The Frequency: Daily Vermont News Vermont Public

A bill allowing more timely delivery of tests and medications for Vermont patients gets signed into law. Plus, Democratic state lawmaker Dick Mazza has died following a career in Montpelier that spanned more than four decades, environmental advocates aren’t pleased after Gov. Scott vetoed the largest energy bill of the recent legislative session, more and more Vermonters are turning to air conditioning to beat the heat in summer, a former longtime Democratic lawmaker launches a primary bid for lieutenant governor as a Republican, and a Chittenden County town seeks to end its service with Green Mountain Transit.

After announcing that she won’t seek reelection, longtime Caledonia County Sen. Jane Kitchel reflects on her career. Plus, Gov. Phil Scott vetoes the biggest energy bill of the session, cannabis retail sales projections are higher than expected, a Rutland County public defender will serve as the newest federal District Court judge in Vermont, and a housing development project for UVM undergrads is scrapped.

A volunteer program in Chittenden County is helping older adults age in place with their pets, which can lead to a better quality of life. Plus, Vermont received a waiver to participate in a federal food program, the state is looking for feedback on plans to manage the Blueberry Hill and Birdseye wildlife management units in Rutland County, Quebec is becoming easier to navigate for English-only speakers, and the Vermont City Marathon is now offering a cash prize for the fastest nonbinary runner.

Visiting a high school track team that has athletes both with and without intellectual disabilities. Plus, Gov. Scott signs a bill into law intended to result in more timely care for patients, Scott vetoes another that would restrict pesticides commonly used on corn and soy crops, a North Hero Democrat has been named to fill a vacant state Senate seat, state fiscal constraints hold back a plan to create investment accounts for babies born into low-income families, and we hear about a program that helps towns build community spaces by combining individual on-line donations with matching state funds.

A hip-hop pioneer restructures his career after suffering severe vocal damage in a car accident. Plus, former Gov. Howard Dean announces he will not challenge Gov. Scott in the upcoming election for the state’s highest office, the co-chair of the Vermont Commission on Women shares her campaign priorities as she seeks to unseat the incumbent Republican, another veteran lawmaker in Montpelier will not seek reelection this year, a former television journalist announces a run for state Senate, and officials are trying to bolster the number of home reappraisers in Vermont.

How college students are dealing with food insecurity on campus. Plus, the influential state senator who led budget negotiations in Montpelier for two decades announces her retirement, the official who helped oversee state finances amid an influx of federal pandemic spending is stepping down, lawmakers approve a bill that could impose the state's first tax on second home purchases, Vermont’s chief health care advocate urges public comment on proposed health insurance premium hikes for next year, and the Agency of Transportation tries out a new way to keep truck drivers from getting stuck on the winding road near Smuggler’s Notch.