Good morning, Burlington.

Mercy Connections announced Lisa Falcon’s retirement after eight years as Executive Director on August 19.

The Board has launched a search for her successor (with plans to name a new leader before year-end).

Burlington Business Association closed last week after nearly 50 years of supporting local businesses.

The Chamber announced it will form a new Downtown Business Alliance division plus Building Burlington’s Future will continue key programs like the downtown ambassador role to support the downtown area.

Mirabelles Bakery will open two new eateries in the spaces formerly occupied by The Kitchen Table, with a Richmond restaurant called Belle’s on the River and a South Burlington market expected to launch on Oct.

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Davis & Hodgdon CPAs was named among Accounting Today’s Best Accounting Firms to Work for last week after a survey evaluated the firm's policies and employee experience.

The Vermont firm with offices in Williston and Rutland earned the award for providing wide-ranging services and a quality workplace.

Vermont native Grace Potter debuted her acoustic single 'Love Me Not' at NBC5 studio today to promote her new album Trespasser and she will appear at Burlington Records on College Street from 6-7 p.m. for an album signing & meet-and-greet.

A busy week in Vermont lights up music stages as local venues host headlining live events.

Modest Mouse's sold out show at the Shelburne Museum kicks off the lineup today, followed by Angelique Kidjo at the Flynn and additional concerts in South Burlington, Stowe and Tunbridge later this week.

Crews from White Falcon Solutions (a local construction company) have been restoring the stone courtyard wall at Shelburne Farms Farm Barn since February, and work will continue until mid-September to preserve the historic education area for visitors.

Vermont Poet Laureate Bianca Stone led this month’s poetry reading (Thursday, Aug.

20) at Vermont Public; she read Capitalism by poet Dara Barrois/Dixon and paired the performance with Steve Reich’s Vermont Counterpoint.

Gas prices in Vermont average $4.14 per gallon today, up 2 cents from last week and over $1 higher than last year as oil prices near $85.83 a barrel.

In Burlington, station prices range from $3.99 to $4.19 per gallon (AAA and GasBuddy).

The Snake Mountain Wildlife Management Area will expand by 256 acres (a nearly 25% increase) in Addison and Weybridge to provide habitat for peregrine falcons and endangered bats; the state and its partners will also secure timber rights for over 900 acres, with transactions expected by early 2027.

The Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife estimated the black bear population at 7,500 to 8,900 using 2025 data, exceeding the target for the fifth year.

It urges Vermonters to secure trash and attractants as officials consider extending the bear season, with public comment open through Sept. 4.

Vermont’s health insurance premiums will rise 1% to 6% next year at the state’s marketplace exchange as regulators cut insurer proposals.

Roughly 67,000 Vermonters on ACA plans will face modest hikes despite already high prices — measures that support ongoing cost-control efforts.

Vermont high school field hockey fans can cast votes for the preseason player of the year via BurlingtonFreePress.com from Aug.

20 to 9 p.m. on Aug. 26 + the winner will be announced on Aug. 27.