The Frequency: Daily Vermont News

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. 

Grading a Vermont elementary school for its efforts to reduce potential asthma attacks for students. Plus, some safety concerns emerge as a Texas company looks to build a large scale battery storage center at the site of the former Vermont Yankee nuclear plant, Vermont House leaders push for full state funding to cover federal food and heat benefits at risk due to the federal government shutdown, some state food shelves report more people needing their help than usual, and a museum in Middlebury is again teaming up with the Porter Medical Center to host a community altar to honor loved ones who have died. 

Why food benefits could expire for thousands of Vermonters if the federal government shutdown continues into next month. Plus, Vermont is still short of money needed to fund its Low Income Home Energy Assistance program, Gov. Scott introduces a short-term plan to address public safety concerns in Burlington, three northeastern projects receive grant money to advance indigenous forest research, and we preview the World Series between the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers that begins tonight in our weekly sports report. 

A conversation with the chair of Vermont's Republican party about why he was against the pending resignation of a GOP state senator who participated in a racist text group chat. Plus, the new president of UVM says the school will increase its tuition rates next year, the Public Utility Commission opens a probe into financial difficulties at the Hyde Park Electric Department, the Vermont DMV plans to shut down for a few days next month for computer upgrades, and a Democrat from Orleans County says he'll run for the seat vacated by the state senator who recently said he'd resign from that office. 

How the toxicity infecting our current national politics is also affecting local government and limiting access to Vermont's elected officials. Plus, the chair of Vermont's Republican party addresses the resignation of a GOP state senator who took part in a racist and antisemitic text group chat, two environmental non-profits accuse a Panton farm of violating the federal Clean Water Act, Dartmouth college says in order to retain its academic independence it is rejecting a compact with the Trump administration, and why on-line sports betting saw a surge in Vermont in September.

How a housing developer in the Upper Valley has been able to get apartment housing projects started in a small town when it's notoriously difficult to do so. Plus, supplemental food benefits that help more than sixty thousand Vermonters are at risk if the federal government shutdown continues into next month, Vermont joins a multistate lawsuit fighting the Trump administration's cancellation of a program aimed at helping low-income people access solar power, state health officials say COVID vaccines for young kids should soon be available, and funding has been approved for a program to help low-income Vermont households connect to a high-speed fiber network. 

How advancements in emergency alert technology are helping more seniors live independently at home. Plus, an Orleans County Republican state senator makes his first public comments since calls for his resignation after it was revealed he was part of a group chat that included racist and anti-semitic comments, some environmental groups say Gov. Scott overstepped his authority when he issued an order to help speed up housing development, a state program encouraging Vermonters to save for retirement now offers its services in 18 different languages, the Vermont Treasury hires a top staffer from Congresswoman Becca Balint's team, and we consider the hot start the Montreal Canadiens have made to open the NHL season in our weekly sports report. 

We speak with a farmer in Hardwick whose water spring ran dry and is anticipating a difficult winter due to the state's ongoing drought conditions. Plus, an Orleans County Republican state senator faces pressure to resign after taking part in a group chat marked by racist and anti-semtic sentiment, Vermont Congresswoman Becca Balint says the federal government shutdown is likely to continue unless Republicans agree to extend set-to-expire health care subsidies, some state services are starting to be impacted by the shutdown, the Vermont International Film Festival includes a locally made documentary about a family dealing with early onset Alzheimer's, and a water use ban has been extended for an upstate New York town amid ongoing drought conditions. 

We visit a beloved gift shop at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center that's just marked its 60th year. Plus, drought conditions persist despite a rain storm earlier this week, book banning remains rare in Vermont's public schools while increasing in other states, Quebec officials ramp up enforcement of the province's French language laws, and prolific Vermont author and former UVM professor David Huddle has died.

