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Articles by Connor Cyrus
Inaugural Rutland County Pride Festival encourages 'living out loud'
The theme for the first-ever Rutland County Pride Festival is "live out loud," with a performance by Joslyn Fox from season six of RuPaul's Drag Race. The family-friendly event features vendors, live music, and performances. It begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 17, and will end around 2 p.m. Our guest: Moonshire Shorey, Co-chair of Rutland County Pride Center Have questions, comments or tips? Send us a message or check us out on Instagram.
How Vermont providers are working to remove barriers for their LGBTQ+ patients
Live call-in discussion: From getting life-saving medications to communicating one's identity with health care providers, it can be difficult and complicated to LGBTQ+ patients to access health care in Vermont. This hour, we'll talk to two people in the health care field who care for LGBTQ+ patients.
Some Vermont Edition highlights from the past year
The Vermont Edition team brings the voices of people across our region to our listeners every day. Today, we’re taking some time to reshare some of our favorite conversations from the past year. Our guests: Dr. Mel Houser, executive director of All Brains Belong VT in Montpelier Jon Turner, Marine Corps veteran and board member of Vermont Vets Town Hall Rep.
In new book, ‘Bernie's Mitten Maker’ Jen Ellis reflects on internet fame, crafts and healing
Jen Ellis of Essex Junction accidentally found internet fame when Sen. Bernie Sanders wore her mittens to President Joe Biden's inauguration in 2021. But her new book, Bernie's Mitten Maker, is about much more than the meme. “It’s not just about the mittens," Ellis said in an interview on Vermont Edition. "I talk a lot about crafting and creativity and using those skills and those hobbies to heal from trauma and to build community and to build peace.
Rep. Saudia LaMont reflects on first session in Vermont House
Vermont Edition talked with representatives at the statehouse in Montpelier at the beginning of the legislative session in January. Now, we check in with freshman Rep. Saudia LaMont, who represents the Washington-Lamoille district that includes the towns of Stowe, Morristown and Elmore. She talks about some of the challenges she's faced in her first stint in office. Our guest: Rep. Saudia LaMont Broadcast live at noon on Wednesday, May 31, 2023; rebroadcast at 7 p.m. Have questions, comments or tips?
Gov. Phil Scott's vetoes and what they mean for the budget, other bills
Live, call-in discussion: Gov. Phil Scott vetoed the Legislature's state budget, saying the plan's $8.5 billion price tag is too high and new taxes and fees in the plan will burden Vermonters. This hour, we’ll learn the latest on the budget and other big bills lawmakers passed and sent to the governor's desk. Our senior political reporter will break it all down for us.
Vermont librarians weigh in on book challenges and book banning
Live call-in discussion: In some states, books are flying off the shelves — and not because they’re selling out. A Vermont librarian will share how some book challenges have played out in our state and what protections are in place to protect readers' privacy. We'll also hear from a local author whose books have been banned in other states.
Board games build community at this Burlington café
Straddling the Burlington/Winooski border, a quaint brick building is tucked in an alley. A small black and white sign is adorned with dice, cards and a chess piece. This is The Boardroom, Vermont’s only café dedicated to board games. “We have about 700 games to play,” says Kerry Winger, owner and founder of The Boardroom. Winger says she wanted a place for people to meet and hang out. She got the idea in 2019 after reading a book about the history of board games.
Records are more than a fad at these Vermont businesses putting their own stamp on vinyl
Vinyl records, once viewed as a relic of the past, have been making a comeback in recent years. In fact, in 2022, records made up 70% of all physical music sales, outselling CDs for the first time in 35 years. In this video, host Connor Cyrus learns more about the world of vinyl records. He starts by learning how they're made by speaking with the owner of the Burlington Record Plant and even jumps in on the action by using his new skills to press a record himself.
The 2024 total solar eclipse is coming to Vermont. How to figure out the best viewing spot now
Live call-in discussion: On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse is expected to sweep across the country. Northern Vermont is in the path of what eclipse fans call "totality," and many people are already planning trips to to watch the eclipse from here. There are things Vermonters can be watching in the sky now in order to figure out the best viewing place next April.
