The Frequency

The rise in concierge medicine

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In today's episode, Governor Phil Scott’s first veto of the session, the latest on Quebec’s fake maple syrup scandal and a track of new music from a Lincoln, Vermont, singer-songwriter.

How Vermont entered the Civil War

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000

Chittenden County’s prosecutor isn’t charging protesters arrested during last month’s immigration raid in South Burlington, Democrats and Republican Governor Phil Scott spar over his legislative appointments, and our celebration of National Poetry Month continues. Plus, a history lesson on Vermont’s involvement in the Civil War.

Shopping to help the environment

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000

Since it’s Earth Day we’ll hear another segment from this week’s special series on climate issues from the New England News Collaborative. Plus, why Vermont officials want to hear from older adults; a recent legal victory that helps secure access to gender-affirming care for young people; and an update on a court case involving a prominent member of Migrant Justice.

Vermont weighs new legislation for plug-in solar panels

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000

A trove of police body camera video is providing a new window into last month's controversial immigration raid in South Burlington. A Tufts university student detained by ICE last year after writing a pro-Palestinian op-ed has settled her case with the federal government. And the Vermont legislature is clarifying what towns can control when it comes to farming after a surprise state Supreme Court decision last May. Plus, Vermont is one of six New England states weighing new legislation to make it easier for people to own and install small, plug-in solar panels.

How War in Iran affects local farmers

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In today's episode, Plug-in solar panels, cybersecurity at wastewater treatment plants and how the War in Iran is affecting local farmers.

Capitol Recap: Breaking down the politics of education reform

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In this week’s edition of the Capitol Recap, the latest from Montpelier from Vermont Public’s Lola Duffort and Peter Hirschfeld break down the politics of education reform.

A Vermont folk musician’s ‘Sound of the Word’

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In today's episode, a proposed ban on an herbicide with possible links to Parkinson’s disease, the latest on a fake maple syrup scandal in Quebec and a new song from a Cabot-based Americana-folk singer.

Performing across borders

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In today's episode, Lawmakers in four states - including Vermont - are considering bills this year to limit private equity's influence in health care, plus, a new theatre troop near the Vermont-Quebec border aims to strengthen ties between the U-S and Canada.

Fit to stand trial

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In today's episode, An update on the a trial for the man accused of shooting three Palestinian students two years ago in Burlington, a book delves into the history of blackface and minstrelsy and its ties to Vermont, a new head basketball coach at UVM, how to lessen bear encounters while camping in New Hampshire and more.

10 years full of questions

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In today's episode, Vermont lawmakers weigh a proposal to curb school spending, a longtime house representative announces her resignation and members of the ski industry say they’re worried about climate change. Plus, a podcast for curious kids turns 10.

Students prepare to bid farewell to Sterling College

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000

On today’s podcast, we’ll learn more about another Windham County town voting to close its school, why more trees are dying in the Northeast and some changes to the Universityof Vermont men’s basketball team.

Capitol Recap: Lawmakers second-guess a new healthcare reform law

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In this week’s edition of the Capitol Recap, the latest from Montpelier from Vermont Public’s Lola Duffort and Peter Hirschfeld on how lawmakers are second-guessing a new healthcare reform law enacted last year.

All hail the “Proscrastination Queen”

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In today’s episode, The Vermont Senate has advanced legislation that's designed to help strengthen the state's mental health system, and the Town of Fairfax’s sewer and water departments are weathering some challenges, plus we’ll share some local music!

Celebrating poetry with Vermont's Poet Laureate

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In today’s episode, Why Vermont may be leaving federal money to help house people with medical needs on the table, a key House panel is set to review cannabis legislation the state Senate passed last month, some of the contract demands from the World Cup soccer tournament may have influenced Montreal to bow out as a host city, a Vermont’s poet laureate during Poetry Month.

Reimagining solar farms

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In today’s episode, Drivers feel the strain of the War in Iran when filling up at the gas pump, and how some farmers in Vermont are experimenting with productive ways to use the land beneath solar panels.

Sheep shearing

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In today’s episode, How House lawmakers have abandoned a central component of their historic education reform law, some bitter news about some Quebec maple syrup and a local sheep shearer travels to work at a farm in Barnet.

Vermont's landmark case

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In today’s episode, an update to telehealth services; recognition for Middlebury College’s student newspaper; the ever-popular topic of taxes; and Vermont defends its landmark climate superfund law.

Capitol Recap: Signs of Progress

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In this week’s edition of the Capitol Recap, Vermont Public’s Lola Duffort and Peter Hirschfeld discuss signs of progress on education reform.

Exploring joy and suffering through song

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In today’s episode, more on how a U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down Colorado’s conversion therapy ban could affect Vermont and what’s next for Vermont Green FC following the team’s U.S. Open Cup loss. We’ll also hear a portion of Grammy-nominated Vermont musician Moira Smiley’s piece “Haiku.”

As winter wanes, motel voucher recipients face uncertainty

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In today’s episode, more on how the end of a winter emergency housing program affects some Vermonters, the fate of Gov. Scott’s return-to-office order and continued disputes between police and activists about the recent ICE raid in South Burlington.

Immigration raids weigh on moms in lullaby-writing project

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In today’s episode, more on a bill that would let citizens sue federal agents and the opening of a new terminal at Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport. Plus, a New England song-writing project features mothers affected by the recent ICE surge in Maine.

Reviving a push to tax the rich

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In today's episode, more about some bumpy roads in the Upper Valley and plans for Vermont’s first geothermal neighborhood, plus Democrats in Vermont’s legislature talk about raising taxes on the state’s top 1 percent of earners.

Checking in with the "Bird Diva"

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0000

The latest on some proposals advancing in the State House, a new place to catch a flight out of Montreal and a report that finds the work of family caregivers is worth A LOT of money.

The Capitol Recap: Efforts to delay major land-use reform law

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0000

Vermont Public’s housing reporter Carly Berlin explains why hundreds of Vermonters are protesting a land-use law – and what state lawmakers are doing about it.

Immigrant rights group leader charge with smuggling immigrants

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In today's episode, More on the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision on a qualified immunity case that’s more than a decade old, and we’ll get a Vermont history lesson on a law that only three other states in the country have, plus some local music, too.

Navigating coverage restrictions for GLP-1s in Vermont

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In today's episode, Why some law enforcement agencies aren’t releasing body camera footage from the recent immigration raid and protests in South Burlington, and why a popular summer dining staple may cost a whole lot more this year.

ICE chased wrong man ahead of recent raid

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In today's episode, The latest news from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement action in South Burlington on March 11th; also, the post office in the state capital is set to be sold at public auction.

A conversation with Vermont National Guard's new leader

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In today's episode, House lawmakers advanced a bill to bring down next year's average projected property tax hike, how to avoid bear-human conflicts and a conversation with the new head of the Vermont National Guard.

3 women accuse former Rep. Hooper of unwanted touching

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In today's episode, we’ll cover the latest on three women who say a former Democratic representative exhibited a pattern of behavior in the Statehouse that included unwanted touches.

Capitol Recap: Lawmakers seek to curb property tax hikes

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In this week’s edition of the Capitol Recap, the latest from Montpelier from Vermont Public’s Lola Duffort on property taxes and “buying down the rate.”

Judge rules immigrants due process rights violated

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In today's episode, The latest on the Immigration and Customs Enforcement action in South Burlington from last week, and then we’ll step away from the news and listen to a track of local music that was born out of a challenge.

Singing with Bread and Puppet Theater

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In today's episode, The latest developments in the Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in South Burlington last week, the Vermont Senate’s unanimous approval of legislation to protect the rights of voters, candidates, and election officials and Bread & Puppet theater’s invitation to the public.

Checking in with the Sports Rapport

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In today's episode, South Burlington’s police chief says his department is continuing to review last week's clash between police and activists during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation on Dorset Street.

Ecuadorian woman detained by ICE gets released

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In this week’s edition of the Capitol Recap, The latest on the recent Immigration & Customs Enforcement activity in South Burlington, how municipalities plan to handle public road upkeep costs and more.

State representative announces resignation plans after harassment claims

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode, A state lawmaker steps down after violating the Vermont House’s sexual harassment rules; more developments on the recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in South Burlington; and a preview of Vermont Green F-C's upcoming US Open Cup match.

Legislative Crossover

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In this week’s edition of the Capitol Recap, the latest from Montpelier from Vermont Public’s Peter Hirschfeld and Lola Duffort on the crossover deadline, and which committees are trying to keep their legislative priorities alive.

More details unfold on South Burlington ICE activity

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode, more on the Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in South Burlington that occurred on Wednesday, a proposed amendment to the state’s constitution has been approved, a look at this year's Vermont Book Awards finalists, plus a new electronic soul duo shares their latest single.

South Burlington ICE enforcement action leads to standoff

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode, information on the recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement action in South Burlington yesterday, plus how warm weather negatively affects maple syrup production, then we’ll pivot from the news of the day and talk about a very certain part of a whale’s anatomy.

Searching for the elusive Tinmouth apple

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0000

What’s happened since Hyde Park’s electric department told the state that it was out of money, and could not pay its bills? And the search for an elusive apple.

A Pittsfield athlete competes in the Paralympic Winter Games

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0000

For this episode, a Para Alpine skier from Pittsfield is competing at the Paralympic Winter Games in Cortina, Italy

VT voters approved 82 percent of school budgets, despite property tax implications

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0000

More school budget results, Vermonters in the cross-hairs of President Trump’s trade war, and the very latest in poutine news.

Waterbury considers new housing on edge of 100-year flood zone

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0000

Waterbury considers building new housing on the edge of a 100-year flood zone, plus a song from a group of immigrants who call Vermont home, ahead of their debut performance next week at The Flynn in Burlington.

A round-up of more Town Meeting Day results

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0000

Town Meeting Day odds and ends and the latest results from communities’ ballot issues from earlier this week.

Town Meeting Day highlights

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode, we'll bring you some Town Meeting Day 2026 results as well as some sounds from the polling places.

Town Meeting Day preview

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0000

Town Meeting Day ballot measures in various towns, plus a trip to a popular New Hampshire beach, where officials are proposing paid parking on a very busy strip.

Faith communities focus on immigrant rights

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0000

Some protestors learned their fate after being arrested earlier this month for refusing to leave an Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in Williston and then, the story of some faith leaders in New England who are focusing more on immigrants’ rights in the wake of a Vermont pastor’s detainment by ICE

Capitol Recap: Lawmakers grapple with private equity in Vermont’s health care system

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000

In this week’s edition of the Capitol Recap, the latest from Montpelier from Vermont Public’s Peter Hirschfeld and Lola Duffort on private equity in healthcare.

Frustration over Rutland’s write-in mayoral election

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000

What’s next for a proposal from lawmakers who had been considering moving to a two-year car inspection cycle? Plus, a local musician shares what it looks like to have faith when certain structures of identity are crumbling around them.

Calais students hold their own “town meeting”

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000

Some pre-Town Meeting Day school budget numbers, New Hampshire’s governor says Immigration and Customs Enforcement is ditching plans for a proposed detention facility in the state, and a kids’ version of Town Meeting Day in Calais.

Local entrepreneur walks away from land he planned to develop

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000

An unusual mayoral race is brewing in Rutland, and then, we’ll learn more about a local entrepreneur abandoning some big plans to reinvigorate a college campus he purchased in 2020.

What’s on the ballot? A Town Meeting Day preview

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000

A Vermont resident’s release from a federal immigration detention, what current flu activity looks like in Vermont and a Town Meeting Day preview.

Solving the housing crisis by helping renters and landlords

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000

In today’s episode, a changing of the guard at the Vermont National guard, a local author’s book gets recognized as an ‘outstanding English-language book of Jewish interest.

Capitol Recap: Senate President says he won't run for reelection

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000

In this week’s edition of the Capitol Recap, the latest from Montpelier from Vermont Public’s Peter Hirscheld and Lola Duffort on the retirement announcement of the Vermont Senate pro tempore.

A motto, a cow and some wheat - the story behind VT’s great seal

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000

What Vermont lawmakers are considering when it comes to landlords and evictions, AI disclosure in campaign ads, and a Vermont history lesson from 1779.

Recent legal settlement helps ensure popular state park’s future

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 22:45:29 -0000

Vermont’s plan to restrict people from using food benefits to buy certain foods, a Vermonter’s deportation case gets thrown out of court, and an update on a popular Hyde Park reservoir.

Vermonter secures first men's XC Olympic skiing medal since ‘76

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000

Burlington's mayor is preparing for a potential escalation of federal immigration enforcement, plus one Vermonter’s history-making Olympic win.

The ‘for worse’ part of the marriage vows

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000

The governor wants this year's budget bill to incorporate some flood recovery money, and a Vermont advocate calls for the state to offer more services that could help adults with disabilities build connection without judgment.

Capitol Recap: Some education reform details start to come into focus

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000

In this week’s edition of the Capitol Recap, an update from Vermont Public’s Peter Hirscheld and Lola Duffort on the latest education reform talks in Montpelier.

Senator Sanders on the ICE stalemate

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000

Bernie Sanders on Immigration and Customs Enforcement, plus a long-running ski jumping contest in Brattleboro, and some local music too.

The good news and bad news of Vt’s federal broadband money

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000

The Trump administration is holding back more than half of Vermont’s federal broadband money as the state works to connect the final addresses to a high-speed broadband network and some towns consider internet voting.

Long-lasting love

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000

We’ll learn about what finding the measles virus in the wastewater in Washington County means and what to look out for, and Vermont lawmakers are hoping to build more direct relationships with countries across the globe.

Love, in all its forms

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000

A federal waiver from the Scott administration that’s meant to nudge SNAP recipients to purchase healthier options with their food benefits; plus - with Valentine’s Day this Saturday - we hear about love, in all its forms.

Cross-country skier Jack Young on his Olympic debut

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000

Some safety tips for skating on “wild ice,” plus we’ll continue to lean into the cold and snow and meet a Vermonter, competing in the Milan Cortina Olympics this month

Capitol Recap: Overhauling Act 250

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Sat, 07 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000

Vermont Public’s Carly Berlin talks about efforts to reform the state’s land use law.

Possible changes to Vermont’s cannabis industry

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000

Vermont’s faith community rallies behind a pastor from Uganda that federal immigration authorities detained Wednesday morning, plus details on Statehouse legislation that would change Vermont’s legal cannabis retail marketplace.

Rutland’s hospital accused of wrongful death

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000

The sitting Lieutenant Governor announced he’ll run for the seat again, and what’s known as “the pit” in Newport is up for sale. Plus, we’ll hear from the Vermont Historical Society about the deadliest trainwreck in Vermont and - at the time - the entire country.

Local artist shares her ‘just-do’ philosophy

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000

If you’re a camper and used to set your alarm in order to jump on the one open day each month to reserve your favorite camp site, there’s good news - Vermont’s state parks has changed its reservation system, plus we’ll learn about why some people are struggling to find wood to heat their homes.

Creating accessible instructions for blind LEGO fans

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000

New tax credits for Vermonters, what to do about those giant icicles hanging from your roof, and a man in Massachusetts whose non-profit converts visual LEGO-building instructions into text-based ones for the blind and visually impaired.

The electric aircraft race

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000

New census data and salt shortages, plus a local electric aircraft company vying for some Trump Administration grants.

