Interview: Robert DeCormier
Steve Delaney talks with composer and conductor Robert DeCormier, who will be honored at a Statehouse ceremony on Friday for his contributions to music. (Listen to the interview online.) (VPR)
FAHC nurses’ union
Governor Howard Dean is throwing his support behind an effort by the nurses at Fletcher Allen Hospital, the state’s largest medical facility, to form a union next month. The union drive is being strongly opposed by the administration at Fletcher Allen. (VPR)
Cheney raises $200,000
Vice President Dick Cheney said Thursday in Vermont that Iraq’s offer to allow weapons inspectors to return is a ploy to deflect action by the United Nations. Cheney also warned that terrorist cells based in 50 to 60 countries still threaten the United States. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Dean opposed to action in Iraq
Governor Howard Dean says he opposes a Congressional resolution giving President Bush the authority to take military action against Iraq. Dean says the president hasn’t made a compelling case to the American people to support this action. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
School test scores
Scores on state and national education tests have improved in Vermont, according to the latest results released Thursday. (AP)
Burlington-Essex rail project
Senators Patrick Leahy and James Jeffords announced today they have secured $4.8 million to link Burlington and Essex Junction with a commuter rail line. (AP)
Federal farm program
Vermont Governor Howard Dean says the Bush administration has broken its promise to small farmers. Vermont farmers are seeing the lowest milk prices in decades, and Dean says the impact on farmers and farm suppliers may be devastating. (AP)
Highgate egg farm
Today’s the last opportunity for public comment on Vermont Egg Farms’ expansion permit. The Department of Agriculture is expected to rule on the Highgate farm’s application in early October. A group opposed to the expansion has asked for a delay. (AP)
IBM layoff discrimination
About 50 former IBM employees are filing age discrimination suits after being let go from the company’s Vermont plant. Those IBM workers charge that they lost their jobs because of their age, but the company says it laid off workers based on other factors. (AP)
Bombarier layoffs effective today
Vermonters who work at the Bombardier plant closing today will not be receiving any severance pay or extended benefits. The Canadian rail manufacturer said last week that it’s shutting down its Barre plant and transferring work to its New York facility. (AP)
Little Equinox windmill project
Some residents and business owners in Manchester are concerned about a planned wind farm project. Equinox Wind Partners wants to build five windmills at the top of Little Equinox Mountain. But nearby businesses and residents say the windmills would be too tall and would ruin the views from Manchester village. (AP)
Easement conservation
A new deal will conserve nearly 1,000 acres in southern Vermont that is considered important bear country. The forest that’s being protected in Stratton and Winhall also will help support white-tailed deer and the Bicknell’s Thrush. (AP)
Randolph rest areas
Limited hours will be instituted at the Randolph rest areas on Interstate 89 starting this weekend. The change is part of the Dean administration’s budget-balancing package. Starting on Sunday, the rest areas will be open only from 1:00 p.m. to 9 p.m. each day. (AP)