Vermont Edition

What is a neonoir? Feb 06, 2025

The Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival is showing a series of neo-noir movies. Executive Director Caitlin Boyle discusses the appeal of these morally complex crime dramas and curating films in Vermont. Plus, a preview of the new season of Vermont Public’s Made Here with Executive Producer Eric Ford. The season features independent films made in Vermont, Quebec, and the rest of New England. Lastly, we'll hear from a Vermont couple on a mission to see movies in every theater in the state. Broadcast live on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.

Black History Month: Soul food and home cooking traditions Feb 05, 2025

Food is a central part of our lives — we share meals with loved ones, cook together, and pass down family recipes to honor those who came before us. For many Black Americans, cooking and eating certain foods helps build and strengthen community. This episode focuses on all things food in the first installment of our Black History Month series.Homegoings host and executive producer Myra Flynn shares a recent episode exploring the history of hot sauce. We also hear from a professional chef and a home cook about how they keep their food traditions alive in their kitchens. Burlington chef Harmony Edosomwan discusses her favorite soul food dishes and the journey of launching her own business. Lea Ann Macrery of Jeffersonville shares her favorite recipes and stories from her food service work at UVMMC.

Why does Vermont only have one landfill? Feb 04, 2025

Most of Vermont's trash ends up in just one place — a landfill in Coventry, just 20 minutes south of the Canadian border. In a recent episode of Brave Little State, Mikaela sets out to answer this listener question: "New Hampshire has six landfills. Why does Vermont only have one?" We also look to the future, when the landfill reaches capacity and we need a new place to put our trash.Then, John Leddy of the Northwest Solid Waste District and Thomas Kennedy of the Mount Ascutney Regional Commission discuss how their particular parts of the state manage their trash and recycling.Broadcast live on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.

Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak on public safety, taxes and more Feb 03, 2025

The mayor joined Vermont Edition to discuss challenges facing Vermont's largest city.

In Good Health: Why mental health care matters Jan 30, 2025

In the final installment of our series In Good Health, we examine the importance of mental health as the inpatient psychiatry unit at Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin closes. Reporter Lexi Krupp explains how the decision was made and shares perspectives from former patients. Then, Dr. Lisa Catapano-Friedman, a psychiatrist in Bennington and president of the Vermont Psychiatric Association, discusses the state’s mental health needs and how the facility's closure will impact the state.Plus, we hear from Middlebury Philosophy professor Lorraine Besser about her new book 'The Art of the Interesting, What We Miss in Our Pursuit of the Good Life and How to Cultivate It.'

In Good Health: Why mental health care matters Jan 30, 2025

In the final installment of our series In Good Health, we examine the importance of mental health as the inpatient psychiatry unit at Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin closes. Reporter Lexi Krupp explains how the decision was made and shares perspectives from former patients. Then, Dr. Lisa Catapano-Friedman, a psychiatrist in Bennington and president of the Vermont Psychiatric Association, discusses the state’s mental health needs and how the facility's closure will impact the state.Plus, we hear from Middlebury Philosophy professor Lorraine Besser about her new book 'The Art of the Interesting, What We Miss in Our Pursuit of the Good Life and How to Cultivate It.'Broadcast live on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.

Secretary of Education Zoie Saunders discusses the plan for sweeping changes to Vermont schools Jan 29, 2025

It’s hard to find a subject more frustrating to Vermonters in recent years than education. Specifically, how to fund it, how to make it affordable, and how to ensure that all Vermont students have access to a high quality learning environment. Today on Vermont Edition, we're joined by Vermont's Education Secretary, Zoie Saunders. We'll hear why the Scott administration is aiming to fundamentally change the way how schools are run in the state, including a massive consolidation school districts, a statewide curriculum, how schools are funded, and more. We’ll also speak with the head of Vermont’s teacher’s union, Don Tinney, and the executive director of the state’s Rural Education Collaborative, John Castle, for their initial reactions to the plan. And Vermont Public’s education reporter Lola Duffort joins us as well for analysis.

President Trump's executive order on gender faces Vermont's LBGTQ+ protections Jan 29, 2025

An executive order on gender runs counter to state laws that offer LGBTQ protections.

