Vermont Amtrak Lines
Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta has told Amtrak’s Board of Directors that the government will keep the nation’s passenger rail system from shutting down this week. The rail line’s president says without a $200 million loan, Amtrak could start canceling service as early as tomorrow. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
$35 Million in State Budget Cuts
The Dean administration is drafting a plan to cut as much as $35 million from the state budget that will go into effect on July 1. The governor hopes it won’t be necessary to lay off any state workers but he says it’s an option that must be explored. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Sanders Announces for Congress
Vermont Congressman Bernard Sanders kicked off his campaign for a seventh term Monday with a rally at the Burlington community boathouse. The Vermont independent urged voters to rise above the politics of cynicism and work to change the political system. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Western Fires
The U.S. Forest Service has called up a crew of firefighters from Vermont, New York and New Hampshire to fight the big western wildfires. A crew of 20 left from Manchester, New Hampshire, on Sunday and were assigned to a fire in Utah. (VPR)
VT Fire Danger Low
Vermonters have less to worry about from wildfires than do residents in western states, according to the Vermont Department of Forests and Parks. (AP)
Groundwater Levels
Heavy rains have helped alleviate the drought in Vermont, but experts say the groundwater levels are still depleted. (AP)
FAHC Union
Nurses at Burlington’s Fletcher Allen Health Care are trying again to form a union. The hospital is trying again to block their effort. (AP)
Film Shoot on Hold
A labor dispute is threatening the shooting schedule for a low-budget Hollywood movie being filmed near Rutland. (AP)
Vermont Yankee
The Public Service Board has ordered hearings into whether lawyer James Dumont, representing an anti-nuclear group, violated confidentiality rules in releasing information on Entergy Corporation. Entergy is negotiating to buy the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant. (AP)
Sununu’s Environmental Record
In New Hampshire, the League of Conservation Voters has targeted Congressman John Sununu for defeat. They say his voting record is friendly to environmental polluters. Says his voting record in the middle ground. (AP)