Remembering beloved Burlington drag queen Margaurite LeMay (and her alter ego, Michael Hayes)
Live call-in discussion: For more than 25 years, Margaurite LeMay dazzled and entertained audiences around Vermont. Part of the Burlington-based drag performance team The House of LeMay, the LeMays always said in their act that they're from "the Hot Dam Trailer Park in Beaver Pond, Vermont." Not just performers, the LeMays also were legendary for their charitable causes.
Exit Interview: Education Sec. Dan French on leading schools through COVID-19
Dan French, who has led Vermont’s Agency of Education since 2018, is leaving his post to take a senior leadership role at the nonprofit Council of Chief State School Officers in Washington, D.C. He helped guide the public education system through the pandemic, from the first school closures in March 2020, through hybrid learning, to an eventual return to in-person classes. Broadcast live on Monday, April 3, 2023, at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m. Have questions, comments or tips?
Should Vermont pass universal free school meals?
Live call-in discussion: Vermont children have had access to free breakfast and lunch at school since 2020. But the funding for that is set to expire this year. This hour, we’ll look at universal free meal legislation that is working its way through the state government. It passed in the House, and is now being considered in the Senate. Our guests are: Stacy Dean, deputy under secretary for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services State Rep.
Trump indictment: How are Vermonters responding?
Live, call-in discussion: Donald Trump has been indicted. He'll be the first former president to face criminal charges. This hour, we'll hear analysis from political scientists from our region and talk with the head of the state's Republican Party. Our guests are: Matthew Dickinson, political science professor at Middlebury College Linda Fowler, government professor emerita at Dartmouth College Paul Dame, chair of the Vermont Republican Party Broadcast live on Friday, March 31, 2023, at noon.
How do Airbnbs factor into Vermont’s housing crisis? 'Brave Little State' digs into the data
What types of impact do Airbnbs and other short-term rentals have on communities around Vermont? Are they positively impacting the state's economy and residents, or "taking away" much-needed housing from locals?
Vermont sex workers say decriminalization would increase safety. But some say it would benefit traffickers
Live, call-in discussion: Vermont’s sex workers and some lawmakers want to decriminalize prostitution in the state. This hour, we’ll shine a light on an industry that currently exists in the shadows. We’ll talk with a state lawmaker and sex workers who say changing the state’s laws would increase safety and equality. We’ll also hear from an anti-trafficking advocate who says full decriminalization goes too far and would benefit the people who exploit sex workers. Our guests are: State Rep.
How renewable is Vermont's electricity? 'Brave Little State' looks at fossil fuels in the power grid
How much does Vermont's power grid depend on fossil fuels? It's a seemingly straightforward question with a complex answer. And as electricity rates rise due to surging fuel prices, it's a question on more and more Vermonters' minds. This hour, Vermont Edition shares a recent episode of Brave Little State, the show that answers your questions about Vermont, our region and its people.
How journalists at UVM can narrow the local news gap
The decline of local news outlets across the country has created gaps in coverage. The Center for Community News at UVM connects college journalists with newsrooms that utilize the students' skills to cover stories that might otherwise be missed. Vermont Public is a partner with the Community News Service, which is run by UVM's Reporting & Documentary Storytelling program.
Vermont College of Fine Arts is moving its residency programs to Colorado. What does that mean for Montpelier?
Live call-in discussion: Vermont College of Fine Arts in Montpelier awards graduate degrees in writing, visual art and other creative pursuits. They announced last year that their residencies would move to a different campus out of state. Now, three of their buildings have sales pending, and a health and wellness center might be moving in. We'll explore what these changes mean for our capital city and what might be coming next to Montpelier.
Dating in Vermont: The good, the bad and everything in-between
Live call-in discussion: Dating is hard enough, but dating in a rural state like Vermont has its own unique challenges. This hour, we'll talk to a relationship coach who helps people write their online dating profiles, a bartender who has witnessed many awkward dates from the other side of the bar, and an Upper Valley couple who show that dating has no age.