Capitol Recap: Plans to deregulate Vermont’s health insurance market

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

In this week’s edition of the Capitol Recap, an update from Vermont Public’s Peter Hirscheld and Lola Duffort about how Gov. Phil Scott’s administration is proposing to partially deregulate the health insurance market, among other changes.

Behind the bars of Vermont's first state prison

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

We’ll learn more about today in Vermont history and how, on this day in 1808, four acres of land was purchased in Windsor to build what would become the first state prison. And it’s Friday, so we’ll hear some local music and get details on a weekend-long multi-genre music festival including lots of local acts.

Helping Vermonters seek shelter in extreme cold

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

In today’s podcast, our entire region has been experiencing frigid temperatures for days. We’ll learn about the programs that help keep people experiencing homelessness alive in the bitter cold.

How Vermont is spending opioid settlement money

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

The governor expresses disdain with President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown in Minnesota, and a team of Vermont midwives is inviting you to learn more about efforts to open the first freestanding birth center in the state.

Arrested after mistakenly crossing the border from Canada.

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

Plans to close an addiction services program in Burlington, communities experiencing salt shortages amid the snowy weather, plus a Bulgarian man held by U-S Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Massachusetts after he says he was arrested after mistakenly crossing the border from Canada.

Class Perceptions

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

In today’s podcast, you’ll hear about how the loss of premium subsidies affected enrollment in Affordable Care Act plans this year, and about a spike in visits to the state’s problem gambling website.

Caprecap: Education reform debate slams into historic obstacles in Montpelier

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Sat, 24 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

In this week’s edition of the Capitol recap, We’ll get an update from Vermont Public’s Peter Hirscheld and Lola Duffort about how efforts to reform the state’s education system are going

Starting a farm with no land or equity

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

In today’s podcast, you’ll learn how the governor’s budget proposal could lead to layoffs at the state transportation agency, why bills to restrict how law enforcement operates in Vermont could face legal challenges; and about plans for an outdoor center for people with disabilities.

The intersection of race and class

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

A cold front is moving in, bringing some very chilly temperatures to the region; some new fishing regulations; and the Williston Selectboard formally opposes U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s activity in town. Plus, Vermont Public’s Erica Heilman presents the next installment of “What Class Are You?”

Land rich, but cash poor

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

Governor Phil Scott’s budget priorities; where Vermont stands among the nation’s healthiest states; and why one woman who was scammed out of her life savings five years ago is celebrating now.

'I'm seen as an old, poor person... that's not how I see myself'

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

A new outreach center on the New York side of Lake Champlain, and state officials say a new federal law allowing whole milk to be served in schools across the country could help Vermont's dairy industry. Plus, a woman in Burlington talks about how her sense of class status has evolved as she’s grown older.

Capitol Recap: How you doin’? Vermont’s economists share good and bad news with state leaders

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

Capitol Recap: How you doin’? Vermont’s economists share good and bad news with state leaders

A local singer-songwriter shares a murder ballad in which nobody dies

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

Transportation budget shortfalls, a potential new digital component in Vermont’s Lottery, and a local musician shares a ballad inspired by cuts to federal funding and a nearly 100-year-old guitar.

‘A 200-meter sprint with no warm-up;’ why snow shoveling can be taxing on some peoples’ hearts

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

Top Democrats in the Vermont House and Senate say that strengthening the state’s primary care system is a top priority, plus some safety tips for smarter snow shoveling that protects our hearts

A stone carver teaches others to keep the tradition alive

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

A commuter service for older and disabled Vermonters may see some service changes, Montpelier residents will choose a new mayor in March and a Vermont stone carver works to keep the tradition alive through mentorship.

Honoring the new moon

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

A southern Vermont hospital reaches a settlement over alleged Americans with Disability Act violations, a new state program to finance infrastructure for housing projects kicks off, and a story about honoring the moon.

Monday, Jan. 12, 2026

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

The state treasurer’s pitch to lawmakers to join a prescription drug discount program, and a Vermont high school’s robotics team competes on a national level.

CapRecap: Doubts remain in Montpelier over education reform

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

Gov. Phil Scott dedicated his entire state of the state address Wednesday to one topic: education. Vermont Public's Pete Hirschfeld and Lola Duffort talk about why there remain such persistent doubts in Montpelier about reform efforts.

More reverberations from State of the State

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

More reverberations from Gov. Phil Scott’s State of the State address, plus a class action lawsuit in Quebec against the mega-ticket service Ticketmaster, and a Vermont rock band releases its debut album. We share a song that’s an ode to foraging for wild ramps in spring and a deep love for the lake.

Thursday, January 8 , 2025

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

In today's episode we break down Gov. Phil Scott's State of the State address, plus get updates about enhanced security at the Statehouse, unemployment rates in Vermont, the impact of social isolation in Rutland County and more.

Wednesday, January 7, 2025

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode, we’ll touch on Scott’s recent appointment of two new Vermont Supreme Court justices, how federal changes to childhood vaccine recommendations will affect Vermont… And, we’ll check in with some young Vermonters who play an essential role in the legislative session.

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

The Vermont Legislative sessions kicks off with lawmakers ready to tackle issues like housing, health care and education, we'll learn about a literary magazine that’s been showcasing Addison County writers for about a decade.

The path ahead for Act 73 - Monday, Jan. 5, 2026

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

An enormous windfall for the state’s healthcare system, a minimum wage increase, plus, our Capital Bureau reporter Pete Hirschfeld checks in on the fate of Act 73 - the state’s new education reform law - as the Vermont Legislature begins its new session tomorrow.

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

How is Vermont taking on the Trump Administration to restore funding to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau? Plus, with winter upon us, we’ll hear from a pediatric care physician about viruses to watch for that can affect the youngest Vermonters.

Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

In today's episode: a lawsuit accusing Vermont of working with service providers to illegally obtain a pregnant woman’s medical info can move forward; also, an update on a town’s vote regarding a large solar project, plus we’ll visit a local factory where bells are crafted.

Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Today in the podcast, we’ll learn about a new coalition in the state aimed at better protecting students who are bullied in school; a new “how-to” manual on how to pick up after flooding; plus a visit to a diner in Berlin.

Monday, Dec. 22, 2025

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

A new food pantry for patients opened up at a southern Vermont hospital; Republican leaders in the New Hampshire legislature are backing legislation they say will protect gun rights on the state's college campuses; and we’ll learn more about a southern Vermont school that’s designed for students who learn differently.

Friday, Dec. 19, 2025

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

We’ll have a round-up of news, like a Franklin County hospital makes two requests, one gets approved, one denied; a tireless advocate for people experiencing homelessness has died, and we’ll spend some time on Lake Champlain with an 85-year-old athlete.

Then, because it’s Friday, we’ll play some local music. This time, it’s a tune that’s been saved on a hard-drive for a couple of decades.

Thursday, December 18, 2025

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Vermont jumps into another federal lawsuit - this time, it’s all about electric vehicle infrastructure; Addison County state’s attorney sentenced for a D-U-I case from nearly a year ago; today in history is an important one for women’s voting rights in the state, plus, we’ll hear about a town in the NEK that is voting on hiring lawyers to push against a proposed solar project.

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Today on the podcast, we’ll cover the CFO of a southern Vermont hospital who has resigned, the town of Lowell is holding a vote this week on an industrial solar project, then later, unique gifts made in Vermont for everyone on your list.

Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode, we’ll get to some regional news, like new treatments for R-S-V that have lowered pediatric hospitalizations in our region; Nina Keck will join us to talk about older loved ones and finances; and police ask drivers to clean snow and ice off their cars' roofs before driving.

Monday, Dec.15, 2025

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

We’ll learn more about a Vermont hospital that had planned to close its inpatient pediatric care unit and is now pivoting to keep it open; we’ll cover some regional news about public skating - some are opening early, some not at all; safety tips on snow shoveling and heart health AND a reminder that the open enrollment window for Vermont’s health insurance marketplace - Vermont Health Connect - closes today to start coverage on January 1st.

Friday, Dec. 12, 2025

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

A cold case solved after four decades, health professionals at a regional hospital forming a union, plus, we’ll touch base with Jenn Jarecki who recently sat down with an NPR reporter who has handed in his Pentagon press badge, and because it’s Friday - some local music.

Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

News from around the region and the final installment in Peter Hirschfeld’s reporting series on immigration policies and their effect on people living and working in Vermont.

Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

A local community showing up for a special weekend vote to keep their high school open, we’ll find out why; some landfill fees going up for Upper Valley residents; plus the next installment of Vermont Public’s series on how the Trump Administration’s immigration policy changes affect people living and working in Vermont.

Blanca and Samuel share their story

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

How will potential changes in healthcare subsidies hit farmers? Some top tips for Christmas tree safety plus, we’ll hear Part Two in Vermont Public’s Pete Hirschfeld’s four-part series on how the Trump Administration’s change in immigration policies affects people living in Vermont.

Monday, Dec. 8, 2025

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Hospital budgeting shortfalls in Brattleboro, the state’s health department supporting science-based vaccine recommendations, and standing in line for snow tires in Montpelier. And we’ll share the first in a four-part series on how the Trump Administration’s changing immigration policies have affected people living in Vermont.

Friday, Dec. 5, 2025

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

News about several ski areas in our region, and the latest on how the school redistricting plan to reduce property taxes is going. Plus, a few things to do out and about this weekend. And because it’s Friday, we’ll take some time to remember a Vermont folk music luminary who passed away this week.

Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

The Trump Administration sues Vermont and other states over voter data plus a local group brings independent cinema to downtown Burlington

Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Many property owners fears are coming true as taxes are expected to rise by 12 percent next year; a home-heating assistance program in New York State is accepting applications after a pause; and we’ll head into the woods with a group of women who steward the land.

Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

The governor’s order for state employees to commute to their offices instead of working from home stands; we’ll learn about a case that led to the formation of the Vermont State Police in 1947; and a service dog who dives off docks for fame and glory.

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000

The state auditor found that regulators who oversee Vermont's food and lodging industry haven’t responded to complaints; a local ski area gets some upgrades; a vegan chef shares a recipe and we’ll share where to find free holiday meals this week throughout the state.

Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000

The board that oversees the state’s health care is looking into a regional hospital’s decision to close a pediatric unit; which days are the best ones to travel in New England before and after the holiday; and the history of wild Turkey in New England.

Monday, Nov. 24, 2025

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000

A UVM study shows hope for early dementia detection; Vermont Fish and Wildlife has some tips for deer hunting; meet a Vermonter working to protect black ash trees in the state…and the story behind the famous catamount at the Vermont History Museum.

Friday, Nov. 21, 2025

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 10:00:01 -0000

More on possible school redistricting, a kid governor is elected, local arts organizations take part in nationwide creative resistance, and a bit of parenting advice from a local musician as part of the Friday song.

Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000

A new senior housing project in Brattleboro, Vermont’s redistricting task force is wrapping up its work, and today is Transgender Day of Remembrance. We'll talk with a local pride group about how to observe the day.

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Here’s some of what we’ll cover in today’s episode: People who get Medicare health insurance need to take action soon to get the coverage they need; a statewide program that provides shelter during the coldest months for people without housing will start up soon; and a former artistic director at the Kennedy Center curates a Burlington jazz festival.

Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000

A taskforce charged with redrawing school district maps doesn’t; What is the legal definition of hemp?

Monday, Nov. 17, 2025

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000

After the longest government shutdown in history ended last week, Vermonters who use the food assistance program SNAP had their benefits fully restored; another small college closes; and the winner is… fifth graders vote to choose a “Kid Governor.”

Friday, Nov. 14, 2025

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000

A big drugstore chain settles claims that it overcharged Vermont customers; tips for staying safe on Vermont’s roadways; some volunteers work to resurrect a local newspaper in Rutland County; and because it’s Friday, a dose or two of music.

Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000

More money is flowing into a program that encourages Vermonters to use batteries for backup power, a study looks at Vermont’s vaccine exemption policies, an 1800’s event helped shape how we talk about certain celestial phenomena and a federal job training program for seniors will resume in Vermont after funding delays.

Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Sticker shock over potentially much higher health care costs, a narrow re-election win for Vermont’s Republican party chair, and will new public art revitalize Burlington’s Main Street?

Monday, Nov. 10, 2025

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000

New York’s governor has a new challenger, local housing authorities that help Vermonters pay rent are asking the state for help after federal funding cuts, and whether this year’s drought is affecting some important food sources for wildlife.

Friday, Nov. 7, 2025

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000

A parenting program once only available to incarcerated mothers will now be offered to dads in Vermont prisons, too, and a cancer center in southwestern Vermont is expanding. Plus, for this Friday, we’ll spin some local tunes to get you into the weekend.

Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000

An update on financial aid for people who use supplemental food benefits amid the federal government shutdown, how the state plans to find space for all the workers its ordering back to the office next month, a round-up of how some local bond measures fared on Election Day and a look back to an historic Vermont election.

Wednesday, Nov 5, 2025

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000

More Vermonters turn to food shelves amid disruptions in federal benefits, apple growers in the state raise funds for Jamaican workers affected by Hurricane Melissa, a Vermont Public podcast celebrates a milestone, and we visit a nearby place with the worst weather in the world?

Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Some Vermont communities put forth bond measures for flood resiliency projects, health advocates discuss what you should know about possible changes to Affordable Care Act insurance plans during open enrollment, tips on what to do with all those leaves in your yard and more.

New accountability court

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000

A new court docket in Chittenden County meant to address criminal offenders with five or more pending cases hits a two-week benchmark. Plus, the director of Vermont’s Refugee Office says the Trump administration’s decision to prioritize refugee status for white South Africans will mean less room for other population groups to find refuge in the United States, many towns across the state have scheduled special bond votes on whether to support flood resiliency projects, and we have some news about future changes for the Frequency that are starting today.

Another political vacancy

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Another state senator has announced he’s resigning from office, the second Republican to step down this month. Plus, Rutland Regional Medical Center announces it will cease operating inpatient pediatric beds, a former Essex Junction math teacher introduces an app that emphasizes understanding math concepts over memorization, Mad River Valley Arts prepares to open a new multimedia exhibition, time to set the clocks back an hour this weekend, and in our weekly sports report we chronicle the amazing turnaround by the Toronto Blue Jays as they hope to complete a World Series comeback victory over the LA Dodgers in Ontario tonight.

SNAP emergency plan

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Gov. Scott and legislative leaders approve a plan to continue federal nutrition benefits for Vermonters who rely on them during the current government shutdown. Plus, health insurance premiums for Vermont teachers could rise by about 7% on average next year, the UVM Children’s Hospital receives a $25 million donation, the co-founder of Ben and Jerry's says the company’s owner is preventing it from developing a flavor in solidarity with Palestinians, and a former Democratic state senator and business owner from Rutland has died.

Youth detention update

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

The latest on the search for a new developer to build a juvenile detention center in Vermont after a project slated for Vergennes was scrapped. Plus, Vermont joins with 24 other states to sue the Trump administration in an effort to restore federal food benefits, Democratic Sen. Peter Welch supports a bill backed by some Republicans that would maintain those benefits during the government shutdown, a new CEO has been named to lead Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, and Burlington will expand its homeless shelter capacity in time for winter.

