Podcasts about town meeting day

Examining why many more school budgets were approved during Town Meeting Day this year, after nearly a third failed last year. Plus, state officials and local business owners brace for the economic impact of a trade war with Canada, Vermont's attorney general praises the U.S. Supreme Court for blocking an effort by the Trump administration to freeze foreign aid, corrections staff lock down Vermont prisons while searching for contraband, voters show mixed support for local options taxes on Town Meeting Day, and Dartmouth College is hosting the NCAA Skiing Championships for the first time in more than two decades.

Sharing scenes from Town Meeting Day, including a less-than-glowing assessment of local road maintenance. Plus, U.S. Rep. Becca Balint boycotts President Trump's joint address to Congress, the head of the Vermont Sugar Maker's Association attends Trump's speech amid concerns that tariffs levied against Canada will negatively affect the state's maple industry, Jay voters turn out for Town Meeting Day, about a half dozen municipalities consider a pledge of support for Palestinians, voters in Rutland County's Quarry Valley School District consider a nonbinding school closure article, and voters in Guilford pass all articles on the ballot during their first-ever Saturday town meeting.

On Tuesday, Vermonters gathered to discuss, debate, and vote on issues directly related to their community. That includes the big stuff — town and school budgets — and the small, like resurfacing tennis courts or earmarking a few thousand dollars for after-school programs.

Without intervention, education officials say health care costs will continue to eat up ever-larger shares of local school budgets — regardless of which cost-saving measures Montpelier imposes on districts. Plus, Middlebury is among the handful of municipalities presenting water infrastructure bonds to voters on Town Meeting Day, Sen. Welch is calling for Republicans to support Ukraine, the state is proposing changes for waterfowl hunters, and Caledonia County's sheriff has died.

Town Meeting Day is a method of direct civic engagement and and a longstanding community building tradition. It's a time when Vermont's 247 municipalities each decide how they'll spend their local budgets. We begin by hearing about some significant votes taking place around the state. Vermont Public's Nina Keck talks about the Rutland mayoral race, and reporter Lexi Krupp explains Lyndon's vote to keep Town Meeting an in-person affair, rather than switch to Australian ballot.Then, we dig into the history of town meetings in Vermont with Middlesex town moderator Susan Clark. She is the co-author of many books about democracy in Vermont, including All Those in Favor: Rediscovering the Secrets of Town Meeting and Community. She discusses the times when Vermont towns voted on national and international issues that extended far beyond the purview of local budgets. Then, we share a 1982 NPR story by Leslie Breeding about a town meeting in Strafford. Broadcast live on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.

This episode aired 03/03/259:00 to 9:30Senator Russ IngallsPolitics in the Northeast Kingdom and Town meeting day break9:30 to 10:00Senator Sam DouglasPolitics in the Northeast Kingdom and Town Meeting Day break10:00 to 10:30Elliott GreenblottAARP Fraudwatchmonthly segment10:30 to 11:00Amanda HeadleySelectboard Candidate, St. Albans Town

Despite historically strong ties, Canadians are canceling trips to Vermont amid President Trump's threats to institute tariffs on Canadian goods and calls to make our northern neighbor the “51st state.” Plus, the Scott administration presents a plan to adjust the motel housing program after funding disagreements with Democratic lawmakers, Vermont appears to have missed a major climate emissions deadline, a handful of municipalities will consider local option taxes on Town Meeting Day, and Middlebury's Town Hall Theater is opening a new learning space.

It's time for Town Meeting Day, a Vermont tradition stretching back more than 200 years. Chief administrative officer for the City of Burlington Katharine Schad discusses significant bond measures. Missisquoi Valley School District vice chair Renick Darnell-Martin, a Highgate resident, talks through the school district's budget. In Plainfield, select board chair Karl Bissex talked about a plan to expand the town after last year's flooding caused major damage. Bellows Falls, Saxtons River and Rockingham voted this past weekend to create a single municipal fire and rescue department. Rockingham town manager Scott Pickup provides insight on that vote. Jackie Matts, chair of the Bennington charter review committee, explains the effort to allow 16- and 17-year-olds and non-U.S.citizens to vote on town issues.

Gov. Phil Scott wants to roll back some of Vermont's key climate laws, arguing they are too costly to implement. Lawmakers are debating whether to stay the course on climate action. Vermont Public's Peter Hirschfeld breaks down this debate over the Global Warming Solutions Act. He also looks at how legislators are preparing for Town Meeting Day and navigating uncertainty around federal funding. Catch up on everything happening at the Statehouse with Capitol Recap, released every Friday.