Tillie Walden started drawing at 16. Ten years later, she's the cartoonist laureate of Vermont
Norwich resident Tillie Walden has been chosen to be Vermont’s fifth cartoonist laureate, and will be appointed to the three-year term on April 13 at the statehouse in Montpelier. Tillie Walden / Tillie Walden At the age of 26, she is the youngest artist to receive the honor. Walden, who started drawing when she was 16, has finished and published more than 10 books. "Clementine, Book Two," which she wrote and illustrated, and "Junior High," which she illustrated, are expected this year.
How Vermont’s Meals on Wheels programs meet perpetually high need
Live call-in discussion: Meals on Wheels brings prepared food to Vermonters 60 or older who have trouble getting around or preparing their own meals. Demand jumped roughly 30 percent during the pandemic, and for many areas organizing the meal delivery program, demand hasn't gone down. This hour, we'll hear from Meals on Wheels volunteers and leaders about the challenge of meeting the increased need.
Burlington comedian Jonny Wanzer ignites TikTok by satirizing Vermont life
Burlington comedian and content creator Jonny Wanzer has covered topics ranging from the UVM worker strike to the state of the UMall to the Vermont’s housing crisis to breaking down the Burlington bar scene. We’ll talk with Wanzer about making videos, helping other creators succeed and why he wants to keep his comedy focused on Vermont.
A Bristol woman's SUV was stolen in Montreal. It's part of a network sending stolen cars across the globe
Vermonters who visit Montreal should take caution when it comes to their cars. Auto thefts increased more than 30 percent last year, and a CBC investigation found many cars are ending up overseas. We’ll talk to a Bristol woman dealing with the fallout of her stolen SUV ... and a Montreal reporter covering the stolen cars.
Vermont moves to restrict wake boats, citing environmental and safety concerns
Live call-in discussion: The sport of wakesurfing has found its way to Vermont, but not everyone is riding the wave. This hour, we’ll learn about proposed rules that would end the use of wake boats on some Vermont lakes and restrict their use on others. Host Connor Cyrus will talk with Vermonters who are concerned about wake boats’ role in environmental problems like shore erosion and the spread of invasive species.
WATCH: Newbury voters overwhelmingly oppose a state juvenile treatment facility in town. What’s next?
In a largely symbolic vote on Town Meeting Day, Newbury residents overwhelmingly rejected the state’s plan to build a juvenile detention facility in the town. The non-binding ballot item directs the selectboard to inform the governor and legislature that the majority of residents don’t want the facility in their town. Newbury residents and town officials say they don't have the services to support the proposed facility. “I feel like the facilities themselves are needed. I really do.
Vermont's retail cannabis market has been open for months. How's it going?
Live call-in discussion: Retail cannabis has been legal in Vermont since October. So, how are the growers, retailers and consumers faring in this marketplace? This hour, we'll talk about the challenges state regulators are dealing with, how these cannabis businesses are faring and changes medical cannabis users and advocates want to see in Vermont.
How Vermonters can keep their birds safe from avian flu
Live call-in discussion: There are many different strains of the virus that causes avian flu, and while some are mild, others can be deadly. We’ll talk to Vermont’s assistant state veterinarian and a wildlife expert at Vermont Fish & Wildlife on ways to keep domestic flocks safe.
Elementary students take the mic for a book review podcast
Joyce Yoo Babbitt is a school librarian in Woodstock and also the producer of "1, 2, 3 Ready! Read! Review!," a weekly book review podcast for kids. Each episode features three students from pre-K to sixth grade, each offering a book recommendation and talking about why they loved it. Our guest: Joyce Yoo Babbitt, a library media specialist for Windsor Central Supervisory Union, and creator-producer of "1, 2, 3 Ready! Read! Review!" podcast Have questions, comments or tips?
Helping Vermonters and their loved ones cope with Alzheimer’s and dementia
Live call-in discussion: More than 13,000 Vermonters have Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia, and for every patient, there are twice as many friends or family members providing care. This hour, we'll talk about Alzheimer's and dementia with a UVM neurologist. We'll also hear from an advocate discussing help for patients, caregivers and families.
