Vermont This Week

Officials say two temporary state-run shelters for families experiencing homelessness will cost an estimated $3 million to operate for five months.Plus, President-elect Donald Trump’s deportation plan spurs calls for protections for Vermont farmworkers.And Jon Murad, Burlington’s police chief, announces he won’t seek reappointment in 2025.

Citing recent budget orders from the Green Mountain Care Board, the UVM Health Network announces cuts to a range of patient services.And, as conversations about how to contain Vermont's rising healthcare costs continue throughout the state, providers, businesses, schools, and nonprofits question how long they can bear the expense.Plus, a Bennington House race heads for a revote.

Voters delivered a historic election night for Vermont Republicans, with Senate and House victories cracking Democrats' veto-proof majority in the legislature.Plus, incumbent David Zuckerman conceded to John Rodgers in the race for lieutenant governor. And though Vice President Kamala Harris easily won the state, unofficial election results show that more Vermonters voted for Trump in 2024 than either of the last two times he ran for president.

Ahead of Election Day, Gov. Scott makes one last plea to break up Democratic supermajorities in the Vermont Legislature, while Esther Charlestin pitches herself as a more effective partner for both chambers.Plus:A contentious race for lieutenant governor continues, with both candidates questioning the other's honesty, integrity and party label.Temporary homeless shelters are set to open in Waterbury and Williston.Burlington plans to examine its needle exchange program closely.And, housing advocates assess slow progress in Chittenden County.

The cost of the state’s education system is a leading issue for Vermonters this election. It’s also notoriously complicated. Vermont Public's Lola Duffort breaks it down.Plus, the author of a landmark Vermont hospital report admits errors, but stands by the report's conclusions that the state's health care system needs a major overhaul, as hospitals and state regulators grapple with how to rein in costs while also providing quality care

State and local officials debate what should be done about the rising cost of education, leaving people wondering if Act 46 has saved any money.Plus, some Vermonters seeking FEMA buyouts for flooded homes are facing opposition from an unexpected source: the towns they live in.And, a report from Vermont's auditor reveals concerns over the state's vetting process for businesses and nonprofits who received COVID-era federally funded grants.

Aiming to better position the marketplace, Vermont’s Cannabis Control Board pauses new retail license applications as they work to establish siting rules.Plus, the Vermont Catholic Diocese files for bankruptcy in a bid to resolve sexual abuse lawsuits.And Gov. Phil Scott hits the campaign trail to drum up support for fellow Republicans.

Advocates and state leaders are continuing to put pressure on Gov. Phil Scott to intervene on motel program evictions.Plus, how FEMA's plodding bureaucracy is exacting a financial toll on Vermont towns.And an environmental group has sued Vermont, saying the state is not doing enough to reduce emissions.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is calling for major changes to how the state regulates water quality on Vermont farms.Plus, an update on efforts in the Green Mountain State to build out broadband access.And an urgent care center for mental health crises opens in Burlington next month.

A new state agency report indicates that Vermont's projected housing needs will continue to rise over the next five years. Gov. Phil Scott's administration hopes that temporary Act 250 exemptions will spur housing growth.Plus, postal staff and police in Stowe are subjected to a so-called free speech audit.