Kevin Trevellyan

The Vermont Truth and Reconciliation Commission is tasked with confronting the historical harms the state has perpetrated against marginalized groups, but some worry the panel's mandate is too broad. Plus, contingency plans are in place should there be disruptions at the polls on Election Day, Vermont's House speaker defends her record after an independent representative announced she'll seek the post, burn permits are put on hold for two weeks following recent reports of wildfires, and the longest remaining stretch of private land on the Long Trail gets permanent protection.

Vermonters sound off on tax increases, fearing the cost of living here could force them to move out of state. Plus, two state shelters for unhoused families are expected to open tomorrow, Burlington will study its local syringe exchange program amid reports of discarded needles in public, three people are arrested in connection with the alleged abduction of a Vermonter in the Philippines, and a committee studies whether Vermont should establish regional governments to help with emergency services and applications for federal funds.

How the outcome of the presidential election could alter reproductive freedom and gender-affirming care in Vermont. Plus, Sen. Sanders is trying to convince Trump supporters that Kamala Harris would be a better president for the U.S. economy, FEMA disaster recovery centers will be temporarily closed for Election Day, a late Vermonter's rare comic book collection takes in more than $5 million at auction, a Vermont scientist says studying decades-old ice sheets from Greenland can reveal clues about the future of climate change, and we recap the wild World Series game that delivered a championship for the L.A. Dodgers in our weekly sports report.

Montana Public Radio | By Austin Amestoy Published November 1, 2024 at 7:05 PM MDT Facebook Twitter Flipboard LinkedIn Email

Races to watch – and answering some last-minute voting questions – on Election Day in Vermont. Plus, efforts to increase student voter turnout at Vermont State University, a new poll reveals Vermonters are concerned about election interference and violence, two state-run shelters for unhoused Vermonters have opened, New Hampshire's next governor may determine whether the state gets involved with a wind project in the Gulf of Maine, and the Brandon Museum is set to receive upgrades to make its conference space more accessible.

The head of the Vermont Republican Party reflects on this week's GOP victories, which put an end to Democratic supermajorities in the Legislature. Plus, Republican John Rodgers shares how he'd approach working with lawmakers if his victory in the lieutenant governor's race holds, Sen. Welch says economic worries paved the way to a victory for President-elect Trump, Republican political newcomer Steven Heffernan wrests a key state Senate seat from a longtime Democratic incumbent, Bernie Sanders will likely have a diminished role in Washington now that Republicans have regained control of the U.S. Senate, more Vermonters voted for Trump this year than in prior elections, and the health of Vermont's moose population has improved.

After three devastating floods in rapid succession, Barre City is working on a flood resiliency plan that could be a model for other Vermont towns. Plus, a new UVM program aims to place more than 50 mental health workers in rural schools, changes are ahead for Vermont's county forester program, amid recommendations to reduce services at some small rural hospitals White River Valley residents are invited to weigh in on recommendations to reduce services at Gifford Medical Center, Sen. Welch urges the Biden administration to provide more U.S. weapons to Ukraine to help in the war effort against Russia, and Burlington's Roxy Cinema is closing after more than 20 years.

How religious institutions in Vermont are getting creative to fill gaps in clergy staffing. Plus, an innovative health care organization that allowed multiple providers to collaborate on care is shutting down at the end of next year, the enrollment period has opened for Vermont's health insurance marketplace, voters in Bethel and Royalton narrowly reject a nearly $4 million school improvement, a deadline is nearing for Vermonters to apply for FEMA disaster aid, and a local organization offers veterans a space to tell their stories beyond the holiday celebrating their service.

How public access to hundreds of miles of legal trails in Vermont could be limited depending on a case likely to come before the Vermont Supreme Court. Plus, hate crime charges are not expected to be filed against a man accused of shooting three Palestinian college students in Burlington, a new invasive clam is identified in southern Lake Champlain, North Country Congresswoman Elise Stefanik accepts president-elect Trump's nomination to serve as next U.S. ambassador to the U.N., state police identify the Shelburne police officer who fatally struck a bicyclist with his patrol car, and cold temperatures allow Killington Ski Resort to make snow in advance of the Women's World Cup later this month.

The cost of running two temporary shelters for families evicted from the state's motel voucher program. Plus, towns and cities damaged by last summer's floods can now access extra FEMA money due to an enhanced federal match, Vermont saw record participation in the 2024 general election, hundreds turned out in Randolph to support Gifford Medical Center after a state-commissioned report suggested the small hospital scale back some services to control costs, Sen. Welch criticizes a decision not to halt U.S. military aid to Israel, and a southern Vermont campground damaged by floods two years ago will not reopen next summer.