Top stories at the noon hour:
It may be Christmas before the ballot recount is complete in the race for Vermont state auditor; Vermont is in second place this year on an annual nationwide list by states of health rankings; AARP Magazine is praising Governor Jim Douglas for signing legislation that makes affordable health insurance available to everyone in the state, but some lawmakers are uncomfortable with the recognition; Planned Parenthood is launching a nationwide effort this week to educate women, and men, about emergency contraception options.