Planting ideas

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Examining a Texas company’s plan to build a large-scale energy battery storage system at the site of the former Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant. Plus, Gov. Scott wants Vermont to team up with other states to sue the Trump administration in an effort to restore federal food benefits, Vermont’s Sec. of State has a plan for increasing voter turnout in next year’s elections, the Vermont DMV says upcoming service disruptions will ultimately result in improved customer service when computer upgrades are completed, and officials with Vermont Fish and Wildlife update the health of the state’s bat population amid International Bat Week.

Breathing easier

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Grading a Vermont elementary school for its efforts to reduce potential asthma attacks for students. Plus, some safety concerns emerge as a Texas company looks to build a large scale battery storage center at the site of the former Vermont Yankee nuclear plant, Vermont House leaders push for full state funding to cover federal food and heat benefits at risk due to the federal government shutdown, some state food shelves report more people needing their help than usual, and a museum in Middlebury is again teaming up with the Porter Medical Center to host a community altar to honor loved ones who have died.

SNAP deadline

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Why food benefits could expire for thousands of Vermonters if the federal government shutdown continues into next month. Plus, Vermont is still short of money needed to fund its Low Income Home Energy Assistance program, Gov. Scott introduces a short-term plan to address public safety concerns in Burlington, three northeastern projects receive grant money to advance indigenous forest research, and we preview the World Series between the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers that begins tonight in our weekly sports report.

Against stepping down

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

A conversation with the chair of Vermont’s Republican party about why he was against the pending resignation of a GOP state senator who participated in a racist text group chat. Plus, the new president of UVM says the school will increase its tuition rates next year, the Public Utility Commission opens a probe into financial difficulties at the Hyde Park Electric Department, the Vermont DMV plans to shut down for a few days next month for computer upgrades, and a Democrat from Orleans County says he’ll run for the seat vacated by the state senator who recently said he'd resign from that office.

Poison politics

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

How the toxicity infecting our current national politics is also affecting local government and limiting access to Vermont’s elected officials. Plus, the chair of Vermont’s Republican party addresses the resignation of a GOP state senator who took part in a racist and antisemitic text group chat, two environmental non-profits accuse a Panton farm of violating the federal Clean Water Act, Dartmouth college says in order to retain its academic independence it is rejecting a compact with the Trump administration, and why on-line sports betting saw a surge in Vermont in September.

A developing story

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

How a housing developer in the Upper Valley has been able to get apartment housing projects started in a small town when it's notoriously difficult to do so. Plus, supplemental food benefits that help more than sixty thousand Vermonters are at risk if the federal government shutdown continues into next month, Vermont joins a multistate lawsuit fighting the Trump administration’s cancellation of a program aimed at helping low-income people access solar power, state health officials say COVID vaccines for young kids should soon be available, and funding has been approved for a program to help low-income Vermont households connect to a high-speed fiber network.

Safer at home

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

How advancements in emergency alert technology are helping more seniors live independently at home. Plus, an Orleans County Republican state senator makes his first public comments since calls for his resignation after it was revealed he was part of a group chat that included racist and anti-semitic comments, some environmental groups say Gov. Scott overstepped his authority when he issued an order to help speed up housing development, a state program encouraging Vermonters to save for retirement now offers its services in 18 different languages, the Vermont Treasury hires a top staffer from Congresswoman Becca Balint's team, and we consider the hot start the Montreal Canadiens have made to open the NHL season in our weekly sports report.

Dry spring, foreboding winter

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

We speak with a farmer in Hardwick whose water spring ran dry and is anticipating a difficult winter due to the state’s ongoing drought conditions. Plus, an Orleans County Republican state senator faces pressure to resign after taking part in a group chat marked by racist and anti-semtic sentiment, Vermont Congresswoman Becca Balint says the federal government shutdown is likely to continue unless Republicans agree to extend set-to-expire health care subsidies, some state services are starting to be impacted by the shutdown, the Vermont International Film Festival includes a locally made documentary about a family dealing with early onset Alzheimer's, and a water use ban has been extended for an upstate New York town amid ongoing drought conditions.

The shop is the gift

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

We visit a beloved gift shop at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center that’s just marked its 60th year. Plus, drought conditions persist despite a rain storm earlier this week, book banning remains rare in Vermont’s public schools while increasing in other states, Quebec officials ramp up enforcement of the province’s French language laws, and prolific Vermont author and former UVM professor David Huddle has died.

Holding the landline

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

How a grassroots organization in New England is encouraging parents to get a traditional landline telephone for young children instead of a cell phone. Plus, the school board in Danville reluctantly agrees to hold a special election on whether to close the town high school, a new policy prioritizing daycare for employees of Mount Snow in Dover has some parents who don’t work at the resort scrambling for alternatives, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor will speak at UVM later this month, and Rutland's mayor celebrates the passage of a new multimillion dollar infrastructure bond.

A closer look at Vermont's school voucher program

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

A Vermont Public analysis sheds some light on how equitable the state’s school voucher program is. Plus, the federal government shutdown is affecting a key way Medicare recipients access their healthcare providers, local union leaders prepare for a first-of-its-kind conference this month, Brattleboro police warn families to look out for deceptive bags that could contain fentanyl, a singer from the region is on this year’s season of The Voice, and a concert this weekend honors the works of a 12th century prolific composer and mystic.

Upper Valley drought

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Checking in with farmers in the Upper Valley where the recent drought conditions affecting the whole state have been especially harsh. Plus, workers end their strike at a St. Albans dairy plant after ratifying a contract with their employer, Rutland voters approve a nearly $4 million infrastructure bond, Rhode Island’s largest labor union files a lawsuit against the Trump administration for scrapping a program that would have helped low-income families in Vermont install solar panels, and Sen. Welch says Democrats will continue to vote against stop-gap funding bills until Republicans agree to extend set-to-expire tax credits for Affordable Care Act health plans.

Winter shelters

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Homeless shelter operators are scrambling to get their centers ready before winter sets in. Plus, Vermont’s Treasurer says strong cash reserves should help the most critical state programs weather the current federal government shutdown, an Addison County resident who’s lived in Vermont for about 20 years and applied for asylum in 2017 has avoided deportation for the time being, the state’s largest health insurer names a new CEO for next year, and the Vermont Green women’s soccer club is set to compete in the pre-professional women’s league next season if two more clubs join the new northeast division.

The office

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

A conversation with Gov. Phil Scott about health care, housing, and why he wants state employees back in the office more often. Plus, Vermont’s capital city gets its first year-round homeless shelter, a Lake Champlain fishing spot will be closed temporarily to help salmon spawning in the region, tips for keeping New England’s migrating birds from flying into windows, and free donuts will be available for Rutland County students if they can recite the preamble to the U.S. Constitution by memory.

It’s goat time

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

A visit to Jay Peak ski resort to see how goats are being used to clear weeds and shrubs from the slopes. Plus, Sen. Bernie Sanders implores Democrats to be prepared for a prolonged federal government shutdown unless Republicans agree to extend health care subsidies in the Affordable Care Act, Dartmouth College is among a new group of higher education schools being asked to commit to President Trump’s political priorities in exchange for more favorable access to federal money, Gov. Scott appoints a former federal prosecutor to fill a judicial vacancy on the Vermont Superior Court, and a new Dartmouth study reveals whether dog or cat owners are more likely to donate to charities.

Take a leaf-peeping road trip

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Discover some of Vermont Public staff’s favorite fall foliage drives. Plus, Private insurers pull out of Vermont’s Medicare Advantage market, the Scott Administration asks the USDA for a statewide disaster declaration because of ongoing drought, how a helicopter can help the state respond to potential wildfires, and Vermont plans to add more short-term homeless shelters this winter.

Teaming up to tackle floods

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

How banding together could help towns reduce the impact of flooding in their communities. Plus, Vermont’s two U.S. senators say they will continue to vote against a Republican short term-funding bill without health care changes, the federal government shutdown comes as the Scott Administration says Vermont’s economy appears to be slowing, immigration advocates are speaking out after federal agents arrested nine construction workers in Hardwick last week, an appeals court weighs whether a judge was right to release Mohsen Mahdawi and Rumeysa Ozturk as their immigration cases play out and bow-hunting season started yesterday in Vermont.

The well’s run dry

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Hundreds of wells in the state have run dry as Vermont’s drought persists. Plus, how the federal government shutdown could affect state services, racial justice advocates push back against the state’s decision to fire the head of Vermont’s Fair and Impartial Policing Office, Rutland city officials urge residents to approve a $3.9 million bond, a South Burlington electric aircraft start-up takes steps to go public, and a special helicopter readies to respond to potential wildfires in Vermont and New Hampshire.

House money

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

A conversation with the head of Champlain Housing Trust on strategies for continuing affordable housing projects in a volatile market and with dwindling federal support. Plus, an unexpected million dollar donation allows a Brattleboro nonprofit to open a family shelter, a seventh incarcerated person in Vermont has died this year, employees go on strike at a St. Albans dairy plant, and the Nexstar media group returns the Jimmy Kimmel late night show to its ABC affiliate station in Vermont after refusing to air it for most of last week.

SNAP cuts

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

What upcoming changes to a federal supplemental nutrition program will mean for the tens of thousands of Vermonters who depend on it. Plus, solar panel installers rush to finish work ahead of a deadline that will end income tax credits for solar projects, Vermont and other states win a court battle over federal funding for projects that were made dependent on helping to enforce federal immigration law, Vermont’s cannabis industry has launched an initiative to get people to visit the state’s various dispensaries, and a Vermont State trooper avoids injury after a vehicle collision with a bear.

Pit start

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

The redevelopment of Burlington’s downtown mall is nearing completion after more than a decade of delays and missteps. Plus, why it could become easier for the state’s cannabis dispensaries to advertise their products, even with recent rain Vermont is still in the throes of a drought, a former Newport employee who sued the city for being banned from public property agrees to a settlement, Champlain College students will gain access to semester-long programs abroad in a new partnership with Temple University, and we discuss the reversals of fortune for several Major League Baseball teams vying to make the playoffs with less than a handful of regular season games left in our weekly sports report.

Mosquito vetting

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

How an upstate New York community was able to access the resources needed to test for dangerous mosquito-borne diseases. Plus, a Scott administration push to get state employees into their work places more often gets support from Montpelier retailers, the Vermont League of Cities and Towns says many Vermont communities are experiencing a shortage of essential workers, state police reveal the name of a Burlington officer involved in a shooting incident, and Windham Southeast Supervisory Union bus drivers vote to ratify a new 5-year contract with their employer.

Square tactics

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Visiting a square dancing club in Pittsford helping folks stay fit and push back against some of the negative effects of aging. Plus, a former assisted living facility in Rutland could be turned into transitional family housing, why the state’s education secretary wants to expand access to pre-kindergarten, Burlington Electric Department will temporarily increase rebates for electric vehicles starting next month, and Vermont’s senators urge the Trump administration to recognize an independent Palestinian state despite the President’s opposition.

Relation ship

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Government officials from Vermont and Quebec take a boat cruise together to talk about the strained relationship between the US and Canada following President Donald Trump’s election. Plus, both of Vermont’s senators call for congressional Republicans to restore health care subsidies that are set to expire at year’s end, state police will start an investigation into a shooting by a Burlington police officer, a new program in Vermont’s largest city pays people with criminal records and addiction to stop using drugs, and every Vermont county is now dealing with severe drought and high danger fire conditions.

What's next for Vermont's healthcare system?

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

The leader of the state’s largest health network resigned, amid pressure from regulators and the public to rein in costs. Plus, a model to tackle overlapping problems like crime, addiction and homelessness is gaining popularity in some Vermont towns, Vermont health leaders say they're working to preserve access to vaccines in the state, the State attorney general's office determined a St Johnsbury cop was justified in firing his gun, Vermont state and healthcare leaders are applying for new federal grant money for the state’s struggling healthcare system, A Rutland doctor who identified the first polio epidemic in the country is honored with a statute and A Warren artist and animator was recently awarded with a Creative Arts Emmy.

UVM arts series turns 70

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

A UVM alum’s widow helped make what is now an annual concert series that's celebrating its 70th anniversary. Plus, The head of the University of Vermont Health Network is stepping down, All three members of Vermont’s congressional delegation say that Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza, A school bus company and its Brattleboro drivers have come to a tentative agreement on a contract, Two women broke speed records this summer on the Long Trail and the head coach of UVM men's soccer team is celebrating his 100th career win.

How much does $790 million dollars build?

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

A Breakdown of Vermont’s $790 million investment in housing. Plus, estate tax revenues will rise as wealthy baby boomers begin to die, A ferry boat service connecting Vermont and New York has halted its operations for the season early, Rutland City Police created a "Safe Exchange Zone" in front of its precinct, Killington’s Town Manager passed away this week and community is created through collective gardens.

Inviting AI into classrooms

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

A Middlebury College course explores how students can use AI to develop their creative writing. Plus, calls for more security for public officials in light of recent political violence, drought conditions put a North Country town under a state of emergency, school libraries in the region are updating policies about books and advocates for English-speakers in Montreal push back against French language rules.

Thrush hour

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

How scientists are working to save the tiny Bicknell’s Thrush, a delicate songbird that travels thousands of miles to Vermont’s tallest peak to raise its young. Plus, state health care regulators make deep cuts to next year’s proposed UVM Medical Center budget, the state employees union is asking the Scott administration to reconsider its return to work order, Montreal’s geodesic dome will be closed for two months of renovations, and the Agency of Education is developing new graduation requirements for Vermont high school students.

Afghan delicacies

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Afghan refugees are helping a Windham County school district serve up high quality vegetarian fare for students who don’t eat meat. Plus, Vermont’s home prices continue to rise even as the pandemic-era buying binge starts to level off, Gov. Scott taps an executive from Rutland Regional Medical Center to serve as Vermont’s next health commissioner and he’s also appointed a new labor commissioner, and recent drought conditions have been having an impact on apple crop yields.

Snake in the Grand

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

There’s excitement over the discovery of a timber rattlesnake in a part of Vermont the reptile had not previously been spotted. Plus, Vermont’s Secretary of State says she won’t comply with a Trump Administration request to turn over voter data, there’s been a vacancy easing in Chittenden County’s notoriously tight rental market, the co-founders of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream decry what they call a failure of political messaging by the company’s current owner, a shortage of horse veterinarians in Vermont is making things challenging for equine owners, and we preview two major bicycling races taking place today and Sunday in Quebec City and Montreal in our weekly sports report.

Court rules a Christian academy can play ball

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

A Christian high school that was banned from sports competitions in the state for refusing to play against a team with a transgender athlete celebrates a legal victory. Plus, The Scott Administration says it plans to move forward with its new policy to restrict remote work for many state employees, Vermont health officials have confirmed the first human case of Jamestown Canyon virus in the state, a new program aims to strengthen the state’s African diaspora food businesses, and to diversify tourism and rising health insurance costs are driving a Vermont nonprofit to close a car detailing shop that employs at-risk youth.

Sex ed dilemma

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

How Vermont plans to keep teaching sex education in schools amid Trump administration threats to end federal funding over gender identity references. Plus, Burlington’s City Council green-lights two-million dollars in state grant funding to develop an overdose prevention center, a former state director of the Vermont Council of Special Education Administrators faces charges of felony embezzlement, forecasters say it’ll start feeling a lot more like winter with freezing overnight temperatures expected in the region soon, and apple growers are using mitigation strategies to keep crops healthy amid challenging regional drought conditions.

