The Frequency: Daily Vermont News

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

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.

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 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.

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. 

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Top Stories of 2025 - December 31, 2025

We reflect on some of the major news stories that affected our region in 2025  - namely school consolidation, healthcare reform, and changes to immigration policies.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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

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.”

 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.