Therapy for astronauts
Researchers at Dartmouth College are working on a self help computer program to provide astronauts with psychological advice in space. The program talks and offers resources to solve personal problems, but it won’t exactly be the Hal of the movie 2001. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Vermont Yankee sale
Two groups opposed to the Vermont Yankee sale are trying to stop the deal at the last minute. On Monday, the Citizens Awareness Network and the New England Coalition on Nuclear Pollution filed new legal arguments against the sale with state and federal regulators. (VPR)
State budget deficit
According to a new report, Vermont’s revenue shortfall is among the worst in the nation. Administration Secretary Kathy Hoyt says a drastic drop in capital gains revenues is a major reason why. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Airport expansion
The Burlington International Airport is hoping to expand again. Airport officials hope city voters will approve a $21 million bond issue in November. Plans call for building a new parking garage, adding two more gates and an additional baggage claim area. (AP)
Skate park opens
The new St. Johnsbury skate park is ready for riders. Crews from the Caledonia County work camp finished building the ramps and rails last week. Recreation Director Mike Johnson says the skateboarders will have to police themselves if they want the park to stay open. (AP)
Road rage
A Bradford man is facing simple assault charges after what some are calling an episode of road rage. The Vermont State Police say 46-year-old Alfred Thurston repeatedly punched a 68-year-old Massachusetts man in the face after the incident on U.S. Route 5. (AP)
Federal air pollution policies
Vermont Senator Jim Jeffords is criticizing President Bush’s plan to cut pollution from power plants. Jeffords said Monday that Bush’s proposal ignores the administration’s own warnings about the devastating effects of global warming. (AP)
FAHC trustees meet
Fletcher Allen Health Care’s Board of Trustees will meet tomorrow to discuss an investigation into recent allegations of impropriety. They’ll be developing a plan to investigate claims that hospital officials deliberately avoided state oversight of a new parking garage. (AP)
Springfield development
A 320,000 square foot building that has come to symbolize the economic decline of Springfield could be getting a new owner. The Springfield Regional Development Corporation wants to demolish most of the deteriorating building and build something new. (AP)
INS hiring
The Immigration and Naturalization Service wants you. And it’s willing to pay, up to $3,000 in signing bonuses in some cases. The INS is in the process of hiring 1,200 new inspectors nationwide, about 50 of them in Vermont. (AP)
“Survivor” starts foundation
A South Burlington woman who appeared on CBS’s reality television program“Survivor” is now raising money to help women improve their lives. Kathy Vavrick-O’Brien has started The Real Foundation, which is raising money to give to nonprofit organizations nationwide. (AP)
Bear killed in traffic accident
Vermont drivers are usually reminded to watch out for moose and deer crossings. But Vermont State Police say a Massachusetts woman escaped injury Sunday when her car hit a bear in Bridgewater. Police say the bear died at the scene. (AP)
Collectors wanted
Calling all Vermonters who collect things: Montpelier artist Michael Oatman doesn’t care what you collect, but he wants to use the collections for a small, three-day exhibition next month in downtown stores. Oatman is an artist-in-residence at Vermont College. (AP)