Top stories developing across the region at the noon hour:
Bob Kinzel reports from Iowa on the tightening of the Democratic race and the impact on Dean’s campaign; the state hospital will be one of the topics discussed at Governor Jim Douglas’ weekly news conference; four middle school students in Shelburne just received $50 savings bonds for winning the statewide “Stock Market Game”; Senate Democrats are present an economic development plan, saying they want to attract entrepreneurs with seed capital for businesses and with better internet access; utilities are issuing their third appeal in as many weeks to conserve electricity, as bitter cold has produced near-record demands for power.
(To hear the Midday Report, click on the “Listen” icon.)