How the 'Affordable Heat Act' could transform how Vermont heats buildings
Live call-in discussion: Vermont lawmakers are considering a sweeping new bill—S.5, often called the Affordable Heat Act—that would transform how the state heats its homes and buildings. The bill is part of efforts to fight climate change and reduce Vermont’s greenhouse gas emissions. This hour, we'll talk with a primary sponsor of the bill, the state's top environmental official and a small business owner about what the bill would mean for Vermonters. Our guests are: Sen.
Vegan or vegan-ish? Vermonters on why (and how) they’re going plant-based
Live call-in discussion: Studies show plant-based diets can improve health and lower greenhouse gas emissions. But for many people, giving up meat or dairy seems too high a hurdle. This hour, we’ll hear from Vermonters who have decided to take the plunge to a plant-based diet. Some have even made it their livelihoods.
How a 'shield law' could protect out-of-staters coming to Vermont for abortions
Live call-in discussion: A new bill making its way through the Vermont legislature aims to protect people coming to Vermont for reproductive and gender-affirming health care, as well as the Vermont health care providers who administer that care. Our guest is: Rep. Martin LaLonde, a South Burlington lawmaker who is among the primary sponsors of H.89 Broadcast live on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m. Have questions, comments or tips?
From smartphones to tractors, lawmakers push for 'right to repair' high-tech stuff
Live call-in discussion: High-tech computer chips and software are now in everything from coffee makers to cars and tractors. But when that technology breaks or the software glitches, are you able to fix it? We'll talk with a lawmaker pursing 'right to repair' laws to make it easier for individuals and repair shops to do the work. Our guests are: Rep.
The legacy of composer Julius Eastman (and how Vermonters are helping honor it)
This hour, host Connor Cyrus introduces a special presentation of the podcast Timeline from Vermont Public Classical. In this show, host James Stewart shares with listeners the music and life story of Julius Eastman, an openly gay Black composer whose music is only now being rediscovered. A native of Buffalo, New York, Eastman made his way to New York City where he became a prolific—andiconoclastic—composer and performer.
'Do not go on Lake Champlain.' Vermont officials offer ice safety tips as temperatures warm
Arctic temperatures brought frigid conditions and ice to Vermont at the beginning of February, but since then, temperatures have warmed, causing ice on lakes and ponds to rapidly deteriorate. The unpredictable ice conditions led to three Vermont ice fishermen dying last weekend after plunging through the ice on Lake Champlain. We talk to the Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife about ice safety amid mild temperatures.
Vermont Treasurer Mike Piecak on how you can reclaim 'missing money' from the state
Live call-in discussion: Vermont's treasurer is holding some $119 million dollars in unclaimed property. This hour, we're speaking with Treasurer Mike Pieciak about how Vermonters can search for missing money. And we'll ask about his other priorities for his first term in office. Our guest is: Mike Pieciak, Vermont State Treasurer Broadcast live on Friday, Feb. 17, 2023, at noon. Have questions, comments or tips? Send us a message or tweet us @vermontedition.
After viral TikTok posts, Montpelier author's 'Stone Maidens' novel is a bestseller
The video is just 16 seconds long, and simple. You see a Vermont author’s modest writing habits, complete with sneakers and suspenders. With this TikTok post, Lloyd Devereux Richards’ daughter, Marguerite, hoped to drum up a few sales for his debut novel, which came out in 2012. It’s been viewed 42 million times and counting. And the novel, Stone Maidens, rocketed to the number-one spot on Amazon as of Tuesday, Feb. 15. Not just the #1-selling thriller — the number-one selling book on all of Amazon.
Black excellence, creativity and history in Vermont
Live call-in discussion: There are approximately 8,000 Black Vermonters across the state. This year for Black History Month, we’re highlighting some of their excellent work, with conversations on the term Black excellence, Black creativity, and the importance of studying Black history.
Who's got your heart? Vermonters share their Valentine's Day messages
Live call-in show: Valentine’s Day is a good time to remind your loved ones you care. This hour, we open the phone lines and invite Vermonters to share messages of love and appreciation. Who’s brightening up your life these days? Whether it’s a new crush or an old flame, let them know. We'll hear from some young Vermonters who explain their tradition of sharing valentines with everyone who has a mailbox at the Elmore Post Office.
