The Frequency: Daily Vermont News

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.

More money is flowing into a program that encourages Vermonters to use batteries for backup power, a study looks at Vermont's vaccine exemption policies, an 1800's event helped shape how we talk about certain celestial phenomena and a federal job training program for seniors will resume in Vermont after funding delays.

Sticker shock over potentially much higher health care costs, a narrow re-election win for Vermont's Republican party chair, and will new public art revitalize Burlington's Main Street?

New York's governor has a new challenger, local housing authorities that help Vermonters pay rent are asking the state for help after federal funding cuts, and whether this year's drought is affecting some important food sources for wildlife.

A parenting program once only available to incarcerated mothers will now be offered to dads in Vermont prisons, too, and a cancer center in southwestern Vermont is expanding. Plus, for this Friday, we'll spin some local tunes to get you into the weekend.

An update on financial aid for people who use supplemental food benefits amid the federal government shutdown, how the state plans to find space for all the workers its ordering back to the office next month,  a round-up of how some local bond measures fared on Election Day and a look back to an historic Vermont election.

More Vermonters turn to food shelves amid disruptions in federal benefits, apple growers in the state raise funds for Jamaican workers affected by Hurricane Melissa, a Vermont Public podcast celebrates a milestone, and we visit a nearby place with the worst weather in the world? 

Some Vermont communities put forth bond measures for flood resiliency projects, health advocates discuss what you should know about possible changes to Affordable Care Act insurance plans during open enrollment, tips on what to do with all those leaves in your yard and more.

A new court docket in Chittenden County meant to address criminal offenders with five or more pending cases hits a two-week benchmark. Plus, the director of Vermont's Refugee Office says the Trump administration's decision to prioritize refugee status for white South Africans will mean less room for other population groups to find refuge in the United States, many towns across the state have scheduled special bond votes on whether to support flood resiliency projects, and we have some news about future changes for the Frequency that are starting today. 

Another state senator has announced he's resigning from office, the second Republican to step down this month. Plus, Rutland Regional Medical Center announces it will cease operating inpatient pediatric beds, a former Essex Junction math teacher introduces an app that emphasizes understanding math concepts over memorization, Mad River Valley Arts prepares to open a new multimedia exhibition, time to set the clocks back an hour this weekend, and in our weekly sports report we chronicle the amazing turnaround by the Toronto Blue Jays as they hope to complete a World Series comeback victory over the LA Dodgers in Ontario tonight.   

Gov. Scott and legislative leaders approve a plan to continue federal nutrition benefits for Vermonters who rely on them during the current government shutdown. Plus, health insurance premiums for Vermont teachers could rise by about 7% on average next year, the UVM Children's Hospital receives a $25 million donation, the co-founder of Ben and Jerry's says the company's owner is preventing it from developing a flavor in solidarity with Palestinians, and a former Democratic state senator and business owner from Rutland has died.

The latest on the search for a new developer to build a juvenile detention center in Vermont after a project slated for Vergennes was scrapped. Plus, Vermont joins with 24 other states to sue the Trump administration in an effort to restore federal food benefits, Democratic Sen. Peter Welch supports a bill backed by some Republicans that would maintain those benefits during the government shutdown, a new CEO has been named to lead Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, and Burlington will expand its homeless shelter capacity in time for winter. 

Examining a Texas company's plan to build a large-scale energy battery storage system at the site of the former Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant. Plus, Gov. Scott wants Vermont to team up with other states to sue the Trump administration in an effort to restore federal food benefits, Vermont's Sec. of State has a plan for increasing voter turnout in next year's elections, the Vermont DMV says upcoming service disruptions will ultimately result in improved customer service when computer upgrades are completed, and officials with Vermont Fish and Wildlife update the health of the state's bat population amid International Bat Week.