VPR News

Author and punk rock political activist Shawna Potter is coming to Vermont to talk about her new book— Making Spaces Safers: A Guide to Giving Harassment the Boot Wherever You Work, Play And Gather —and the visit kicks off a series of discussions at Vermont libraries about sexism, harassment and how to stop it. We’re talking with Potter about the book and what individuals and organizations can do to make their spaces safer from harassment.

The Telling Project was started about 10 years ago in Austin, TX, to give voice to veterans in stage shows presented around the country. Last year, they added a focus on migration stories called The Same Moon . On this Vermont Edition Presents , we hear highlights from a recent performance of The Same Moon , recorded live at VPR’s Stetson Studio One in January.

Some Vermont lawmakers have begun to take a closer look at the art that hangs on the walls of the Statehouse. What they’ve noticed, they said, is a troubling theme: Virtually all of the building’s framed portraits are of old white men.

Each week, VPR reaches out to different local newspapers to find out what stories are top-of-mind in their communities. This week, we speak with Gregory Lamoureux from The County Courier about flood damage under a section of highway in Franklin County.

For decades, the federal Clean Water Act — and Vermont state law — have made it illegal to have farm waste enter the water stream. Farms of all sizes face permitting and inspection requirements to prevent run-off. But how, exactly does the state regulate its water? And how are violations investigated? VPR senior reporter John Dillon found the oversight system split between two state agencies can lead to confusion, delayed enforcement and ongoing pollution.

The number of Vermonters over the age of 65 is projected to jump by 50% over the next decade. Is the state ready for this demographic shift? We're talking about the Older Vermonters Act , legislation aimed at making policy choices and identifying services to help older Vermonters remain as independent as possible.

The Vermont Judiciary is considering reforms to small claims court following the resignation of Caledonia County assistant judge Roy Vance, who had issued illegal arrest warrants in his court during his two-decade tenure.

Springfield Hospital will likely cut ties with nine health clinics throughout the region as part of its bankruptcy plan.

The town of Brandon is known, among other things, as the birthplace of Stephen Douglas, who famously debated and defeated Abraham Lincoln in a campaign to become an Illinois senator before Lincoln beat him in the 1860 presidential race. Some people in Brandon now want to call attention to a different historical Brandon resident: The inventor Thomas Davenport, who created the first electric motor.

Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders is a leading contender for the presidential nomination, especially after his first-place New Hampshire finish . But it's a primary for a party Sanders is only nominally a part of. What does he owe Democrats if he isn't the eventual nominee? We're talking about how voters — and candidates — think about allegiance to parties or people heading into the 2020 election.

Sen. Bernie Sanders claimed victory in Tuesday's New Hampshire primary, but only just: he and former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg will each get nine pledged delegates, while Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar was within 5% of the front runners, claiming six delegates. But New Hampshire voters were open about their concern as to whether the party would unite behind a centrist candidate or, as one voter phrased it, if they're starting to "spoil for is a real left versus right fight."

Artie and Nancy Toulis have run the Maple Corner Store in Calais since 2007, and now, they’re getting done. It’s the only store for 10 miles. It’s also the post office and the place where all the kids get their first jobs, and it’s where children have been getting on the bus for as long as anyone can remember.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 20% of new HIV diagnoses in 2017 were youth ages 13 to 24. However, barriers to information and testing mean the actual number of young people with HIV is likely higher.

A new Pentagon assessment finds the F-35s still have a lot of deficiencies, even after nearly two decades in development and more than $400 billion spent. We speak with a defense analyst in Washington, D.C. for the latest.

The number of municipalities that levy local option taxes is growing in Vermont. To date, more than 20 municipalities have adopted these 1% taxes, and more could soon join the ranks. On this Vermont Edition , we take an in-depth look at local option taxes in Vermont, and ask what levying them means for business and tourism in the state.