On this week’s podcast, civil liberties advocates and law enforcement officials discuss the rising number of fatal police encounters — and what might be done to curb the trend.
The Deeper Dig: Vermont’s deadliest decade for killings by police
Author: Erin Petenko
Deadly encounters: Why do deaths at the hands of police keep rising in Vermont?
The most-recent fatal police shooting rounded out the deadliest decade in Vermont history for police killings with 17. And like every police-involved death since 1977, the officers were cleared of wrongdoing by the Attorney General’s Office.
How your rep voted on minimum wage and paid leave
The House passed two of Democrats’ top priority bills last week, but neither had sufficient support to guarantee an override of an anticipated veto.
Child use of mental health services doubles in two decades, report finds
A report recommends increasing support for parents and caregivers in order to improve mental health care for children.
Vermont’s aging population spells trouble for tax coffers, report says
Policymakers say Vermont should look at attracting new residents, expanding housing and cutting state spending in the face of changing demographic trends.
The Deeper Dig: When Vermonters struggle with social isolation
On this week’s podcast, advocates for elderly Vermonters discuss the challenges of connecting seniors with their communities.
Lonely? You’re not alone.
Many Vermonters, especially older people, struggle with social isolation.
Vermont’s homeless population is declining, but the shelters are full
Vermont’s homeless population has decreased by almost a third since 2015. But homeless shelters are still turning away many into the cold weather.
Dollar stores are filling Vermont’s food deserts. Are they helping?
Dollar stores can be cheaper and more convenient options for food shopping. But their offerings are limited, and their low prices put pressure on other businesses with wider selections.
Advocates index police-reported race data from traffic stops
Police departments have started reporting traffic stop race data but advocates are fighting for more.
Storm damage estimated at $3 million and rising as utilities restore services
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will visit Vermont this week to determine which counties qualify for disaster aid.
Harsh rain, wind lead to flooding and power outages
The most dangerous flooding has passed, but large regions remain under a flood warning and wind advisory.
Vermont gun sales have spiked in the last decade
The rise parallels a national trend, with gun shop owners and researchers saying that in the wake of mass shootings, firearm sales typically spike in anticipation of proposed restrictions.
Vermont’s childhood obesity now highest in New England
Difficulty in finding and affording healthy food options is a major contributor to the problem in the state, according to a Department of Health nutritionist.