The Frequency

A Vermont Public reporter discovers a contemporary personal connection to an old murder. Plus, the state Fish and Wildlife Department is sued over new trapping rules, registry requirements for Vermont fuel dealers, the Public Utility Commission gets a new commissioner, and how demographic shifts could affect New Hampshire’s primary and general elections.

Economists for the Legislature and Scott Administration gave a presentation showing a positive outlook for state's economy, though Gov. Phil Scott is still likely to make a budget proposal that rises by less than the rate of inflation.

A woman who grew up around poverty and abuse explains how those with means escape consequences of their actions when those without can’t. Plus, a lack of motel rooms for sheltering unhoused people this winter, legislators want to improve Vermont’s animal welfare laws, a bill to reform regulations on electric utilities, a women’s ice hockey team dons pink jerseys to raise money for breast cancer research, and a boost in membership for an organization that supports BIPOC skiers and snowboarders.

In the next entry in our occasional series on class, a Vermont writer and poet who’s written extensively on the history of labor unions discusses income inequality. Plus, a renewed push for Vermont to adopt a universal health care system, a move to create a climate change superfund program, the U.S. Senate blocks a resolution put forth by Bernie Sanders on Israel’s use of U.S. military aid in Gaza, and a Putney paper mill lays off its workers.

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.

A man whose family settled in Vermont after fleeing war in Bosnia discusses class differences in the U.S. Plus, contention over whether Vermont is on track to meet its first big deadline for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, a Vermont House bill that would allow safe injection sites for drug users, local hospitals resume staff masking requirements, and hopes for lower COVID rates this winter even as a new variant takes hold.

Education property tax bills are expected to rise more than 18 percent this year, on average, which could give voters pause when they consider school budgets in March. In this week’s edition of Capitol Recap, learn how decision-makers at the Statehouse are reacting to the news.

An independent dairyman talks about dealing with–and managing–pain. Plus, a bill that would stiffen penalties for people who deal drugs leading to fatal overdoses, another that would speed up housing development, a new coalition calls for reserving a portion of all state-subsidized housing for people exiting homelessness, six state police troopers in St. Johnsbury are placed on temporary leave, and a local media mainstay gets new ownership.

A small Windham County cheese maker is among the top prize winners at the World Cheese Awards. Plus, assessing damage from a major wind storm, Rep. Becca Balint agonizes over whether to support a supplemental budget bill, US postal officials tour sites in Montpelier for a potential temporary post office, and a big price tag looms for school construction, and a bill to phase out the use of an agricultural insecticide.

The risks for older drivers, and how to reduce them. Plus, U.S. Rep. Becca Balint expresses optimism for avoiding a government shutdown, younger state lawmakers try to stake a new political claim in Montpelier, state Senate lawmakers work on a bill to make Vermont more resilient to flooding, warnings for ice anglers, and Newbury wants the state’s highest court to reconsider a decision on where to build a locked juvenile facility.