In this episode, Brattleboro's Town Manager John Potter summarizes the Selectboard meeting held on February 18, 2025, and previews a special joint meeting with the Hinsdale Board of Selectmen scheduled for March 3 and a special meeting scheduled for March 6.  SHOW NOTES — Feb. 18: Meeting Materials, Watch Brattleboro voters, here's some helpful info ahead of Town Meeting Day on March 4. The Assessor's Office published a guide on the homestead declaration and the Vermont property tax credit. Business licenses are due March 15 and dog licenses are due on April 1. Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov.  

Assessing the damage from a weekend storm that brought more snowfall to parts of Vermont than has been seen in at least a couple of years. Plus, Winooski voters will decide an eviction notice ballot measure on Town Meeting Day, Vermont's Supreme Court dismisses a lawsuit opposing the governor's appointment of an interim education secretary, UVM receives top tier status for schools engaged in scientific research, and the incoming interim police chief in Burlington will serve for two years and stay on as an advisor once a permanent chief is hired.

Why a general store in New Hampshire that's been serving the community for two centuries may not be around much longer. Plus, a Waterbury House Democrat wants to advance legislation to reform the state's emergency shelter program before a new wave of evictions, a new development will bring more than 250 homes to Middlebury, several state medical associations voice opposition to President Trump's executive order restricting youth access to gender-affirming care, Burlington voters won't be asked to weigh in on a tax increase on Town Meeting Day despite the city's budget deficit, and a Vermont solar manufacturer gets nearly $400 million in financing from a Canadian investment company to build out four solar projects.

(posting after the vote)  Newport Selectman Jim Burroughs and former Finance Director Paul Brown are here on the specail Town Meeting Day in Newport to talk about the vote, why this meeting was called, how the money works, the loan forgiveness and more.

Roughly one in three school budgets failed in Vermont on Town Meeting Day this year. School districts across the state are now entering second and third voting rounds to get budgets approved by voters.

Efforts by an organic farmer and men serving time in a Maine prison to grow fresh produce for the incarcerated population there. Plus, Vermont House lawmakers move a bill that will only slightly reduce property taxes this year, a lawsuit is filed over a school district's handling of its budget vote on Town Meeting Day, controlled springtime burns get underway in the Green Mountain National Forest, doctors at UVM are studying new ways to treat rectal cancer, and two Vermonters win coveted Guggenheim fellowships.

Roughly one in three school budgets failed in Vermont on Town Meeting Day this year. School districts across the state are now entering second and third voting rounds to get budgets approved by voters.

Three Vermont cities now allow non-U.S. citizens to vote on local issues, and one town allows 16- and 17-year-olds to vote.

Why nearly a third of school budget votes failed on Town Meeting Day, and where state lawmakers go from here.

Climate change is making it harder for Vermont's high school cross-country skiers to get in a full season of competition. Plus, Gov. Scott says the large number of school budgets voted down on Town Meeting Day is a wake-up call for state lawmakers, some legislators say the entire education funding system may need to change, a disaster declaration request for storms that hit Vermont in January, and support staff and technical workers at Porter Medical Center form a union.

Lawmakers in New Hampshire and Maine vowed to respond to recent acts of gun violence. How much progress have they actually made on that promise? We discuss that story and more on this edition of the New Hampshire News Recap.

Nearly a third of all school budgets failed to pass on Town Meeting Day. Vermonters were asked if they could shoulder nearly double-digit property tax increases to support their schools.

Voters at Town Meeting Day approved infrastructure projects, as towns worked to meet a looming deadline on spending down ARPA funds.

Morning Drive Recap, Town Meeting Day Recap Part 2. Kelly Devine joins Kurt & Anthony to dig into the details of the election results, particularly in Burlington. (7-8:30 am )

Lee Kittell hosts the show this morning for a review of Town Meeting Day across the state. In the first hour, he's joined by:Jim Dandeneau - Executive Director - Vermont Democratic PartyJosh Wronski - Executive Director - Vermont Progressive PartyLisa Scagliotti - Editor - Waterbury RoundaboutMichelle Hill - Worcester Resident

Lee Kittell hosts the show this morning for a review of Town Meeting Day across the state. In the second hour, he's joined by:Paul Dame - Chair - Vermont Republican PartyTim Calabro - Editor - The White River Valley HeraldPat McDonald - Vermont Viewpoint Host and Berlin Resident

Property taxes and school budgets pose big challenges for voters on Town Meeting Day. Plus, a push for a law banning guns from polling stations, voters in Cabot will again decide whether to close the town's high school, Addison County's top prosecutor returns to work following arraignment on a DUI charge, 16- and 17-year-olds in Brattleboro can cast Town Meeting Day votes for the first time ever, and incentives to vote today in Bethel include pie – and a local cheerleading squad.

