Dean’s ‘Meet Up’ events
In an effort to boost his run for president, former Vermont Governor Howard Dean has made extensive use of the Internet. Dean has raised over a million dollars online and, using a relatively new web site, he’s also raised his profile. More than 30,000 people signed up online to take part in Dean campaign events across the nation Wednesday night. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Interview: Employee owned businesses
Steve Delaney talks with William Greider, the keynote speaker at Thursday’s conference on employee owned businesses. (Listen to the interview online.) (VPR)
Fletcher Allen MRI recommended
A state regulatory panel is recommending that Vermont’s largest hospital be able to buy a new MRI. (AP)
Brattleboro farm summit
Behind the fun at Brattleboro’s “Strolling of the Hiefers” this weekend will be the more serious discussion on the importance of agriculture. Among the events is a two-day farm summit. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Jeffords critique of Bush policies
Senator James Jeffords says he’s concerned that President Bush is being unduly influenced by extremely conservative advisors. Jeffords says this situation has resulted in domestic policies that are disastrous for the future of the country. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Restitution law for crime victims
Governor Jim Douglas signed a bill into law Wednesday that makes significant changes in the state’s victim restitution program. Lawmakers acted on the bill after a report by the State Auditor’s office revealed that only 12% of all restitution awarded by the courts actually gets paid to victims. (VPR)
Interview: one year after IBM’s layoffs
Neal Charnoff talks with IBM spokesperson Jeff Couture, on the anniversary of the company’s decision to cut nearly 1,000 jobs from its Vermont plant. (Listen to the interview online.) (VPR)
State economist predicts recovery
State economist Jeffrey Carr will issue a forecast on Thursday that predicts Vermont is headed toward an economic recovery. (AP)
Douglas signs substance abuse law
Governor Jim Douglas on Wednesday signed into law a bill to combat substance abuse in Vermont. The law provides nearly eight million dollars for drug treatment and prevention. (AP)
Ben & Jerry’s to market organic ice cream
Ben & Jerry’s Homemade is going to roll out a line of organic ice cream. The South Burlington-based ice cream company is going to start test-marketing four flavors in San Francisco and Boston next month. (AP)
Dean health care campaign
Former Vermont Governor Howard Dean plans to make “house calls” while pitching his health care plan. The Democratic presidential candidate will stop by homes, hospitals and workplaces to outline his ideas for bringing health care costs under control. (AP)
Bird watching trend
The National Conference of State Legislatures says bird watching is the fastest growing outdoor activity in America today. Seven states, including Vermont and New Hampshire, bring in more revenue from bird-watching than from hunting and fishing combined. (AP)
Long Trail fish hatchery
Five nonprofit recreation groups will get state funding this year to buy land along the Long Trail and build a fish hatchery. The Legislature appropriated $200,000 to be split among the outdoor organizations. (AP)
Children rescued from car accident
Two young Vermont toddlers are lucky to be alive after they were trapped in a sport utility vehicle that rolled into a small pond. State police say the children, both 2 years old, were rescued by a woman who was walking by and stopped to help. (AP)
Danville homicide suspect
Vermont authorities are continuing to investigate a double homicide in North Danville. State police said Wednesday it’s possible the Saint Johnsbury man suspected in those killings may have taken his own life. (AP)
Alien smuggling
Two people accused of smuggling illegal aliens across the Canadian border into Vermont could serve time in prison. Forty-year-old Pablo Fernandez and 24-year-old Marisol Almanzar have pleaded guilty to charges stemming from the attempt last November. (AP)