Yankee Sale
State regulators Thursday approved the sale of Vermont’s only nuclear power plant to a Louisiana-based energy company for $180 million. But the Public Service Board imposed several conditions on the deal that it said would protect Vermont electricity consumers. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Legislature Adjourns
After spending five and a half months in session, the Legislature adjourned Thursday after passing a new compromise reapportionment plan. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Computer Viruses
Like computer users everywhere, state government offices have been plagued by the recent wave of electronic viruses. The state defender general’s office was particularly hard hit. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Deer Herd Impacts Forestland
The white-tailed deer occupies a place of honor in Vermont. A vigorous deer herd is often equated with a healthy landscape. But in parts of the state, especially in the southern Connecticut River Valley, experts are saying there are too many deer for the land to support. Foresters and landowners are concerned that heavy browsing of maple, ash and oak poses a threat to the future of the forest. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Jeffords, Leahy Critical of EPA
Vermont’s two U.S. senators are criticizing the Bush administration’s plans to relax air pollution requirements for older power plants. (VPR)
Medical Regulations
Governor Howard Dean signed two medically related bills into law on Thursday afternoon. The first bill eliminates the autonomous status of the state’s Medical Practice Board and places the Board under the jurisdiction of the Vermont Health Department. The second bill is designed to help reduce the cost of prescription drugs. (VPR)
ASC Posts Increased Income
American Skiing Company had some good news to report today: its third-quarter earnings were more than triple last year’s figure. (AP)
Pharmaceutical Promotions
Governor Howard Dean has signed into law an initiative that makes Vermont the first state in the nation to require pharmaceutical companies to disclose their marketing practices. The law will require the companies to report to the state any time they give something worth $25 dollars or more to a physician or nurse. (AP)
Flood Damage
State and federal emergency officials are assessing the flood damage in Lyndonville and other parts of Caledonia County. Health officials are warning of water supply contamination, and issuing instruction on boiling drinking water in the flood area. (AP)
Reapportionment and Capital Bills Pass
Vermont lawmakers are finished for the year, adjourning yesterday after passing a capital spending bill and the contentious reapportionment bill. (AP)
Legislature’s Performance
A new poll shows Vermonters don’t think much of the performance of their Legislature during this year’s protracted session. (AP)
Priest Shortage
The Diocese of Burlington, which covers all Vermont, is considering reducing the number of staffed parishes, due to a shortage of priests. (AP)