News from Vermont Public
News & Politics
About
VPR News is Vermont's statewide, public broadcast and digital news service.
Episodes
- Capitol Recap: Vermont House votes to partially repeal Act 181
The Vermont House has voted to partially repeal Act 181. Representative Amy Sheldon stated that the conservation measures were alienating rural landowners and not the appropriate solution.
- Hardwick wrestles with the future of one of its ailing dams
The town of Hardwick is considering the future of a dam, with potential removal costs ranging from $4 million to over $9 million. Funding the project is a major concern, as noted by the general manager of Hardwick Electric.
- From the 1970s to today, mapping Vermont for land use sets off fierce opposition
This episode revisits Vermont's land-use planning history, highlighting the intense opposition in the 1970s where opponents called the plan 'Satan's work,' 'Communist propaganda,' and a 'bureaucratic nightmare.' It contrasts this with cont…
- A Vermont landlord pursues debts from tenants. His wife now helps write eviction law
Rep. Debbie Dolgin, a Vermont landlord, previously used arrest warrants to collect tenant debts. She is now involved in writing eviction law and sees no conflict of interest.
- St. Johnsbury gets a new food co-op and local students help make it possible
Students from St. Johnsbury Academy's CTE program played key roles in building the new Caledonia Food Co-op. The new food co-op is located in St. Johnsbury.
- Capitol Recap: Proposal to tax high earners stirs debate over policy, and politics, in Montpelier
A proposal to increase income taxes for households earning over $586,000 annually is being debated in Montpelier. While unlikely to pass this year, some Democrats see the discussion as a potential campaign issue.
- 'It brings out the happy hormones': How music is helping Vermonters with dementia and caregivers
Support groups in Vermont are utilizing music to bring happiness and foster connections among individuals experiencing memory loss and their caregivers.
- Farming snow? Burke Mountain will try new strategy to extend ski racing season
Burke Mountain plans to experiment with storing snow under tarps during the summer to extend its ski racing season, citing climate change as a factor.
- For a fee, the doctor will see you now
Some Vermont primary care providers are adopting concierge models, charging membership fees to reduce burnout. This shift, however, creates challenges for patients losing access to traditional primary care.
- Capitol Recap: Impasse on education fuels fears of state government shutdown
Legislative conflict in Vermont over mandatory school district consolidation has stalled the state budget. House lawmakers are preparing for a potential government shutdown as they refuse to approve the governor's education reform bill.
- Collecting sap with sugarmaker Brian Blaisdell
Sugarmaker Brian Blaisdell discusses the process of collecting sap for maple syrup production and maintaining a resourceful lifestyle in Cabot.
- State says it polices driving program that feds accuse Migrant Justice activist of exploiting
The episode covers Vermont's policing of a driving program under federal scrutiny for exploitation and includes a separate discussion about maple syrup harvesting and resourceful living in Cabot.
- The push for smaller, cheaper plug-in solar panels gains momentum in New England
The movement for smaller, cheaper plug-in solar panels is gaining traction in New England. These panels, when used with a battery, can provide enough electricity to keep a refrigerator running during a power outage.
- Capitol Recap: House approves education reform bill that Scott plans to veto
The Vermont House of Representatives has approved an education reform bill. Governor Phil Scott has stated his intention to veto the bill, despite initial agreement between Democratic leaders and the governor on school district consolidati…
- Memphremagog Community Theatre brings performance art to both sides of the US-Canada border
Memphremagog Community Theatre, comprised of members from both Canada and the United States, hosted a recent kick-off event at a venue located on the international border.
- As one Vermont college finishes its last semester, an estimated 442 others may be in trouble
An estimated 442 out of 1,700 private, nonprofit four-year colleges are at risk of closure or merger within the next decade, affecting 670,000 students.
- Capitol Recap: When hospitals close services, who should have a say?
A new Vermont law allows regulators to intervene in hospital service closures after controversial cuts at the UVM Health network. However, lawmakers are now reconsidering this decision less than a year later.
- Mary Lake, sheep shearer, butcher and whisperer
Mary Lake travels the Northeast shearing sheep and consulting with farmers on flock health. She also works as a butcher.
- Capitol Recap: Forced school district mergers off the table in the Vermont House
Vermont House Democrats have decided against pursuing mandatory school district mergers, recognizing they do not have sufficient votes and that Vermonters oppose the measure.
- Vermont's climate superfund law gets its first day in court
Vermont's climate superfund law faces its first court appearance. Democratic leaders have decided against mandatory school district consolidation due to a lack of votes and public opposition.