VPR News

Eight years ago, Vermont was waylaid by Tropical Storm Irene, causing intense flooding around the state. For those who suffered loss of home and property, it's an event they'll never forget. We look at what's been done to prepare for future flooding in the state.

Hanging on the gallery walls at Central Vermont Medical Center are oil paintings of all sizes — from the very small to the very large — by Montpelier artist Emilia Olson. The exhibit is a result of Olson revisiting artwork she created, but then stored away, more than a decade ago.

Last year, then-Rep. Kiah Morris of Bennington announced she would not seek re-election to her Statehouse seat, citing racial harassment by avowed white supremacist Max Misch. Since then, Misch was charged with unlawful possession of a large-capacity ammunition feeding device or magazine. That charge is now being challenged by Misch, bringing one of Vermont's new gun control laws to the state Supreme Court.

Summer vacation is winding down and students will soon head back to school, but does a long summer holiday still make sense for students today?

Vermont honors Bennington Battle Day every Aug. 16, marking a day that signaled a turning point in the American Revolution and a critical defeat of British forces. But few are as familiar with a piece of music composed by Bennington virtuoso pianist Ernest Murray commemorating the battle.

It seems like one of those little Vermont oddities to outsiders: Vermont's state government closes down every Aug. 16 to commemorate an armed conflict that took place across the river in New York State. We'll get all the details of the Battle of Bennington .

David Deen spent the better part of three decades helping to pass laws that protect Vermont's land and water, and now the former state representative is being recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency for that work. Deen will receive an Environmental Merit Lifetime Award from the federal agency's regional office.

Seniors downsizing a home often face a difficult and emotional transition from a larger house — one that may have been "home" for years — to a smaller apartment or into some form of a senior community. We're talking about what such a move entails and how to plan for it. And what's involved in sorting through a lifetime of possessions and choosing what to donate, sell, recycle or keep.

Fourteen Vermont schools will lose their free lunch and breakfast programs when students return for classes this fall. But while the programs' sunsetting are ostensibly due to fewer kids living in poverty, child nutrition experts say many of those students still face food insecurity and uncertainty about their next meal.

Vermont's largest city has been grappling with questions around police oversight after incidents of alleged excessive force. The tipping point came in May, after federal lawsuits accused Burlington officers of using unnecessary force against black men. In light of these incidents, the city council in June appointed three black men to the citizen commission that oversees Burlington police. The new members all have different backgrounds, but they share common goals: repairing trust between the

Toni Morrison died last week at the age of 88 . Author of novels including Beloved and Song of Solomon , as well as winner of the Nobel Prize in literature, Morrison leaves a lasting impression on the American literary landscape — but she also left an impression on those who attended Bread Loaf Writers' Conference in Ripton, Vermont, during her time as a faculty member in the 1970s.

Radon sounds like the subject of a 1950s sci-fi flick that turns wee little ants into colossal, man-eating monsters. And mold just sounds bad from the outset. But they really are serious health concerns. We'll discuss why you don't want either coming into your home.

According to the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont, about 65 farmers markets operate in the state – down from a high of more than 80 a few years ago. Farmers say fewer markets is not necessarily a bad thing, but they say remaining markets need to do more to compete and grow.

A federal judge on Friday ordered Vermont's juvenile detention facility to reduce the use of solitary confinement and ease disciplinary procedures.

It's easy to spot a well-trained dog. Maybe the pup is well-behaved in a large group of people or other dogs. Perhaps the pooch can sit, shake and roll over on command. But what's involved in training your pet that molds a calm, confident and well-behaved dog? We're talking about dog training and dog psychology with two Vermont dog trainers.