Good morning, Burlington.

On Sept. 25, Starbucks announced that it will close over 400 stores nationwide—including its recent Rutland location—as part of its 'Back to Starbucks' plan to boost performance and service.

The company may close more Vermont stores as it works to renew and improve its outlets.

South Burlington based electric aviation company Beta Technologies filed to go public on Monday and said it will list its shares soon.

Burlington officials celebrated a new sculpture called Dance in Place on Thursday in front of Burlington Square to honor queer and Black communities.

The colorful art was created by University of Vermont professor Christopher Kojzar as part of the Great Streets Initiative and can be repainted if the community wishes to update it.

The Spirit of Vermont festival returns for a two-day event at Red Barn Gardens in Williston—featuring more than a dozen artists on Friday and Saturday.

Organizers added a day of music, new vendors, and an art exhibition, and local musician Greg Freeman will headline Friday night.

A Vermont Agency of Education report shows that while overall school enrollment has dropped, the number of students with IEPs is rising—partly due to more autism diagnoses and emotional challenges—and many districts lack the staffing and resources they need.

The report also notes that more students are placed in out-of-district schools, and a strategic plan will be developed to better support these learners.

UVM Libraries’ Silver Special Collections Library marked the receipt of VPIRG records on October 1—displaying documents, photos, and items that tell the story of Vermont grassroots activism.

Researchers and community members can access the collection to learn about decades of local civic engagement.

The U.S. Forest Service stationed a wildfire response helicopter at Lebanon Municipal Airport on October 2 to improve fire response times amid ongoing drought in Vermont and New Hampshire.

The large Type 1 helicopter can carry 2,000 gallons of water — fire supervisor Dan Dillner said it will make several drops to protect local areas if needed.

Today, thousands of Canada and snow geese fly over Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area along Route 17 as they begin a 5,000-mile journey from the Arctic to the American South.

State scientists and volunteers plan to band the grounded birds during the annual event + gathering key data on the migration.

Gov. Phil Scott tapped former federal prosecutor Colin Owyang to fill Judge Samuel Hoar’s vacancy in Chittenden County—if approved by the Senate he will serve a six-year term on the Vermont Superior Court.

Owyang has held executive roles at Vermont Electric Power Company and Vermont Gas System and prosecuted cases in both Vermont and Massachusetts.

The Vermont DMV remains open today even though the federal government shutdown on Oct.

1 closed non-essential federal services—local DMV offices might change their hours, so checking ahead is a good idea. The DMV continues to operate because it is funded by the state.

Many Vermonters with Medicare Advantage plans received cancellation notices effective at the end of the year and are urged to review their letters to learn how to reapply during open enrollment starting October 15.

Vermont’s five Area Agencies on Aging will add SHIP volunteers and schedule more appointments—helping those who need plan changes and other health services.

RunVermont said registration opened on October 1 for the Marathon & Relay on May 24, the Half Marathon Unplugged on April 11, and youth races on May 23, with bundle options available to save money.

The events will draw thousands of local runners, and early relay team captains will get special Darn Tough perks — a free pair of socks — to kick off Burlington’s spring race season.

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.

Pokey LaFarge Live Show

7:30-9 p.m. — Higher Ground — Ticket info available — Enjoy a melodic journey with Pokey LaFarge in a vibrant local setting.

Patty Griffin and Rickie Lee Jones Concert

7-9 p.m. — The Flynn — Ticket details pending — Experience the soulful sounds of Grammy winners Patty Griffin and Rickie Lee Jones live in Burlington.

Deb Talan Performance

7:30-9:30 a.m. — Higher Ground — All ages — Experience Deb Talan's heartfelt journey through music exploring love and longing.