How a grassroots organization in New England is encouraging parents to get a traditional landline telephone for young children instead of a cell phone. Plus, the school board in Danville reluctantly agrees to hold a special election on whether to close the town high school, a new policy prioritizing daycare for employees of Mount Snow in Dover has some parents who don't work at the resort scrambling for alternatives, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor will speak at UVM later this month, and Rutland's mayor celebrates the passage of a new multimillion dollar infrastructure bond.

A Vermont Public analysis sheds some light on how equitable the state's school voucher program is. Plus, the federal government shutdown is affecting a key way Medicare recipients access their healthcare providers, local union leaders prepare for a first-of-its-kind conference this month, Brattleboro police warn families to look out for deceptive bags that could contain fentanyl, a singer from the region is on this year's season of The Voice, and a concert this weekend honors the works of a 12th century prolific composer and mystic. 

Checking in with farmers in the Upper Valley where the recent drought conditions affecting the whole state have been especially harsh. Plus, workers end their strike at a St. Albans dairy plant after ratifying a contract with their employer, Rutland voters approve a nearly $4 million infrastructure bond, Rhode Island's largest labor union files a lawsuit against the Trump administration for scrapping a program that would have helped low-income families in Vermont install solar panels, and Sen. Welch says Democrats will continue to vote against stop-gap funding bills until Republicans agree to extend set-to-expire tax credits for Affordable Care Act health plans. 

Homeless shelter operators are scrambling to get their centers ready before winter sets in. Plus, Vermont's Treasurer says strong cash reserves should help the most critical state programs weather the current federal government shutdown, an Addison County resident who's lived in Vermont for about 20 years and applied for asylum in 2017 has avoided deportation for the time being, the state's largest health insurer names a new CEO for next year, and the Vermont Green women's soccer club is set to compete in the pre-professional women's league next season if two more clubs join the new northeast division. 

A conversation with Gov. Phil Scott about health care, housing, and why he wants state employees back in the office more often. Plus, Vermont's capital city gets its first year-round homeless shelter, a Lake Champlain fishing spot will be closed temporarily to help salmon spawning in the region, tips for keeping New England's migrating birds from flying into windows, and free donuts will be available for Rutland County students if they can recite the preamble to the U.S. Constitution by memory. 

A visit to Jay Peak ski resort to see how goats are being used to clear weeds and shrubs from the slopes. Plus, Sen. Bernie Sanders implores Democrats to be prepared for a prolonged federal government shutdown unless Republicans agree to extend health care subsidies in the Affordable Care Act, Dartmouth College is among a new group of higher education schools being asked to commit to President Trump's political priorities in exchange for more favorable access to federal money, Gov. Scott appoints a former federal prosecutor to fill a judicial vacancy on the Vermont Superior Court, and a new Dartmouth study reveals whether dog or cat owners are more likely to donate to charities.  

Discover some of Vermont Public staff's favorite fall foliage drives. Plus, Private insurers pull out of Vermont's Medicare Advantage market, the Scott Administration asks the USDA for a statewide disaster declaration because of ongoing drought, how a helicopter can help the state respond to potential wildfires, and Vermont plans to add more short-term homeless shelters this winter.

How banding together could help towns reduce the impact of flooding in their communities. Plus, Vermont's two U.S. senators say they will continue to vote against a Republican short term-funding bill without health care changes, the federal government shutdown comes as the Scott Administration says Vermont's economy appears to be slowing, immigration advocates are speaking out after federal agents arrested nine construction workers in Hardwick last week, an appeals court weighs whether a judge was right to release Mohsen Mahdawi and Rumeysa Ozturk as their immigration cases play out and  bow-hunting season started yesterday in Vermont. 

Hundreds of wells in the state have run dry as Vermont's drought persists. Plus, how the federal government shutdown could affect state services, racial justice advocates push back against the state's decision to fire the head of Vermont's Fair and Impartial Policing Office, Rutland city officials urge residents to approve a $3.9 million bond, a South Burlington electric aircraft start-up takes steps to go public, and a special helicopter readies to respond to potential wildfires in Vermont and New Hampshire.

