Good morning, Burlington.

King Street Center has struggled for years to match more than 11 boys and one fourth grader with mentors who can help them improve in school and avoid trouble; the center serves Burlington’s most low-income neighborhoods and uses its Opportunity Fund to cover activity costs.

Community leaders are stepping up efforts as they urge residents to volunteer and support the mentoring program—offers that aim to give boys a better chance at success.

Vermont's annual homelessness report was released Wednesday and showed over 4,500 people are without housing with unsheltered numbers increasing by more than 62%—the report left out racial data to avoid federal retribution and experts said Gov. Scott must boost shelter capacity and plan for nearly 3,300 affordable homes plus 13,000 more units for growing low-income needs by 2029.

Detective Eric Kratochvil arrested 23-year-old Joshua Rheaume on July 9 near a convenience store in the Old North End after tracking repeated robberies at Jake's ONE Market — robberies that hit the store for $600 and left employees scared — and Rheaume is now held without bail while his case goes to a court hearing on August 8.

Nectar's, the beloved music venue in downtown Burlington, announced Wednesday it will permanently close on Main Street after 50 years in business—its last show was on June 7.

Staff said the spirit of the venue will live on.

A Vermont law went into effect on July 1 to erase $1 million in medical debt for working and middle-class residents and will remove such debt from credit reports automatically.

Treasurer Mike Pieciak said his office will work with Undue Medical Debt (a group that talks with hospitals and health centers) (which could help over 60,000 Vermonters) to let residents invest in their futures.

Vermont Green FC will face Seattle’s Ballard FC in the USL League Two national final at Virtue Field starting 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug.

2. Tickets sold out in seconds — local fans can now join watch parties or stream the game live on team sites and WCAX.

The Red Rocks 5K Run

9:30 a.m. — Red Rocks Park — Registration fee applies — Experience a scenic 5K trail run through the beautiful woods of Red Rocks Park.

2025 Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival

8 AM – 4:30 PM — Waterfront Park — Fundraising event — Celebrate community spirit and support cancer survivors with thrilling dragon boat races.

Beth Stelling Live Comedy Show

7:30-9 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — Check event page for ticket info — Experience the comedic brilliance of Beth Stelling, whose latest Netflix special is a must-watch.

Vermont Antique & Classic Car Meet

7 a.m. – 6 p.m. — farr's field — $15; free for kids 12 and under — Spectators can enjoy vintage vehicles alongside flea markets, processions, and competitions.

Vermont Cheesemakers Festival

10:00 – 11:30 a.m. — Shelburne Farms Breeding Barn — Check event for details — Celebrate the art of cheesemaking in a state renowned for its world-class cheeses.

BCA Summer Concert Series: Ian Campbell

12:30-1:30 p.m. — Burlington City Arts @ The BCA Center — Free entry — Enjoy a lunchtime concert in City Hall Park with local musician Ian Campbell's melodic tunes.

Vermont Public Kids Day

10 AM – 3 PM — ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain — $16.50-20; free for members and kids 2 and under — Enjoy crafts, story time, and meet Daniel Tiger in a family-friendly environment.

Lake Champlain Chamber Music Festival

10:30 a.m. — Elley-Long Music Center — Various costs — Experience a celebration of Mozart's brilliance through concerts and masterclasses.

Vermont Tech August Happy Hour

5:30-7 p.m. — Foam Brewers - Burlington — Pay for your own food/drink — Enjoy a chill evening of networking with great vibes and conversations.

Outdoor Innovation Showcase: Vermont's Vision for Sustainability

3-5:30 p.m. — Craig's Prototype Facility — Free entry — Celebrate sustainability with discussions, networking, and optional tours of Burton's R&D center.