How Vermonters can thrift and upcycle clothing to fight fast fashion
Live call-in discussion: After oil and gas, the clothing industry is the second-largest polluter worldwide. Fast fashion is cheap to produce and purchase, but creates a high cost on the environment. This hour, we'll hear from thrifting industry experts and an environmentalist on how Vermonters can lessen their impact.
Reporter roundtable: What's happening in Montpelier one month into the new session
Live call-in discussion: Lawmakers have been back at work in Montpelier for about a month now. This hour, we'll check in with political reporters about bills that could have major implications for Vermonters, from housing proposals, to child care initiatives, paid family and medical leave, climate legislation and more.
Adults who aged out of Vt.'s foster care system call for access to their own records
Live call-in discussion: Adults who have aged out of Vermont's foster care are calling on the state to expand access to their own records when they were under state care. This hour, we talk with child advocates, a state archivist and the Department for Children and Families about the issue and the need for adults who spent time in the foster care system to access such records.
Vt. Town Meeting Day 2023: What pandemic-era changes will still be in place
Live call-in discussion: For many Vermont communities, Town Meeting Day has been an in-person event— until the pandemic ensured it wasn’t. New legislation signed by Gov. Scott last month extends some of those pandemic-era changes to Town Meeting Day for another two years. So, what changes will still be in place? Our guest is: Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas Have questions, comments or tips? Send us a message or tweet us @vermontedition.
How online bullying and harassment takes a toll on adults in the public eye
Live call-in discussion: Harassment and cyberbullying are a common part of our online lives, especially for adults in the public eye. But being targeted virtually can have serious consequences in the real world. This hour, we hear from a former state lawmaker featured in a new documentary, where she shares her story of leaving office after racist attacks online. And we'll hear from Vermont researchers about the toll online harassment takes even when we're offline.
Montpelier author's new young adult novel explores grief, healing and community
Kekla Magoon is an award-winning author of novels and nonfiction for middle grades and teenagers. She is also an alum and a faculty member of the Vermont College of Fine Arts. Her latest book, The Minus-One Club, was published this week. It tells the story of a teenager named Kermit Sanders who lost his older sister in a car crash. Then, he gets an invitation to a club for kids who are grieving. Also in the club? Kermit’s crush, Matt. It’s a story of grief, healing and community.
Celebrating life beyond racial and gender binaries with Homegoings
Liza Phillip is a biracial queer nonbinary Burlington artist who paints and sings songs on the ukulele as a way to celebrate life beyond traditional racial and gender binaries. This hour, we'll listen to a recent episode of Homegoings, a special series from Brave Little State that features conversations with artists of color who live in Vermont about Black grief, resilience and music. Follow the series here.
Vermont's new attorney general on combatting domestic violence, protecting survivors
Live, call-in discussion: Nearly half of all homicides in Vermont between 1994 and 2021 were related to domestic violence, according to a new report released by the Attorney General’s Office. This hour, we’ll learn more about that report, which is put out annually by the Vermont Domestic Violence Fatality Review Commission.
What AI like ChatGPT means for Vermont schools, government and the future of work
Live call-in discussion: Artificial intelligence programs like ChatGPT are in the news for their ability to create poems, resumes, homework and more with a few taps of a keyboard. It’s just one way AI shows up in our lives. This hour, we’re talking with state employees and Vermont educators about how AI is already being used in Vermont, and the promises and challenges posed by AI in the future.
Two-thirds of Vermont towns will reappraise homes this year. Here's what it means for you
Live call-in discussion: Property values in Vermont are soaring, and that means homes in two-thirds of Vermont towns and cities will need mandatory reappraisals this year, according to a new assessment from state tax officials. This hour, we'll hear from the Tax Department about what these reappraisals mean for homeowners and potential buyers. Our guest is: Jill Remick, director of property valuation and review for the Vermont Department of Taxes Have questions, comments or tips?
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