Vermont Public's Bob Kinzel and Liam Elder-Connors sit down to discuss some of the big and small issues Vermonters will see on Town Meeting Day ballots across the state.

We check in with towns and cities across Vermont as people get ready for Town Meeting Day.

The seven member towns of the Mountain Views School District will decide on Town Meeting Day whether to approve a $99 million bond to replace their combined middle and high school.

THIS IS BOB'S WORLD TOMORROW IS A MUNICIPAL RITUAL AS UNIQUE AS THE STATE IN WHICH IT HAPPENS… I'M BOB WELCH AND TOMORROW IS TOWN MEETING DAY IN VERMONT. THAT STORY COMING UP.. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bobwelch/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bobwelch/support

Newbury Selectboard candidate Susan Culp highlights her ideas for economic development, climate adaptation, and land use in the Town of Newbury!Reach out to Susan's campaign: SusanCulpforNewbury@gmail.comVermonters: get out and vote in your Town Meeting Day, Tuesday March 5th!VTDigger Article on the Newbury Youth Detention CenterVPR Guide to Vermont Town Meeting Day 2024VT Supreme Court Decision, Dissent beginning on page 12

At least six Vermont communities will consider adopting declarations of inclusion on Town Meeting Day. Plus, lawmakers consider relief for Vermont orchards, Gov. Scott wants you to vote for Nikki Haley, a stretch of I-91 is closed after a rockslide, Montpelier farmers market organizers are trying to regain access to their usual location, and heavy winds led to thousands of power outages this week. And now that Mitch Wertlieb is settling in as the new host of The Frequency, we want to hear your feedback on the show. What's working for you? What doesn't? What do you wish was in the podcast that you're not hearing? Your input helps us make the best show we can – one you'll look forward to hearing every day. So please share your thoughts at thefrequency@vermontpublic.org.

A sample version of the declaration of inclusion says that the town condemns racism, and commits to fair treatment of everyone regardless of race, religion, gender, and several other traits. Mendon resident Al Wakefield, one of the founders of the declaration initiative, explains why he thinks it's necessary.

In the first hour, Kevin Ellis is joined first by Brenda Siegel, Executive Director of End Homelessness Vermont, with an update on the homeless shelter program that the legislature and the Scott Administration are working on. Then, Kevin talks with the reporter and editor of the Waterbury Roundabout Lisa Scagliotti about all things Town Meeting Day.

While state and federal law require polling places to be accessible to Vermont voters with disabilities, that's not always the reality in what are often historic buildings.

In the first hour, Pat McDonald is joined by Sue Ceglowski and Neil Odell, Executive Director and former President of the Vermont School Board Association, to discuss school budgets at upcoming Town Meeting Day.

The challenges facing Burlington's relationship with sister cities in the Middle East. Plus, new recommendations for people testing positive for COVID, Montpelier moves closer to finally getting postal service restored, trying to reduce the impact of winter ticks on moose, and considering whether participation in Town Meeting Day is affected by how people cast their votes. And now that Mitch Wertlieb is settling in as the new host of The Frequency, we want to hear your feedback on the show. What's working for you? What doesn't? What do you wish was in the podcast that you're not hearing? Your input helps us make the best show we can – one you'll look forward to hearing every day. So please share your thoughts at thefrequency@vermontpublic.org.

Why an increase in rainy winters is affecting snowpack, and in turn, the quality of water. Plus, the state Senate moves a bill to let towns postpone budget votes until after Town Meeting Day, a shortage of nursing home beds puts a strain on hospitals, a state representative is charged with driving under the influence, state substance misuse prevention funds will benefit organizations in northwestern Vermont, and U.S. House Representative Becca Balint visits Israel with a congressional delegation. And now that Mitch Wertlieb is settling in as the new host of The Frequency, we want to hear your feedback on the show. What's working for you? What doesn't? What do you wish was in the podcast that you're not hearing? Your input helps us make the best show we can – one you'll look forward to hearing every day. So please share your thoughts at thefrequency@vermontpublic.org.

In the first hour, Pat McDonald is joined by Paul Gillies Esq., Town Moderator for Berlin, to discuss Town Meeting Day.

