Iran Journal, Part 2: Tehran
City life in Iran is a pastiche of old traditions and youthful energy, tranquility and pandemonium. With a population of 12 million, Tehran is an assault on the senses, from the quiet, leafy parks to the raucous chaos of the streets, to the bazaars with their pungent herbs and colorful carpets. The imprint of Iran’s Islamic government is everywhere, but underneath lies a much older culture. VPR’s Steve Zind continues his search for his Iranian roots in Iran’s capital.
Interview: VPR Launches New Station
Vermont Public Radio is in the unusual position of reporting on itself today as VPR introduces a new station. WNCH, 88.1 FM goes on the air full time for the first time Tuesday morning. Mitch Wertlieb talks with VPR President and General Manager Mark Vogelzang about the new station.
NRC Rules on Safety System at Vermont Yankee
Federal nuclear regulators have assured the state that a key safety system at the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant will not be weakened if it produces more power. The state had raised questions last year about the pumps needed to cool the reactor in an emergency. (VPR)
Vermont GOP Considers Changes to Primary Election Process
The entry of an anti-war socialist in the Republican U.S. Senate race is causing GOP Party officials to reconsider ways to restrict who can run as a Republican candidate in the future. (VPR)
Drown Announces Candidacy for U.S. House Seat
Larry Drown of Northfield is running for Congress this year. Drown is seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge Vermont’s independent Representative Bernard Sanders. (AP)
Vermont Guard Deploys 10 Soldiers
Ten more Vermont National Guard soldiers are headed to Iraq. National Guard spokeswoman Veronica Saffo says the soldiers are replacements for casualties the Vermont Guard has suffered in Iraq. (AP)
Vermont State Police to Work at Boston Convention
Twenty-six Vermont State Police troopers will be in Boston next week to help provide security during the Democratic National Convention. The state police agreed to send the troopers after the Massachusetts State Police asked neighboring New England states for help. (AP)
Missing Springfield Man Found Near Camp
A Springfield man who had been lost in the woods around East Wallingford for two nights has been found. Vermont State Police say they searched through the night for 74-year-old Richard Wilson. (AP)
Primary Election Filing Deadline
Vermonters will have three primary races to decide in September. Yesterday evening was the deadline for candidates to file their nominating petitions if they want to appear on the primary ballot. Some candidates for public office this year are trying on new political labels. A former Green Party member is running as a Democrat, and Liberty Union members are running as Progressives and, in one case, as a Republican. Former Republican Larry Drown of Northfield is running this time for the U.S. House as a Democrat. (AP)
Homestead Declaration
Some Vermont communities are worried about landowners who have failed to file homestead declaration forms. Without the information, property tax bills might contain numerous errors. (AP)
ATV Accident
Vermont State Police are lamenting that there’s little they can do to salve the sadness of the families of two teenagers who were killed in an ATV accident Friday. Police say 17-year-old Ryan Forty and 18-year-old Brandon Rainville were catapulted over the side of a bridge in Sheldon when their all-terrain vehicle hit a guardrail. (AP)
Stanley Cup in Vermont
The National Hockey League’s most prestigious trophy is coming to South Burlington. Martin St. Louis – former University of Vermont hockey standout and now star player for the Tampa Bay Lightning – will put the Stanley Cup on display at the Sheraton in South Burlington on July 29. (AP)