Corporate ethics bill
Senator Patrick Leahy is urging congressional leaders to pass a comprehensive corporate reform bill before the August recess. Leahy says the measure is needed to help restore consumer confidence in the national economy. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Interview: Career expo
Steve Delaney talks with Stephen Gold, commissioner of the Department of Employment and Training. Gold managed the Job Expo in Essex in the wake of the IBM layoffs and he offers his observations on employment rates and job opportunities in Vermont. (Listen to the interview online.) (VPR)
Dean’s presidential campaign, part 1
Over the last several weeks, Governor Howard Dean has been riding a wave of publicity for his long-shot presidential campaign. The publicity is part of Dean’s strategy that has moved him into the top tier of Democratic candidates. In the first story of a two-part report, Vermont Public Radio looks at the national publicity Dean has received. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Dean discusses presidential campaign, part 2
Over the last several weeks, Governor Howard Dean has been riding a wave of publicity for his long-shot presidential campaign. The publicity is part of Dean’s strategy that has moved him into the top tier of Democratic candidates. In the second story of a two-part report, Vermont Public Radio looks at the strategy Dean has mapped out for his campaign. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Utilities trying to salvage Yankee deal
The owners of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant hope their $180 million deal to sell the reactor is back on track. The utilities say they’ve worked out a plan that allows a Mississippi company to share money left over in a fund set aside to dismantle the plant. But opponents have already challenged the plan.
VPR Backstage: the Mikado
One of the oldest community theater companies in Vermont celebrates an anniversary this week. The Lamoille County Players have presented dozens of shows and over a thousand performances over the last fifty years. Now the volunteer theatre group is restaging the show it began with in 1952. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Vermont Yankee deal
The owners of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant hope their $180 million deal to sell the reactor is back on track. The utilities say they’ve worked out a plan that allows a Mississippi company to share money left over in a fund set aside to dismantle the plant. But opponents have already challenged the plan. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Vermont investors
As nervous Vermonters watch the stock market, brokers say they haven’t fielded many calls from panicky investors. (VPR)
Large farm permit process
Clark Hinsdale of the Vermont Farm Bureau says regulations governing large farms in Vermont are adequate. Speaking last night on VPR’s Switchboard program, Hinsdale said he opposes subjecting large farm applications to a review similar to Act 250 by giving adjoining land owners party status. (VPR)
FAHC computer system
The state’s top health care regulator says Fletcher Allen must stop installing a new $9 million computer software system. Commissioner Elizabeth Costle says the hospital must apply for a permit. Hospital officials say they didn’t know they needed one. (AP)
Waterbury dam
Construction is now underway on some long-awaited repairs at the Waterbury Dam. The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation made the announcement today. The repair project is expected to take three summers to complete. (AP)