The Frequency

Prepping pets for the total solar eclipse, and helping the visually impaired experience the historic celestial event. Plus, the state Senate approves a bill to create a new disaster mitigation fund, Vermont moves closer to a statewide vote that would protect the rights of workers to organize and collectively bargain, how New England power grid operators are preparing for the solar eclipse, and a plan to turn the former campus of Green Mountain College into condos and a destination hotel.

Why Vermont has an educator shortage, and how it’s affecting schools. Plus, Montpelier is finally poised to have a post office again, the owner of the Green River Reservoir dam doesn’t want to operate it for electricity anymore, state lawmakers consider overhauling Act 250, and town officials are preparing to close trail access roads during next week’s solar eclipse.

Two Vermont youth reflect on International Transgender Day of Visibility. Plus, The Vermont House approves a state budget proposal, the Senate supports a bill that would create a climate superfund program, Copley Hospital is running out of money, and Emma Mulvaney-Stanak is giving up her House seat to take over as mayor of Burlington.

Democrats in the Vermont House have passed three bills that would raise taxes and fees by $130 million per year, and Republican Gov. Phil Scott is sounding the alarm. We'll break down that dynamic for this week's edition of the Capitol Recap, and share how it could impact local elections in November.

A couple from Craftsbury has been planning for years to get married on the day of the total solar eclipse. Plus, a major Act 250 overhaul bill appears headed to the state Senate, House lawmakers vote to indefinitely pause Vermont’s PCB testing program for schools, two state police troopers accused of using excessive force have their cases transferred to diversion, a college professor’s quest to visit as many Vermont public libraries as possible while on sabbatical, and a new rescue vehicle for the Swanton Village Fire Department.

The outgoing mayor of Vermont’s largest city reflects on his 12-year tenure. Plus, Vermont House lawmakers approve a bill that would reduce out-of-pocket health care costs for low-income seniors, Addison County’s top prosecutor moves the case of a 14-year-old charged with murder to juvenile court–a decision made two days before the Vermont Supreme Court suspended her law license, Rep. Becca Balint officially announces she’ll seek a second term in the U.S. House, and thoughts on the Boston Red Sox as the 2024 MLB season gets underway.

A woman from Calais laments rising taxes and fuel costs that led her to sell off land she’s lived on for more than three decades. Plus, more on taxes, as Vermont House lawmakers prepare bills that would raise rates for high-income earners and corporations, the Burlington City Council gets pushback after approving rezoning measures they say will create hundreds of new homes, a bill is moved allowing medical cannabis stores to provide special services and products, the Vermont senate backs legislation that lets the state study the possible health benefits of psychedelic drugs, and Vermont companies brace for changes now that the conglomerate that owns Ben & Jerry’s has announced it’s spinning off its ice cream divisions.

Where Vermont lawmakers stand on calls to investigate the state’s recognition process for native tribes. Plus, Vermont House lawmakers move a bill to give people more control over their private web data, Central Vermont Medical Center staff are among the latest health care workers to unionize, Northfield police settle in a case alleging officers used excessive force against a woman with physical disabilities, and prepping for reliable cell phone service on the day of the solar eclipse.

The potential to capitalize on tourism spending as tens of thousands of out-of-staters are expected to visit Vermont next month for the total solar eclipse. Plus, Vermont gets a new education secretary, the state Senate gives initial approval to legislation that would remove rulemaking power from the Fish and Wildlife Board, the House advances a bill to ban seeds treated with pesticides harmful to pollinators, lawmakers ponder a new fund to support community access television stations, and a big week ahead for Vermont’s best young spellers.

We’ll break down which climate and environment bills made it past the crossover deadline at the midway point in the legislative session.