Proposal targets truck exhaust
The state is poised to propose new regulations prohibiting large trucks and buses from idling for more than a few minutes at a time. The move comes as “no-idling” legislation languishes in the Legislature. The trucking industry says it favors self regulation. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Montpelier downtown union
A new kind of union effort is under way in Montpelier. For the first time, organizers are attempting to unionize an entire downtown retail district. Supporters say a city-wide union would give workers more job security and better pay and benefits. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Yankee shutdown strategy
Brattleboro voters will be asked on Tuesday whether to direct officials to begin preparing for the possible shutdown of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant. The plant’s current operating license expires in eight years. (AP)
Dean on Vermont ballot
Tuesday will be another election day for Howard Dean in Vermont. And many of his supporters say they hope he’ll win the Democratic presidential primary in his home state. They say they’re working to help him win delegates. (AP)
Bush re-election campaign
Governor Jim Douglas is heading up President Bush’s re-election campaign in Vermont. Douglas says a grass roots organization is beginning in Burlington, but will spread statewide. The governor says the state needs Bush as a strong partner in Washington. (AP)
Court costs
Getting a divorce is getting a little more costly in Vermont. Beginning today, it will cost an extra $100 to file for divorce, and an additional $75 to sue someone. Those are part of new state civil court fees going into effect. (AP)
Sugar season
Vermont’s maple syrup producers are gearing up for the six- to eight-week sugaring season. Producers are hoping sap will start flowing next week. Tradition holds that sugarmakers should have their trees tapped by Town Meeting Day, which is Tuesday. (AP)
Ferrisburgh town hall
Voters in Ferrisburgh will vote Tuesday on a proposal to turn the nearly 140-year-old former Congregational Church into the new town offices. The building currently houses the Grange. Townspeople will be asked whether to spend $350,000 to fix it up. (AP)
Rutland arts organizations
Two Rutland arts organizations are considering a merger. Officials with the Paramount Theatre and Crossroads Arts Council say merging could make a lot of economic sense by avoiding duplicating services. But spokespeople for both groups say the merger discussions are in their earliest stages. (AP)
Canadian customs
Fur coats are one of the most common items that federal wildlife inspectors seize from people seeking to enter the United States from Canada. Federal Wildlife Inspector Robert Mulkeen says some Canadian shop owners don’t tell Americans which coats are legal only in Canada. (AP)