Good morning, Burlington.

Church Street's 45th annual Sidewalk Sale began yesterday and will run until Sunday, Aug.

10—local business owner Ava Stanley of Olive and Ollie said lower prices are helping offset downtown construction challenges while neighbors noted increased foot traffic including Canadians. The event aims to keep Burlington businesses supported during a busy time for local construction.

Chandra Duba has been living in an RV on a friend’s land in Jericho after losing her Section 8 housing, and though she now has electricity from a nearby solar array, she does not view the setup as a long-term home—housing advocates report that more Vermonters are sleeping in vehicles as current motel programs with limited stays prove insufficient.

Burlington Police Department is looking for a man accused of breaking into a North Union Street home at around 4 a.m. on July 26 (he wore all gray with a face mask) and again at about 3:30 a.m. on August 1, and it urges anyone with information to call 802-540-2308.

Yesterday, Fletcher Free Library turned its chain-link fence into a story stroll during exterior renovations by laminating pages from Cats in Construction Hats and adding educational panels that remind visitors the library stays open.

Youth services librarian Megan Butterfield led the project (explaining construction details) and said she will update the display with a new construction-themed book (to keep the story fresh).

Paula Routly, publisher of Seven Days, recalled her first encounter with the Grateful Dead and explained how her early musical memories led her to appreciate rock—she also examines the growing trend of tribute bands, with 15 performing locally that connect longtime fans to new listeners. Her cover story offers insight into how these acts keep the band's legacy alive.

State officials are urging Vermonters to make an emergency plan as dry, windy weather raises wildfire risks and every home is advised to have working smoke alarms, two exits per room, and an outside meeting place.

A wildfire in Fair Haven spread 12 acres in July, so residents should ready a go bag with essentials & sign up for VT-Alert.

The Justice Department posted an updated list that names Vermont as a sanctuary jurisdiction—with Burlington included—and Attorney General Pam Bondi said the department will continue litigation and work with the Department of Homeland Security to end these policies.

The designations come as Gov. Phil Scott recently declined a request to deploy National Guardsmen for federal immigration enforcement.

UVM Health Network will fund Vermont State University’s respiratory therapy program for a third year to allow up to 25 students to train for a job in high demand.

The program helps hospitals get new therapists and lower costs by reducing reliance on temporary staff — a measure that supports local care.

Dr. DaShawn Groves, commissioner of Vermont Health Access, said Vermont remains a national leader in health coverage with 97% of Vermonters insured and the underinsured rate dropping from 40% in 2021 to 31% now—he warned that upcoming changes in federal subsidies may affect these numbers in the future.

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.

The Champlain Valley Fair

Aug 22-31, 3 PM - 11 PM — Champlain Valley Exposition — Admission prices vary — Celebrate the end of summer with rides, games, food, and entertainment at Vermont's seasonal highlight.

Jake Shimabukuro Live Performance

7:30-9 p.m. — Higher Ground — All Ages — Experience the captivating ukulele artistry of Jake Shimabukuro in a dynamic live show.

Lettuce Concert

8-10 p.m. — Higher Ground — All ages — Experience a vibrant musical journey with the genre-busting collective Lettuce.