Good morning, Burlington.

Since the 1950s, the Vermont 251 Club has encouraged locals to explore every town by car, bike or canoe—even as Essex Junction made the total 252.

80-year-old Gretta Stone finished her route by bike after setting a decade-old goal in Glastonbury and Sandgate.

Hunger Free Vermont released a plan in South Burlington on June 11 to end childhood hunger by 2035.

The strategy includes 14 steps with Vermont Foodbank and Feeding Champlain Valley to boost food access for children, support low-income households, and expand school meal programs.

The Vermont Women’s Fund awarded $411,650 to 46 local nonprofits this year to support programs that boost economic security and well-being for women+ and girls.

It received record funding requests of $1.3 million during its 2026 grant cycle and will open its next cycle in January.

Vermont produced 3.091 million gallons of maple syrup this season, leading the nation with over 50% of total output, according to a USDA report.

The state used 8.2 million taps (up from previous seasons), reaffirming its strong role in maple production.

Students at Westford Elementary won a battery recycling contest run by the Chittenden Solid Waste District on Thursday as they collected 3,268 lbs of batteries among 16 schools statewide and were awarded a $1,000 check at an all-school assembly.

Vermont will receive nearly $32 million in federal funds administered through the Vermont Agency of Agriculture for the Timber Disaster Assistance Block Grant to aid farmers hit by floods in 2023 and 2024.

Gov. Phil Scott said grant applications will open this year + help growers rebuild.

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department warns that open fires and swimming are prohibited at state fishing access areas this summer because they pose safety and environmental risks.

State game wardens will strictly enforce the rule across 205 access areas funded by license fees and taxes.

BlueCross BlueShield of Vermont plans a new Basic plan (with 5-9% lower premiums but higher deductibles) pending Green Mountain Care Board approval set for August, and if no decision comes by June 19 the insurer might pull the option.

UVM Health cut 142 jobs on June 11 to tackle a $300 million deficit and lower costs amid ongoing restructuring — unions warned the layoffs could impact patient care.

Regulators approved the Upper Valley Surgery Center in Hartford to open next year at a renovated former car dealership, promising a 15,000 sqft facility + four operating rooms for orthopedic, spine, gynecological, and urologic procedures that could shorten wait times to about 30 days.

FIFA World Cup watch parties are set across Burlington as City Hall Park hosts the USA vs Paraguay match today while local spots such as Rí Rá Irish Pub get ready for upcoming games to celebrate soccer's growing local appeal.

The Vermont Principals' Association finalized the schedule for 12 statewide high school championships in baseball, softball and lacrosse; events begin today at venues including Vermont State University Castleton, Centennial Field and Virtue Field, and will be live-streamed on the NFHS Network (subscription required).

Good Clean Fun - Family Comedy Show

5-8 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — Ticket prices may vary — Experience wholesome humor perfect for the entire family at this engaging comedy event.

Kaonashi Live Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Higher Ground — Tickets available — Experience an evening of eclectic tunes with Kaonashi and COOKED.

Volunteer Classroom Helper at Vermont Quilt Show

9 a.m.-4 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington Vermont — Volunteer position — Assist in the classroom and receive materials for your own projects.

Sam Salem Comedy Show

7-10 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — Tickets start at $100 — Experience an unforgettable evening with comedian Sam Salem in Burlington.

World Cup Watch Party at Switchback Brewing Co.

3-8 p.m. — Switchback Brewing Co. — $12 special — Experience thrilling soccer matches with a delicious burger and local craft beer.

Cup Watch Party: Norway vs. France

3-5 p.m. — Switchback Brewing Co. — Free entry — Enjoy competitive soccer action with friends while savoring BBQ and craft brews.

Burlington Wine and Food Festival

12:30-8:00 p.m. — Hula — $80 — Experience Vermont’s largest wine and food event featuring hundreds of wines, local spirits, chef demos, and live jazz.

Burlington's Independence Day Fireworks Celebration

3-11 p.m. — Burlington Waterfront Boat Ramp — $2 round-trip for shuttle service — Experience Vermont's most spectacular fireworks display along with family-friendly activities.

Level 1 Yoga Class

5-6 p.m. — Hot Yoga Burlington Vermont — $10 fee for late cancellations — A relaxing class perfect for beginners and post-activity recovery.

Latin Dance Night

6-9 p.m. — Switchback Brewing Co. — Salsa Class $20, Dance Social $10 — Enjoy an evening of vibrant Latin dancing and connect with fellow dance enthusiasts.