The Frequency: Daily Vermont News

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.

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.

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.   

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.  

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. 

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. 

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.  

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.  

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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..

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. 

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. 

 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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.” 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.  

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. 

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. 

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. 

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

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. 

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.  

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. 

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. 

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. 

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

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.  

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.