Electricity demand
Vermont utilities say there’s been a near record seasonal demand for electricity due to this month’s cold weather. (VPR)
Interview: Senator Patrick Leahy
VPR’s Steve Delaney talks with Senator Patrick Leahy and hears his response to President Bush’s State of the Union address. (Listen to the interview online.) (VPR)
Instant Runoff Voting
Supporters of the Instant Runoff Voting system say their plan will boost voter turnout in Vermont and remove the Legislature from the process of electing statewide officials. (VPR)
Powerball and problem gambling
The head of the state’s committee on problem gambling sought more money from lawmakers on Tuesday. She wants funds for her program if the Legislature supports a plan to have Vermont join the national Powerball lottery game. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Water board participation rules
The fight over a new highway planned for Chittenden County has moved to the state Water Resources Board. Two environmental groups oppose the 16-mile Circumferential Highway and they’ve appealed state storm water permits for the project. The first legal skirmish was over whether the groups have the legal right to bring the appeal. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Donath serves on national board
Vermonter David Donath will be joining the National Museum Services Board. Donath is the director of the Billings Farm and Museum in Woodstock and is president of The Woodstock Foundation. (VPR)
Cold weather
Vermont is coming out of one of the coldest periods the state has gone through in years. The lowest reported temperature in the state Monday night was in the Northeast Kingdom town of Sutton, at 35 degrees below zero. (AP)