A view from the Islands: phosphorus in the lake
Despite its beauty, Lake Champlain is in trouble. Much of the lake fails state water quality standards, and pollution can cause unsightly and dangerous algae blooms. How healthy is Lake Champlain? (Listen online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Manufacturing jobs
Vermont lost about 500 manufacturing jobs from January to June. But Governor Jim Douglas says the job loss is due in part to the policies of his predecessors. The governor says it will take time for the manufacturing sector to recover. (Listen online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Backyard bear encounters
Fish and Wildlife officials say they’ve had a large number of calls about black bears this summer. The bears are raiding compost piles and destroying bird feeders in search of food. Officials say in some cases, people aren’t doing enough to discourage the bears and it may be time to change the law that permits landowners to shoot nuisance bears. (Listen online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Vermont information department
Governor Jim Douglas has named an Underhill woman to lead the state’s new Department of Information and Innovation. Robin Siss came to state government from IDX, a medical software company based in South Burlington. (VPR)