Government for the people! A beacon of democracy! The Postal Service has been essential for free speech and the circulation of ideas since before the founding of the United States. These days, it's becoming increasingly important during elections, as more people vote by mail. And it’s still a vital part of many communities, from beloved local mail carriers to shiny, gold P.O. Boxes in general stores.

But in recent years, it’s been struggling to make good on its public service — and Vermonters are fighting back. Check out the web version of this story here.

If you have questions about the 2024 election and its aftermath you want us to answer, we’d love to hear from you. There’s a form on our website, or leave us a voicemail at 802-552-4880.

This episode was reported by Burgess Brown. It was produced and edited by Josh Crane and Sabine Poux. Angela Evancie is Brave Little State’s Executive Producer. Our theme music is by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.

Special thanks to Zoe McDonald, Bob Kinzel, Adiah Gholston, Rachel Hellman, Paul Montague, Trevor Braun, Alexia Murray, Bruce Olsson, Ned Swanberg, Justin Hopkins and Alice Angney.

As always, our journalism is better when you’re a part of it:

• Ask a question about Vermont
• Sign up for the BLS newsletter
• Say hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevt
• Drop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.org
• Make a gift to support people-powered journalism
• Tell your friends about the show!

Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

We’re sharing a story from New Hampshire Public Radio’s Document team.

A young police officer unexpectedly finds herself back in New Hampshire, and she’s not the same person she was when she left. Something happened to her – to all of us. But for Officer Emelia Campbell, this thing still lives in her brain and her body.

NHPR’s Lauren Chooljian brings you Emelia’s story of survival and resilience in the wake of Jan. 6, 2021. You can find the full transcript here.

Heads up: This episode contains unbleeped swears and mentions of death by suicide. If you need support, call or text 9-8-8, or click here, for the Suicide and Crisis lifeline.

This story was reported and written by Lauren Chooljian. Jason Moon produced and mixed this piece, and composed all the music. Katie Colaneri was the editor, with additional editing by Dan Barrick, Todd Bookman, Taylor Quimby and Kate Dario.

Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network. As always, our journalism is better when you’re a part of it:

• Ask a question about Vermont
• Sign up for the BLS newsletter
• Say hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevt
• Drop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.org
• Make a gift to support people-powered journalism
• Tell your friends about the show!

Climate change is here. So is Vermont’s energy transition. Ahead of the 2024 election, voters want to know: How do they fit in?

Environment and climate reporter Abagael Giles looks into efforts to both mitigate and adapt to climate change in this pivotal moment. And she explores how Vermont can make sure its most remote communities aren’t left behind.

Thanks to Laura Zettler of Fairfax and Pam Ladds of Newport for sharing their curiosity with us.

There’s a full transcript for this episode here. If you want to learn more about the Affordable Heat Act or any other Vermont climate policies — and to find out more about where specific candidates stand on climate issues — click here.

And for more about how climate change is impacting Vermont, check out more of Abagael’s recent reporting.

This episode was reported by Abagael Giles. It was produced and edited by Josh Crane, with help from Sabine Poux, Burgess Brown, Brittany Patterson and Sophie Stephens. Angela Evancie is Brave Little State’s Executive Producer. Our theme music is by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.

Special thanks to Mark Davis, Rachel Cleetus, Terry Callahan, Jennifer Durgan, Tony Eprile, Donna Smyers, Johanna Nichols, Jennifer Francoeur and Jenel Ronn.

As always, our journalism is better when you’re a part of it:

• Ask a question about Vermont
• Sign up for the BLS newsletter
• Say hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevt
• Drop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.org
• Make a gift to support people-powered journalism
• Tell your friends about the show!

Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.