802 News with Mark Johnson

WCAX News
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  • POLITICS
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In depth conversations with news makers, news breakers and Vermonters making a difference.

  1. Unpacking Bernie

    JAN 14

    Unpacking Bernie

    Send us a text There's a new book coming out about Bernie Sanders and Burlington. The author is Dan Chiasson, a Queen City native. "Bernie for Burlington" traces the political rise of Sanders from his 1981 mayoral win to his two unsuccessful bids for the presidency. Chiasson also shares his observations about Burlington. The author will be part of a book launch event at Burlington City Hall on Feb. 3. Tickets can be purchased from Phoenix Books in Burlington.

    59 min
  2. Struggling Boys and Young Men

    JAN 5

    Struggling Boys and Young Men

    Send us a text Many boys and young men are struggling with isolation and loneliness and there is a significant gender gap in academic achievement, opioid deaths and suicide rates. Why? A Vermont documentary "Gone Guys" and the nationally acclaimed book "Of Boys and Men" explore these challenging issues. UVM's Ali Mahmood, assistant director of the Interfaith Center, and Evan Cuttitti, director of Men and Masculinities Programs, share their observations and the work being done to help young males.

    1h 1m
  3. Walter's New Heart

    12/23/2025

    Walter's New Heart

    Send us a text Burlington attorney Walter Judge was one of the approximately 4,000 people in the US who received a heart transplant this year.

    37 min
  4. Education Reform: Now What?

    12/09/2025

    Education Reform: Now What?

    Send us a text Lawmakers and Gov. Scott agreed last year to major education reform in hopes of  reducing chronic property tax increases. However, a committee charged with drawing up new school districts presented this summer a different approach. How will the governor and legislature respond when lawmakers return to Montpelier next month? We spoke with 7Days education reporter Alison Novak about Act 73.

    54 min
  5. Extreme Outdoor Survival

    11/18/2025

    Extreme Outdoor Survival

    Send us a text Jessie Krebs is an outdoor survival skills expert. She discusses how to prepare for an adventure and what to do when things go wrong. Krebs runs O.W.L.S. Skills and teaches courses throughout the country, including here in Vermont. She graduated from Air Force survival training and lasted 46 days on the TV show "Alone."

    53 min
  6. Justice Amestoy: 'Don't Look to the Courts to Save' Democracy

    11/03/2025

    Justice Amestoy: 'Don't Look to the Courts to Save' Democracy

    Send us a text President Donald Trump is "an autocrat" who poses an unprecedented threat to American democracy. So says former Vermont Supreme Court Chief Justice Jeffrey Amestoy. With Trump loyalists running the Justice Dept., the FBI and the military, Amestoy worries the president will disregard court orders and election results with impunity. As Trump amasses power, Amestoy warns: "Don't look to an easy fix either from a decision of the United States Supreme Court or an election result. I don't think we're in a world where those are the answers to what we're in right now."

    51 min
  7. Escape from Afghanistan

    10/15/2025

    Escape from Afghanistan

    Send us a text Mitra Mahtab (Naeimi), a 29-year-old Afghan woman, fled her country in 2021 after the United States completed its troop withdrawal and the Taliban regained control. The U.S. invaded Afghanistan after the 2001 9/11 attacks seeking to root out members of Al Quaeda. The Taliban greatly restricts the rights of Afghan women. Mitra had a long journey to reach the U.S. in 2023 and plans to help Afghan women after she graduates from the University of Vermont. She is among approximately 650 Afghans who have resettled in Vermont.

    58 min
  8. BTV Police Chief: 'We Need Greater Accountability'

    10/01/2025

    BTV Police Chief: 'We Need Greater Accountability'

    Send us a text Interim Police Chief Shawn Burke says a lack of accountability is a major factor behind the increase in drug use, theft, violent crime and other illegal activity in Vermont's largest city.  Burke was police chief in South Burlington but agreed in March to return as the interim chief in Burlington, where he previously worked for 21 years. In an interview at City Hall Park, a problem hotspot, Burke, 53, said he is hopeful and looks forward to working with state and local leaders to reduce concerns about safety and crime.

    51 min
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5
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16 Ratings

About

In depth conversations with news makers, news breakers and Vermonters making a difference.

Information

  • Creator
    WCAX News
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    69
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 802 News with Mark Johnson
  • Show Website
    802 News with Mark Johnson

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