In Good Health: Health care and technology Jan 23, 2025

Technology has changed so many aspects of our lives, including health care. In our region, a network of innovative health-focused startups is growing quickly.David Bradbury with the Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies guides us through conversations with the leaders of several local companies. Aaron Stein, the chief technical officer for South Burlington-based Resonant Link, talked about building wireless charging platforms for medical devices inside the body. Co-founder and chief pharmacy officer Keri LeCompte of the Montpelier start-up Aprexis shared how their software provides pharmacists better patient care with medication therapy management. Ethan Bechtel, co-founder, and CEO of OhMD, a texting and patient engagement platform for patients and providers, talked about how they care for patient's privacy.Broadcast live on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2024, at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.Have questions, comments, or tips? Send us a message or check us out on Instagram.

How Trump's immigration executive orders will affect Vermont Jan 22, 2025

Executive orders from President Donald Trump fundamentally change immigration and citizenship rules in the U.S. Moves like halting refugee admissions and ending birthright citizenship have many people in our region wondering, what these new rules mean for them, their work, and their families? Today, Brett Stokes, an immigration lawyer at Vermont Law School and Sonali Samarasinghe, a coordinator with the U.S. Committee of Refugees and Immigration help us break down these orders’ goals and whether or not they’re constitutional. The New Hampshire ACLU believes at least one is not – they are suing the President over birthright citizenship. We're joined by their senior staff attorney SangYoeb Kim to hear more. Plus: Steven Tendo, A Ugandan asylum-seeker shares how these new rules could affect his legal status and why for him, it’s a matter of life and death.Broadcast live on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.Have questions, comments, or tips? Send us a message or check us out on Instagram.

Rep. Balint and a Canadian journalist respond to Trump's tariff plans Jan 21, 2025

President Donald J. Trump was sworn into office Monday in Washington. Vermont’s sole U.S. House representative, Rep. Becca Balint (D-Vt) attended the inauguration. She shares why she attended, her reaction to President Trump’s first executive orders, and her own priorities for the new Congress.President Trump has promised to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, starting Feb. 1. In response, the Canadian government has vowed to impose tariffs on U.S. goods. Ottawa-based journalist David Akin, the chief political correspondent for Global News, gives us an inside look into the current state of Canadian-American relations.Broadcast live on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.Have questions, comments, or tips? Send us a message or check us out on Instagram.

In Good Health: Living wills Jan 16, 2025

For most of us, thinking about death is not a pleasant subject. There’s a natural tendency to put your head in the sand and focus on everything and anything else. But a little planning now can save a lot of confusion and heartache later.Today we break down the process of creating an advance directive, or living will. It’s the third installment in our weekly January series, In Good Health. Our guests are Nina Keck, a Vermont Public senior reporter whose focuses on aging, Eva Zivitz, a registered nurse who coordinates the palliative care program at Rutland Regional Medical Center, and Cindy Bruzzese, the executive director of the Vermont Ethics Network.Broadcast live on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2024, at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.

How to get your car through a Vermont winter Jan 15, 2025

Winter in Vermont can wreak havoc on a car. All that salt causes corrosion and rust, and that can make your car unsafe to drive. The hazardous conditions require upgrades and protective measures to stay safe on the slippery roads. To keep your car in top shape requires a lot winter car maintenance. Demeny Pollitt, the owner and manager of Girlington Garage in South Burlington, and Steve Belitsos, a retired professor of automotive and transportation services at Vermont State University’s Randolph campus, share insights on undercoatings, snow tires, and windshield wipers. Plus, former Gov. Peter Shumlin reflects on the life and career of former Gov. Tom Salmon, who passed away Tuesday at age 92. Girlington Garage is a Vermont Public business sponsor. Broadcast live on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.

The business model that's saving Vermont's general stores Jan 14, 2025

Beloved as they are, general stores often generate little profit for their owners. So, what does it take to keep them running? Emily Maclure, owner of two general stores in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, shares her experiences, insights, and the vital role these stores play in their communities. Ben Doyle of the Preservation Trust of Vermont explains the models some towns are using to keep their general stores open. Democratic Rep. Marc Mihaly, who represents the Washington-6 district, discusses how East Calais successfully reopened its general store after a years-long effort.Broadcast live on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.Have questions, comments, or tips? Send us a message or check us out on Instagram.