Description: A new non-profit strives to fight loneliness. Plus, both Vermont senators vote against an aid package for Israel and Ukraine, changes coming to the state's education funding system are making things difficult for municipal clerks as Town Meeting Day nears, a no-snow record not seen since the 19th century, and a Vermonter breaks her own record for the fastest indoor mile run by an American woman. And now that Mitch Wertlieb is settling in as the new host of The Frequency, we want to hear your feedback on the show. What's working for you? What doesn't? What do you wish was in the podcast that you're not hearing? Your input helps us make the best show we can – one you'll look forward to hearing every day. So please share your thoughts at thefrequency@vermontpublic.org.

The Vermont secretary of state is guiding local clerks through potential last-minute ballot changes.

Vermont lawmakers may tweak the state's medical cannabis program and potency limits for retail weed. Plus, Town Meeting Day votes on school budgets may face delays as lawmakers ponder major changes to education funding, developers of a big housing project in Burlington scale back apartment construction in favor of hotels, the head of Vermont's Criminal Justice Council blasts comments made about migrant workers by a former council member, new details on setting up temporary shelters for unhoused Vermonters exiting the state's motel housing program, and a stretch of warm days scuttles an annual pond hockey game. And now that Mitch Wertlieb is settling in as the new host of The Frequency, we want to hear your feedback on the show. What's working for you? What doesn't? What do you wish was in the podcast that you're not hearing? Your input helps us make the best show we can – one you'll look forward to hearing every day. So please share your thoughts at thefrequency@vermontpublic.org.

Lawmakers are grappling with a forecasted 17% jump in school taxes next year. Meanwhile, superintendents are worried voters will reject their budgets on Town Meeting Day.

In the next entry in our occasional series on class, a St. Albans woman talks about having relatives known for criminal activity and how it's affected the way people view her. Plus, a push for disclosure on properties at risk for flooding, Brattleboro residents at least 16 years old can cast votes in local elections for the first time, Barre City moves the date for its Town Meeting Day, a new non-profit aging group partnership, and Amtrak will build a new train station in Brattleboro.

In March, Erica Heilman attended a mock Town Meeting Day at Woodbury Elementary School where the students voted between taking a field trip or buying new playground equipment. They chose a field trip and Erica tagged along.

A little Town Meeting Day, a little Little League, a call for anyone with memories of The Orwell Orgy (the 1970s music festival that wasn't, get your head out of the gutter) to get in touch with us, and more on this month's Orwell Bugler!

A unique art exhibit in Brattleboro showcases ice shanties. Plus, a rundown of some trends in Town Meeting Day results.

Host Mikaela Lefrak speaks with reporter Liam Elder-Connors about the notable votes across Vermont from the 2023 town meetings held on or before Tuesday, March 7.

Today on Vermont Viewpoint, Kevin Ellis hosts! For the beginning half of the show, he'll speak with Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas about Town Meeting Day. Then, during the second half of the show, he'll speak with Montpelier Boys Highschool Basketball Coach Nick Foster, as well as have open phones.

Stay up to date with the Cynic Roundup, giving you coverage on the stories you might have missed in news this past week! In this edition, we take a deeper dive into the Patrick Leahy's new UVM position, a new Community Police control board on the ballot for Town Meeting Day, and Hannah King's on-campus campaigning activities.

It's Town Meeting Day in Vermont, and while the COVID pandemic affected in-person meetings the last two years, 2023 is shaping up to be more traditional.

Hosts Mikaela Lefrak and Connor Cyrus talk with town clerks and meeting moderators about the big questions Vermont voters will decide during their local town meetings this year.

We preview Town Meeting Day in Vermont Tuesday with Middlebury College political science professor Bert Johnson, who hopes the old-fashioned tradition will continue.

Towns all over Vermont will discuss zoning, landlord-tenant rights and housing infrastructure as voters weigh in on development and managed growth.

On this episode of Vermont Viewpoint, Brad Ferland hosts! During the first half of the show, he'll talk with Mary Humphry and Allison Steinmets. They'll be discussing Doula's. A doula is a trained professional who provides expert guidance for the service of others and who supports another person through a significant health related experience, such as child birth. Kicking off the second half of the show, he'll speak with Elliott Greenblott of AARP Fraud Watch. Finishing off the show, he'll speak about Town Meeting Day with Governor Jim Douglas.

On Town Meeting Day, Burlington will vote on a provision to allow all legal resident voting. If the provision passes, green card holders, participants in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or DACA program, and people with eligible work permits would be able to vote in municipal elections.

