Prisons Crowded with Pre-Trial Detainees
It’s no secret that Vermont’s prisons are overcrowded. The state Corrections Department has to ship hundreds of inmates out-of-state because there’s no room in the local jails. But one reason for the overcrowding is the growing number of people who are locked up before they’re convicted of a crime. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Campaign Spending Limits
Republican Lieutenant Governor hopeful Brian Dubie is calling on his opponents to agree to a $100,000 spending cap in their upcoming race. Progressive Anthony Pollina and Democrat Peter Shumlin have some serious concerns about the proposal. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Burlington Taiko
One way countries learn about each other is through music. A Vermont musical group will soon be traveling to Japan as part of a cultural exchange program. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Playground Safety
Vermont rates a C-minus in playground safety, according to a new study by the Vermont Public Interest Research Group. V-PIRG studied ten Vermont playgrounds for hazards that can lead to injuries or illness in children.
Transportation Fees
The cost of registrations and drivers’ licenses is going up as part of a general transportation fees increase, starting July 1. (AP)
Norwich Reservoir
A ban on drinking water in a portion of Norwich has been lifted, after testing showed no contamination of a vandalized reservoir. (AP)
Cemetery Theft
In Littleton, NH, thieves have stolen flowers and mementos from more than a hundred graves in the Glenwood cemetery. (AP)
Blood Reserves Low
The Red Cross is urging blood donors in New England to do more giving. Officials say the supplies are dwindling. (AP)
Goddard College
Trustees at Goddard College have voted to shut down the residential program at the financially troubled school in Plainfield. (AP)
Child Care License Plates
Starting next year Vermont drivers can pay more to get special license plates. The extra money supports childcare programs (AP)
Edwards Campaigns in NH
Potential presidential candidate Senator John Edwards, Democrat from North Carolina, is campaigning in New Hampshire this weekend. (AP)
Minor League Baseball
The Vermont Expos baseball team opens tonight amid speculation that the misfortunes of the Montreal Expos may affect the future of minor league baseball in Vermont. (AP)