Survivors recall 1927 flood
This weekend marks the 75th anniversary of the greatest natural disaster in Vermont history. Several Vermonters who remember the Flood of 1927 shared their memories. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Interview: Vermont schools and federal standards
Steve Delaney talks with Deputy Education Commissioner Bud Myers Most about Vermont schools targeted for improvement by the Federal Education Act. (Listen the interview online.) (VPR)
Leahy defends Judicial Committee’s record
Senator Patrick Leahy says a plan proposed by President Bush to speed up the U.S. Senate’s confirmation process of federal judges is little more than a political ploy in the final days before Tuesday’s Election. (Listen the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Shumlin ad stirs controversy
A new radio ad in the lieutenant governor’s race is stirring up a lot of controversy in the final days of the campaign. (Listen the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Douglas, Racine campaign in last days
As the election season winds down, the two major candidates for governor have stepped up their search for votes. Democratic Lieutenant Governor Doug Racine told a news conference in Burlington that he’ll work intensely on issues important to women and families. And Republican Jim Douglas took credit for the Bush administration’s decision to place a long-awaited highway project on a priority list. (Listen the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
NH Senate race
Three polls show the U.S. Senate race between Republican Congressman John Sununu and Democratic Governor Jeanne Shaheen is a toss up. With less than a week left before Tuesday’s election, two polls released Thursday show Shaheen slightly ahead, and a third poll shows them about even. (AP)
Shaw’s to open in some Ames’ stores
The Shaw’s Supermarket chain plans to take over 18 former Ames department stores in New England, including three in Vermont. Shaw’s says it will open new supermarkets at those locations. Shaw’s plans to take over Ames leases in Barre, Derby and Springfield, Vermont, as well as stores in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Connecticut. (AP)
Bennington debt case
The Bennington debt reduction firm that is being investigated by state and federal prosecutors wants a client list back from two former employees. The Law Centers for Consumer Protection argues the former employees used the confidential information to damage the firm. (AP)
Satellite company merger
Vermont has joined a U.S. Justice Department lawsuit to block a proposed $22 billion merger involving EchoStar Communications and Hughes Electronics. The government says the merger would eliminate competition between the two largest direct satellite broadcasters, harming consumers. (AP)
Septic regulations
New regulations governing septic and water systems in Vermont take effect today. The new rules close what has been called the 10-acre exemption that allowed large lot owners to experiment with innovative septic technology. But some feel it hasn’t worked.
Prefabricated housing suit
A Rutland family ordered to move their prefabricated home off their lot wants to delay the order. Francis and Debra Clogston are appealing the order to the Supreme Court. The Clogstons’ Robinwood Lane neighbors argue they live in a mobile home. (AP)
EPA dry cleaning decision
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will start cleaning up the site of a former dry cleaning business in Barre. Tests done by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation have found high concentrations of common dry cleaning chemicals in soils, surface and groundwater. (AP)
Powell trial
A jury has found Aaron James Powell guilty of trespassing for illegally occupying a house he once owned in Lunenburg. Powell faces up to three years in prison and a $2,000 fine for the felony charge. (AP)
Church discrimination suit
A Hanover, New Hampshire, woman who sued the Roman Catholic Church for the right to become a priest has lost her legal battle. Lawyer Susan Rockwell, who practices law in Vermont, had tried to become a priest but was told the church forbids it. She filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court, claiming the church’s policy was discriminatory. (AP)