Here are the top stories at 7:30 a.m.:
A government watchdog will appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee today to answer questions about political hiring at the Justice Department. Senator Patrick Leahy says he called the hearing so he can get to the bottom of what he says is improper influence by partisan appointees throughout government; Experts say Vermont needs to develop rules for large-scale composting businesses that recognize both the benefits and the potential hazards of the operations; The Main Street Middle School in Montpelier is closed because of concerns about asbestos contamination.