Good morning, Burlington.

Gareth West, the alleged leader of a Canadian scam ring that defrauded over $30 million from older adults in Vermont and across the U.S., was arrested in Quebec on July 4 and is set to appear in Montreal on July 17 (RCMP says he awaits possible extradition to the U.S.).

Ilona Maher, Burlington-born Olympic rugby player, was named to TIME’s top 100 creators of 2025 for her funny social media videos — promoting body positivity and humor.

She rose to fame with viral Olympic Village TikToks — which grew her following from 2.5 million to 8.6 million.

UVM secured $5.5M from the National Science Foundation to fund new AI research, human tissue mechanics studies, atmospheric science, underground robotics, and renewable energy work.

The grant, which includes $2.1M for a new AI supercomputer at the Vermont Advanced Computing Center + supports early career researchers and student training, will boost UVM’s research capabilities.

Live maps now display air quality and wildfire smoke levels from dozens of PurpleAir sensors (data updates every 30 minutes) to help Burlington residents track changing conditions.

The tool provides clear readings as forecasts predict shifts in local air quality.

Burlington officials closed several beaches after a possible sewage leak at the city’s wastewater treatment facility on LaValley Lane — the clarifier was shut off during emergency maintenance.

City leaders sent water samples for E. coli testing on Tuesday with results expected Tuesday evening, and the closures will remain until at least 4 p.m. today.

The DEC has made $3.5 million available for low- and moderate-income homeowners to repair failed wells and septic systems—eligible applicants must submit an online pre-qualification form by 3 pm on September 3.

The agency will choose about 100 priority projects based on income, environmental impact, household details, and system failure severity and expects to issue awards in winter with projects completed by September.

In fiscal year 2025, the Treasurer’s Office returned a record $9.9 million in unclaimed property to more than 31,000 Vermonters and received a record $24 million in additional funds that brought the total unclaimed funds to over $150 million — the highest amount ever held.

Treasurer Pieciak said the returns help support affordable housing, veterans, and local businesses.

A grant from the Melissa Andrews Trust funded a crucial software update to the Pulmonary Function Test machine at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital in St. Johnsbury on July 8th, making sure patients in Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties can get vital tests for lung problems—this is the trust's third donation to support local respiratory care.

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.

The Future of Vermont’s Food & Farm Economy: Trends & Predictions

5-8 p.m. — Intervale Center — Free entry — Discover insights on Vermont's food and farm economy while networking and enjoying local refreshments.

SB Nite Out #5 - B-Town & Fireworks

5:30-8 p.m. — Veterans Memorial Park — Free entry — Enjoy delicious food from local vendors followed by a spectacular fireworks display to celebrate the community.

Bonny Light Horseman

7-9:30 p.m. — Higher Ground — Cost not specified — Experience the heartfelt melodies of Bonny Light Horseman as they celebrate humanity through music.

The Ramble Roller Disco

2-4 p.m. — Pomeroy Park — $5 suggested donation — Roll with us at the 4th annual roller disco while supporting a great cause.

Robert Lester Folsom Live Performance

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Higher Ground — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of melodic sounds from southern singer-songwriter Robert Lester Folsom.

Vermont Lake Monsters 50/50 Raffle Night

5-9 p.m. — Vermont Lake Monsters Baseball — Enjoy a night at the ballpark selling raffle tickets to support Camp Ta-Kum-Ta.

Grieves Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Higher Ground — $51+ — Enjoy a night of powerful music with Grieves at Higher Ground in South Burlington.