Good morning, Burlington.

AARP announced that seven local organizations will receive $73,327 in Community Challenge grants to fund projects that improve public spaces, transportation, housing and digital access for older adults.

The projects—covering areas in Cornwall, Jericho, Montpelier, Poultney, Lyndon, Rutland and Randolph—aim to build ADA paths, add pedestrian lanes, enhance park access and upgrade trail safety.

Vermont has expanded the 802 Opportunity Program to offer free tuition to more families by raising the income limit to $100,000—this program is available only to residents without a bachelor’s degree and has already helped nearly 2,800 students.

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation says boaters must clean and inspect their boats to stop invasive species like zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil from spreading.

DEC will expand public boat launch greeter programs and add a pilot hot-wash service in the Northeast Kingdom this boating season.

Vermont’s Agency of Transportation awarded about $5.27 million to 233 municipalities through its Municipal Roads Grants-in-Aid Program on June 19th — the funds will cover about 80% of costs for projects like stabilizing catch basin outlets and lowering high road shoulders as municipalities submit reimbursement requests after completing construction.

On June 19th, the Green Mountain Care Board denied BlueCross and BlueShield of Vermont's request to raise large group insurance rates by 17.3% and ordered adjustments that lower the increase to about 13.7%—steps meant to keep insurance costs fair for large employers in Vermont.

During Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, licensed counselor Kate Littlefield from Through to Thrive in Essex Junction said that strict social norms such as buck up and stop crying stop men from seeking therapy — CDC statistics show men seek therapy half as often as women and are four times more likely to die by suicide. She urged parents and children to use support groups or online resources to help change these views.

Intentional Peer Support Core Training

9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily — Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center — $100 for materials — Engage in an interactive training to explore transformative relationships through peer support.

Golden Hour at HULA - Vermont Tech Meetup

4:30-6:00 p.m. — HULA — Free entry — Network with tech professionals over drinks, pizza, and scenic views of Lake Champlain.

Latin Dance Night

5-9 p.m. — Switchback Brewing Co. — $20 for the class, $10 for the social — Enjoy a vibrant evening of Latin dance with beginner-friendly lessons and a lively dance social.

BTV Independence Day Celebration

5-11 p.m. — Waterfront Park — Free entry — Celebrate with food, music, and a stunning fireworks display over Lake Champlain.

Father John Misty Concert

6:45-8:15 p.m. — Shelburne Museum — Presale from Feb 25 — Enjoy an evening with Father John Misty and Lucinda Williams at the Ben & Jerry’s Concerts on The Green.

Joe List Live

7:30-9 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with stand-up comedian Joe List while supporting a charitable cause.

Joe List Comedy Show

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — Tickets start at $106 — Enjoy an evening of laughs with Joe List at a top-rated comedy venue.

Joe List Comedy Show

7:30-9 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — VIP tickets available — Experience a night of laughter with Joe List in an intimate setting.