The Frequency: Daily Vermont News

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.

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. 

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.

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.

 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.

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.

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.  

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.