Vermont Public News Podcast

"What class are you?" is a periodic series that explores everyday lives inside the American class system. In this episode, reporter Erica Heilman talks with Wolcott resident Ralph Rockwell about the importance of supporting his church and his fears about having enough money at the end of his life.

Defense attorney Dan Sedon on what this line of work has taught him about the American class system.

Beech leaf disease was found in 43 towns last year, and scientists are searching beyond those borders to see if the disease is spreading farther.

Researchers on Lake Champlain are doubling down on years of research to try to figure out how tiny pieces of toxic plastic are getting into the lake, which serves some 200,000 people with drinking water.

The Vermont Cannabis Equity Coalition warns that a sizable number of small growers may go out of business — or return to the illicit market to sell their products.

The bill, which Gov. Phil Scott is expected to sign, would fundamentally change how the state pays for and governs its K-12 schools.

Vermont Green capped off Women’s Week on Saturday with a 2-1 win over AS Blainville in front of another sold-out crowd.

Vermont became the first state in the county to legally recognize same-sex partnerships 25 years ago. Former Rep. Bill Lippert, the only openly gay member of the Vermont House, gave an impassioned speech urging his colleagues to pass the measure. Lippert's remarks are widely seen as a turning point in the debate.

Last month, South Burlington decided to table all-resident voting at this time, citing the current political climate.

Survey data showed that less than half of local high schoolers feel they matter to people. Here's part of the response.

Do you know how to do a wheelie in a wheelchair? Mo does.

The yearslong push to put guardrails on when — and how — companies can commodify key aspects of a person’s identity has taken on new urgency in Montpelier. But the tension between strict consumer protections and their potential impact on local businesses continues to thwart compromise over an issue that states are reckoning with nationwide.

The Brattleboro Area Farmers' Market is the only market in the state that owns its land. But others are raising money to secure their sites.

Vermont hospitals currently have the highest markups for drug prices in the country. Under the new law, drug prices at Vermont hospitals would be the lowest in the country.

The Trump administration want to cut the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Advocates in the Northeast warn the results would be dangerous to residents, if not deadly.

Players in the White River Valley have been coming together over soccer for decades. But of course, it’s about more than just soccer.

Lawmakers put $150,000 in the budget for community radio stations. The money will help the stations purchase public safety equipment so they are better equipped to assist in disaster response.

Chocolate is one of Vermont’s top food exports. But cacao doesn’t grow here — and climate change has been disrupting the global supply chain.

Thirty-seven hours before graduation, Erica Heilman talks with nine high school seniors about their hopes and dreams for the future...and prom. They also talk about prom.

Most people who go to college in Vermont leave the state after graduation. That's more than any other state.

Maybe you need an orange plow truck. Or a Mount Philo State Park leaf blower. Or a park ranger’s rowboat that might not float. Everything's a treasure for someone.