Times Argus Editor Steve Pappas shares thoughts on top stories. Kris Stepeneck, UVM assistant professor and Leader of the Lake Champlain Sea Grant Program, talks about efforts to improve the environment and economy of the Champlain basin. Lori Smith of the Vermont Futures Project joins three people in Vermont at least partly in hopes of avoiding the pandemic.

Paul Heintz of Seven Days talks about his cover story on affordability in Vermont. Rickey Gard Diamond talks about “an economy of our own." Later, we focus on a new podcast from the Department of Fish & Wildlife.

We talk about abortion politics, first with Mary Beerworth of Vermont Right to Life and Lucy Leriche of Planned Parenthood. Later, Jane Youngbaer of Destination Imagination talks about that group’s efforts to enhance the education of young people.

Kit Norton of VTDigger joins Dave to talk about Vermont’s gubernatorial and other races. Jim Roosevelt of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare talks about threats to those systems’ funding. Members of the Vermont Specialty Food Association talk about their upcoming conference.

Congressman Peter Welch reflects on issues before the U.S. House. Emily McKenna and Amy Bessett of Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice check in to talk about a fundraiser for the group and its increasing use of tele-health services.

Times Argus editor Steve Pappas joins Dave to discuss the recent burning of Seven Days newspapers by Battery Park protestors in Burlington. Chris Koliba, director of UVM’s new Office of Engagement, talks about the school’s efforts to foster stronger connections with the state. Writer, actor and comedian Rusty Dewees talks to Dave about what he is up to during the Covid era.

Long-time Vermont debate coach David Kelley analyzes the performances of President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden in Tuesday’s debate. Kinney Drugs pharmacist Hayley Hooks talks about flu season and shots to minimize its impacts. Dr. Allan Ramsay, Medical Director of the People’s Health and Wellness Clinic, talks about access to health care in the COVID era.

Vermont Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Richard Sears joins Dave to discuss criminal justice legislation passed during the just completed legislative session. Later, Allen Gilbert talks about his book on Vermont pursuing equality in different ways.

Kathy Decker of the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation talks about the risks of starting open fires in dry conditions. Erin Sigrist of the Vermont Retail and Grocers Association asks businesses to fill out a survey issued by the state economist on the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on businesses. Retired history teacher Peter Berger reflects on President Trump’s recent call for teaching “patriotic history.”

Bob Johnson of the Vermont Principals' Association talks with Dave about the impact of the latest state COVID-19 response instructions on fall school sports. Middlebury College political science professor Matthew Dickinson talks about the Supreme Court and Trump's assertion that there will be no transfer of power.  Bob Ney joins to discuss national news. And Falko Schilling of the ACLU discusses legislative work on police reform.