Interview: wind project
Steve Delaney talks with Sam Lloyd, who’s trying to stop a utility from building a wind energy project on Glebe Mountain. (Listen to the interview online.) (VPR)
U.S.-Canadian relations
Canada’s decision not to support the U.S. war with Iraq will most likely not have a long term impact on the relationship between the two countries. That’s the opinion of UVM Canadian Studies Professor Andre Senecal. (VPR)
House budget debate
On Tuesday, the Vermont House rejected Governor Jim Douglas’ plan to add 10 new state troopers in next year’s budget. House members are also debating whether or not to open the Springfield prison this summer. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
USS Constellation
Seven thousand miles away from home, a half dozen Vermonters serve on an aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf. They’re stationed on the USS Constellation, a ship that plays a key role in the war with Iraq. The Constellation is under the command of Rear Admiral Barry Costello, who’s from Rutland. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Marshfield water system
The state has warned Marshfield residents not to drink water from the village system because it’s contaminated with trace levels of uranium. Officials say the uranium occurs naturally in some rock formations. But the levels in the Marshfield water system exceed state safety standards. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Chinese performer denied visas
The Peking Opera company has cancelled its North American tour, which would have included a day of performances at the Flynn Theater in Burlington. (VPR)
Dean endorsement
Former Vermont Governor Howard Dean’s presidential candidacy has picked up the endorsement of the outspoken former chairwoman of New York’s Democratic Party. (AP)
Permit reform
Governor Jim Douglas will be in Chittenden County Wednesday to campaign for permit reform. He supports a bill passed by a House committee that would direct most environmental regulatory permit appeals through the Environmental Court. The bill would do away with the Water Resources Board and severely limit the authority of the Environmental Board. (AP)
Tobacco lawsuit
An Illinois court case could end up costing the state of Vermont $13 million. That’s about half the money the state expects to receive this year from tobacco giant Philip Morris. If the state doesn’t get the money, it will have to make up the money. (AP)
Hazardous waste spill
Hazardous waste crews are expected to be on the scene again today to clean up a diesel fuel spill in Stowe. The fuel leaked from a storage tank at the Stowe Mountain Resort into the ground and the Little River at the base of Mount Mansfield. The exact size of the spill has not been determined. (AP)
Bennington Battle monument
The lights are coming on at the Bennington Battle Monument. Trustees in the village of Old Bennington yesterday approved zoning changes that will allow the monument to be lit 150 nights a year. The monument commemorates a 1777 victory in the American Revolution. (AP)
Sap run
Vermont sugarmakers say they’re welcoming the recent bit of cold weather. Warm weather last week threatened to close out a good portion of the state’s sugar making operations. The cold night last night and relatively warm day today should bring another run of sap.
Dean campaign
Democratic presidential hopeful Howard Dean says his party is doomed in next year’s presidential election unless it clearly defines its differences with Republicans. Dean says the Democratic Party needs to set up a clear Democratic agenda. Dean was in New York yesterday speaking to the Women’s Leadership Forum of the Democratic National. (AP)