Good morning, Burlington.

HomeShare Vermont is expanding into 12 counties to match homeowners with spare rooms to people who need safe, affordable housing—using background checks, interviews, and a two-week trial period for solid matches.

The nonprofit hopes the plan will offer seniors and others steady companionship and support.

The Vermont Chamber is now accepting nominations for the Coolest Thing Made in Vermont Awards—honoring local innovation and craftsmanship.

Nominations must be submitted by October 1—and winners will be recognized at the Manufacturing Summit Awards Dinner on November 19.

BETA Technologies announced Thursday it will receive a $300 million investment from GE Aerospace pending regulatory approval—supporting their work on hybrid electric aviation.

Yesterday, hundreds gathered at Waterfront Park when Vermont singer Grace Potter reimagined her hit songs with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra to launch her three day concert series Grand Point North.

Today, she will perform with her traditional band—Melt, Heady Betty and Dutch Experts will also appear while Goose is set to perform on Sunday.

Vermont officials are asking residents to report drought impacts—like dry wells, low river levels, and crop damage—so state experts can plan a proper response.

Nearly 60% of Vermont faces severe drought conditions, and the data will help shape state and federal aid in the coming weeks.

Vermont orchards lost 50% of their early apple crops due to a wet spring followed by drought—bees could not pollinate the blossoms and water levels remain low.

Growers said later apple varieties are showing promise as cool nights and sunny days help the fruit ripen.

Gov. Phil Scott named Dr. Rick Hildebrant as Vermont’s new health commissioner—he will begin on Oct.

13—and appointed Kendal Smith to run the Department of Labor—Smith will start on Sept. 22 while Chris Winters takes over as deputy commissioner.

Gov. Phil Scott announced that Dr. Rick Hildebrant — an executive at Rutland Regional Medical Center — will become Vermont’s next health commissioner next month, replacing Dr. Mark Levine who retired in March.

Hildebrant brings strong clinical and leadership skills — he is expected to guide state public health efforts — as he takes on the new role.

The Department for Children and Families is updating Vermont’s 3SquaresVT program for SNAP based on federal law, with most households set to receive an average increase of $5 per month while about 2,600 households may see an average decrease and 36 households could lose benefits.

DCF will review non-citizen cases and update work requirements before benefits take effect on October 1 — affected households are encouraged to contact staff for guidance.

State regulators cut $88 million from UVM Medical Center’s $2.4 billion budget proposal on Friday to ease the insurance charges burdening Vermonters.

The Green Mountain Care Board said the reductions address concerns over the hospital network’s fund transfers — a practice that undermines local care costs.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit let a law take effect that stops Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood health centers nationwide while Planned Parenthood of Northern New England still sees Medicaid patients in Vermont.

The ruling—part of the Big Beautiful Bill—may put up to 200 centers at risk and will cost nearly $52 million to taxpayers over 10 years.

Big Pond Improv Festival

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — Check for ticket prices — Experience a night of laughs with top-notch improv performances.

Hardware Hacknight with PostHog

5-8 p.m. — VCET - Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies — Food and beverages provided — Dive into hands-on hardware building with DeskHog, an open-source developer toy.

Vermont Dental Conference 2025

Thu, Sep 18th — DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington Vermont — Visit Booth #30 — Explore, evolve, and excel in dental practices at this specialized conference.

It's A 2000's Party

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Higher Ground — $20 admission — Flash back to the 90's and 2000's while skating to your favorite tunes with DJ Junior Jay.

Burlington VegFest

12-5 p.m. — Hula — Free entry — Celebrate a fun, fully vegan festival with local vendors and community spirit in beautiful Burlington, Vermont.

Matt Heckler Live Performance

7:30-9 p.m. — Higher Ground — Tickets from $75 — Experience an unforgettable night with Matt Heckler in South Burlington.

Lucero Live Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Higher Ground — Tickets required — Celebrate 20 years of 'Nobody's Darlings' with Lucero performing the album in full plus more hits.

Logan Guntzelman Comedy Show

7:30-9 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — Tickets available — Experience an evening of laughs with Los Angeles-based comedian Logan Guntzelman.

Panchiko Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Higher Ground — All Ages — Experience the ethereal rock sounds of Panchiko as they transition into their rockstar lives.

Neighbor Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Higher Ground — $55 — Catch a last-minute chance to enjoy an electrifying live performance by Neighbor.