The Frequency: Daily Vermont News

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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.  

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.  

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.

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.

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