Is early childhood education getting easier to access in Vermont? Jan 13, 2025

To fund significant investments in early childhood education, Vermont implemented a 0.44% payroll tax in July 2023. We check in on the progress of this initiative and explore what has — and hasn't — changed in the early childhood landscape.Elliot Haspel, a senior fellow at Capita and a nationally recognized child and family policy expert, explains how Vermont is leading the way in investing in early childhood education. He also offers a broader perspective on how the state’s approach compares to other states.We also hear from Democratic state Sen. Ruth Hardy, who represents Addison County and helped establish Vermont's Act 76, and Department of Children and Families Deputy Commissioner Janet McLaughlin, who is overseeing the law's implementation.Plus: The Vermont School Boards Association is encouraging Vermonters to join their local school boards. Flor Diaz Smith, president of the association and board chair of the Washington Central School District, discusses the importance of school boards and the local need for new members.Broadcast live on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.Have questions, comments, or tips? Send us a message or check us out on Instagram.

Vermont Edition: Live from the Statehouse! Jan 08, 2025

Vermont Edition takes you inside the Statehouse for the first day of the legislative session.

Exploring the depths of Lake Champlain Jan 07, 2025

Two Franklin County authors brought together stories of the Lake Champlain region and its contributions to American history for their latest book, Hidden History of Lake Champlain. Missisquoi Valley Union High School history teacher, Jason Barney, was awarded the 2023 Vermont History Teacher of the Year Award and was a semifinalist for Vermont Teacher of the Year in 2022. Librarian, genealogist and writer, Christine Eldred, has published numerous articles and guides to preserving and defending intellectual freedom in school libraries.Lake Champlain is also home to the prehistoric lake sturgeon, one of the largest freshwater fish in North American that can live more than 150 years. Fisheries biologist with Vermont Fish & Wildlife, Lee Simard, shared what lead to the sturgeon's decline and their work to protect the fish.Broadcast live on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.

Sen. Peter Welch wants to better regulate generative AI Jan 06, 2025

How can artists know if their creations are being used to train artificial intelligence? And if they are, should those artists be compensated? On today's show we speak with Vermont's Chief Data and AI Officer Josiah Raiche about the state’s role in regulating AI, and artist Jane Adams helps us parse the philosophical questions AI poses to the creative process.On Capitol Hill last year, Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt) introduced nearly a half dozen bills concerning AI. He’s vowed to continue those efforts during this new Congress. Welch has also joined the influential Senate Finance Committee, alongside Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt). This committee deals with taxation, trade agreements, tariffs and government health programs. In an interview on Vermont Edition, Senator Welch explains why he opposes tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China proposed by President-elect Donald Trump, as well as his work on regulating AI.Broadcast live on Monday, January 6th, 2025, at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.

In Good Health: Sauna Jan 02, 2025

In many cold locales, saunas are a common way to heat your body and hang out with friends, especially in the dead of winter. But in Vermont, the practice hasn't taken as strong of a hold. Today, we explore the physical, mental, and social benefits of regular sauna use. This is the first installment in a health-focused series we’re running each Thursday of January called "In Good Health."Joining us for the hour is Chelsea Edgar, a Burlington-based freelance reporter and contributing editor for Seven Days. She wrote a piece for them exploring sauna culture in our region. Earric Lee is a post-doctoral researcher at The Montreal Heart Institute, and Nils Shenholm is a sauna designer and builder in Duxbury, and an North American Sauna Society Emeritus board member.Plus: Vermont Edition’s managing producing Jon Ehrens talks to his fellow heat addicts inside the Vermont Sun sauna in Middlebury.

Get to know Vermont Public CEO Vijay Singh Jan 01, 2025

Vermont Public CEO Vijay Singh joined Vermont Edition to reflect on his first three months leading Vermont Public. Before coming to Vermont, Singh worked for CapRadio, an NPR affiliate in Sacramento, and the Los Angeles affiliate LAist. He shared insights from these experiences and outlined his vision for the future of Vermont Public.Then, Vermont Public reporter Erica Heilman shares a question about class as part of an ongoing series. We hear about her latest episodes.

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