The Frequency: Daily Vermont News

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.  

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.  

 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.  

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.

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.