Today on Vermont Viewpoint, Kevin Ellis hosts! During the first half of the show, he'll have Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger on to talk about Town Meeting Day Ballot items. Then, during the second half of the show, he'll speak with Tom Haley who is the Sportswriter for the Rutland Herald. They'll be discussing high school basketball play offs.

How a Thetford congregation chose to pass on its building to a land trust centered on people of color. Plus, a Town Meeting Day preview, a new cancer treatment at UVM, and an Amtrak crash in Sharon.

The Burlington Progressive, who will face Democrat Joan Shannon on Town Meeting Day for the South District City Council seat, was a guest Tuesday on The Morning Drive on WVMT.

Deputy Directors at the Building Electrification Institute and strategic electrification experts discuss the ballot item for Town Meeting Day 2023 concerning a proposed carbon pollution fee for large buildings in Burlington. 

Host Connor Cyrus speaks with Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas about pandemic-era changes to Town Meeting Day procedures that have been extended for another two years.

Every year in the spring, small towns throughout New England host their annual town meeting. Town meetings take place in high school gyms or town halls, and anyone can come. In fact, in Vermont, Town Meeting Day is a public holiday. Everyone gets the day off work to make sure they have the chance to participate. It's a moment when everyone who lives there can come together to talk out the issues facing the town and decide how they want to spend their money.Radio producer Erica Heilman lives in Vermont and is the host of a  jewel of a podcast called Rumble Strip. It's ostensibly all about life in Vermont, but it may just also be about life in general.

Every year in the spring, small towns throughout New England host their annual town meeting. Town meetings take place in high school gyms or town halls, and anyone can come. In fact, in Vermont, Town Meeting Day is a public holiday. Everyone gets the day off work to make sure they have the chance to participate. It's a moment when everyone who lives there can come together to talk out the issues facing the town and decide how they want to spend their money.Radio producer Erica Heilman lives in Vermont and is the host of a  jewel of a podcast called Rumble Strip. It's ostensibly all about life in Vermont, but it may just also be about life in general.

A voice from Ukraine, and a Town Meeting Day rundown.

We begin the show with open phone lines! Then we hear about the success the Warren Conservation Commission has had in working to eradicate the invasive Japanese Knotweed. After that, VTDigger's Southern Vermont reporter Tiffany Tan provides an update on developing stories involving the Bennington County Sheriff and the Town Meeting Day vote on a new field house facility in Manchester. And we finish by hearing about the tasty treats created by Rhino Foods in Burlington. 

We start Town Meeting Day by taking comments from our constituents with a half-hour of open phones. Next, we'll meet the creator of a product that protects and restores dry and chapped hands – Vermont Bee Balm. Then, we'll discuss the Russian invasion of Ukraine with an expert from Norwich University, Dr. Lasha Tchantouridzé. And we finish by meeting Chef Rung Morgan of Saap Thai Restaurant in Randolph, who was recently honored by the James Beard Foundation Award. 

13 police officers in Vermont were flagged by prosecutors for potential credibility issues. Plus, a new state Supreme Court justice, and Gov. Scott vetoes 16- and 17-year-old voting in Brattleboro ahead of Town Meeting Day.

We start by meeting recent Vermont Sports Hall of Fame inductee, UVM basketball star Taylor Coppenrath. Then, Calvin Cutler of WCAX joins us with a State House Update. Next, we hear about Hartland's Famous Roast Beef Supper, that had been a favorite of author J.D. Salinger. After that, we'll discuss the institution of Town Meeting with author Susan Clark. And we finish the morning learning about the Wind Harp that once stood on a Chelsea Farm and of the incredible maple tap collection of the farm's owners. 

Each morning we talk about the issues and events that are important to you. And they want to hear from you. Feel free to call in anytime during the show at 888-414-0303.

How Vermont is likely to be affected by the world's changing climate. Plus, Sen. Leahy on Biden's Supreme Court pick, Town Meeting Day, and bonus poll results.

Voters in Vermont's most populous city, Burlington, will have the chance to weigh in on a myriad of issues this Town Meeting Day. They include a city charter change, multiple city council seats and a series of big ticket funding proposals.

Waples would become first woman of color to serve on the state's highest court; Record-setting 2021 opioid overdose death toll continues to rise; Lawmakers consider $18.6M estimate to install air conditioning at all state prisons; Vermont to get $200M to modernize 5 US-Canadian border ports; Vermont towns look to finance water infrastructure projects this Town Meeting Day.