Bern notice

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Sen. Bernie Sanders talks about building a grassroots working class agenda for the Democratic party while fighting the influence of billionaires trying to curry favor with the Trump administration. Plus, federal prosecutors will seek the death penalty against a woman who pleaded not guilty to fatally shooting a border patrol agent in Vermont, an infectious disease doctor explains why most people should get a COVID booster despite recent federal guidelines recommending it only for people over 65, Caledonia County's interim state's attorney has been named to the job on a permanent basis, and research is underway to determine why there appear to be more bears than usual in Vermont.

Angling for redemption

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

A New Hampshire man has his dream of becoming a fishing guide blocked by a decades-old Granite State law regarding people with past felony convictions. Plus, once-frozen federal money has now been released allowing Vermont to build eleven new fast-charging stations for electric vehicles, state regulators suggest Brattleboro Memorial Hospital may need to consult an independent observer to oversee its troubled finances, a Manchester woman arrested by ICE officials has been moved to a processing center in Michigan, and environmental advocates urge people to pick up trash and other debris from their local streams as part of September’s Vermont River Clean-Up Month.

Spiritual relief

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

We visit an East Barnard church that’s just built a new outhouse on the grounds that’s free and open to the public. Plus, Sen. Sanders calls on Health Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to resign over his handling of federal vaccine policy, Rutland Regional Medical Center reaches a settlement with state regulators over a two-year old budget issue, a Shelburne police officer avoids jail time by pleading guilty to a reduced charge after fatally hitting a bicyclist with his vehicle, a Democratic primary looks likely in New York as two candidates vie to unseat Republican representative Elise Stefanik in next year’s midterms, and the Boston Red Sox get some very bad injury news regarding their superstar rookie outfielder in this week’s sports report.

Fall color fall

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Considering the effect this summer’s drought will have on the fall foliage season. Plus, the Vermont Medical Society scores a legal victory against the Trump administration in a case about removing public health data from federal websites, the Scott administration’s plan to have state workers in their offices more often faces pushback from the union, school bus drivers return to the roads in Windham County after a company-imposed lockout against them was lifted, the UVM Medical Center is making changes to how operating rooms deliver anesthesia in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and a long-serving town manager for Bennington has died.

Rooster rehab

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Visiting a sanctuary in Springfield that rehabilitates roosters rescued from illegal cockfighting rings. Plus, Amazon plans to appeal after its proposal for a distribution facility in Essex was denied, a new UVM volunteer program aims to foster friendships between teens and seniors, Vermont’s Attorney General spearheads an effort to stop the spread of fake images made without consent, and after weathering potential closure Vermont’s universal school meals program is up and running with the start of the new academic year.

The creemee chronicles

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Meet one woman documenting the dozens of creemees she eats every year, one cone at a time. Plus, The Trump Administration is threatening to pull Vermont’s funding for a federal sex education program if it doesn't remove language that references gender identity, Governor Phil Scott says he thinks the state’s voluntary paid family and medical leave program is off to a good start, boaters and swimmers will notice low water levels across our region ahead of this holiday weekend and for the first time in Vermont, anglers without a license can fish for free this long weekend.

Consolidating Vermont’s schools

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In an effort to streamline Vermont’s K-12 school system, a task force of state lawmakers and retired school administrators are working to create new district maps. Plus, Governor Phil Scott says he's pleased to see many of Vermont's larger school districts restrict student cell phone use, Vermont Public announced layoffs, U-S Senators from New York Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand are attempting to secure funding for airports in our region, and a portion of Montreal's Sainte Catherine Street will become a year-round pedestrian zone.

Shaping the future of Connecticut River dams

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Three hydroelectric dams along the Connecticut River are being relicensed, and there are proposals to make big changes to how they operate. Plus, health insurance plans on the state marketplace are raising rates, though not as much as in recent years; Burlington City Council looks to improve safety in a major downtown park; contract disputes keep school bus drivers in southern Vermont from returning to work as classes resume; and what to expect for Labor Day travel.

A library that straddles two countries

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

A play about how Muslim families relied on a library that straddling the U.S. and Canada border during the Trump Administration's first term has taken on new meaning in the President's second term. Plus, the Scott Administration seeks federal disaster relief money to Northeast Kingdom towns recovering from flooding last month, remembering late Abenaki elder Jeanne Brink, debate continues over how to replace a statue in Burlington, state officials remind hunters about a ban on selling bear paws and Vermont musicians seek to break the record for “World’s Largest Square Dance.

Bowling together

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

A visit to Brattleboro’s year-round senior bowling league. Plus, Vermonters rally to show support for Brattleboro Memorial Hospital as it considers cost saving measures that include layoffs, an outside firm is being hired to develop a new visual brand identity for Vermont, the city of Vergennes and the town of Panton are in a dispute over a contested boundary, and a local volunteer organization breaks its own late-summer record with the donation of over one million blueberries.

Where there’s smoke

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Examining the causes behind recent increases in wildfire smoke in Vermont. Plus, school choice advocates argue stricter rules in the new education reform law regarding where families can use publicly-funded school vouchers violate a clause in the state constitution, the head of Vermont’s cannabis control board reacts to news that the Trump administration is considering a plan to reclassify cannabis as a less harmful drug, passengers who paid for expensive last-minute airfare following the Air Canada flight attendants' strike can now apply for a refund, why the town of Pomfret is implementing traffic restrictions again this year during peak foliage season, and we consider the abrupt changes of fortune over the last week for the Red Sox and Yankees in our weekly sports report.

Youth mental health

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Discussing new research that shows a growing number of kids and teenagers in Vermont are struggling with mental health issues. Plus, Gov. Scott disputes Trump administration claims that Vermont is illegally providing a safe haven for undocumented immigrants, hundreds of acres of land has been permanently conserved as a community forest in Wolcott, twelve of the fifteen positions being eliminated at Bennington College are union roles, the state health department says Burlington’s insurance plan will provide enough coverage for the city to house a proposed overdose prevention center, and a volunteer-led effort will help connect neighbors with local farmers in Jericho and Underhill.

Let’s get physical (media)

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

We speak with the owner of a music store in Randolph about the resurgence in vinyl records, CD’s, and other forms of physical media. Plus, Vermont’s Secretary of State says President Trump’s call for an end to mail-in voting would be unconstitutional, Vermont joins a lawsuit to block the Trump Administration from withholding over a billion dollars in federal Crime Victim Funds, the mayor of Winooski is resigning after nearly seven years in office, and two Vermonters take first prize in amateur solo bagpipe competition at Scotland’s World Pipe Band Championships.

Camp Agape

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Visiting a summer camp for young kids who have an incarcerated parent. Plus, UVM Health Network could make more than 80 million dollars in profit next year if state regulators approve the hospital’s budget plans, midwives at Copley Hospital say they’ll be laid off once the hospital closes its birthing center later this year in a cost-cutting move, Republican Lieutenant Governor John Rogers and Democratic Secretary of State Sarah Copeland-Hanzas say they plan to run for re-election in 2026, and Quebec schools face a big teacher shortage as the new academic year approaches.

Seeking answers

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

The family of a man fatally shot by Vermont State Police while he was undergoing a mental health crisis are asking questions about why the incident led to his death. Plus, Gov. Scott denies a request from President Trump to send Vermont National Guard troops to the District of Columbia, some Lamoille County residents are asking state regulators to stop Copley Hospital from closing its birthing center, the company that purchased Gardener’s Supply says only one of the store’s retail locations will close down following the sale, a local music editor discusses why the popular Burlington venue Nectar’s was forced to shut down, and three dogs were successfully rescued after getting stuck on a Mount Pisgah cliff ledge.

Historic restoration

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Deconstructing a home on the property of Montpelier's founding settler to its original state as a floodplain. Plus, an overnight shelter for young adults opens in St. Albans, three people have died recently in Montreal due to extreme heat, Rep. Becca Balint decries president Trump’s order deploying National Guard troops to the District of Columbia as a pretext for dealing with crime, a former Vermont star college athlete and philanthropist has died, and we examine the shifts in power at the top of the Major League Baseball standings in our weekly sports report.

Northern slights

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Gauging the economic impact as Canadian visitation to Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom drops in response to president Trump’s hostile rhetoric and tariffs. Plus, the UVM Medical Center will reduce the number of patients admitted for overnight care in a cost cutting move, there’s a shortage of school counselors and psychologists in Vermont as public school students prepare to return to the classroom, an international graduate student at Dartmouth drops his lawsuit against the Trump administration after getting his legal status reinstated, and Vermont’s Secretary of State says she will ignore any request from the Trump administration to share Vermont voters’ personal information.

Spurning bridges

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Why a New Hampshire town is pausing work on a multi-million dollar project to fix a pair of pedestrian bridges between Brattleboro and the Connecticut River. Plus, a renowned Vermont climate expert calls for a national day of activism to rally for solar energy projects amid federal rollbacks, parts of the northern Champlain and St. Lawrence Valleys have been under a heat advisory while drought conditions are being seen throughout the state, and Vermont increases the amount of Medicaid dollars people can use moving back home from long-term care facilities.

Words carried on the wind

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

The Montshire Museum in Norwich has what’s known as a wind phone in its 100-acre forest for people who want to speak to lost loved ones. Plus, State regulators review budgets from Vermont hospitals with a requirement to keep expenses and insurance rates at no more than a three percent hike from last year, construction begins on forty new affordable housing units in Burlington, a federal lawsuit seeks to overturn a new New Hampshire law that denies state funding for schools with DEI programs, and a new poll shows more young people in Quebec want the province to become independent.

State of the state’s prisons

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

A conversation with the retiring head of Vermont’s Department of Corrections after his nearly four year tenure. Plus, Gov. Scott faces backlash for his decision to provide the federal government with the sensitive personal information of people receiving food assistance benefits, Brattleboro Memorial Hospital puts its budget before state health care regulators as it tries to mitigate severe financial deficits, housing advocates advise people forced to leave Vermont's motel voucher program to appeal to the state's Human Services Board, and Gov. Scott says he’s working on a strategy to bring a good number of state employees back to work in downtown Montpelier.

Adult day service needs

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Day programs providing critical care for older adults and people with disabilities have been closing in Vermont, but efforts are underway to extend services in some areas. Plus, state officials move to expand access to Vermont’s medical cannabis program, a local donation will add more than 50 acres of land to Roxbury State Forest, Vermont’s Supreme Court is preparing to hear a lawsuit over who can maintain public trails that run through private land, an associate justice is set to retire from the state’s high court, and we reflect on a very good week for fans of the Boston Red Sox in our weekly sports report.

Strategizing for summer school

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Vermont’s after school summer programs are using a patchwork approach to get the funding they need to operate this year. Plus, a new affordable housing project opens in Berlin, Vermont remains on a list of states the Justice Department claims have regulations preventing the enforcement of federal immigration laws, why a former state Governor has stopped just shy of visiting every one of Vermont’s 251 towns, villages, and cities, and New Hampshire becomes the first New England state to ban transgender health care for minors.

What’s happening to the personal data of Vermont SNAP recipients

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

The Trump administration demanded SNAP recipients personal data and Vermont chose to comply. Plus, Vermont's main energy sources from Canada will not be subject to new tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration, Canadian authorities say they intercepted a group of asylum seekers and potential smugglers in Quebec near the Derby Line border crossing, Only about 200 property owners have taken buyouts from flood damage in Vermont since Tropical Storm Irene in 2011 and The Vermont department of health will host a free dental clinic in Hartford Village.

Federal money for public defenders runs dry

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Some criminal defense lawyers could go months without getting paid. Plus, Vermont gives the Trump Administration the sensitive personal data of all residents receiving SNAP benefits, Vermont officials issued an air quality alert for pollution from wildfire smoke, the state is partnering with local businesses to encourage Canadians to travel to Vermont, and Hartford high school will lose access to 12 classrooms this fall due to toxic contamination.

Old school

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

How to spot old schoolhouses in Vermont even when they’ve long since been converted to buildings for other purposes. Plus, the Scott administration says it probably overestimated how many Vermonters will lose health insurance because of federal cuts to Medicaid, a St. Johnsbury hospital announces service closures in an effort to lower health care costs, state officials hope a chemical compound can help suppress algae blooms threatening Lake Carmi, attendance at Vermont state parks has been affected by rainy summer weather and the current political discord between the US and Canada, and our weekly sports report appears today to focus on Major League Baseball and analysis of the moves made and not made by teams at the trading deadline.

Point in time

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Analyzing data on the number of unhoused people in Vermont collected from a single night in January. Plus, revenues in Vermont are expected to grow by over one percent in the new fiscal year but economists warn new federal tariffs could weaken the numbers, insurance companies with state marketplace plans are proposing more modest rate hikes this year but concerns remain that they’re still too expensive, the state Attorney General settles with a Saint Albans creamery over violations of its federal wastewater permit, and more than half a million liquid rabies vaccine baits will be spread across northern Vermont over the next few days.

Green dream

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Speaking with the head coach of Vermont Green FC about the soccer club’s chance to complete an undefeated season by winning the U-S-L League Two title this weekend. Plus, Vermont’s largest hospital system is laying off nearly 80 staff members as part of an effort to rein in costs, why Vermont’s criminal defense lawyers face the prospect of not getting paid until fall, the Vermont National Guard will utilize a program pairing veterans and military service members with vacant jobs, and a new mobile simulation lab will help with emergency training for the state’s rural EMS companies.

Troubling hire at a state education agency

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 11:00:00 -0000

The Vermont State Agency hired a man who had been ordered to pay millions for filming teens undressing. Plus, Vermont filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration to overturn a provision in the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act"; Vermont’s annual sports betting report contains some surprising trends;The city of South Burlington has hired a new police chief and a popular cliff-side hiking and rock climbing area has reopened.

How a once-rundown farm is transforming a community

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

A local couple gifts their town a farm and tasks them with transforming the property to benefit their community. Plus, the head of Vermont’s prison system is stepping down, federal tax credits that help Vermonters install solar panels are going away, new hunting regulations in the state aim to tackle overpopulation of deer and Dartmouth Health adds more providers.

A new treatment option

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Examining the role a new methadone clinic will play now that it’s ready to treat people in Bennington. Plus, Vermont appears to have missed a mandatory deadline to curb greenhouse gas emissions this year, why regional Planned Parenthood health centers can't get reimbursed for the care they provide to Medicaid patients, health officials warn of two mosquito-borne viruses detected in St. Albans and Rutland, and state transit companies experiment with on-call bus service to help mitigate rising costs and ridership changes.

Go Green!

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

A visit with fans of the Vermont Green football club as they prepare for a first ever appearance in the USL League Two eastern conference finals against Lionsbridge. Plus, Sen. Welch floats legislation exempting small businesses from Trump administration tariffs, revenues from Vermont’s lottery games have declined over the past year, South Burlington’s school superintendent has resigned following months of tension with the city’s Educators’ Association, and we consider the wild week the Boston Red Sox had coming out of Major League Baseball’s all-star break in our weekly sports report.

The bites of summer

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Visiting some Vermont towns that are dealing this summer with a higher than usual infestation of deer flies. Plus, Vermont’s Secretary of State warns federal budget cuts will make election systems here more vulnerable to foreign cyber attacks, the Superintendent of Winooski schools returns to Vermont after being detained by immigration agents this week, long time state journalist and historian Steve Terry has died, and a camera perched on an island at Lake Carmi is tracking the development of an eaglet nest.

