VPR News

In the $2 trillion federal coronavirus relief package are two economic lifelines to small businesses : low-interest "economic disaster relief loans" for business expenses, and a "paycheck protection program" of forgivable loans if the money keeps workers on the payroll. We talk with a business councilor about the need for the loans in Vermont and delays in getting funds to struggling businesses.

Town governments in Vermont are trying to keep services going during the coronavirus pandemic, and they’re getting creative to keep towns running while maintaining social distancing. Plus, the latest COVID-19 case numbers, the governor’s request for FEMA funding, and how one country store is keeping its doors open.

Across the region, many general stores that typically welcome people in to buy essentials and serve as a community hub have moved to curbside pickup. That’s not the case at the Ripton Country Store, in part because the store also serves as the Addison County town’s post office. So, customers are still coming in to pick up food, mail, gas and other needs.

As the economic fallout of COVID-19 tests the strength of social safety nets, a coalition of nonprofits in central Vermont has found a new way to keep pace with demand for services.

Across Vermont and the country, one of the clearer effects of the COVID-19 pandemic has been empty shelves in grocery stores and supermarkets. Now researchers at UVM are using an online survey to gather data on how the coronavirus is affecting food systems around the state. The survey is specifically examining the impacts on those who are food insecure.

Some Vermont manufacturers are retooling in this time of need, producing face masks, shields, and other forms of PPE for those working on the frontlines. We learn about these efforts and take your comments and questions.

Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger delivered his annual State of the City address Monday and said "the state of the City is a state of emergency". We check in with the mayor and learn more about his plans for leading Burlington through the COVID-19 crisis.

How are Vermont animal shelters adapting to the COVID-19 crisis? We talk with staff from two local humane societies, and hear how some residents are opening their hearts and homes to foster animals as shelters make room for new surrenders.

With restaurants and schools closed, some dairy producers and processors say they're seeing demand for Vermont dairy shrink. That's led to falling milk prices last month and some dairy farmers and producers dumping milk . We talk with Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts and dairy farmers about the disruptions.

For one nurse at UVM Medical Center, the last few weeks have been filled with anger and sadness, but also hope. We’ll hear an audio diary she submitted to Brave Little State. Plus, Gov. Scott tells Vermonters to brace for the worst of the pandemic, the state reaches out to elder care facilities, and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who’s still running for president, turns his attention to the COVID-19 crisis.

Many of Vermont's 251 towns have changed the way they operate to adhere to Gov. Phil Scott's March 25 "Stay Home, Stay Safe" executive order. VPR's Nina Keck and Howard Weiss-Tisman followed those changes in Vernon, Brattleboro and Brandon.

Over 40 doctors and nurses at hospitals and eldercare facilities have gotten sick with COVID-19. Seven Days reporter Derek Brouwer has been reporting on Vermont medical workers on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic .

With the COVID-19 pandemic, life’s a little strange for all of us right now, including a tow truck driver in North Wolcott. Plus, the shift to online work and school is exposing the decades-old digital divide in Vermont, and the state sees a jump in COVID-19 cases as testing expands.

Ralph Rockwell lives in North Wolcott. He’s a certified mechanic, and he runs a tow truck. Erica Heilman visited him — at a distance — and they talked about what it’s like to run a tow truck during a pandemic.

The COVID-19 crisis and the resulting school closures and stay-at-home orders have highlighted the digital divide that separates the broadband haves from the have-nots.