Early A.M. News Script

Tue 30-JUN-2009 Early A.M. News Script

-------- The 8:25 News Scripts Follow ------------

1} EDSTIMULUS_WHITE

Good Morning, Im Judy Simpson. Vermont has not sent in it's application for Federal Stimulus funds for education,,and the deadline is tomorrow. Vermont expects to receive $77 MILLION dollars from the State Fiscal Stabilization fund,, but the application was held up due to the budget fight between Governor Douglas and the Legislature. The State's recovery officer Tom Evslin says the application should be faxed by today. The money will reportedly be divided between pre K through college programs around the state.

2} HEALTHCENTER_VO

A big financial boost for health care centers in Vermont. Eight health centers - including this one in Plainfield -- will get a total of almost 5 million dollars in Federal econonic stimulus funds. The money will go toward buying new equipment -- and improving facilities. The centers provide primary care -- and are open to everyone -- including people who do not have health insurance.

3} DATAMINING_WHITE

A federal court has upheld a Vermont law that aims to keep prescribing patterns of doctors private from pharmaceutical companies. The industry went to court two years ago -- saying the law violates its First Amendment rights. Data-miners track what drugs doctors order -- and then sell that information to pharmaceutical companies for marketing purposes. But Vermont won the case -- so the law will stand.

4} MADDEN2_VO

A new court ruling could make it easier to prosecute hunters who unintentionally wound or kill people. The Vermont Supreme Court has established the legal distinction between a tragic hunting accident -- and criminal negligence while hunting. The high court rejected an appeal from Collin Viens -- who was sentenced to prison -- after he shot and killed a farmer. Viens claimed it was an accident -- not a crime. But the high court says hunters can be held criminally responsible.

5} HANNAH_SOTVO

((tape 739 tc 16:56 Cheryl Hanna/Vt Law School:"Prior to this ruling it was often argued that you had to be engaged in doing something unlawful in order to be found guilty of involuntary manslaughter. And the court says no, as long as you're doing something that negligent, than any death or or injury that results you can be held liable for.")) That could mean up to 15 years behind bars for some, like Timothy Madden -- who shot and killed his friend while hunting. Prosecutors have been seeking one year in prison -- when they go to trial in October.

6} BROWNS_VO

The second trial against New Hampshire tax evaders Ed and Elaine Brown begins today. The Browns are facing 11 federal weapons and conspiracy charges in connection with the standoff at their home in Plainfield . They had refused to pay federal taxes -- were convicted -- and then holed up in their home with an arsenal of weapons for nine months. Yesterday nearly 200 jurors were narrowed down to the final panel of 15. Opening arguments are set for this morning. The trial is expected to last ten days. If convicted -- the Browns could spend the rest of their lives in prison. The couple is already serving 5-year-sentences for tax evasion.

7} WEATHER

Hi Gary

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