We open the show hearing from Burlington-by-way-of-Boston indie-soul artist Ali McGuirk. Then we'll learn about a new report from UVM's Center for Research on Vermont that looks at what towns are spending on police services. After that, national correspondent Bob Ney provides an update. Chelsea Edgar of Seven Days shares her story about where noncitizens will be voting on Town Meeting Day. And we finish the show by meeting the new State Librarian Catherine Delneo 

Hosts Mikaela Lefrak and Connor Cyrus talk to a handful of leaders to hear what issues will be tackled in their communities on Town Meeting Day.

Hosts Mikaela Lefrak and Connor Cyrus talk to a handful of leaders to hear what issues will be tackled in their communities on Town Meeting Day.

We begin the show in Leicester to explore the lovely grounds of Foxglove Farm and its unique accommodations, small-batch maple syrup, fresh-cut flowers and a wide variety of handcrafted jewelry and knitted apparel. Next, we open the phones up for a half hour. Barre-Montpelier Times-Argus Editor Steve Pappas then provides a Town Meeting Day preview for communities in Central Vermont.  And we finish the morning catching up with Governor Phil Scott. 

Town Meeting Day elections are less than a week away! Join the Morning Drive to hear from a LOT of the candidates.

SB Councilor Tim Barritt spoke with The Morning Drive Monday as he seeks his third term on the Council in next weeks' Town Meeting Day voting.

Rep. Houghton and Dolan join WVMT's The Morning Drive to discuss the upcoming Village of Essex Junction Annual Meeting Vote which includes a reconsideration of a merger vote from Town Meeting Day. They share their perspectives on how the legislature may respond, representation, and more.

Tiki joins WVMT's The Morning Drive to discuss his run for City Council in the last days up to Town Meeting Day. He will also shares his thoughts on some of the latest actions made by the Burlington City Council.

Elaine joins WVMT's The Morning Drive to share why she is running this Town Meeting Day for another term on the Essex Selectboard, her priorities for Essex, and more.

Mark Barlow is running for the North District (Ward 4 & 7) seat on the Burlington City Council which will be voted on this upcoming Town Meeting Day. He joins WVMT's The Morning Drive to discuss why he is getting in the race, respond to recent actions by the Burlington City Council, and how he will campaign for this seat.