Remembering Robert

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Recalling the life and legacy of All the Traditions host Robert Resnik, who passed away this week at the age of 72. Plus, Sen. Sanders says he’ll work with senate colleagues to try and mitigate the cuts made to various health care services in the recently passed federal budget bill, an asylum seeker living in Colchester was allowed to return to his Vermont home after checking in with ICE officials but must meet with them again in the fall, St. Michael’s College uses grant money to create a new emergency service program, and a new book chronicles the unique devotion some fans lavish on jam bands like Vermont’s own Phish.

Staying and coping

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

A migrant worker from Mexico who’s been in Vermont for nearly two decades explains his reasons for staying and working in the state even as the Trump administration ramps up its deportation agenda. Plus, a loss of grant funding threatens a Rutland organization that serves needy people more than 150 meals a day, Vermont’s first restrictions on neonic pesticides go into effect, after an initial funding freeze Vermont schools will be able to access more than 6 million dollars for summer and after school programs, and music lovers throughout Vermont mourn the death of long-time folk and world music host Robert Resnik.

The Blank Page Cafe

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

We visit the Blank Page Cafe which has been serving breakfast tacos, gluten-free treats and coffee in Shelburne for nearly a decade. Plus, Essex town officials deny local approval for an Amazon distribution facility, Montpelier town officials order the removal of a homeless encampment near the downtown bus station, the Winooski-Burlington bridge projects gets federal money, and two local organizations that help people with disabilities enjoy year-round sports and outdoor recreation will merge.

Dance of the fireflies

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Visiting a natural nighttime light show produced by New England fireflies. Plus, Vermont joins a multi-state lawsuit suing the Trump administration for canceling a program that helps towns prepare for natural disasters, the state learns federal money for tobacco control efforts may be coming soon after fearing it was lost, Quebec officials add more than 500 Million dollars to the province's education budget for the upcoming school year, a sculpture Park in Enosburg Falls hosts a Canadian artist-in-residence, and our weekly sports report focuses on baseball’s annual all-star game and the ESPY award earned by Vermonter and rugby champion Ilona Maher.

More FEMA hurdles

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

The new hurdles that may have to be cleared by Vermont homeowners hit by flooding and hoping for a buyout from FEMA. Plus, Londonderry residents will vote on whether to green-light new restrictions on short-term rentals, plans are underway in Putney to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Landmark College, for a second consecutive year a record was set for the amount of unclaimed money returned to Vermonters, and a rally is held at the New Hampshire Statehouse in support of local farmers impacted by cuts to federal farming grants.

Threats to Food Benefits for Vermonters

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Thousands of Vermonters could lose their federal food benefits. That’s due to federal changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Plus, the state is offering to help homeowners repair septic systems, the head of the U-V-M Health Network talks efforts to reduce spending and there’s a new resource for families of L-G-B-T-Q+ youth.

Emergency Department Go-Bags for Seniors

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Nearly one-quarter of emergency department visits among patients 60-and-older nationally resulted in a hospital stay. A Rutland man, worried about his widowed father, made an emergency hospital go-bag for his dad, and experts say more of us should have them. Plus, budget cuts have prompted layoffs at the Vermont Foodbank, areas of Montreal are recovering from flooding, and people who work with refugees and asylum seekers in Vermont are struggling to keep up with recent changes to federal immigration laws.

Toy story

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Speaking with the owners of a popular toy store that’s about to close after two decades of operation in Waterbury Village. Plus, flash floods late last week destroyed homes and did severe damage in the Northeast Kingdom and Addison County, Sen. Welch introduces a bill he says would decentralize FEMA operations and streamline the disaster recovery agency, a New Hampshire man who took part in the January 6th riots at the US Capitol wants to reject president Trump’s pardon, and a Vergennes state representative hopes to pass legislation calling for all campaign ads to disclose when Artificial Intelligence has been used.

FEMA’s future

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Why disaster recovery officials in Vermont are worried about the federal government's future plans for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Plus, Vermont state officials say they support the closing of Copley Hospital’s birthing center as a cost-saving measure, Sen. Bernie Sanders decries the changes to Medicaid in the recently passed federal budget bill, Gov. Scott makes three new leadership appointments, the Deerfield Valley News has a new owner, and we ponder whether the Boston Red Sox should trade one of their hot-hitting outfielders for pitching help in our weekly sports report.

Building protection

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

The difficulty in finding ways to protect state public buildings from the next big flood event. Plus, despite passage of a new state education reform law there’s confusion over which private schools can still access public funds, a state trooper is on paid administrative leave pending an investigation into the shooting death of a man in Putney, the Howard Center announces cuts to programs in Burlington and St. Albans due to several years of financial losses, and the Vermont Green FC soccer club remains undefeated after a win over Albany.

‘We had such dreams for this place’

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

A Plainfield couple whose home was severely damaged by flooding two years in a row anxiously await news on whether they’ll get a FEMA buyout for the home they can't stay in. Plus, Gov. Scott’s administration starts a review of the newly passed federal budget bill to assess its impact on Vermont, the health department seeks to open three new methadone clinics in communities outside the state’s Hub and Spoke treatment system, Sen. Welch meets with Vermonters impacted by flooding from the past two years, and the federal budget bill makes cuts to flood research funding at the University of Vermont.

Multiple challenges

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark discusses why her office has joined numerous multi-state lawsuits challenging executive orders issued by president Trump. Plus, Vermont officials urge residents to sign up for the state’s emergency notification system following recent deadly floods in Texas, former Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin joins the board of a national cannabis company, suggestions for what to do if baby bats have been born inside the walls or other spaces of a house, and Windsor county residents should expect delays as work is done to replace a bridge in Jericho.

What Class Are You: Susan Ritz

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In the latest installment of our periodic series on class, we speak with writer and philanthropist Susan Ritz about the mixed blessings of being born into a wealthy family. Plus, Vermont’s Attorney General explains why she felt it was important to join other states making legal challenges to the actions of the Trump administration, Vermont health officials say there won’t be much impact from a recent change to federal flu vaccine policy, Montreal’s new biweekly trash pick-up policy is reportedly drawing complaints from people in some neighborhoods, a new study shows snowpack that lingers into summer could protect some plant communities on Mount Washington from certain climate change effects, and we assess some of the hockey moves made and not made by teams entering the free agent signing frenzy in our weekly sports report.

What Class Are You: Kytreana Patrick

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In the latest installment of our periodic series on class, we welcome back Kytreana Patrick from our initial series of interviews to talk about the birth of her first child and her new job. Plus, Vermont’s climate council approves a new plan for cutting greenhouse gas emissions, animal welfare officials provide tips for keeping pets safe and calm during 4th of July celebrations, Burlington launches a free overnight parking policy for people experiencing homelessness, and Rutland officials make moves toward cracking down on feeding birds and other wild animals in public.

What Class Are You: Dan Sedon

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In the latest installment of our periodic series on class, Dan Sedon discusses what working as a criminal defense attorney in Vermont has taught him about social and economic status. Plus, why both Vermont’s senators voted against the president’s mega-bill, Gov. Scott signs potentially historic education reform legislation but stresses a lot of work still needs to be done to reduce the number of state school districts, potential record-breaking holiday traffic is expected to congest roads around New England starting today, and a Brattleboro photographer wins The Vermont Prize for visual art made by a Vermont-based artist.

What Class Are You: Sharon Plumb

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In the latest installment of our periodic series on class we hear from Sharon Plumb of East Montpelier discussing parents who can support their children financially into adulthood. Plus, a new law increases the amount of money cottage food businesses can take in before having to apply for a commercial license, a warning is issued for algae blooms now that hotter temperatures are affecting regional waters, Vermont health officials say making recommendations for fall season COVID shots is complicated by a lack of direction from the federal government, and Windsor opens 25 new downtown affordable housing units.

What Class Are You: Ralph Rockwell

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In the latest installment of our periodic series on class we hear from Ralph Rockwell in Wolcott. Plus, officials urge caution while swimming after three recent drownings, Vermont employment levels haven’t returned to pre-pandemic levels, a bridge in Franklin County will be out of commission for the next two months, and why this is a great year for strawberries.

Remembering Stan Baker

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

A remembrance of Stan Baker, an LGBTQ activist who paved the way for marriage equality in Vermont. Plus, Copley Hospital announces the date it will close its birthing center, a new study finds the state’s ban on plastic bags has been successful, record breaking heat this week sets up potential blue-green algae blooms, and Vermont’s largest city approves a new budget.

No plans to retire

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Vermont cartoonist and writer Jeff Danziger has been skewering politicians and others in power for half a century and at 81, has no plans to retire. Plus, Vermont state lawmakers are considering ways to increase safety in the wake of the killing of a Minnesota state representative and her husband, climate scientists say several days of extreme heat earlier this week are a harbinger of what's to come due to climate change, Burlington’s City Council approved a new traffic pattern for a downtown street currently under construction, and the Fish and Wildlife Department is looking for Vermonters who want to go on a wild goose chase.

Remembering Dannemora

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

A look back at the fraught three-week manhunt that took place in 2015 after two convicts escaped from the Dannemora prison in northern New York, not far from the Vermont border. Plus, Copley Hospital board members vote to close the Morrisville institution’s birthing center, a provision in the Trump tax bill before Congress could reduce the amount of money Vermont normally gets to help pay Medicaid expenses, employee-owned Gardener’s Supply files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the state’s unemployment rate remained steady last month, and a pioneer in Vermont’s fight for same-sex marriage rights has died.

An unwanted worm

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Assessing the threat of a small invasive worm that’s capable of decimating Vermont’s beech trees. Plus, Vermonters will experience a second consecutive day of extreme heat today, a new opioid-use disorder treatment center opens in Bennington, a new executive director is named for the independent state board that oversees Vermont's health care system, Kinney Drugs is taking over former Ride Aid stores in Springfield and Brattleboro, and plans move ahead for Burlington to get a new independent movie theater.

Mapping microplastics

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Scientists and researchers try to find out where the harmful microplastics in Lake Champlain are coming from. Plus, economic challenges have forced about one third of small outdoor cannabis growers in Vermont to give up their licenses, a heat wave descending on the region today has utilities asking customers to conserve energy, state tax revenues fell well short of their predicted targets last month, Montpelier’s City Council will review its sanctuary city policies, and scientists and researchers who want to leave the US are being recruited in Montreal.

Growing pains

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Why Vermont’s smaller retail cannabis businesses are not happy with a new bill that makes changes to the industry. Plus, Sen. Welch decries a section of the budget bill being considered by Congress that restricts the ability of states to regulate Artificial Intelligence, a Vermont aircraft manufacturer secures a partnership with Republic Airways for an all-electric plane, the number of Quebec homes located in flood zones will increase when new maps are introduced next year, a Vershire author’s new book explore pseudoscience and the public's eroding trust in institutions like government and media, and in our weekly sports report we delve into the shocking trade the Boston Red Sox made last week when they sent their best slugger and three-time all-star to the San Francisco Giants.

Closure

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

State lawmakers finally adjourn for the 2025 legislative session after working overtime to pass a sweeping education reform bill. Plus, Vermont agrees to the terms of a multi-state settlement with Purdue Pharma, the state health department plans to expand its partnerships with organizations that offer HIV testing, and a new historic marker will be unveiled in Weybridge to commemorate an openly same-sex couple who lived there in the 19th century.

Turning point

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

A conversation with former state Representative Bill Lippert, whose impassioned advocacy for civil unions is credited with helping Vermont become the first state to legally recognize same sex partnerships. Plus, lawmakers pass a 14 million dollar tax relief package, Vermont’s Attorney General joins a multi-state lawsuit in support of a federally-paused national Job Corps program, downtown businesses in Burlington report a slow start to the summer tourism season, and Southeast Vermont Transit discontinues a Brattleboro bus route.

Political climate change

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Why the current political climate might put efforts to expand ‘all resident voting’ on hold. Plus, Vermont’s L-G-B-T-Q community raises concerns about a broader age range of gender identity questions for patients using the UVM Health Network, Vermont joins a multi-state lawsuit suing the Trump Administration over efforts to revoke state rules that regulate pollution from vehicle emissions, Gov. Scott signs a new housing financing package bill into law, the Porter Medical Center in Vergennes prepares to conduct an emergency preparedness exercise, and Waterford residents seek answers after a recent fly infestation in town got so bad it forced many people indoors.

Swanton youth

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

We visit Swanton’s recreation commission where a group of teens has created a variety of after-school activities. Plus, why rank and file lawmakers in Montpelier may not automatically sign off on an education reform bill even if party leaders come up with a compromise this week, Gov. Scott vetoes a bill that would have overhauled Vermont’s motel voucher program, regional co-op grocery stores have been unable to place orders after a cyber attack on a major supplier scuttled deliveries, the head of Hydro-Quebec has resigned, and we see signs of hope for the Boston Red Sox after consecutive series wins against inter-division rivals in our weekly sports report.

Privacy protection

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Why Vermont lawmakers are struggling to come to agreement on a comprehensive data privacy bill. Plus, a state cannabis equity group is disappointed that Gov. Scott passed a bill they say doesn’t address the concerns of small growers, a wildlife crossing project gets put on hold, the state labor department launches a new workforce expansion program, and despite some setbacks Vermont ski areas saw growth this winter.

A loss of security

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Federal funding cuts to rental assistance programs mean some families may be forced back into homelessness. Plus, state legislators continue to debate education reform, the state signs on to California’s lawsuit against Trump’s national guard deployment in Los Angeles, Vermont must re-apply for federal funds meant to expand broadband access, and free summer lunches for kids.

Land for Farmers’ Markets

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

There’s growing concern over the future of Vermont farmers’ markets because many don’t own the land where they operate. Plus, Vermont Senator Peter Welch says the Trump’s budget bill would “inflict bipartisan suffering,” the head of the Vermont Afghan Alliance says the recent travel ban is another blow to reuniting Afghan who helped the U.S military with their families, AAA warns people of a text scam, and updates on road work as we enter road construction season.

The long view

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

A conversation with former Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy, whose eight-term tenure was the third longest in the history of the US senate. Plus, Vermont in April received 68 Million dollars more in revenue than expected, Northeast Kingdom campgrounds are seeing a slow start to the summer season, a new addiction treatment center is set to open in Bennington, and a state representative takes advantage of a nearly empty House chamber to read from his play about dogs and drinking.

Capitol recap: In abeyance

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Sat, 07 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Lawmakers have taken a two-week pause to hammer out an education reform bill they couldn’t get over the finish line by the scheduled end of the legislative session, and we’ll examine whether they’re any closer to reaching a deal.

Price Caps

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Vermont lawmakers are trying to control healthcare costs by capping how much hospitals can charge for specialty drugs and we hear from Woodstock resident and comedian Vicki Ferentinos. Plus, lawmakers sign off on a bill that requires tech companies to adjust product safety features for youth, West Windsor will now fine drivers who damage the town’s covered bridges, a federal judge blocks the U.S Labor Department from shutting down a nationwide workforce development program, and it’s been a decade since two men broke out of an infamous prison in upstate New York.

Sam's club

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

We speak with FIFA World Cup champ Sam Mewis as she prepares to coach two women’s exhibition games for the Burlington-based Vermont Green FC soccer club. Plus, cuts to federal food benefits could affect thousands of low-income Vermonters, computer chip manufacturer Global Foundries announces a 16 billion dollar investment in its New York and Vermont plants, a federal pause on the nationwide Job Corps program leads to the expected closure next month of a workforce development center in Addison County, and the search is on in New Hampshire for a missing three foot long fiberglass banana.

