VELCO transmission line
After more than a year of review, state utility regulators plan to issue a decision next month on a large power line project planned for western Vermont. But as the hearings wind down, opponents continue to raise fundamental questions about whether the project is needed. (VPR)
Interview: Vermont Bar Association information series
The Vermont Bar Association has launched an original information series called, “The Law and You.” It’s designed to help Vermonters understand the legal world by presenting basic information about it. The weekly series began airing exclusively on the Adelphia cable channel this month. Mitch Wertlieb talks with VBA Executive Director Bob Paolini about the series. (VPR)
130 Vermont Guard soldiers deployed to Middle East
Hundreds family, friends and well-wishers turned out in Saint Albans on Thursday to say an emotional farewell to a group of Vermont Army National Guard members who are heading overseas to serve in the war in Iraq. (VPR)
Backers say Dean seek DNC chair, forego 2008 run
A lot of Howard Dean’s supporters are urging him to run for the chairmanship of the National Democratic Party. They’re indicating that they would rather have him lead an effort to reform the party than have him run for president in 2008. (VPR)
Small businesses cater to holiday retail season
Holiday shopping surveys often focus on how the big-box retail giants are doing. But what of the thousands of small business that depend on Christmas? VPR’s Nina Keck visited two holiday related business owners in the Rutland area to find out what kind of season they’re having. (VPR)
Air Force training
The Vermont Air National Guard will be the first unit in the country to help train regular active duty air force personnel. Officials formally announced on Thursday the program that will have up to 200 Air Force personnel working and flying out of the base at the Burlington International Airport. (AP)
Bennington schools PR
A school district in Bennington is deciding whether to add a full-time community relations specialist to its staff. (AP)
State shuts down Londonderry pharmacy
The state has shut down a Londonderry pharmacy for operating without a new manager. At an emergency hearing on Wednesday, the state Board of Pharmacy suspended the license of Derry Pharmacy. (AP)
Hartford marine laid to rest
A 20-year-old Marine from Hartford will be laid to rest on Friday. Lance Corporal Jeffery Holmes was killed Thanksgiving Day in Iraq. A funeral is planned today at the United Church of Christ in Hartford. (AP)
Deadline for bid on hydro-dam
The state of Vermont must make known today its intention to bid on a series of power dams on the Connecticut and Deerfield rivers if it wants a shot at owning part of them. Vermont has been in talks with two Canadian partners on chipping in to buy the dams from the bankrupt U.S.-Gen New England. It appears unlikely the partnership will try to top the $505 million bid that another Canadian company already has on the table. (AP)
Enforcement action against Vermont Yankee
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission may take enforcement action against the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant over the highly radioactive fuel that was reported missing earlier this year. The NRC notified the plant of that possibility yesterday as it released its final report on the incident. (AP)
Border security
The U.S. Customs station at Derby Line will be among the first to get new computerized equipment for protecting freight containers against tampering by terrorists. That’s according to officials who gathered for a conference on border security on Thursday in Albany, New York. (AP)
No criminal activity in motorcycle event
Mistakes were made but there was no criminal misconduct by Windham County Sheriff’s Department officers who broke up a Connecticut motorcycle club’s group ride around the county in August. That’s the conclusion of Attorney General William Sorrell, who says some local and county officials don’t have a lot to be proud of in connection with the incident. (AP)