This week, a political reporter’s history of the New Hampshire primary. Plus, we follow scientists who are recreating ancient forests, tracking the effects of climate change on moose, and fighting to keep funding for weird-sounding research. And we hear the story of a soccer team that’s leveling the playing field for kids of all backgrounds. You can stream the entire episode by clicking play on the embedded media player above or listen to the embedded SoundCloud files below for individual reports.  Give Me Primary, or Give Me Death New Hampshire’s near-religious devotion to the democratic process has surfaced on our show before – most recently last month when the state plowed forward with Town Meeting Day, despite the mid-march blizzard that swept the region. But the Granite State’s political fervor reaches it’s height during its first-in-the-nation presidential primary. Just take a look at this headline-making tweet from the 2016 race: Photo-@pgrossmith: A woman calmly eats breakfast at Blake’s in Manchester as @CarlyFiorina campaigned today. #fitn pic.twitter.com/LiakOK6oRI — UnionLeader.com (@UnionLeader) February 8, 2016 Our guest, long-time political reporter Scott Conroy, followed the often absurd 2016 campaign up and down New Hampshire for a year and a half leading up to the primary. His new book,  Vote First or Die chronicles the pancake breakfasts, ice cream socials and frigid walks to knock on doors – all hallmarks of the retail politics that presidential hopefuls still have to engage in during the primary season. Engineering Forests, Tracking Fading Moose In this area of Jericho Research Forest in Vermont, most trees are about 150 years old. This makes for a rather homogeneous forest with fewer opportunities for wildlife habitat. Photo by Kathleen Masterson for VPR. In the northeast U.S., there is less than 1 percent of old growth forest left. A new University of Vermont study finds that harvesting trees in a way that mimics ancient forests not only restore critical habitat but also stores a surprising amount of carbon. Researchers created this tip-up mound by pulling over this tree with a cable. A downed tree offers a number of habitat niches for small mammals, insects, and invertebrates. Photo by Kathleen Masterson for VPR For a forest to be considered “old growth,” it must grow largely undisturbed, usually for several centuries. These ancient forests help foster biodiversity of plants, animal, and even fungi — and can help mitigate flooding. University of Vermont ecologist Bill Keeton wanted to see if he could take a “middle-aged” New England forest and “nudge” the forest ecosystem into old-growth conditions. Vermont Public Radio reporter Kathleen Masterson went to take a look. The 1990s were a good time to be a moose in New Hampshire. The animals could take advantage of a perfect mix of young and mature forest, and plenty of food. At its peak, the statewide population reached 7,400. But given the lush habitat, scientists wondered why the moose population wasn't growing faster. Today, there are only about 3,400 moose in New Hampshire, and the same steep decline is being reported in neighboring Vermont and Maine. The culprit? A nasty tick whose proliferation is brought on by climate change. We speak with Kristine Rines, a wildlife biologist with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Rines is leading a four-year study to learn more about how weather changes and forest management practices affect the moose population. In Defense of Weird Science and Affordable Soccer The national March for Science on April 22, and the many satellite events around New England marked a departure for many scientists. Until recently, they didn't consider political activism a part of their jobs. But over the past few years, a growing number of researchers have faced political attacks about their work, and many say it’s time to come out swinging. New England Public Radio's Karen Brown visited one scientist who's urging colleagues to step up and make the case for continued federal funding, even when their research sounds strange. Cameron Rodrigues, 11, plays competitive soccer in Nashua, NH. Photo by Emily Corwin for NHPR Last year, Boston's Metro South Under-15 girls soccer team became champions in the New England Premiership Soccer League. Playing on club soccer teams like that can get attention from college recruiters. But those clubs also charge players’ families around $1500 per child, per year. New Hampshire Public Radio's Emily Corwin has a story about a soccer club in Nashua, New Hampshire, with a different approach to high-level sports – one that's all about leveling the playing field. Introducing: West Mass Here’s an update on what we’re calling the Connecticut River Valley region in Massachusetts. In February the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts announced a rebrand for the area formerly known as the Pioneer Valley. The new name, “West Mass,” was released with a promotional video. But “West Mass” took a beating on social media. One Youtube commenter put it this way: “It’s nice that even in these divisive times, we can all come together and agree that this is very bad.” So last week, the organizations behind the rebranding announced that they're putting “West Mass” on pause. They're asking for feedback from both inside and outside the region- in the form of an online survey where you can vote for “West Mass,” or “Western Mass.” (“Pioneer Valley” is not an option!) If you missed our segment where we analyzed “West Mass” and other New England branding campaigns with Connecticut state historian Walt Woodward, that's definitely worth a listen. Find it in Episode 31, or listen right here: About NEXT NEXT is produced at WNPR. Host: John Dankosky Producer: Andrea Muraskin Executive Producer: Catie Talarski Digital Content Manager/Editor: Heather Brandon Contributors to this episode: Kathleen Masterson, Karen Brown, Emily Corwin Music: Todd Merrell, “New England” by Goodnight Blue Moon Get all the NEXT episodes. We appreciate your feedback! Send praise, critique, suggestions, questions, story leads, and place branding ideas to next@wnpr.