Sales glitch

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Considering the fate of Vermont’s electric vehicle sales mandate now that the Governor has paused its implementation. Plus, Gov. Scott says he will sign a bill delivering 14 million dollars in tax cuts to young families, older Vermonters, and people with military pensions, House lawmakers reject a bill that would have allowed cannabis growers to sell directly to consumers, Green Mountain Power offers free energy storage batteries for homes in remote areas of Windham County, the Vermont Food Bank in Rutland reopens after a year-long renovation, and state wildlife officials ask anglers not to disturb sea lamprey as they migrate up the Connecticut River to spawn.

Overtime

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

A reporter roundtable discussion about the extra work needed this legislative session to pass an education reform bill. Plus, it’s unclear whether Gov. Scott will sign a bill that would shift the workings of Vermont’s homelessness response system from state government to private nonprofit organizations, Vermont receives a top grade for senior health and well being, the state has seen an unusually long string of soggy Saturdays since mid-March, nearly 2 million dollars in grant funding will help expand access to organic dairy products in northeastern states including Vermont, and officials in New Hampshire issue a consumer alert regarding real estate fraud.

Chilling effect

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

The threat to a program that’s helped millions of low-income people in the northeast pay their heating bills. Plus, federal officials detain migrant workers employed at an affordable housing project in Newport, the Development Review Board in Essex postpones a vote on whether to approve an Amazon distribution center, a new COVID variant is found in Quebec’s wastewater system, a global ski company that runs three resorts in Vermont rehires a former CEO, and the Vermont Law and graduate school receives the largest donation in its history.

Capitol Recap: Burning midnight oil

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Sat, 31 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Lawmakers in Montpelier scramble to complete legislation on key issues including education reform and housing, but it’s unknown exactly when they’ll reach the finish line..

Cleaning house

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 30 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

The joys of spring cleaning with two Vermont professional home organizers. Plus, many construction projects along the state’s shores are paused for spring fish spawning season, a new study shows wildlife underpass tunnels are helping amphibians survive as they migrate across roads each spring, a teachers’ union contract is ratified after a unanimous vote by the Rutland City School Board, access to COVID shots could be compromised now that federal health officials aren’t recommending them for children and pregnant women, the first president of Vermont State University announces his retirement, and we reluctantly parse over what’s been a disappointing showing to this point in the Major League Baseball season by the Boston Red Sox in our weekly sports report.

Pick-up kicks

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 29 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Visiting the White River Valley to find out how a popular pick-up soccer league helps bring folks from all walks of life together to get some kicks. Plus, a Senate-approved bill would change how Vermonters can buy cannabis, there are new health guides available designed by and for Vermonters with developmental and intellectual disabilities, the state pauses funding for widespread P-C-B testing in schools, and new grant funding may help Rutland repurpose a downtown building being vacated by Walmart.

Capitol recap: Climate standstill

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Sat, 24 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Democratic lawmakers have spent the last five years laying the groundwork for the most aggressive emissions-reduction policies Vermont has ever seen. But a political seachange after the November election has brought that work to a standstill.

Should I stay or should I go?

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 23 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

A young Vermonter debates whether to leave the state after graduation and a dispatch from the annual state surplus auction. Plus, Vermont’s unemployment rate ticks up slightly in April, federal immigration authorities arrest at least four people on their way home from their landscaping jobs in Vermont, investigators determine the cause of a plane crash in Manchester this winter, and runners prepare for the Burlington marathon this weekend.

Benefit of the trout

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 22 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Lake Champlain’s wild lake trout population is sustaining itself on its own again, but scientists aren’t sure what’s brought the fish back. Plus, voters in Bethel and Royalton shoot down a school bond for the third time, a new federal COVID vaccine policy gets mixed reviews from a leading state infectious disease specialist, plans move ahead for a Canadian entrance to a historic library that straddles the U.S.-Canada border, and the Milton selectboard appoints a new town manager.

Preserving Culture

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 21 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Members of Odanak First Nation in Quebec use food to preserve their knowledge, culture and homelands. Plus, Governor Scott signs a bill that keeps education property taxes nearly flat, a state budget proposal includes efforts to soften the blow of possible cuts to federal funding, the Vermont Medical Society sues the Trump Administration, and the state agency of transportation reminds people to buckle up.

Forest Management

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 20 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

How do we manage forest and the human-need for wood in the face of climate change. Plus, fatal opioid overdoses declined in Vermont last year, flash flooding closed roads and inundated downtowns across Vermont over the weekend, Franklin County Field Days won’t happen this summer, and 11 days after opening, the first truck of the year got stuck in the infamous “Notch.”

The Fixer

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 19 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Former Human Services Secretary Mike Smith outlines his plans for looking into the cost effectiveness of programs at the University of Vermont Health Network. Plus, the Trump Administration has terminated a grant for infrastructure projects in Northwestern Vermont. Vermont is dedicating 22 million dollars in federal "Solar for All" funds to affordable housing projects, and state officials are warning people that even with a wet spring, brush fires can get out of control.

Foundation formula

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Sat, 17 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

A massive education reform bill advanced out of a key tax-writing Senate committee Thursday and is poised to receive a floor vote early next week.

Fawn and the Wormdogs

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 16 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

We finish our series showcasing Vermont musicians who entered this year’s NPR Tiny Desk contest with Fawn and the Wormdogs. Plus a federal judge orders the release of a Vermont farmworker who was detained last month, state lawmakers pass a bill to make it easier for undocumented parents to make sure their children end up with trusted guardians if they’re detained or deported and commencement ceremonies for the University of Vermont will be held this Sunday.

Cleaning costs

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 15 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

A huge rebuild may be needed at Hartford’s high school due to PCB contamination, and we hear more from Vermont-based musicians who submitted entries to this year’s NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert contest. Plus, Rutland teachers reach an agreement with school board members to avert a strike, the $9 Billion state budget sent to Gov. Scott includes $100 Million in reserves to deal with potential loss of federal revenue from congressional cuts, all Vermont Rite Aid pharmaceutical stores will close as the chain goes through bankruptcy, and an annual 5K race in Montpelier being run today is expected to cause traffic delays.

Primary need

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 14 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Why Vermont is in dire need of a new residency program to train primary care doctors, and we hear from two more Vermont-based musicians who competed to win this year’s NPR’s Tiny Desk contest. Plus, Sen. Welch urges president Trump to take an active roll in getting Republicans to support a bill lowering the cost of prescription drugs, Gov. Scott issues an executive order pausing electric vehicle sales requirements, Morrisville residents rally to keep the birthing center at Copley Hospital open while officials consider closing it as a cost-saving measure, and Vermont lawmakers renew a bill approving to-go alcohol purchases.

Hokum and Pearce

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 13 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

We continue our series showcasing Vermont musicians who entered this year’s NPR Tiny Desk contest with the Hokum Brothers and Wes Pearce. Plus, the Trump administration terminates a federal grant aimed at helping low income and aging Vermonters better utilize the state’s high speed broadband network, federal grants have also been scrapped for Vermont arts and culture organizations, several Vermont political leaders visit Quebec to offer apologies for the actions taken by president Trump, and the Granite State’s legal community reacts to the death of former Supreme Court justice and New Hampshire Attorney General David Souter.

Fire and Bell

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 12 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

We hear from Vermont-based musician Sarah Bell and the band Miles of Fire as they compete to be winners of NPR’s annual Tiny Desk Concert. Plus, the Trump administration sues Vermont and three other states over their climate superfund laws, the state gets some good news regarding the safety of its milk supply from bird flu virus, a funding boost should help more low-income Vermonters connect freely to the state’s high speed fiber broadband network, Quebec sees near record population growth mostly due to a recent influx of immigrants, and the Notch road between Stowe and Cambridge has been reopened after its annual winter closure.

Capitol Recap: Houses in motion

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Sat, 10 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Lawmakers in Montpelier scramble to finish a bill aimed at alleviating Vermont’s housing crisis.

Tea change

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 09 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Speaking with the designer of a highly reviewed video game called Wanderstop that infuses parts of Vermont’s largest city into the action. Plus, a legal defense fund is created to help non-citizen Vermonters targeted by federal immigration officials, lawmakers in Montpelier float a bill to keep education property taxes nearly flat by relying on $118 Million in surplus funding, the winners of the 2024 Vermont Book Awards have been announced, we’ll preview events happening in Castleton this weekend to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Green Mountain Boys’ defeat of the British at Fort Ticonderoga, and discuss why the favored defending NBA champion Boston Celtics find themselves in a two games to none playoff hole against the New York Knicks in our weekly sports report.

Dairy case

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 08 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

A conversation with Vermont’s Agriculture Secretary about the federal government’s crackdown on immigration and the effect it may have on the future of the state’s dairy industry. Plus, three migrant workers arrested at Vermont’s largest dairy farm have been deported to Mexico, a bill giving the Governor more decision power over whether local or state police can enter into federal immigration enforcement pacts gets initial House approval, House lawmakers give final approval to a bill laying groundwork for a new state office to help immigrants, and Vermont will get more than $20 Million as part of a national tobacco settlement dating back to the 1990’s.

Message of hope

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 07 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In his first interview with local media since being released from prison, Moshen Mahdawi speaks about his detention by immigration authorities and the message of hope he’s trying to send now. Plus, House lawmakers in Montpelier advance a bill including an income tax exemption on military pensions, Vermont joins a lawsuit trying to block Trump administration cuts to federal Health and Human service programs, a minister at St. Michael’s College discusses the conclave to choose a new pope, and a Real ID requirement starts today for Americans and permanent residents to pass through airport security.

Bliss Out

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 06 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Longtime New Yorker cartoonist and New Hampshire resident Harry Bliss talks about his new graphic memoir. Plus, Many of Vermont’s federally qualified health centers face dire financial straits, state police close an investigation in a May 2024 murder-suicide, Stowe gets a new police chief, and rabies vaccine drops start this week.

Corrections crisis

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 05 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Lawmakers, union leaders and administration officials all agree that the shortage of prison workers in Vermont is a major problem, but there’s no agreement about how to address the issue. Plus, racial disparities persist in police traffic stops, a technical glitch delays a vote on an Amazon warehouse project, a judge orders the state to give homeless Vermonters notice before ending motel shelter benefits, and Fish and Wildlife wants feedback on new proposed deer hunting regulations.

Anyone’s guess

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Sat, 03 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

The challenge facing state lawmakers as they try to craft a budget with uncertain projections on how much federal revenue will be available.

Trail mix

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 02 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Why there’s an urgent call to support and save public access to trails that cross over into private land. Plus, House lawmakers approve a state constitutional amendment protecting collective bargaining rights, a state commission that helped recognize Abenaki tribe groups explains their process amid criticism from two federally recognized First Nations, officials recover the body of a hiker who went missing in January, Vermont’s regular spring turkey hunting season is underway, and we review a wild week of action in the NHL and NBA playoffs in our weekly sports report.

The exception

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 01 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

A conversation with Lt. Gov. John Rodgers about a wide range of issues, including his willingness to speak out against the Trump administration and his advocacy for reforming state cannabis law. Plus, an activist who’d been arrested and detained after showing up to a citizenship appointment has been freed and can remain in Vermont for the time being, some key state spending priorities might be postponed or scrapped due to uncertainty over whether federal funding will be cut, Vermont has put a pause on dozens of AmeriCorps state positions after millions of dollars in federal funding for the program was halted, and Burlington's City Council approves a proposal for an overdose prevention site.

Second home hike

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Lawmakers in Montpelier are revisiting an idea to place heavier taxes on second homes to help ease the state’s housing crisis. Plus, Trump administration cuts cancel thousands of pounds of food that were scheduled for the Vermont Food Bank, a new report reveals Americans are now more likely to want to know if they have Alzheimer’s disease before symptoms set in, a new sheriff has been appointed in Caledonia County, and Vermont joins a multi-state effort to make energy transmission more long-term reliable and affordable.

'We don't have a great hand to play here'

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

A conversation with Gov. Phil Scott about tensions over federal immigration policy and the effects being felt in Vermont. Plus, the town of Woodstock moves to buy a local water system from a private company, a set of new permanently-affordable apartments will open in Colchester, bridge work is starting today that will slow traffic near Granville village, and Vermont’s US Senators condemn the arrest of a circuit court judge in Wisconsin last week.

A grand slam

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Poet Geof Hewitt, Vermont's reigning poetry slam champion, performs each week at an open mic in Calais backed by a group of improvising musicians. Plus, lawmakers consider a new program to finance infrastructure that supports new housing, Lt. Gov. John Rodgers advocates for public consumption of cannabis, a new non-profit works to protect older people from fraud, and spring turkey hunting season kicked off this weekend.

Capitol Recap: Expanded Access

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Sat, 26 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In this week’s edition of the Capitol recap, the Vermont Senate gave final approval on Friday to legislation that seeks to expand access to reproductive care.

White Hare/Brown Hare

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Researchers are looking for ways to help snowshoe hares adapt to a changing climate. Plus, Vermont State Police investigate the non-fatal shooting of a Milton police officer, the state senate gives its preliminary approval to a ban on guns in Burlington bars, uncertainty about federal money for high speed internet infrastructure, and National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is this Saturday.

Big Night

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Cars and climate change have annual early spring migrations for amphibians more treacherous. Plus, a judge orders the feds to keep a detained Columbia University student in Vermont, college presidents condemn the Trump Administration’s higher ed actions, the state wants to make the electric grid more resilient, and a measles outbreak in Quebec is over.

Sea Squirts

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

More invasive species, like sea squirts, are being found on New England’s floating docks and piers and they may stick around thanks to warmer ocean temperatures caused by climate change. Plus, U.S border agents detain eight farmworkers at a Franklin County dairy farm, Vermont Habitat for Humanity programs lose AmeriCorps volunteers after federal cuts, state officials on Earth Day pledge to strongly oppose efforts by the Trump Administration to weaken environmental regulations, and a buyer for Burke Mountain Resort.

Mussel Loss

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Wild blue mussels have all but disappeared from New England’s coastline, a reality that’s been hard for people who harvest them for a living. Plus, Catholic Vermonters remember Pope Francis, who died Monday, Sen. Peter Welch pushes to permanently extend tele-health services for all Medicare recipients, labor negotiations between teachers and the school board sour in Rutland City, and hunters that sent a tooth from their deer to Vermont Fish and Wildlife can now find out how old that deer was.

Spongy moths

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

This week we bring you a series of stories from our public radio partners around New England exploring how the region’s flora, fauna and fungi are living with climate change. Plus lawmakers are trying to make a contingency plan in case the only Vermont-based health insurance company, Blue Cross Blue Shield, goes under. And Vermont’s unemployment rate holds steady, a new soil testing center for farmers opens at UVM, and where to watch trout travel upstream.

Overhaul

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Sat, 19 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In this week’s edition of the Capitol recap, we examine a bill that would fundamentally overhaul Vermont's response to homelessness and provide a potential off-ramp to the mass-use of motel rooms as shelter.

