HIV-AIDS testing
Vermont health officials are gearing up for National HIV and AIDS testing day on Friday. Officials say while the total number of AIDS cases in Vermont remains steady, the incidence of the disease among intravenous drug users continues to increase. (VPR)
Vermont Supreme Court nominees
Governor Jim Douglas says he may ask the state’s Judicial Nominating Board to provide him with another list of candidates to fill the current vacancy on the Vermont Supreme Court. Douglas says the board rejected a number of very qualified candidates for the vacancy and he thinks the board has inappropriately limited his options in this case.
Purchase of hydroelectric dams
A state utility expert says it may not make sense for Vermont to buy a series of power dams on the Connecticut River. The expert told a new state board studying the issue that the dams are not a good fit with Vermont’s existing mix of energy sources.
Dean fundraising
Democratic presidential hopeful Howard Dean has raised about $600,000 in the two days since he formally announced his candidacy. Campaign manager Joe Trippi says most of that money has come from Internet donations. (AP)
Health advisory in heat wave
Vermont officials say the current heat spell could be hazardous to your health. The heat can cause atmospheric ozone levels to exceed public health standards. Environmental Conservation Commissioner Jeff Wennberg says people who suffer from asthma or other respiratory problems need to be extra careful. Wennberg says they should limit their physical activity outdoors during periods of elevated ozone levels. (AP)