Interview: Vermont historical society
Kevin Graffagnino is coming home to a job he’s always wanted, and it starts today. He’s the new director of the Vermont Historical Society, and comes here from a similar position in Kentucky. (Listen to the interview online.) (VPR)
FCC rules forum
A member of the Federal Communications Commission says changes in media ownership rules could have disastrous affects. Michael Copps was in Vermont Monday night to discuss the proposed changes. Copps took part in a public forum held by Saint Michael’s College and Vermont Congressman Bernie Sanders. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Act 60 reform bill
The House Ways and Means Committee plans to finalize the details of its new compromise Act 60 reform proposal this week. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Tiered income tax
A coalition of human service, environmental and labor groups is urging the Legislature to raise the state income tax instead of implementing cuts to a number of critical state programs. (VPR)
Evnin mourned in Burlington
Hundreds of mourners joined state officials and a military honor guard for a memorial service in Burlington Monday for Mark Evnin. Speaking at Ohavi Zedek Synagogue, Evnin’s friends and family told stories of a generous and fun loving young man. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Halvorsen funeral Thursday
Army helicopter pilot Erik Halvorsen from Bennington will be buried Thursday with full military honors. (AP)
Dean’s post-war chances
Some political analysts are wondering how much of Howard Dean’s support might evaporate because of the success of the Iraqi war. (AP)
Tax deadline
There’s still time left for Vermonters who’ve put off sending in their tax returns until the last minute. The U.S. Postal Service will be offering extended hours in both Burlington and Bennington Tuesday night. (AP)
Dean tax statements
Former Vermont Governor Howard Dean is making his family’s tax information public. The Democratic presidential hopeful reported Monday that he and his wife, Judy, made almost $146,000 in adjusted gross income last year. (AP)
Democratic presidential debate
Nine Democrats seeking their party’s presidential nomination will debate in South Carolina on Saturday, May 3. ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos will moderate the debate, including former Vermont Governor and presidential hopeful Howard Dean. (AP)
Springfield prison
Town officials from Springfield are going to send a select board member to Montpelier to lobby the Legislature to open the state’s newest prison on time. John Follett says no local officials told the Legislature how the delay in opening the prison would hurt the community. (AP)
No summer on the farm
A state program that puts hundreds of young people to work on farms during the summer is being canceled. The Vermont Department of Employment and Training says there was too much uncertainty about funding to continue the program. (AP)
Funding for lamprey control
Sea lamprey control efforts will continue on Lake Champlain this fall despite the loss of federal funding for the project. U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials say there’s enough money for this year only. Sea lamprey are eel-like parasites that attach to trout and salmon. (AP)
College administration salaries
The head of the Vermont State College system could receive a pay and benefits package next year of about $205,000. Chancellor Robert Clarke would get a 3% increase to his base salary of about $139,000, plus benefits. (AP)
World War I veterans
One of Vermont’s last surviving World War I veterans has died. Leon Perle Davis was 106 years old. Davis, a trumpeter with the headquarters band of the 53rd Artillery Regiment, died Friday at a nursing home in White River Junction. (AP)
Texas marriage bill
Texas would be banned from recognizing Vermont same-sex civil unions under legislation given preliminary approval. The bill’s sponsor says its purpose is to “defend and shore up the institution of marriage.” But opponents say the bill isn’t necessary. (AP)