Home/school

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In our recurring series on class we hear from Isaac McDonald who spoke previously about growing up in the Northeast Kingdom, and is now back to talk about attending his freshman year at Columbia University on a full scholarship. Plus, high ranking state senate Democrats call for ending the contract that allows federal officials to detain people in Vermont prisons, in a state health department survey most Vermonters report being in good health, Clinton Community College in New York plans to move its operations to the SUNY Plattsburgh campus, Gov. Scott signs a bill designating November as the Vermont month of the veteran, and in our weekly sports report we predict an upset in round one of the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs by a team that only made it into the tournament on the last day of the regular season.

'It's just not sustainable'

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In the latest installment of our recurring series on class, we meet Windsor County Sheriff Ryan Palmer who talks about the increasing pressures of maintaining a middle class life in Vermont. Plus, Rep. Becca Balint pens a letter to Trump administration officials asking them to justify the recent arrest of a Vermont citizen, the Communications Director of Vermont’s teacher’s union says the state’s Education Secretary should have been more forceful in resisting the Trump administration’s threats over DEI programs, an elementary school in the Champlain Islands will close following a school district board vote, and Vermont’s Commission on Native American Affairs is publishing a school curriculum on Abenaki history.

A different class

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In our recurring series on class in Vermont we meet Tom Burdick and hear about the challenges of breaking into higher education, and raising children in a different class from the one he grew up in. Plus,Canada has introduced a relief period for businesses from its counter-tariffs on some U.S. imports. A protest is scheduled tonight in St. Albans in support of a permanent resident living in White River Junction who was arrested and detained Monday when he arrived in Colchester for a citizenship interview. And, a jury is being selected this week in the upcoming trial of a Vermont man accused of killing a transgender woman in 2022.

'It's where you put your priorities'

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In our recurring series on class in Vermont we meet…Kathy Quimby Johnson, who grew up in East Peacham Vermont in the 60s and 70s, when it was mostly farmers and summer people. Plus, Vermont’s tourism industry is seeing mounting evidence that Canadian visitors are canceling travel to the United States.Quebec's government is reconsidering whether to support large national energy projects, in light of President Donald Trump's decision to impose tariffs and threaten Canadian sovereignty. And a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security faces a major workforce reduction in the coming weeks.

Regular Joe

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In our recurring series on class in Vermont we meet a filmmaker from Richford who discusses the challenges of attending college among more affluent peers. Plus, a federal judge halts a Trump administration order that would have deported two Vermont high school students from Nicaragua, some Vermont lawmakers consider adding citizenship and immigration status to the state’s fair housing law, a bill that would review how Vermont recognizes groups as Native American tribes is introduced at the Statehouse, and invasive zebra mussels are discovered on the American side of Lake Memphremagog.

Capitol Recap: House education reform

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Sat, 12 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Capitol Recap: House education reform

Legal stay

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Investigating whether there’s any truth to rumors that Vermont’s only law school might be moving from its home in South Royalton. Plus, two Nicaraguan students at CVU High School face deportation, a psychiatric unit for teenagers opens at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, tariffs have begun to affect Vermont’s business relationship with Canada, and we explore the early days of the new baseball season as well as the wrap-up of hockey’s regular season in our weekly sports report.

Toilet humor

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

We preview the Paramount Theatre’s staging of the Tony Award winning musical Urinetown. Plus, Vermont communities lose FEMA funding for a hazard mitigation program canceled by the Trump administration, an executive order signed by the president condemns the Vermont Climate Superfund Act created to allow the state to seek damages from major oil companies, Vermont State Police investigate calls made to multiple schools with false reports of shooting incidents, and a Vermont lawmaker says he’s got an alternative and more cost-effective plan for restoring the Bennington Battle Monument.

Pedal push

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

The effort to get more people biking as a chief mode of transportation in Chittenden County. Plus, Vermont’s Education Secretary reverses course on a Trump administration directive to ban DEI programs for schools that get Title 1 federal funds, a Planned Parenthood center in St. Johnsbury will close in June, Ripton elementary school will shut down next year following a failed bid to recruit more students, the Vermont Humanities council says it will have to reduce programming after federal support was cut by the Trump administration, and the deadline for Real I-D-compliant identification needed for domestic air travel is less than a month away.

Striking a balance

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

State regulators have approved a new 12-bed adolescent psychiatric unit at a Bennington hospital, despite opposition from the only other adolescent psychiatric facility in the state. Plus, Vermont schools could be on the hook for millions of dollars in unreimbursed pandemic recovery projects, federal funding cuts are expected to limit vaccine access for underserved Vermont communities, state officials are collecting feedback for the next Vermont Climate Action Plan, and the EPA has tapped New England’s new regional administrator.

Capitol Recap: Funding flux

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Sat, 05 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

State lawmakers are facing potential federal spending cuts from the Trump administration that may create challenges for Vermont’s budget, just as newly announced tariffs risk shrinking the state’s economy.

The write stuff

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Speaking with the high school junior who won Sen. Bernie Sanders’ annual State of the Union Essay Contest for Vermont students. Plus, Vermont’s treasurer says newly imposed tariffs by the Trump administration could hurt state consumers and local businesses that rely on world exports, the head lawyer for the Vermont Legislature criticizes Gov. Scott for what he calls an unconstitutional power grab, U.S. Sen. Welch reintroduces a bill to permanently expand telehealth services covered by Medicare, the state champion of Vermont’s Poetry Out Loud competition prepares to compete for the national title, we review the start to the new MLB season in our weekly sports report, and bid a reluctant farewell to a Vermont Public teammate.

Stowe style

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In an excerpt from Brave Little State, we dig into the origins of the widespread, stylized Stowe logo. Plus, the final state budget approved by House lawmakers could be jeopardized by potential federal funding cuts it relies on, the state’s emergency motel voucher program has begun imposing its off-winter limits on length of stays for some homeless Vermonters, Montpelier Roxbury Public Schools may join a national lawsuit against a software provider following a data breach that compromised personal information of students and school faculty, and the Vermont senate gives the green light to let freestanding birth centers offer their services.

Watch care

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Highlighting streaming video services designed specifically to help people suffering from dementia and those who care for them. Plus, House lawmakers approve legislation shielding personal Internet information for some state and public officials, the head of the Green Mountain Care Board says the state’s health care system is near a breaking point, a probe by the Agency of Education concludes a private school in southern Vermont that serves autistic students has failed to properly educate them, the author of a UVM study says large dead trees along stream banks should be protected for the significant amounts of carbon they store, and a home in Vergennes for older Vermonters welcomes its first residents since expanding its living space.

Tax man

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Vermont’s new tax commissioner explains his approach to the job and how federal action could impact the Green Mountain State. Plus, Vermont’s attorney general says the president’s voter registration plan would limit access to the polls, New England-based lawyers feel the heat from the U.S. Department of Justice as they challenge the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies, drivers are urged to watch out for amphibians crossing roads during their annual spring migration, Waking Windows announces this year’s lineup, and today is the last day for a ban on winter manure spreading.

Trade wins

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

What’s behind the big enrollment numbers for Vermont’s career and technical centers. Plus, Gov. Scott extends through June emergency motel housing for certain vulnerable households, some state lawmakers are open to increasing state income taxes to offset potential cuts in federal funding, Vermont’s health department will lose up to $7 million in canceled federal grants, contentions linger as the support staff union at Central Vermont Medical Center negotiates its first contract with the hospital, and House lawmakers float a plan to use a portion of Vermont’s opioid settlement to help people struggling with stimulant addiction.

Capitol Recap: Hard bargain

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Sat, 29 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Capitol Recap: Hard bargain

Heart bleat

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Visiting a Shelburne farm where people can snuggle with goats to help release stress. Plus, after exceeding its budget last year the University of Vermont Medical Center proposes a deal to avoid potential penalties, the former president and CEO of Rutland Regional Medical Center has died, there’s a plan to extend shelters for unhoused families in Williston and Waterbury that were set to close down next week, and Sen. Peter Welch calls on the secretary of defense to resign after sensitive military information was inadvertently shared with a journalist.

Cold shoulder

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

How President Trump’s tariffs and aggressive rhetoric toward Canada are putting a serious political and social strain on the relationship between Vermont and Quebec. Plus, a rally in Montpelier calls for state-level protections of LGBTQ youth, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board considers a statewide ban on some commercial panfish, a journalism professor at Norwich University files a lawsuit alleging administrators pressured students to scrap stories putting the university in a bad light, customers of a genetic analysis firm are urged to protect their data after the company files for bankruptcy, and we move our weekly sports report up to Opening Day today for a preview of the 2025 MLB season.

Waste not

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

New University of Vermont research explores the surprising link between whale pee and healthy ocean ecosystems. Plus, the Vermont House advances legislation that could limit the number of new retail cannabis shops, lawmakers also advance a midyear budget adjustment bill opposed by Gov. Scott, new Social Security rules could make it more difficult to access benefits, and Vermont libraries may see major impacts from federal funding cuts.

In bloom

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Learning how a Bristol tulip farm works, as workers gear up for the spring season. Plus, Vermont House lawmakers advance a midyear budget adjustment opposed by Gov. Scott, Brattleboro town meeting representatives reject a spending plan that would’ve raised taxes by more than 10 percent, an oral history surrounding the COVID pandemic in Vermont comes out today, and Burlington’s new interim police chief takes over.

Debating history

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Commemorating the Westminster Massacre amid a debate over whether it really marked the first death of the American Revolution. Plus, U.S. Border Patrol officials are restricting Canadian visitor access to a library and opera house that straddles the international boundary, Amazon wants to build a distribution facility in Essex amid significant community pushback, Vermont’s public transit agencies are being asked to trim their budgets for next year, legislation that would change the mission at Efficiency Vermont draws Gov. Scott’s attention, and Brattleboro has a new fire chief.

Capitol Recap: Tax tangle

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Capitol Recap: Tax tangle

Calm and composed

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

We preview original classical music compositions written by Vermont students for a Music-COMP concert next week. Plus, what’s behind the financial shortfall hampering Randolph’s Gifford Medical Center, lawmakers consider a bill to provide emergency financial relief for Vermont’s largest health insurer if its money woes worsen, the Vermont Senate approves legislation giving financial incentives to people who take care of seriously ill family members at home, lawmakers also advance a proposed constitutional amendment further protecting Vermonters’ rights to organize and collectively bargain, the University of Vermont announces its next president, and we preview UVM's game against NC State in the opening round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament in our weekly sports report.

'Don't leave anybody on an island'

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

We speak with UVM women’s head basketball coach Alisa Kresge as the conference champion defensive-minded Catamounts prepare to compete against NC State in the NCAA March Madness tournament. Plus, the Vermont Senate gives initial approval to a bill providing extreme weather disaster relief for farmers, some of the funding for the Vermont Historical Society is at risk due to an executive order, the state announces its Barn Preservation Grants for 2025, business leaders from Vermont and Quebec meet with Sen. Welch to discuss the effects of President Trump’s tariffs on Canadian products, and cross border traffic between the U.S. and Canada is down.

Bern notice

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

A conversation with Vermont’s senior U.S. senator Bernie Sanders as he tries to rally political and public opposition to president Trump’s agenda in Washington. Plus, Vermont lawmakers consider a bill to plug holes left by federal cuts to a popular food program, warnings about air travel for some green card holders after a New Hampshire resident was detained by immigration officials in Boston earlier this month, a substance use disorder treatment provider in Vergennes is closing its women’s facility, and why Vermont’s geological make-up makes mud season even muddier.

Learning curve

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Vermont Education Secretary Zoie Saunders discusses how roiling changes at the U.S. Department of Education may impact the state. Plus, Vermont’s Senate Education Committee chair says the state’s universal school meals program is here to stay despite the Scott administration’s proposal to cut it, state biologists urge residents to take bear precautions now that hibernation season is ending, public hearings are scheduled this week on proposed changes to hunting regulations, and lawmakers consider a new state office to better coordinate services for immigrants in Vermont.

A plain dilemma

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Why voters in Royalton rejected proposed restrictions on what people can do with flood plain property. Plus, nearly half of Vermont’s 14 hospitals lost money providing patient care last year, Gov. Scott vetoes a budget adjustment package that includes funding for affordable housing and the state’s motel voucher program, federal updates to the state’s flood hazard maps could result in more private property building restrictions, Vermont’s Attorney General joins a lawsuit against the Trump administration to block layoffs at the US Department of Education, and state public health officials are urging Vermonters to make sure they’re immunized against measles.

Capitol Recap: New session, first veto

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Capitol Recap: New session, first veto

Puppy parenting

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

A couple that had never had kids or pets adopts a puppy and records an audio diary of the first seven months of that new and often difficult experience. Plus, Zoie Saunders is confirmed as Vermont’s Secretary of Education, both Vermont’s US senators say they’ll vote against a short-term budget bill Republicans passed in the House this week, a St. Michael’s College professor is trying to capture images of bobcats and other mountain cats in urban and suburban areas of the state, president Trump taps a six-tern New Hampshire lawmaker to head up New England’s FEMA office, a nearly 500-acre parcel of private land in Wallingford has been conserved as federal land, and the UVM women’s basketball team has a chance to get to the NCAA tournament when they tip off against the Great Danes in Albany.

Taking care

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Programs that provide support for older Vermonters and their caregivers could be at risk due to proposed federal cuts to Medicaid. Plus, the Trump administration shutters a nationwide program that provided local food for schools and food shelves, GE Areospace invests in Rutland, the Vermont Senate gives initial approval to more restrictions on social media for kids, a call for state lawmakers to take action against bullying in schools after a Vermont teenager’s suicide last year, and the Essex Westford School Board announces the district's next superintendent.

Birthing quandary

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

The board members of a small community hospital in Morrisville face a difficult decision on whether to close its birthing center. Plus, Middlebury College is among 60 universities under threat of enforcement for allegedly failing to protect Jewish students on campus, Ripton elementary school is losing its kindergarten and first grade classes, the Scott administration warns volatility in Washington makes it hard to predict Vermont’s future economic health despite current strong revenues, the Department of Public safety seeks input regarding a new report suggesting changes to how emergency dispatch calls are handled, and Vermont now has its first official Animal Welfare Director.

Work stoppage

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

A debrief on why the town of Richmond terminated a deal to hire the a new police chief just hours before he was scheduled to begin the job. Plus, a doctor at Vermont’s largest hospital is trying to create an accessible database for researching opioid addiction, why best-selling Quebec-based mystery author Louise Penny won’t promote her new book in the US, the New Hampshire House votes to end annual vehicle safety inspections, and Bennington College launches a late-decision program for prospective students.

'It just doesn't make sense'

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Taking a deep dive into why health insurance is so expensive in Vermont with a segment from Brave Little State. Plus, a group of potential buyers for the Burke Mountain ski resort say their bid has been ignored by the person in charge of the sale, a baby formula company is closing their Franklin County manufacturing plant that employs hundreds of people, state officials are trying to identify who needs more access to high-speed broadband, and the UVM women’s basketball team will play Bryant College for a trip to the America East conference finals.

Capitol Recap: Growing pains

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Sat, 08 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Capitol Recap: Growing pains

Damming praise

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0000

How supporting the state’s beaver population could help Vermont with flood resiliency. Plus, Gov. Scott is glad most school budgets passed this year but adds more needs to be done to reform education, the governor fills a soon-to-be vacant spot on the state Board of Education with the appointment of a former Bennington state senator, UVM institutes a 60-day hiring freeze in response to proposed reductions in federal funding from the Trump administration, bird flu so far has not adversely affected the state’s duck and geese populations, the Vermont Truth and Reconciliation Commission fills a final seat that had been vacant for more than a year, and we ponder which players could be moved by the end of today’s NHL trade deadline in our weekly sports report.