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With plenty of fresh powder on the ground, we look at how climate change is changing our region’s ski industry; and learn why the sport now comes with such a high price tag. We also hear about how Providence, Rhode Island is grappling with being a “sanctuary city.” And we get inside the unique, intensely democratic process that is a New England town meeting. A view from Bigrock Mountain Ski Area in Mars Hill, in northern Maine. Climate scientists say ski resorts in northern New England may benefit from an increase in visitors as climate change shortens the ski season to the south. Photo by Martin Cathrae via Flickr Upscale, Downhill The late-winter nor’easter that dumped snow across New England on Tuesday and Wednesday was a welcome sight to the region's ski areas, which have been seeing shortening ski seasons in the past decade, due to climate change. According to University of Waterloo climate scientist Daniel Scott, no ski area in southern New England will remain profitable after 2040. As Maine Public Radio’s Fred Bever reports, ski areas in northern New England could benefit. A hand-painted sign hangs on the wall at the Veterans Memorial Recreation Area in Franklin, New Hampshire. Photo courtesy of NHPR. Skiing is a pricey hobby. A lift ticket at Sugarloaf in Maine will run you $95. At Stowe in Vermont, it’s $124 for the day. Even at Ski Sundown, a small mountain in Connecticut, a ticket on a Saturday or Sunday costs $60. But at Veterans Memorial Ski Area in Franklin, New Hampshire, admission is just $20. Instead of a chair lift, there's a metal bar that goes behind the thighs, attached to a rope that pulls skiers up the 230-foot hill. Once upon a time, these no-frills ski areas were the rule in New England, rather than the exception. So what happened? The team at New Hampshire Public Radio’s podcast Outside/In went to Franklin to figure out how skiing “got fancy.” For more fun on the slopes, listen to the full Outside/In episode, “Gnar Pow.” Whose Sanctuary is it Anyway? Guests at Rhode Island Public Radio’s “Policy and Pinot” discussion on March 9. From left: Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza, immigration law professor Deborah Gonzalez, Providence Public Safety Commissioner Steven Pare, RI Republican National Committeewoman Lee An Sennick, and NEXT host John Dankosky. Photo by Kristen Gourlay for RIPR President Donald Trump has pledged to crack down on so-called sanctuary cities — jurisdictions that shield undocumented residents from federal immigration officials, mainly by refusing to comply with requests for local law enforcement to help enforce immigration law. Under Trump's January 25 executive order, these cities could lose federal funding. The president and his supporters say the order is an attempt to improve public safety. But advocates claim that people living in the United States without documentation are more often victims of crime. They say that when police cooperate with federal immigration officials, community trust is eroded. Earlier this month, NEXT host John Dankosky moderated a forum about sanctuary cities in Providence, Rhode Island; where Mayor Jorge Elorza, like other urban mayors, has voiced open opposition to the order. Elorza and other panelists debated where local law enforcement ends and federal law enforcement begins. Listen to the full event audio from Rhode Island Public Radio. Explore stories about immigration in New England from the New England News Collaborative series Facing Change. “We are the Government” This past Tuesday was Town Meeting Day in New Hampshire. And while some towns rescheduled because of the big winter storm, New Hampshire’s Secretary of State there said the law requires towns to hold their local elections on the second Tuesday in March, regardless of the weather. In Newmarket, school board candidates and many voters toughed it out. New Hampshire Public Radio's Jason Moon reports. Candidates and survivors braved the elements Tuesday in New Market, NH. Photo by Jason Moon for NHPR. While residents of towns like Newmarket cast ballots, other New England towns hold traditional town meetings. That’s when citizens gather in a church or school gym to debate, deliberate and ultimately vote on a budget, and other municipal business. Town meeting is a tradition unique to New England in the United States, and goes back to colonial times. But an increasing number of towns are giving up the public debate in favor of a ballot-based system. So, is the tradition worth preserving? On Vermont’s Town Meeting Day, Vermont Public Radio's Howard Weiss-Tisman sat in on a town meeting where the future of town meeting was up for debate. Meeting-goers in Tunbridge, Vermont cast paper ballots in a non-binding vote over whether to oppose a new residential development. Depending on town rules, votes can also be cast verbally or by a show of hands. Photo by Rebecca Sananes for VPR. So what’s so special about town meeting, and just how much power do attendees hold? For answers, we’re joined by Susan Clark, author of All Those in Favor: Rediscovering the Secrets of Town Meeting and Community, and Slow Democracy. Clark serves as moderator at her town meeting in Middlesex, Vermont. In Woodstock, NH, chickens in the road are no laughing matter. Photo by Angela N. via Flickr. And in Woodstock, New Hampshire, population 1,400, the main issue of town meeting this year was trespassing… by chickens. There's no state law regarding the caging of fowl in New Hampshire, and some residents’ chickens have been roaming onto neighbors' property, and even blocking traffic. How was the chicken fight resolved? No spoilers: you’ll just have to listen. About NEXT NEXT is produced at WNPR. Host: John Dankosky Producer: Andrea Muraskin Executive Producer: Catie Talarski Digital Content Manager/Editor: Heather Brandon Contributors to this episode: Fred Bever, Sam Evans-Brown, Maureen McMurray, Jimmy Gutierrez, Jason Moon, and Howard Weiss-Tisman Music: Todd Merrell, “New England” by Goodnight Blue Moon Special thanks this week to Dekama Welch. Get all the NEXT episodes. We appreciate your feedback! Send praise, critique, suggestions, questions, story leads, and town meeting minutes to next@wnpr.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today is "Town Meeting Day" in New Hampshire when people across the state vote on local issues, municipal/school budgets and other major spending issues. The frustrating part is that at least for our city it is hard to get information about what exactly we are voting on today...

This town meeting day 2012, members of the Vermont Workers' Center organized at over fifty town meetings all across Vermont, talking with people about healthcare, the proposed post office closings, and the People's Budget Campaign. To find out more, check out our blog post about town meeting day: www.workerscenter.org/townmeeting2012

Switchboard for March 6, 2007 from VPR. A special 90-minute Switchboard devoted to Town Meeting Day. Hosted by Bob Kinzel and Steve Zind.