public health services.
Members of the community are gathering today to raise funds for UVM Children’s Hospital at this year’s RALLYTHON, which starts at noon at the Dudley H.
Davis Center. UVM students and staff will feature a 12-hour fundraiser with the goal of reaching one million dollars in 10 years—money that will support special programs and life-saving equipment.
Coaches from Vermont high school leagues have announced their all-league teams for the 2024-25 boys basketball season.
The awards honor players of the year and coaches of the year and include first teams, second teams and honorable mentions from the Metro, Lake, Mountain, Capital and Southern Vermont leagues — as reported to Burlington Free Press.
Bella White Concert
7:30-11:00 p.m. | Higher Ground Showcase Lounge | Ticket prices vary | Experience the soulful sounds of Bella White live in concert.
Atsuko Okatsuka Comedy Show
3 PM - 5 PM | Vermont Comedy Club | Tickets selling fast | Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka brings joy and silliness through her viral #Dropchallenge on tour.
Throwback: A Grown-Up Book Fair
1:30-8 p.m. — O.N.E. Community Center — Free entry — Take a nostalgic trip down memory lane with books, fun activities, and community vibes.
12/OC Concert
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Higher Ground — Ticketed event — Experience an evening of live music at a popular local venue.
Nershi Hann Trio Concert
7-11 p.m. — Higher Ground — Ticket required — Experience the vibrant sounds of Bill Nershi and his trio in a night filled with delightful music.
Rock Point School Open House
4-6 PM — Rock Point School — Free entry — Discover a unique educational environment fostering personal growth and academic success for high school students.
Marsh Lights in Concert
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Whallonsburg Grange Hall — $15 — Experience the delightful acoustic folk-grass sounds of Marsh Lights with Colby Crehan and former bandmates.
KidSafe Collaborative Annual Outstanding Service Awards 2025
9:30-11:30 a.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington Vermont — Free entry — Celebrate local heroes who have made significant contributions to child safety and well-being.
Book Launch: Piecework / Travail à la pièce, a bilingual collection of two plays by Vermont playwright and performer Abby Paige.
Celebrate this landmark publication with Abby Paige in her home community. Performances, conversation, and appreciation of Burlington’s rich and diverse local history! 7:00pm, OFF Center for the Dramatic Arts (1127 North Ave Ste 27, Burlington).
Kingdom Kids Live Show
7:30-9 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience a lively performance at Burlington's favorite comedy venue.
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