Pat Bradley

Rallies are being held to celebrate the anniversary of Social Security and call on Congress to protect its benefits.  A group of individuals in Plattsburgh were  in front of the Social Security office on Monday to highlight the importance of the federal program and express their concerns about the Republican vice presidential selection.

The two Democrats vying for their party's nomination for Vermont attorney general are voicing disagreement over whether a tax on soft drinks is a good idea.

Attorney General William Sorrell has supported such a tax, saying obesity is starting to vie with tobacco among preventable threats to Vermonters' health.

Chittenden County State's Attorney T.J. Donovan says he opposes a soda tax, arguing that it would fall disproportionately on working-class Vermonters.

Vermont officials could learn this week how much the Federal Emergency Management Agency will contribute to help rehabilitate the state office complex in Waterbury, which was made unusable by flooding from Tropical Storm Irene.

A group of individuals were in front of the Social Security office in Plattsburgh Monday to highlight the importance of the federal program.

The rally to celebrate the 77th anniversary of Social Security was also designed to focus attention on challenges facing the program as potential cuts are considered in Washington.  Clinton County Legislator Tom Wood, the Area Representative for the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, organized the local rally.

More than 50 New York organizations and individuals delivered a letter to Governor Cuomo this week calling on him to strengthen the multi-state coalition that reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

More than 50 New York organizations and individuals have asked Governor Cuomo to strengthen the multi-state coalition that reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, also known as RGGI, is undergoing a review that is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.  Fifty-seven groups and individuals sent a letter to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo asking that three core principles in RGGI be strengthened during its assessment.
Environment New York Director David VanLuven says a strong regional program is crucial.

After meeting with JetBlue Airways, Vermont officials say the discount carrier still plans to drop a nonstop flight between Vermont and Florida in November.

The interim director of Burlington International Airport, Gene Richards, tells the Burlington Free Press that while the flights to Orlando, Fla., have been popular, "the numbers weren't consistent."

The airline will continue its daily flights from Burlington to New York City, where it offers flights to Florida.

The Vermont woman once joined in a civil union with a woman who has been missing almost three years had been expecting a visit with their daughter the weekend after the two left the country.

Janet Jenkins of Fair Haven testified Friday in the trial of Kenneth Miller, the Mennonite pastor from Stuarts Draft, Va., who is charged with helping Lisa Miller and her daughter Isabella flee the country on Sept. 22, 2009.

Jenkins told the jury that when she went to pick up her daughter Isabella three days later, but she wasn't home.

A former Vermont state trooper charged with falsifying his time sheets says he's writing a check out to the state after being told the payroll office over-credited him in calculating his final paycheck.

Former Sgt. Jim Deeghan told the Burlington Free Press he'll be sending the amount back and won't contest it now, but maybe later.

Deeghan added that he has not seen all the evidence that state police say they have. He said he'd like to talk more about it, but he can't.

The state payroll office says it over-credited Deeghan by $964 in calculating his final check.

During a visit to the Bombardier Transportation rail car manufacturing plant in Plattsburgh Thursday, New York Senator Charles Schumer called for the extension of a tax credit for businesses that hire veterans.