Midday Newscast: July 8, 2008

Weather is making it difficult for many people to breathe; Border Patrol says four people were involved in a confrontation; retailers say they hope sales tax holiday helps food shelves; young snowmobilers in New Hampshire will have to take some extra safety precautions next winter.

VPR Evening Newscast, July 7, 2008

VT delegation hop to double low heating assistance money; VSAC loans for college students are going down.  U.S. Border Patrol officer fired shots in a scuffle in the woods at the Derby Line; Aabama authorities file child pornography charges against Brooke Bennett’s former stepfather; commentator Philip Baruth on life, art and the Pixar film WALL-E.

Midday Newscast: July 7, 2008

U.S. Border agent shoots at three suspects in Derby Line; Congressional delegation seeks assistance to help poor families heat their homes; Thomas Costello says he plans to run for lieutenant governor;  student loan rates are going down.

Leasing the state lottery

Governor Jim Douglas proposed to the Legislature that the state lease its lottery to a private company. The plan could potentially generate $50 million in revenue, but critics have raised a philosophical objection. We hear the pros and cons adn take your calls. Also, news analysis with VPR’s Ross Sneyd, and we listen back to some of the voices in the week’s news.
hand-document.jpg

First day of new border rules goes smoothly

On the first day for new identification procedures at the Vermont-Quebec border, traffic flowed smoothly. Customs officials said almost everyone entering the United States on Thursday had the proper documents to prove who they were.
igloo_photo_2.jpg

Two cultures, one family

We talk with memoirist Jaed Coffin and Saint Michael’s College English professor Lorrie Smith about how people understand their own cultural identities when their families comprise diverse backgrounds. Also, new rules for crossing the Canadian border go into effect on Thursday, and we learn the secrets of building igloos.