A conversation with the head of Champlain Housing Trust on strategies for continuing affordable housing projects in a volatile market and with dwindling federal support. Plus, an unexpected million dollar donation allows a Brattleboro nonprofit to open a family shelter, a seventh incarcerated person in Vermont has died this year,  employees go on strike at a St. Albans dairy plant, and the Nexstar media group returns the Jimmy Kimmel late night show to its ABC affiliate station in Vermont after refusing to air it for most of last week.

What upcoming changes to a federal supplemental nutrition program will mean for the tens of thousands of Vermonters who depend on it. Plus, solar panel installers rush to finish work ahead of a deadline that will end income tax credits for solar projects, Vermont and other states win a court battle over federal funding for projects that were made dependent on helping to enforce federal immigration law, Vermont's cannabis industry has launched an initiative to get people to visit the state's various dispensaries, and a Vermont State trooper avoids injury after a vehicle collision with a bear. 

The redevelopment of Burlington's downtown mall is nearing completion after more than a decade of delays and missteps. Plus, why it could become easier for the state's cannabis dispensaries to advertise their products, even with recent rain Vermont is still in the throes of a drought, a former Newport employee who sued the city for being banned from public property agrees to a settlement, Champlain College students will gain access to semester-long programs abroad in a new partnership with Temple University, and we discuss the reversals of fortune for several Major League Baseball teams vying to make the playoffs with less than a handful of regular season games left in our weekly sports report. 

How an upstate New York community was able to access the resources needed to test for dangerous mosquito-borne diseases. Plus, a Scott administration push to get state employees into their work places more often gets support from Montpelier retailers, the Vermont League of Cities and Towns says many Vermont communities are experiencing a shortage of essential workers, state police reveal the name of a Burlington officer involved in a shooting incident, and Windham Southeast Supervisory Union bus drivers vote to ratify a new 5-year contract with their employer.  

Visiting a square dancing club in Pittsford helping folks stay fit and push back against some of the negative effects of aging. Plus, a former assisted living facility in Rutland could be turned into transitional family housing, why the state's education secretary wants to expand access to pre-kindergarten, Burlington Electric Department will temporarily increase rebates for electric vehicles starting next month, and Vermont's senators urge the Trump administration to recognize an independent Palestinian state despite the President's opposition.

Government officials from Vermont and Quebec take a boat cruise together to talk about the strained relationship between the US and Canada following President Donald Trump's election. Plus, both of Vermont's senators call for congressional Republicans to restore health care subsidies that are set to expire at year's end, state police will start an investigation into a shooting by a Burlington police officer, a new program in Vermont's largest city pays people with criminal records and addiction to stop using drugs, and every Vermont county is now dealing with severe drought and high danger fire conditions.  

The leader of the state's largest health network resigned, amid pressure from regulators and the public to rein in costs. Plus, a model to tackle overlapping problems like crime, addiction and homelessness is gaining popularity in some Vermont towns, Vermont health leaders say they're working to preserve access to vaccines in the state, the State attorney general's office determined a St Johnsbury cop was justified in firing his gun, Vermont state and healthcare leaders are applying for new federal grant money for the state's struggling healthcare system, A Rutland doctor who identified the first polio epidemic in the country is honored with a statute and A Warren artist and animator was recently awarded with a Creative Arts Emmy.

A UVM alum's widow helped make what is now an annual concert series that's celebrating its 70th anniversary.  Plus, The head of the University of Vermont Health Network is stepping down, All three members of Vermont's congressional delegation say that Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza, A school bus company and its Brattleboro drivers have come to a tentative agreement on a contract, Two women broke speed records this summer on the Long Trail and the head coach of UVM men's soccer team is celebrating his 100th career win.

A Breakdown of  Vermont's $790 million investment in housing. Plus, estate tax revenues will rise as wealthy baby boomers begin to die, A ferry boat service connecting Vermont and New York has halted its operations for the season early, Rutland City Police created a "Safe Exchange Zone" in front of its precinct, Killington's Town Manager passed away this week and community is created through collective gardens.