VPR Poll, Part 3
According to a new VPR poll, a strong majority of Vermonters disapprove of the way that President Bush is handling the economy. Today in our series on “The Pulse of Vermont” VPR’s Bob Kinzel also examines how Vermonters feel about a possible war with Iraq. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
VPR Poll, Part 4
New poll results indicate that Vermonters have ambiguous feelings for Governor Howard Dean’s presidential campaign. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Vaccine shortages
According to a report by the Congress’ General Accounting Office, in the last year more than half the states have had to ration childhood vaccines. The shortages have forced some states to waive immunization requirements for children entering school. Officials say Vermont has been able to avoid any serious vaccine shortages. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Cheney’s visit
Vice president Dick Cheney’s visit to Vermont Thursday has triggered a strong reaction among Democrats and anti-war activists. The state Republican Party will host Cheney for a brief fundraiser at the Burlington airport. Democrats have challenged Republican gubernatorial candidate James Douglas to distance himself from White House policies. And protesters also plan to picket the Cheney event. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Lieutenant governor’s race
In Vermont’s very close race for lieutenant governor, two candidates are battling for the support of various labor organizations. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Rutland grand jury
Federal indictments of nine people for allegedly dealing drugs in Rutland will help relieve pressure on the state justice system. (AP)
Vermont road safety
A report from a national highway safety group says Vermont’s roads are relatively safe, but the state has a high number of run-off-the-road accidents. (AP)
School assessments
Vermont Governor Howard Dean and the state’s top education official are expected to announce some important test results today. Those assessment scores will determine which of Vermont’s schools must comply with new federal school choice provisions. (AP)
Boettcher’s retirement deal
Vermont Congressman Bernie Sanders is calling for a federal investigation into the retirement plan for Fletcher Allen Health Care’s former CEO. William Boettcher, who resigned last week, is receiving $750,000 in retirement benefits. (AP)
Machine plant auction
The Springfield Regional Development Corporation could be the new owners of a giant, but largely unused, machine tool plant. The corporation was the only bidder at a bankruptcy auction in Delaware of the Jones and Lamson Plant One building. (AP)
Recycling solutions
Recycling could get easier in Chittenden County. The Chittenden Solid Waste District is considering a plan that would eliminate the need to separate recyclables, such as plastic, glass and metal cans, into different bins. But the project could cost two (m)million dollars. (AP)
Clarendon traffic light
Some residents are willing to spend the money to install a traffic light at the intersection of U.S. Route 7 and Vermont Route 103. Fatal accidents have occurred at the intersection. Some feel it’s better to spend the money than to wait for other solutions, which could take at least a year. (AP)
Dean on Iraq
Vermont Governor Howard Dean is speaking out about possible military action against Iraq. Dean said yesterday he has not seen enough evidence to warrant that step. Dean says President Bush needs to make the case that Iraq has weapons of mass destruction and the means to use them. (AP)