The Frequency

Scientists and researchers try to find out where the harmful microplastics in Lake Champlain are coming from. Plus, economic challenges have forced about one third of small outdoor cannabis growers in Vermont to give up their licenses, a heat wave descending on the region today has utilities asking customers to conserve energy, state tax revenues fell well short of their predicted targets last month, Montpelier’s City Council will review its sanctuary city policies, and scientists and researchers who want to leave the US are being recruited in Montreal.   

Why Vermont’s smaller retail cannabis businesses are not happy with a new bill that makes changes to the industry. Plus, Sen. Welch decries a section of the budget bill being considered by Congress that restricts the ability of states to regulate Artificial Intelligence, a Vermont aircraft manufacturer secures a partnership with Republic Airways for an all-electric plane, the number of Quebec homes located in flood zones will increase when new maps are introduced next year, a Vershire author’s new book explore pseudoscience and the public's eroding trust in institutions like government and media, and in our weekly sports report we delve into the shocking trade the Boston Red Sox made last week when they sent their best slugger and three-time all-star to the San Francisco Giants. 

State lawmakers finally adjourn for the 2025 legislative session after working overtime to pass a sweeping education reform bill. Plus, Vermont agrees to the terms of a multi-state settlement with Purdue Pharma, the state health department plans to expand its partnerships with organizations that offer HIV testing, and a new historic marker will be unveiled in Weybridge to commemorate an openly same-sex couple who lived there in the 19th century. 

A conversation with former state Representative Bill Lippert, whose impassioned advocacy for civil unions is credited with helping Vermont become the first state to legally recognize same sex partnerships. Plus, lawmakers pass a 14 million dollar tax relief package, Vermont’s Attorney General joins a multi-state lawsuit in support of a federally-paused national Job Corps program, downtown businesses in Burlington report a slow start to the summer tourism season, and Southeast Vermont Transit discontinues a Brattleboro bus route. 

Why the current political climate might put efforts to expand ‘all resident voting’ on hold. Plus, Vermont’s L-G-B-T-Q community raises concerns about a broader age range of gender identity questions for patients using the UVM Health Network, Vermont joins a multi-state lawsuit suing the Trump Administration over efforts to revoke state rules that regulate pollution from vehicle emissions, Gov. Scott signs a new housing financing package bill into law, the Porter Medical Center in Vergennes prepares to conduct an emergency preparedness exercise, and Waterford residents seek answers after a recent fly infestation in town got so bad it forced many people indoors. 

We visit Swanton’s recreation commission where a group of teens has created a variety of after-school activities. Plus, why rank and file lawmakers in Montpelier may not automatically sign off on an education reform bill even if party leaders come up with a compromise this week, Gov. Scott vetoes a bill that would have overhauled Vermont’s motel voucher program, regional co-op grocery stores have been unable to place orders after a cyber attack on a major supplier scuttled deliveries, the head of Hydro-Quebec has resigned, and we see signs of hope for the Boston Red Sox after consecutive series wins against inter-division rivals in our weekly sports report. 

Why Vermont lawmakers are struggling to come to agreement on a comprehensive data privacy bill. Plus, a state cannabis equity group is disappointed that Gov. Scott passed a bill they say doesn’t address the concerns of small growers, a wildlife crossing project gets put on hold, the state labor department launches a new workforce expansion program, and despite some setbacks Vermont ski areas saw growth this winter.  

Federal funding cuts to rental assistance programs mean some families may be forced back into homelessness. Plus, state legislators continue to debate education reform, the state signs on to California’s lawsuit against Trump’s national guard deployment in Los Angeles, Vermont must re-apply for federal funds meant to expand broadband access, and free summer lunches for kids. 

There’s growing concern over the future of Vermont farmers’ markets because many don’t own the land where they operate. Plus, Vermont Senator Peter Welch says the Trump’s budget bill would “inflict bipartisan suffering,” the head of the Vermont Afghan Alliance says the recent travel ban is another blow to reuniting Afghan who helped the U.S military with their families, AAA warns people of a text scam, and updates on road work as we enter road construction season. 

A conversation with former Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy, whose eight-term tenure was the third longest in the history of the US senate. Plus, Vermont in April received 68 Million dollars more in revenue than expected, Northeast Kingdom campgrounds are seeing a slow start to the summer season, a new addiction treatment center is set to open in Bennington, and a state representative takes advantage of a nearly empty House chamber to read from his play about dogs and drinking.