Top stories developing across the region at the noon hour:
Governor Jim Douglas has teamed up with bankers to warn consumers about predatory lending; in St. Johnsbury, a developer is eyeing a 23-acre parcel in the town’s north end, as a potential site for a “big box” retail store; the town of Wells hope to address a lack of cell phone coverage; the House begins a floor debate on the state budget; State Senator Jim Condos is looking at a plan to make early learning available to any child in the state; two environmental groups are appealing a trap-and-truck proposal for fish on the Clyde River.
(To hear the Midday Report, click on the “Listen” icon.)