Interview: Vermont City Marathon
This weekend marks the fourteenth annual running of the Vermont City Marathon. “Runners World” recently rated VCM as one of the top twenty marathons in the country – based on the beauty of the course, among other criteria. Steve Delaney interviews Andrea Sisino, executive director of the event. (Listen to the interview online.) (VPR)
Lawyer Defends Accused Priest
The lawyer for one of priests under investigation by the attorney general has released details of allegations against his client. Middlebury Attorney Peter Langrock says the information shows his client has not engaged in any impropriety. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Douglas Announces for Governor
State Treasurer Jim Douglas stood on the steps of the Statehouse on Thursday afternoon to formally launch his campaign for governor. Douglas backed a number of proposals that are designed to improve the state’s economic climate. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Dean’s Presidential Race
Governor Howard Dean has the “help wanted” sign out for his fledgling presidential campaign. The Democrat says he’s just about made up his mind to run. He plans to hire staff, including a professional fundraiser, as he gears up for the race. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Act 60 Negotiations
Governor Howard Dean wants legislative leaders to jumpstart their stalled negotiations over legislation that would make key changes to Act 60. Earlier this week, House and Senate conferees agreed that it’s unlikely that the differences between the two chambers can be bridged this year. (VPR)
Clergy as Mandated Reporters
The Dean administration wants the clergy to be required to report allegations of child sex abuse. And administration officials say that requirement should extend to information that’s discovered in the confidential confessionals of the Catholic Church. (VPR)
Traffic Fatality
Vermont State Police say Route 78 in West Swanton was closed today after a fatal accident occurred on a bridge there. Police say that 30-year-old truck driver John Pal died after the tractor trailer he was driving went through the bridge’s guardrails. State police were advising drivers to take an alternate route this afternoon. (AP)
Legislative Calendar
The Vermont Legislature won’t be adjourning this week, and its leaders are now saying they hope to finish up by next week. (AP)
Accused Priests on Leave
Six Vermont priests are beginning an administrative leave today ordered by the bishop. The state is investigating claims of child sexual abuse against them.
Jeffords’ Anniversary
Today is the anniversary of Jim Jeffords’ decision to leave the Republican Party. At a ceremony marking the event, he said he’s had no regrets. (AP)
IBM Contraction
Seven hundred IBM employees around the country were told yesterday their jobs are ending. None of them are at the Essex Junction plant in Vermont. Company officials said the facility is important to the IBM is not going to close and is not going to be sold. (AP)
MAU Wrestler
A Bennington high school wrestler has decided to write a second letter of apology for using an illegal choke hold on an opponent. The first letter wasn’t considered sufficiently apologetic.
Vermont Yankee
Vermont Yankee should be back at full power by tomorrow, after a 12-day shutdown for replacement of some leaking fuel rods. (AP)
Stolen Van Recovered
A van allegedly stolen in Vermont has been found in Minnesota, without the three furloughed inmates who’d been using it to commute to work. (AP)
Industrial Pollution Down
The EPA says industrial pollution is down by significant percentages in Vermont over the past decade, at twice the national average of reduction. (AP)
Springfield Tool Plant
The winning bidder for the assets of two closed machine tool plants in Springfield, may in fact re-open those facilities, rather than strip them of equipment. (AP)
Rutland Teachers
Teachers in Rutland have a new contract that gives them a 4%. It’s been accepted by a union vote. (AP)
Vermont Yankee
Officials at Vermont Yankee say the nuclear power plant should be fully on-line by tomorrow, after a 12-day shutdown to replace leaking fuel rods. (AP)