Good morning, Burlington.

Today at Leddy Park on 216 Leddy Park Road, the Burlington Bike Park opens with a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. and bike demos and vendor tables from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.+ City officials including Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak and local partners are attending as the Burlington Bike Park Coalition plans future phases that will add advanced trails and a paved pump track.

CNBC named Vermont the best state for quality of life, giving it a 228 Quality of Life Score—its fifth straight year at the top—because of low crime rates, clean air, and strong health standards.

Other New England states like Maine, New Jersey, and Connecticut also rated high in the study.

Eight-year-old Christopher Straub from Bristol named the Crayola crayon color Robin's Egg Blue in 1993—his choice now ranks as the second-best color globally.

Crayola announced special packs featuring the color will be available this holiday—early next year following a global vote from 183 countries.

Country music star Warren Zeiders, who won a CMT Music Award, will headline the opening night of the 2026 Champlain Valley Fair—tickets will go on sale Oct.

30 at 10 a.m. on the fair website.

Governor Phil Scott announced Lyle Jepson as commissioner and Nick Grimley as deputy commissioner of the Department of Economic Development—both roles will start on November 3.

Jepson brings decades of experience in education while Grimley has led tech and entrepreneurship programs to support growth for Vermonters.

Vermont lifted its statewide ban on debris burning that had been in effect since Sept.

22 after over two inches of recent rainfall reduced fire danger statewide—residents still must obtain permits from local forest fire wardens and use caution when starting fires.

Attorney General Charity Clark and Sen. Bernie Sanders called on the EPA to release frozen funds for the Solar for All program — the plan will help 8,000 working-class families reduce their electric bills by up to 90% and create local jobs.

The project remains paused as Clark joins 22 other states in a lawsuit to bring back the funding.

The Vermont Department of Financial Regulation said Vermonters facing late fees on loan, mortgage, or insurance payments should call their lenders if the shutdown affects their ability to pay—companies can help only if they know about the hardship.

The agency urged individuals to report any concerns with their banks or credit unions.

If Congress does nothing, enhanced healthcare premium tax credits will expire at the end of 2025, leaving about 30,000 Vermonters on the exchange to face sharp increases in their healthcare costs—middle-income residents could pay nearly a quarter of their income for coverage starting January 1. The loss of these credits may price many out of necessary insurance, prompting urgent calls for federal action.

Officials warned that nearly 40% of traffic fatalities on Halloween involve drunk drivers and noted that Burlington saw a spike in emergency calls last year—fire marshal Matthew Stone urged residents to go out with a partner, watch their drinks, and use sidewalks to avoid dark streets. He advised everyone to stay alert and plan ahead as Halloween nears.

Most Vermonters on Medicare Advantage will switch back to Original Medicare in 2026 — meaning they must enroll separately in a Part D plan for drug coverage.

The Office of the Health Care Advocate urges enrollment by December 7th and recommends checking Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help to manage costs.

Vermont soccer, defending NCAA champions with a 24-game unbeaten streak, plays today at 6 p.m. against Bryant (13-0-2 record) in Smithfield as Bryant holds home-field advantage and a higher national ranking.

GA-20 with Black Joe Lewis

7:30-9 p.m. — Higher Ground — All Ages — Experience a nostalgic blend of Blues, Country, and Rock with GA-20's dynamic performance.

Infinity Song Concert

7-9 PM — Higher Ground — All ages welcome — Experience the harmonious sounds of Soft Rock siblings from NYC.

Buffering the Vampire Slayer Live

7:00 – 8:30 p.m. — Higher Ground — Ticketed event — Enjoy a seated show with the hosts of the popular podcast as they explore Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Los Straitjackets Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Higher Ground — Tickets available — Experience the unique combo sound of Los Straitjackets, blending classic influences with vibrant energy.

The Machine

8:30-10 p.m. — Higher Ground — $20+ — Experience the unmistakable sound of Pink Floyd’s musical legacy in a tribute by The Machine.

Arcy Drive Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Higher Ground — All Ages — Enjoy a spirited performance from the Northport, NY band, Arcy Drive, as they bring their unique sound to Burlington.

Neil Hamburger Live

7-8:30 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — Tickets required — Enjoy laughs with America’s Funnyman Neil Hamburger in an evening of unique comedy.

Heather Maloney & Dan Rodriguez Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Higher Ground — All Ages — Experience an evening of reflective music from Massachusetts-based songwriter Heather Maloney.

The Barr Brothers Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Higher Ground — All ages — Experience the unique sound of Montreal's The Barr Brothers with captivating melodies and rhythms.

The Lone Bellow Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Higher Ground — All ages — Experience the harmonious sounds and heartfelt stories of The Lone Bellow's latest musical journey.