Good morning, Burlington.

Blue Cross VT held its Community Give Back Day Thursday, sending nearly 100 volunteers to work with nonprofits including the Intervale Center & Meals on Wheels during Hunger Action Month.

President Beth Roberts said the effort supports health benefits by boosting community nutrition.

VMEC was awarded $812,300 from the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program, managed by NIST (a Commerce bureau) and the Vermont State Colleges System; the grant will help small manufacturers upgrade technology and takes effect Oct.

1.

Ben & Jerry's announced a $3 million, unrestricted investment in People’s Action Institute’s Organizing Revival to boost grassroots training ahead of the midterms.

The funding supports long-term community leadership and local organizing work that aims to build power beyond any one election cycle.

Business and policy leaders met in Burlington on Sept.

17 for the Vermont Solutions Summit hosted by Heritage Family Credit Union to turn shared challenges into tangible solutions. Attendees discussed workforce growth, housing, community vitality, and AI adoption to build a stronger economy.

Vermont Poet Laureate Bianca Stone will share her reading of 'L'ignorant' (translated by Joseph Acquisto) on Morning Edition this month, with music selected by Helen Lyons from Vermont Public Classical.

Gasoline prices in Burlington climbed to $4.48 per gallon today, 13.7 cents higher than last week and $1.21 above last year, while diesel hit a record high with a $2.69 increase; AAA & GasBuddy say global tensions and supply cuts are driving these cost hikes.

The Food Systems Research Station at Nordic Farm, developed by the University of Vermont + USDA, officially opened Thursday to test farming methods for local farmers.

Researchers are beginning studies on cow behavior, grazing systems, and crop production with the goal of boosting Vermont’s farming practices over the coming months.

Burlington Electric Department announced plans to install a timber-frame solar canopy over 13 visitor parking spaces at its Pine Street office, which will power 27 to 30 homes when it goes online in 2027.

The project is funded by the Net Zero Energy Revenue Bond following a Sept. 9 vote.

The Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission launched a Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund on 9/16 in Winooski with $815,000 available to offer loans up to $250,000 and grants up to $150,000 for cleaning contaminated sites into new homes and community facilities.

Applicants must show redevelopment progress to meet local housing targets.

State care board orders require Vermont hospitals to lower commercial rates to slow insurance premium hikes and push cost cuts without raising patient bills.

Some hospital leaders warn that cuts could lead to fewer jobs and reduced services in the coming fiscal year (starting Oct. 1).