Good morning, Burlington.

Tyshawn Lee, accused of holding two people hostage at T Ruggs Tavern in Burlington, will appear in court on Friday at 8:30 a.m. at the Chittenden Superior Courthouse—he is charged with kidnapping and making a destructive device following a five-hour standoff last year.

The Freedom & Unity Festival began Friday in Cabot and continues today as an art and music event aimed at uniting the community after pandemic isolation.

The festival features a unity dinner, reggae music, yoga, art workshops & international acts including headliner Queen Omega from Trinidad and Tobago.

After several warm, dry weeks have increased fire risks, the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation told residents to handle outdoor burning with care — using safe setups for campfires and ensuring equipment does not spark fires.

The agency said permits are needed for burning brush or debris and urged people to delay any burns until after soaking rain reduces the fire danger.

The Environmental Protection Agency terminated Vermont’s Solar For All program on August 8, cutting nearly $63 million in federal funds meant to help low-income households install solar panels.

Commissioner Kerrick Johnson said his agency is exploring options with state resources (and will seek legal advice) while addressing potential job impacts.

Jenna’s Promise celebrated its five-year anniversary at Jenna’s House in Johnson and is planning to add a new sober home and expand its holistic recovery model to other towns—executive director Aimée Green said the approach helps locals overcome addiction while building local partnerships.

Officials broke ground on a project at 100 Cambrian Way that will add 40 permanently affordable apartments in Burlington’s North End, with the ceremony on Aug.

7 led by Champlain Housing Trust and Evernorth. The units will have average rents of $1,325 for a one-bedroom, $1,530 for a two-bedroom and $1,840 for a three-bedroom — part of a $23.8 million effort to expand affordable housing in the city.

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.

Fai Laci Live Performance

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Higher Ground — All ages — Experience the energetic debut of Fai Laci as they perform their original tracks and share their journey in the music scene.