Good morning, Burlington.

Chloe Learey of the Winston Prouty Center for Child and Family Development said the nonprofit received a surprise $1 million donation to reopen a family shelter in Brattleboro.

The group will use the donation to open a shelter in the former Austine School property—housing eight to 10 families before the snow flies and operating for at least two years.

James Beane’s giant pumpkin weighing 1,814 pounds broke the record at Sam Mazza’s Farm on Sept.

20 — the annual weigh-off event held by Vermont Giant Pumpkin Growers has drawn local attendees for 19 years.

VermontBiz recognized 40 young leaders under 40 for their work boosting Vermont’s economy and community—winners were chosen from more than 120 nominations and will be honored at a RisingStars event on November 6 and featured in the November issue.

BETA Technologies, a South Burlington firm that builds electric and hybrid aircraft, filed for an IPO on Monday and plans to list on the New York Stock Exchange soon—having raised over $1.5 billion since its founding and secured a $300 million investment from GE Aerospace.

The Cannabis Retailers Association of Vermont launched the CannaTrail Passport to encourage adults 21 and older to visit 23 local dispensaries—participants collect stamps at each shop and can earn prizes when they complete the trail.

Maria Lara-Bregatta reopened Café Mamajuana in Colchester during Hispanic Heritage Month to bring Dominican flavor and community spirit to Vermont.

She started with a Burlington restaurant while pregnant and closed it to return stronger, now expanding into baking—building spaces that celebrate her heritage.

Mary Hoffman’s careful planning left a six-figure gift for Vermont nonprofits including the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, Shelburne Museum, Shelburne Farms, The Nature Conservancy, Vermont Land Trust, Wake Robin, and the Vermont Community Foundation — this generous legacy will support arts, nature, and education across the state, and a reception will be held at Shelburne Museum on October 7 to honor her contributions.

University of Vermont is hosting its first national student reporting conference where over 130 journalism faculty from 32 states will gather to share ideas and strategies that strengthen local news.

The event—led by UVM’s Center for Community News—aims to expand academic partnerships and support community news projects.

The Vermont Roman Catholic Diocese spent nearly 5% of its remaining funds on legal fees—its attorney costs now total about $1.5M and counting—and it relies on money from local parishes to cover operating expenses as it works on a reorganization plan by December 31.

This financial strain follows its bankruptcy filing last year and a series of costly misconduct settlements.

Vermont public safety officials fired Etan Nasreddin-Longo last week after he led bias-free policing for five years, and racial justice advocates are questioning if the state will keep earning community trust+ while the department said the office’s work will continue.

Officials did not give a reason for his firing or announce plans to fill the role, leaving questions about future efforts.

Governor Phil Scott announced yesterday his appointment of Colin Owyang as superior court judge—Owyang brings leadership from Vermont Electric Power Company, Vermont Gas System and the U.S. Department of Justice to help serve Vermonters in the judicial system.

On Monday night, Burlington City Council approved ordinance 9-2, banning indecent exposure in public spaces—special events like the Naked Bike Ride are exempt from this rule.

Downtown businesses and residents have pushed for the change, and a first offense now will lead to a $100 fine.

Deltron 3030 Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Higher Ground — $101-$126 — Experience an unforgettable night with Deltron 3030 at Higher Ground Ballroom.

7th Burlington Hardware Meetup

5-8 p.m. — Hula — Free entry — Network over drinks and delicious food while sharing your hardware innovations and insights.

Fitter Happier: A Radiohead Tribute

7:30-9 p.m. — Higher Ground — All ages event — Experience a night of Radiohead's music performed by Jeff Beam and his friends from Portland, Maine.

Ali McGuirk Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Higher Ground — Tickets available — Experience soulful performances as Ali McGuirk takes the stage with her lyrical preaching.

VermontBiz 2 Biz Expo

7 a.m. - 3 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington Vermont — Cost info not specified — Connect with Vermont businesses and celebrate innovation at the VermontBiz 2 Biz Expo.

Geese Live Concert

7-9 p.m. — Higher Ground — Tickets from $134 — Experience an unforgettable night with live music at Higher Ground Ballroom featuring Geese.

Violent Femmes Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Flynn — Last-minute tickets available — Experience the energetic sounds of Violent Femmes live in Burlington.

Willis Concert with Hotel Fiction

6-7 p.m. — Higher Ground — Tickets from $55 — Catch Willis live in concert alongside Hotel Fiction for an evening of great music.

Adam Cayton-Holland Live

7-8:30 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience the witty humor of nationally touring comic Adam Cayton-Holland as he brings laughter to Burlington.

Paula Poundstone Stand-Up Comedy

7:30-9 p.m. — The Flynn — Ticket prices vary — Experience legendary comedian Paula Poundstone's sharp humor and crowd interactions.