Good morning, Burlington.

Toymaker Mattel announced plans to add four new Barbie dolls modeled after famous female rugby players, including Burlington native Ilona Maher, a bronze medalist for TeamUSA in Rugby Sevens.

The new doll—featuring an all-new body sculpt that shows defined limbs—will be available for sale in 2026.

Union members at the St. Albans dairy plant ratified a new contract on Tuesday that raised wages by 14.5% over 22 months and improved benefits—ending their nearly two-week strike and removing mandatory 12‑hour shifts.

Larner College of Medicine will hold its White Coat Ceremony on October 10 at 1:00 p.m. at Ira Allen Chapel—122 first-year med students will receive white coats and recite an oath led by Dean Richard Page to join the medical profession.

Governor Phil Scott stressed that Vermont’s current education system—burdened by Act 60 and unequal funding—is not serving many children well and that consolidating school districts along with a new funding formula will create more equal opportunities.

He said an education bill passed last session will start a 3-year effort including redistricting when the legislature returns in January.

On Oct. 3, fourth graders at Oak Street Elementary teamed up with the Lake Champlain Basin Program—studying how water pollution harms fish.

A viral video shows porcupines sharing an apple in their natural habitat—captured by wildlife biologist Kiley Briggs in his backyard near an apple tree and granite quarry—and the clip has earned over 2.5 million views.

Briggs said he hopes the video will change negative views by showing the animals as calm and natural.

Shelburne Beach shows a longer shore as Lake Champlain reaches near historic low water levels due to a severe drought.

Scientists say extreme swings from drought to floods driven by climate change have stressed Vermont’s waterways — from the lake to the LaPlatte headwaters.

Kelli Perkins was named Burlington's Director of Racial Equity and has taken charge of an office marked by frequent leadership changes.

She said she will work with local stakeholders to address fairness issues — and the mayor backs efforts to stabilize the department.

The Department for Children and Families changed 3SquaresVT on October 1 to meet federal law, and more than 4,000 SNAP recipients now face work requirements with three no-cause months starting November 1—DCF is calling affected households to review exemptions.

DCF also reviewed households with non-citizen members, finding that 86 lost benefits and 33 had partial cuts.

Vermont law bans smoking pot in public places such as streets — and penalties for violations range from a $100 fine for a first offense to $500 for later ones.

Adults can legally use cannabis on private property, carry up to one ounce, and grow up to six plants at home.

Juan De La Cruz—a Panton stonemason who applied for asylum in 2017—attended an ICE check-in Tuesday in St. Albans where nearly 200 friends gathered in support, and immigration officials assured his family he may stay in Vermont while his case moves forward.

He will have in-person check-ins every six months and his next court hearing is set for December.

Jesus Mendoza, a second-year student at Larner College of Medicine at UVM, uses his experience with uveitis and work as a Spanish interpreter to improve health care for Hispanic communities.

He studies orthopedic surgery and said sharing his culture—through his church, classmates and intramural soccer team 'Compas FC'—reminds him of home as he plans to ease fears of doctor visits in California and Mexico.

Vermont Green FC announced it will field a women’s soccer team in the USL W League next season if two more Northeast division teams join, making it the third founding member of the new division.

The club held sold-out exhibition matches at Virtue Field and remains confident in its plans + expects support from Sam Mewis.

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.

Stef Dag Comedy Show

7-8:30 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — Tickets required — Enjoy a night of laughs with Brooklyn comedian Stef Dag, known for her viral dating show.