Passing grades

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Examining why many more school budgets were approved during Town Meeting Day this year, after nearly a third failed last year. Plus, state officials and local business owners brace for the economic impact of a trade war with Canada, Vermont’s attorney general praises the U.S. Supreme Court for blocking an effort by the Trump administration to freeze foreign aid, corrections staff lock down Vermont prisons while searching for contraband, voters show mixed support for local options taxes on Town Meeting Day, and Dartmouth College is hosting the NCAA Skiing Championships for the first time in more than two decades.

Roll call

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Sharing scenes from Town Meeting Day, including a less-than-glowing assessment of local road maintenance. Plus, U.S. Rep. Becca Balint boycotts President Trump’s joint address to Congress, the head of the Vermont Sugar Maker’s Association attends Trump’s speech amid concerns that tariffs levied against Canada will negatively affect the state’s maple industry, Jay voters turn out for Town Meeting Day, about a half dozen municipalities consider a pledge of support for Palestinians, voters in Rutland County’s Quarry Valley School District consider a nonbinding school closure article, and voters in Guilford pass all articles on the ballot during their first-ever Saturday town meeting.

Dual crises

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Without intervention, education officials say health care costs will continue to eat up ever-larger shares of local school budgets — regardless of which cost-saving measures Montpelier imposes on districts. Plus, Middlebury is among the handful of municipalities presenting water infrastructure bonds to voters on Town Meeting Day, Sen. Welch is calling for Republicans to support Ukraine, the state is proposing changes for waterfowl hunters, and Caledonia County’s sheriff has died.

Boycotted

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Despite historically strong ties, Canadians are canceling trips to Vermont amid President Trump’s threats to institute tariffs on Canadian goods and calls to make our northern neighbor the “51st state.” Plus, the Scott administration presents a plan to adjust the motel housing program after funding disagreements with Democratic lawmakers, Vermont appears to have missed a major climate emissions deadline, a handful of municipalities will consider local option taxes on Town Meeting Day, and Middlebury’s Town Hall Theater is opening a new learning space.

Capitol Recap: Developing policy

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Democratic lawmakers have mixed interest in advancing Republican Gov. Phil Scott’s wide-ranging housing plan, and haven’t offered many of their own proposals to address Vermont’s long-standing unit shortage.

'We're really worried'

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Neurodivergent Vermonters are organizing a mutual aid effort to provide each other with medicine, groceries and other support amid potential cuts to Medicaid and other federal funding. Plus, the state is finalizing plans to open its own cannabis testing lab, Vermont officials are closely monitoring for bird flu, Vermont Fish and Wildlife is proposing allowing hunters to take antlerless deer during the regular fall hunting season for the first time in years, and several blighted South Burlington buildings are being razed to make way for commercial space and housing.

Protecting your flock

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Vermont poultry farmers take steps to guard their animals against bird flu, which has been spreading around the country. Plus, rank-and-file lawmakers are pushing Democratic leadership to exempt military pensions for state income tax, U.S. Rep. Balint denounces a budget plan that passed the House this week, several towns will mull whether to allow ATVs on town roads, and the Stowe Foliage Arts Festival won’t return this fall.

Volunteers needed

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

The mountain town of Ripton has been trying to keep its small elementary school open for years, and now risks losing one of its classes unless the community can recruit a handful of extra students for the coming school year. Plus, Gov. Scott and Democratic lawmakers are at odds over budgeting for Vermont’s motel housing program, Green Mountain Transit is seeing better-than-expected ridership numbers after reinstating fares, Vermont has a shortage of child psychiatrists, and some overlooks and cliff tops are now closed to protect nesting raptors.

February 25, 2025

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

February 25, 2025

Good stewards

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

A new study out of Dartmouth College examines how current research practices can improve the governance of Indigenous data. Plus, the University of Vermont Health Network will continue to run three dialysis clinics around the state, a Shelburne cop who hit and killed a cyclist is now facing criminal charges related to the incident, a new poll finds the majority of Vermonters don’t approve of President Donald Trump’s job performance, why Abenaki leaders from Odanak First Nation were at the Statehouse last week and how you can help prevent avalanches.

Capitol Recap: Energy Plans

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Sat, 22 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

In this week’s Capitol Recap, reporters Lola Duffort and Peter Hirschfeld dive into the debate over the future of energy policy in Vermont, and if Democrats are prepared to roll back or revise some of the signature climate laws they’ve enacted over the last four years.

'I am a resource for you'

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

We meet an Iraqi refugee who came to Vermont as a teenager and now works as a police liaison officer in Winooski schools. Plus, a state organization that provides legal assistance to immigrants has half its staff laid off due to funding cuts by the Trump administration, how the U-V-M Medical Center is trying to help people of color adjust to work and life in Vermont, New York’s Department of Corrections temporarily shuts down prison visitations following days of unrest and unsanctioned strikes by some prison staff, and an oversupply of cannabis is prompting concerns that the state’s smaller growers may be forced out of business.

Contested

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Breaking down Rutland’s mayoral race, which has recently generated some controversy for the well-known candidates. Plus, Democratic legislative leaders decry the Scott administration’s efforts to roll back climate policy, Brattleboro Memorial Hospital support staff have unionized, University of Vermont officials generally expect research to continue like normal despite Trump administration efforts to cut federal funding, and a Barre granite quarry is no longer offering public tours.

Shape-shifting

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

A Brave Little State excerpt explores how Bristol’s town forest has shifted over time to meet changing community needs. Plus, Vermont’s treasurer wants lawmakers to hold off on joining a California initiative that could raise the price of gas here, Sen. Peter Welch raises alarms at Ukraine not being included in talks to end the country’s war with Russia, Johnson’s former grocery store building could be headed for a FEMA buyout, and Shelburne Museum has acquired Norman Rockwell paintings tied to Vermont’s granite industry.

Stormy weather

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Assessing the damage from a weekend storm that brought more snowfall to parts of Vermont than has been seen in at least a couple of years. Plus, Winooski voters will decide an eviction notice ballot measure on Town Meeting Day, Vermont’s Supreme Court dismisses a lawsuit opposing the governor’s appointment of an interim education secretary, UVM receives top tier status for schools engaged in scientific research, and the incoming interim police chief in Burlington will serve for two years and stay on as an advisor once a permanent chief is hired.

Capitol Recap: Waiting to hurry

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Sat, 15 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

In this week’s Capitol Recap, reporters Lola Duffort and Peter Hirschfeld talk over what’s behind the lack of action in Montpelier on legislation regarding big issues like education and housing.

Love notes

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

We meet the Vermonters of the Green Mountain Chorus, who raise their voices to provide singing valentines on the 14th of February. Plus, a lawsuit filed in federal court accuses a Burlington police officer of using excessive force in an incident last summer, Sen. Sanders introduces legislation aimed at lowering Americans’ credit card debt, the EPA plans to inspect cleanup efforts at a Bennington Superfund site, why New Hampshire farmers can get paid to pause mowing on their hayfields in early summer, the Vermont-born band Phish has been nominated for entry into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and we consider the courtship that ended with the Boston Red Sox hooking up with a coveted free agent in our weekly sports report.

Under the wire

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Students from Kenya and Jordan arrived in Brattleboro for a Biden-era college program, just before the Trump administration suspended new refugee applications. Plus, Democrats in Montpelier push back against Gov. Scott’s school choice lottery plan, lawmakers consider another delay to a bill that would process 19-year-olds charged with crimes as juveniles, public health officials try to get a jump on monitoring bird flu to keep it from spreading to cows and people, Burlington has a new interim police chief, and the state may change how it regulates panfish after hundreds of people sign a petition calling for a ban on commercial fishing.

Open house

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Reporter Erica Heilman shares a success story from HomeShare Vermont, a program that matches folks who have extra housing with people who need it. Plus, House lawmakers pass a bill making it easier for prosecutors to charge Vermonters with hate crimes, Vermont’s attorney general joins a multistate effort to block the National Institutes of Health from slashing billions of dollars in medical research, nursing staff at Northwestern Medical Center in St. Albans vote to unionize, the head of Vermont’s largest health insurer is retiring after a 16-year tenure, and the Vermont Green Football Club announces its new head coach.

Game on

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

We hear from Champlain College students studying video game development in a program that includes time in Montreal getting hands-on experience with gaming studios. Plus, Vermont joins a multistate lawsuit aimed at stopping the Treasury Department from transferring sensitive personal data to an agency controlled by Elon Musk, plans for a statewide electric vehicle charging program are on hold following a Trump administration freeze on federal money, McGill University in Montreal plans to cut $45 million and hundreds of jobs rom its annual budget, and public school advocates criticize a Scott administration plan to give every Vermont student an option to enter a school choice lottery.

Trash talk

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

In an excerpt from a recent episode of Brave Little State, we explore why Vermont relies on just one landfill for its trash disposal while neighboring New Hampshire has half a dozen. Plus, Vermont’s Department of Public Service says some $400 million in federal grant money is at risk due to a federal funding freeze, Congresswoman Becca Balint urges Vermont lawmakers to prepare for more potential federal budget cuts, Burlington’s Festival of Fools is canceled this year due to funding difficulties, the Vermont House upholds the result of a contested election in Bennington, and adaptive mountain biking gets a boost from a state tourism grant.

Capitol Recap: Choice words

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Sat, 08 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Vermont Education Secretary Zoie Saunders revealed some new details this week about how school choice could change under the Scott administration’s proposal to overhaul the state’s education system. Vermont Public education reporter Lola Duffort has the details for this week’s edition of the Capitol Recap.

‘Sean wouldn’t want this’

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

In the final installment of a collaborative series on homeless deaths in Vermont, we hear from a former girlfriend and from the daughter of a man named Sean Kelleher, who died in a violent accident. Plus, school boards eye personnel job cuts amid financial pressures, an initial estimate puts repairs for the damaged Bennington Battle Monument at $40 million, Burlington International Airport is set to debut a new seasonal non-stop route to South Carolina, the Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival is screening some classic neo-noir movies, and we examine the fallout from a shocking NBA trade and offer a pick for the winner of this Sunday’s Super Bowl in our weekly sports report.

‘No renter history’

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

In the second part of a collaborative series on homeless deaths in Vermont, reporter Liam Elder-Connors tells us about the struggles of a man he got to know before he died from a drug overdose. Plus, Vermont officials try to gauge the effects of potential tariffs on energy imported from Canada, Bennington residents get an update on new PFAS water well contamination, state health officials report an uptick in people with flu-like illnesses over the past month, and a Lamoille County nonprofit is getting a new food processing hub to help redistribute extra produce from local farms.

‘He was a local’

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

We hear the story of a Morristown man who passed away last April after struggling with substance abuse, in the first of a three-part collaboration with Seven Days analyzing the number of unhoused Vermonters who have died over the last several years.. Plus, lawmakers want to examine COVID-era appropriations that may not be yielding adequate returns for taxpayers, a Brattleboro nonprofit secured grant funding to support refugees before a federal funding freeze,tariffs on Canadian goods could raise Vermonters’ energy bills, officials ponder options for the future of Vermont’s waste disposal, and Vermont’s senators register their opposition to Robert F. Kennedy’s Jr.'s nomination for health secretary.

More than a store

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Why a general store in New Hampshire that’s been serving the community for two centuries may not be around much longer. Plus, a Waterbury House Democrat wants to advance legislation to reform the state’s emergency shelter program before a new wave of evictions, a new development will bring more than 250 homes to Middlebury, several state medical associations voice opposition to President Trump’s executive order restricting youth access to gender-affirming care, Burlington voters won’t be asked to weigh in on a tax increase on Town Meeting Day despite the city’s budget deficit, and a Vermont solar manufacturer gets nearly $400 million in financing from a Canadian investment company to build out four solar projects.

Response guide

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Treasurer Mike Pieciak has convened a task force to help guide Vermont through a flurry of action in the early days of the second Trump administration. Plus, Vermont’s teachers’ union says Gov. Scott’s education reform plan would require mass educator layoffs, the governor seeks to roll back almost every major climate law enacted by Democrats in recent years, land in the Northeast Kingdom has been conserved for wild fish habitat and flood resilience, and Democratic lawmakers fear future federal funding for Vermont is in serious jeopardy under the Trump administration.

Capitol Recap: Playing defense

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Sat, 01 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Environmental advocates have enjoyed a lot of influence in Montpelier. But with Gov. Phil Scott looking to roll back most of the major climate policies of the last several years, they have to take a new approach this session.

Some assembly required

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

To increase the pace of home building, some housing experts say Vermont needs to turn to the assembly line. Plus, Gov. Scott wants to place new fees on electric vehicles in lieu of gas tax revenues, Vermont’s attorney general says she won’t back down on challenging Trump administration efforts she doesn’t believe pass legal muster, national testing results show declines in math and reading for Vermont fourth and eighth graders, a Middlebury philosophy professor discusses how to live a full life by mastering what she calls the ‘art of the interesting’, and we take stock of what sports fans are waiting for–from the pending Super Bowl to the start of the new baseball season–in our weekly sports report.

‘You must stop all work’

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Recent moves by the Trump administration are significantly disrupting organizations that help refugees resettle in Vermont. Plus, federal bureaucracy is delaying plans to permanently repair flood-damaged state buildings in Montpelier, Education Secretary Zoie Saunders addresses concerns about dropping a universal school meals program to help fund a new education plan, Lt. Gov. John Rodgers plans to take a lead role in reforming Vermont’s retail cannabis law, a Chittenden County bikeshare program will end this spring, and a Vermont gun rights group says it will oppose any legislation to impose a statewide ban on firearms inside town-owned municipal buildings.

The grateful dead

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

We visit an East Putney resident who helps maintain a nearby cemetery, in an excerpt from a recent Brave Little State episode about “adopting” small, local graveyards. Plus, Gov. Scott lays out budget priorities he says are aimed at making the state more affordable, Vermont’s congressional delegation slams President Trump’s decision to freeze federal grant and loan funding, state officials are waiting to see if the freeze will impact disaster relief, advocates for LGBTQ+ people emphasized that an executive order discounting gender identity doesn’t apply to the state government, and Vermont saw a record amount of tourism dollars in 2023.

‘It freaks me the hell out’

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Speaking with people worried about the looming closure of Central Vermont Medical Center’s psychiatric unit. Plus, Gov. Phil Scott delivers his annual budget address today, why some Vermont lawmakers want consumers to have stronger data privacy protection, Sen. Peter Welch says he’ll work with the Trump administration to reform FEMA but will fight any effort to eliminate it, Quebec’s two largest police forces report losing several guns since 2020, and a Vermont nonprofit calls an executive order by President Trump to suspend the US refugee program an act of betrayal.

‘Stop heating the outdoors’

webmaster@vpr.net (Vermont Public) — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Home weatherization can take a huge chunk out of your energy bill, but federal funding to make that work more accessible to lower-income households is running dry. Plus, prosecutors file charges tied to the fatal shooting of a Border Patrol agent in Vermont, the Trump administration’s proposed tariffs could slow Vermont’s broadband buildout, feds have approved the use of Medicaid funds for housing programs for people experiencing homelessness, and one of Vermont’s James Beard semifinalists describes his approach to cooking.