Sanders won’t endorse candidate
Congressman Bernie Sanders says he won’t endorse any Democratic presidential candidates during the primary campaign. But if former Governor Howard Dean wins the Democratic nomination, Sanders says he’ll enthusiastically endorse Dean in the general election. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Media ownership rules
Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy supports legislation that would restore federal regulations to control media ownership. Leahy has co-sponsored a bill that would roll back changes made recently by the Federal Communications Commissions. Leahy says the FCC action would limit the diversity of media voices around the country. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
West Nile virus
Vermont health officials are renewing their warnings about mosquito-borne West Nile virus. The virus can cause a range of reactions ranging from nothing to fatal brain swelling. It was first discovered in the United States in 1999. (AP)
Douglas on jobs and environment
Speaking to the annual meeting of the Vermont Press Association, Douglas said he wants to pursue what he called “a third way” that balances environmental protection with economic growth. (AP)
Newspaper employees reject union
Employees at the Brattleboro Reformer voted against joining the Pace International Union on Thursday, in a two to one vote. (VPR)
Child safety plates
Vermont drivers can now help support childcare by buying a special license plate. The Building Bright Futures plate will be available for an extra $20 above the normal registration fee beginning July 1. Most of that money goes toward a fund that will help childcare facilities around the state expand. (AP)
Judges’ pay
Two Windsor County officials are at odds over a change in the way the state’s assistant judges are paid. The change was approved at the end of the recent legislative session. It makes assistant judges strictly hourly employees. (AP)
Dean campaigns in Denver
Former Vermont Governor Howard Dean says the United States should build more wind-powered electric generators and make renewable energy a national security issue. Dean, a Democratic presidential candidate, spoke Thursday to supporters at a luncheon in Denver. Dean also made a statement sharply criticizing a Supreme Court justice who dissented in a ruling that struck down a Texas law that bans gay sex acts. Dean says Justice Antonin Scalia’s dissent was “hateful to many Americans.” (AP)
Groundwater supply
State officials say the water supply appears to be holding up well despite this week’s heat wave. Last summer, and the summer before, many people had to drill new wells to find water. But Rodney Pingree, who works for the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, says so far there doesn’t appear to be a shortage. (AP)
Northfield quilt show
Organizers are expecting 10,000 people to show up in Northfield for the Vermont Quilt Festival, which starts Friday. The 27th annual festival is the oldest and largest in New England. Pamela Druhan, the festival’s executive director, says visitors will come from all over the United States and from foreign countries. (AP)
Hann arraignment
A transient who is accused of killing two of his children is due to be arraigned Friday in Burlington. Twenty-seven-year-old Jason Hann is accused of beating to death his infant son in a Shelburne campground in 1999. He’s also accused of killing his five-month-old daughter in 2001. (AP)