VPR News

A legislative committee has trimmed Vermont Public Radio's request for a piece of federal COVID relief funds, from nearly $900,000 to $100,000.

Two separate incidents of racial harassment in recent months have revealed disparities in the way law enforcement agencies deal with “bias incidents,” according to the president of the Vermont chapter of the NAACP.

Gov. Phil Scott is leading the state during a time of profound change. As the coronavirus pandemic challenges state leaders, revenues and government operations, the Governor is also pushing for progress on diversity in the state, forming a new racial equity task force to make recommendations for how Vermont can measure progress in this area. We talk with Gov. Scott about how COVID-19 and efforts to combat racism and improve diversity are changing Vermont.

COVID-19 has had an enormous impact on all aspects of life, including the operation of Vermont's court system. This hour, we talk to Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Reiber about how the state's courts have responded to the pandemic, and we take your comments and questions.

“Bias incidents” in Vermont. Plus: racial disparities in COVID-19 case data, how libraries are reopening, and Colchester’s bike ferry.

When COVID-19 began to spread around the country, it quickly became evident that elderly people, especially those with underlying health conditions, were at the highest risk of dying from the disease. That means nursing homes became high risk environments. And in Burlington, one such nursing home found itself bearing the brunt of the deadly pandemic.

How Vermont fits into the national array of protests for racial justice. Plus: a Monkton man turns 100 and the latest COVID-19 case numbers.

For most of us, having a birthday during a pandemic might mean postponing a party until next year. But when the birthday is your 100th, you deserve a celebration. And Monkton resident Roger Layn got a big one. Hundreds of people drove by his house to honk, wave and wish the well-known farmer a happy birthday on Saturday, June 6.

Protests against police violence and racism drew large crowds in cities and towns across Vermont over the weekend, but racial justice leaders are calling on white Vermonters to examine their own roles in the inequality they’re condemning.

In many Vermont schools, students of color have formed social justice groups to bring attention to the challenges of being a black or brown person in a mostly white state. But with school happening remotely due to COVID-19, students have to rely on social media alone to help them process all that’s going on in the country right now concerning race relations. And the many rallies that have been organized across the state are giving students a chance to come out and have their voices heard.

Nationwide, people of color have tested positive for COVID-19 at higher rates than white people and experienced worse outcomes from the disease.

As protests continue over the death of George Floyd, health experts warn of further spread of COVID-19. This hour, we hear how Vermont's health department is monitoring the situation on the ground. We also answer your questions on the state’s step-by-step reopening strategy, including the return of indoor dining and end of quarantine restrictions for some out-of-state travelers.

Vermonters protest against police brutality. Plus: the cost of living in the Green Mountain State, indoor dining opens up, and COVID-19 case numbers.

How will Vermont’s LGBTQ community celebrate Pride Month in the midst of an historic pandemic, not to mention national protests over systematic racism?

Vermont State Police isn’t planning to get body cameras for all troopers this year. Plus: a jump in COVID-19 case numbers and two sixteen-year-old boys interview their moms.