Vermont Edition
12 noon-1 p.m. Weekdays
Two cultures, one family
We talk with memoirist Jaed Coffin and Saint Michael's College English
professor Lorrie Smith about how people understand their own cultural identities when their families comprise diverse backgrounds. Also, new rules for crossing the Canadian border go into
effect on Thursday, and we learn the secrets of building igloos.
Preserving the Abenaki Language and Culture
At a time when many native languages face extinction, we examine efforts
by the region's Abenaki to re-learn their mother tongue and preserve
their culture.
Slavery in 18th Century New England
Author Gretchen Holbrook Gerzina
During the 1700's Vermont
and the New England region were home to a nearly
"hidden" population of African-American slaves.
In her new book, Mr. and Mrs.
Prince, Dartmouth English Professor and author Gretchen Holbrook Gerzina,
dives into the story of two of those slaves. Also, we talk with forestry consultant Paul Harwood. And we bring you the sounds of the Primitive Biathlon in Jerffersonville.
Vermont and the Stock Market
We look at how Vermont's publicly traded companies are doing in the
topsy-turvy stock market, and what economic worries Vermonters have. Then, Free Press reporter Candy Page joins us to talk about "green certified" forests. And we visit the Liz Lovely cookie company in Waitsfield.
Campaign finance reform
The Legislature is eager to pass new campaign finance rules in time for
the 2008 elections. Bob Kinzel's guests look at the bill's prospects. Also in the program, news analysis from VPR's John Dillon, and we hear
from NPR's Juan Williams. Williams was in Vermont this week to speak
to teachers for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Decriminalization of marijuana
A bill in the Vermont Senate would reclassify possession of 4 ounces of pot as a civil offense, not a criminal one. We talk with people on both sides of the issue about whether marijuana should be decriminalized. Also, a Stowe movie director prepapres to release his documentary about Howard Dean's presidential campaign, and an audio postcard from Athens, Vermont.
Pre-K Education in Vermont
A law passed last spring authorizes school districts to provide
pre-kindergarten education to some three and four year olds. Now
officials are working out the details. Also, the anti-poverty work of Hal Colston and singer Harry Belafonte delivers a message about working for social justice.
Prosecuting and Defending Murder in the Green Mountains
With several murder trials currently making front page news, we explore how homicides are prosecuted and defended in Vermont and how technology and the media are changing that. Also, we check in with Valley News Repoorter John Gregg on The Block -- a Windsor County landmark that's in line for a facelift.
African-American Experience in Vermont
On Martin Luther King Day, we talk about
the experience of being an African-American in Vermont and how it's changed over the decades, with guests Willi Coleman and Harvey Amani Whitfield. Also, a look back at the experience of the "buffalo soldiers" nearly a century ago. And, a commentary from Willi Coleman on the significance of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Peter Shumlin
The Democratically led legislature faces some big problems this session:
a looming budget shortfall and skyrocketing prison costs have been added
to the list of issues that also include taxes and health care. Bob
Kinzel talks with Senate President Pro-Tem Peter Shumlin about the
Democrats legislative priorities. Also, reporter Ross Sneyd
talks about developments in the race for Governor and
presidential politics - and we review this week's voices in the news.
Community Reentry
Circles of Support and Accountability
A volunteer program called "Restorative Reentry" helps newly released prisoners make amends and forge more helpful ties to the communities they've harmed. But now its future is in jeopardy. Also on the program, "Margaret's Waltz," a new film about a tribute concert to the late folk singer/song collector Margaret MacArthur.
Peter Galbraith
Former Ambassador Peter Galbraith has tackled
international crises from the Balkans to Iraq. Now there's
talk of him running for governor. We ask him about his plans,
and talk with him about his friendship with Benazir Bhutto, and what her death
means for Pakistan. Then, we talk with Abdool Khan who has recently returned home to Vermont
after making the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. And, we learn the steps in a visit to an adult tap
dancing class.
The future of Vermont's state colleges
Vermont State Colleges Chancellor Robert Clarke has
announced his retirement. Clarke offers his
assessment of the system and talks about the future of Vermont's
five state colleges.
Plus, reporter Candace Page details some new contaminants in Vermont waterways--including caffeine, Tylenol, and antibiotics. Also on the program - Vermont's landmark billboard law changed the roadside view forever.
The law was largely the work of one man - Ted Riehle, who died on New
Year's Eve, 2007. We look back at the billboard legislation that altered the landscape.
Vermont Tackles Obesity
Illness caused by obesity costs the Vermont health care system 140
million dollars annually. In his State of the State address, Governor Douglas proposed
increasing the money and staff devoted to dealing with the problem.
We talk about what that would mean and what communities and schools
are doing. And we learn about Absolute Zero from a UVM physicist, and then make a visit to the town of Pawlet. (pictured, Jane Linholm, Host)
Reporters' Round Table
Some of the state's top journalists dig through this week's legislative
news in our reporters' round table. And we listen back to some of the sounds and voices from the week's news.
Lobbying the Legislature
We go "behind the scenes" and examine the
role that lobbyists play in shaping the legislative agenda, and informing lawmakers
about the issues. Then we talk with a veteran speechwriter about crafting a State of the State Address. And we check in with the new legislative pages.
Democratic, Republican and Progressive leadership
Lawmakers from the Democratic Republican and Progressive
parties join us to discuss their top priorities for the year, and VPR's Steve
Zind reports on why the intricacies of lawmaking leave few bills
standing for a floor vote.
Historical Look Back at the Vermont Legislature
As the first day of the 2008 legislative session gets
underway, we broadcast live from the statehouse. VPR's Bob Kinzel outlines the
issues that are expected to top lawmakers' agendas this session. Then, we look back at how past sessions have shaped the
history of our state, with archivist Greg Sanford and reporter Chris Graff. And, a look at how the city of Montpelier
gears up for the start of the session.
Vermonters in the New Hampshire Primary
On the eve of the New Hampshire Primary, we talk about the role Vermont campaign volunteers play.
Bob Kinzel talks with Anthony Pollina about gubernatorial
politics and the ramifications of a three-party race for the state's top
office. Also, political analyst Eric Davis looks at
election politics in Vermont and in the national primary races, and we
remember the ice storm of 1998.
We explore the military, industrial and cultural tension points between
Canada and the United States with David
Jones and David Kilgour, authors of the recent book, "Uneasy Neighbors."
Also in the program, a group of Saint
Michael's College students has started an online service that provides
detailed information about the dozens of candidates whose names you may
not recognize.
And we visit a Vermont production of the comic opera, "Die Fledermaus."
Weather Show!
It's our annual visit with VPR's Eye on the Sky guys! We talk with
Steve Maleski, Mark Breen and Chris Bouchard about winter weather
patterns, why some parts of the state get more snow than others, and we
take your winter weather questions. Also in the program, VPR's Tim Johnson reflects on the winter holidays.
