Good morning, Burlington.

Vermont’s arts scene is electric this month with events such as the Nocturne exhibit at SEABA Center (today to May 30) and theater shows at Town Hall Theater, along with concerts in Burlington and South Burlington; residents can enjoy a variety of creative venues all month.

During National Apprenticeship Week, local organizations highlight trade skills and mentorship in our region; Vermont Works for Women is hosting an event with the Department of Labor and Alliance Mechanical to celebrate graduates of its seven-week Trailblazers Program (with over 250 alumni now in plumbing, welding, electrical, and solar).

VTSU is launching a teacher apprenticeship program to help fill Vermont's teacher shortage — the program offers online seven-week sessions for school staff and career-changers to earn a degree while working as part of a partnership with the Vermont Department of Labor and the Agency of Education.

The American Lung Association's State of the Air report (State of the Air 2026) released April 30 found Burlington ranked fifth among US cities for clean air, as low traffic and climate initiatives have kept particle pollution below standards.

Vermont students in grades 4-6 submitted over 50 essays to the attorney general’s Earth Day Essay Challenge that ran from February through mid-April.

Julius from Rick Marcotte Central School was chosen as the winner, and AG staff will visit his school in South Burlington later this spring.

South Burlington City Council awarded a contract to Engineers Construction Inc. (the builder) for the Walk Bike Bridge over I-89, which will connect Williston Road, the U-Mall and improve pedestrian safety.

Construction will start this summer and the bridge is set to open in late 2028.

Gov. Phil Scott signed a law April 30 allowing psychologists with doctoral degrees to prescribe mental health medications after postdoctoral training (they cannot prescribe for minors, seniors over 80, or pregnant women); the new licensing system will take effect by 2029 to help address provider shortages in underserved areas.

Social Security benefits in Vermont follow their usual schedule; SSI checks arrive today while retirement payments are set for May 13, May 20, and May 27, and a 2.8% COLA means monthly benefits are at least $56 higher.

In April, during Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month, UVM doctors stressed that regular screenings helped reduce cancer impacts and treatment costs.

They explained that patients at higher risk had many testing options (in-clinic, at-home) to catch cancer early.

Yesterday on National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, three shelter animals needed homes.

Spain, a nine-year-old chocolate lab, Nova, a one-year-old dog and Bella, a super fluffy cat were available at North Country SPCA, Homeward Bound and Humane Society of Chittenden County (where a feline photo contest raised $11,000).

Vermont women’s and men’s lacrosse teams are in the America East playoffs.

The top-seeded women host their semifinal at Virtue Field today at 4 p.m. and play in a championship Sunday match, while the No-3 men played Thursday and will meet for a championship on Saturday at Albany.

TRAP Performance by Slow Shapes Dance Company

7:30-9 p.m. — McCarthy Art Gallery — $20 — Experience an evening of contemporary dance as fifteen dancers bring a compelling story to life.

Fleshwater Concert

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Higher Ground — Ticket prices vary — Experience an electrifying night of rock with Fleshwater performing new hits and fan favorites.

Carmina Burana Listening Party

7-8 p.m. — The Venetian Soda Lounge — Sliding scale pricing — Enjoy drinks and snacks while diving into the majestic world of Carmina Burana with expert commentary.

Laurie Kilmartin Live

6:30-11:30 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — Tickets from $110 — Enjoy a night of laughs with renowned comedian Laurie Kilmartin.

Scarlet Demore with Violet Crimes

7-10:30 p.m. — Higher Ground — Not specified — Experience the energetic fusion of punk rock and melodic hardcore from local favorites Violet Crimes.

Rachel Scanlon Live

6:30-11:30 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — Tickets from $103 — Rachel Scanlon is set to deliver an unforgettable comedy experience in Burlington.

Business After Hours: Grand Opening Celebration

5-7 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington — Free entry — Celebrate the grand opening with networking, tours, and delightful hospitality.

Pete Lee at Vermont Comedy Club

7-10 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — Tickets starting at $103 — Pete Lee brings his unforgettable comedy experience to Burlington.

Pete Lee Live Comedy Show

7-10 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — Tickets starting at $103 — Pete Lee brings an unforgettable night of laughter to Burlington's stage.

Los Sóngoros Concert with Dance Class

7:30-10:45 p.m. — SEABA Center — $15 General / $10 Students — Experience an exciting blend of Cuban and Brazilian rhythms with an optional pre-show dance class.