Vermont is experiencing an unusual budget year. Because of the impact of the huge influx of federal stimulus and COVID relief funds, the state has large surpluses in both the general fund and the education fund. But questions remain on how to spend that money through tax cuts.

VPR News

Reporter debrief: Lawmakers, Scott administration split over how to provide tax cuts with $300 million surplus

VPR evening newscast for Friday, Feb. 4

On a cold afternoon, VPR's Josh Crane met Olympian John Morton to talk biathlon — that odd mashup of cross-country skiing and riflery — and the U.S. team's chase for that elusive Olympic medal.

A walk in the woods with Thetford’s John Morton, Olympic biathlete and renowned trail designer

In mid-January, the United States Postal Service told the people of Elmore that the contract postal unit in their general store would be closed. This did not sit well with the residents of Elmore, who have rallied to keep the P.O. boxes right where they are.

So much depends upon a small post office, in a store on Route 12, beside Lake Elmore

VPR's Mitch Wertlieb talks with Leif Nordgren ahead of the 2022 Winter Olymipcs in Beijing.

Vt. biathlete Leif Nordgren on competing in the Winter Olympics, becoming a father

Lawmakers are weighing a policy that would bring major changes to the way Vermonters heat their homes and businesses. The idea is to create a clean heat standard that would slowly change the existing fossil fuels-based market to reduce emissions — without crushing small businesses along the way.

Reporter debrief: Vt. lawmakers are weighing historic regulations on fossil fuel companies

VPR's Mitch Wertlieb talks with Kekla Magoon about her latest book, Revolution in Our Time: The Black Panther Party’s Promise to the People.

Vt. author Kekla Magoon chronicles the history of the Black Panther Party

Gov. Phil Scott and members of his cabinet provided updates Tuesday, Feb. 1, on the state of the coronavirus pandemic in Vermont.

Reporter debrief: Scott administration talks mental health during latest COVID briefing

For decades, GlobalFoundries’ factory in Essex Junction has pumped out computer chips. With over 2,000 employees, the company is Vermont’s largest private, for-profit employer. Now, there’s a worldwide chip shortage leading to more business for the plant, which has seen its workforce shrink significantly from its heyday. But the company is investing more heavily in a facility over the New York border, leading some local leaders to question the company’s long-term commitment to Vermont.

GlobalFoundries is growing amid the chip shortage. But is it committed to Vermont?

Last week, a South Burlington artist made national news for his work on a children’s book released last March. Jason Chin won the Caldecott Medal, an award given to "the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.”

South Burlington artist Jason Chin on identity, belonging in Caldecott Medal-winning 'Watercress'

VPR morning newscast for Monday, Jan. 31

COVID-19 case totals and hospitalizations are ticking down in Vermont after a handful of record-setting days this month. But an educator at Dothan Brook School in White River Junction says her district is still dealing with widespread student and staff absences caused by the virus.

'Teetering right on the edge:' Vt. educator on weathering latest COVID-19 surge

Mount Abraham Union High School sophomores Eliza and Emma Doucet have together organized a community event marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day on Jan. 27.

Vermont teens organize community event for International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Gov. Phil Scott and members of his cabinet provided updates Tuesday, Jan. 25, on the state of Vermont’s hospitals at this stage of the pandemic, recent changes to school coronavirus guidance, and at-home test availability.That's as key indicators show the omicron surge may be calming down in Vermont.

Reporter debrief: State modeling shows COVID cases, hospitalizations starting to trend down

Local news, reporting and newscasts from Vermont Public Radio

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