Morning Newscast: May 19, 2008

Here are the top stories at 7:30 a.m.: The chairman of the Vermont Republican party says his party may be in for a tough election year. Testimony resumes today in Rutland in the Michelle Gardner Quinn murder case. Delays are not uncommon in court, but they can make a stressful situation even more trying for the family and friends of the victim.  Gasoline prices around $3.75 per gallon for regular unleaded are prompting more Vermonters to try carpooling and public transportation.
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Victim advocates support families through trials

Testimony resumes today in Rutland in the Michelle Gardner Quinn murder case. Brian Rooney is accused of the abduction, rape and murder of the 21-year old University of Vermont student in 2006. The trial was postponed last week when Rooney became ill. Delays are not uncommon in court, but they can make a stressful situation even more trying for the family and friends of the victim. VPR’s Nina Keck has more.