Early A.M. News Script

Wed 16-MAY-2012 Early A.M. News Script

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

1} TROOPER11_WHITE

A Vermont state trooper resigned yesterday -- amid controversy --and a possible criminal investigation. Senior Trooper Eric Howley has been on administrative leave since April. Officials won't say why. The case is being handled by the Attorney General's office. Howley has been a trooper since 2005. And has been in hot water before -- accused of excessive force the same year he was hired.

2} STABBING11_VO

A Plattsburgh man remains in intensive care after being stabbed 3 times. It happened in the downtown near the intersection of Margaret and Brinkerhoff Streets. 37 year old Michael Astwood is in intensive care. 26 year old Hakim Lee of Plattsburgh was cut on his wrist in the incident aswell - and is out of the hospital. Police are looking for two suspects. Investigators believe the attacks were in reaction to an altercation at a bar the week before.

3} NYBUDGETS11_VO

School budgets went before voters yesterday in the Empire State. Governor Andrew Cuomo's new tax cap was put to the test for the first time. It restricts districts from increasing property taxes - by more than two percent. Almost every budget passed in our region - but not in Plattsburgh. The district proposed a 5-point-8 percent increase to save programs.The proposal was shot down by a wide margin. The district now has two options. Adopt a contingency budget that includes a million dollars in cuts and does not need voter approval. Or make more cuts and have a revote next month.

4} BUS10X_VO

A bus ride to school turned into a dangerous adventure for dozens of kids in the Adirondacks. The kids were almost to the Saranac Central School -- when the bus driver suffered a medical condition -- and passed out at the wheel on Route 3. The bus was wavering - but - 17 year old Jennifer Cowling stepped up -- to bring it to a stop safely. The school board awarded her the district's KUDOS award. It's given to a student, faculty or community member who goes above and beyond.

5} AWARD10X_SOTVO

((Jennifer Cowling/Steered Bus to Safety 12:43 "I actually didn't think about it at the time, I just kind of reacted.")) ((Jennifer Cowling/Steered Bus to Safety 13:35 She was headed into the left lane again, so I pulled it back that. 12:32 "I pushed on the break pedal and just kids of took the keys out.")) What makes the story more impressive -- Jennifer does not know how to drive. She doesn't even have a learners permit -- she has only taken a couple of drivers ed classes online. And the bus driver is ok. She actually visited Jennifer over the weekend to thank her for being her guardian angel.

-------- The 7:56 News Scripts Follow ------------

1} VERNONCLERK_WHITE

A vermont town clerk has been cleared of serious criminal allegations. Sandy Harris is the clerk of Vernon. The long time town employee was being investigated by the attorney general's office for allegedly misappropriating town funds. The investigation found no evidence of that to support those claims.

2} SPRINGAM_JUMBOVO

It's a nightmare many homeowners would like to forget. About a year ago -- Lake Champlain reached a new record high -- cresting at above 103 feet. This morning molly smith joins us with a look back at the storm -- and what has been accomplished in the year since. Good morning molly. Keagan, Lake Champlain was a scary sight for many waterfront residents -- and just one year later progress is evident, but the work isn't over yet. thigh-high water was a reality for these waterfront residents last may -- many of them referring to it as a never ending nightmare. Record snowfall melting in the mountains paired with the rainiest month of May in Vermont's history caused serious damage to homes and businesses. Many learned the hard way that their flood insurance had holes in it -- and had to pay for many repairs out of pocket. Many home and business owners say knowing they were not alone helped them through the mess.

3} FLOODINGAM_SOT

(( CA: if it wasn't for the people coming down to help down to help us out we would never have opened up.)) ((EC: I've got my downstairs just about done. Not completely done. It's been an expensive project. It did a lot of damage.)) Cleary says he had serious thoughts about walking away from their water front property, but is glad h didn't. But he did say if it happens again he doesn't think he can go through all the work again.

-------- The 6:00 News Scripts Follow ------------

1} WX_INTRO

Good morning it's 6:00 -- I'm Keagan Harsha. And I'm Gary Sadowsky. weather intro

2} SPRINGAM_JUMBOVO

3} FLOODINGAM_SOT

4} BUS11_INTRO

A bus ride to school turned into a dangerous adventure for dozens of kids. One of those students -- took matters into her own hands and was honored for her heroic efforts. Matt Henson explains.

5} BUS11_PKG

((11:08 Thank you so much)) Praise continues to pour in for 17 year old Jennifer Cowling. ((Jennifer Cowling/Steered Bus to Safety 11:32 "I walk in the hallway and I hear hero.")) That's because of the sophomore's quick-thinking on Friday. She was on a bus -- with about 25 other students -- on a routine trip from the Cadyville area to the Saranac Central School -- when something went horribly wrong. ((Austin Duquette/6th Grader on Bus 22:20 "She was just swerving and the cars were going off the road.")) The bus was almost to the school -- when the driver suffered a medical condition and passed out at the wheel near Picketts Corners. ((Ryan Trudeau/1st Grader on Bus 19:02 "Her head was down and the bus was going really slow.")) That's when Cowling jumped into action. ((Austin Duquette/6th Grader on Bus 22:50 "I saw Jennifer say someone has to stop the bus.")) The sophomore realized she had to bring the bus full of elementary and middle schools students to safety. The bus had already traveled several hundred yards out of control on busy Route 3. ((Jennifer Cowling/Steered Bus to Safety 13:35 She was headed into the left lane again, so I pulled it back that. 12:32 "I pushed on the brake pedal and just kids of took the keys out.")) ((Matt Henson/Saranac, N.Y. " What makes this story even more incredible - Cowling has never driven a car before. The 17 year old doesn't have her licenses or even a learner's permit. She has only taken a few courses online.")) ((Nats)) Tuesday night - the Saranac Central School Board honored Cowling for her heroic actions. They presented her with the district's KUDOS award. It's given to a student, faculty or community member who goes above and beyond. ((clapping)) Some of the passengers who were on the bus with Jennifer -- were there to say thank you. ((Kaitlyn Guynup/8th Grader on Bus 26:50 "If she wasn't on the bus, nobody would have done anything and we would have just sat there and watched it all happen and could have died.")) Kids -- and a community grateful for their hometown hero. ((Jennifer Cowling/Steered Bus to Safety 12:43 "I actually didn't think about it at the time, I just kind of reacted.")) Matt Henson - Channel 3 News - Saranac, New York.

6} BUS11_TAG

The bus driver - whose name is not being released - is ok. She actually visited Jennifer over the weekend to thank her for being her guardian angel.

7} STABBING11_VO

A Plattsburgh man remains in intensive care after being stabbed numerous times. It happened in downtown Plattsburgh -- near the intersection of Margaret and Brinkerhoff Streets. 37 year old Michael Astwood was stabbed three times in the upper torso -- and is in intensive care. 26 year old Hakim Lee of Plattsburgh was cut on his wrist - and is out of the hospital. Police are looking for two suspects. Investigators believe the attacks followed an altercation at a bar the week before.

8} FOSTERAM_FONT

A Bellows Falls man charged with kidnapping is now facing new charges in connection with a home invasion. Frank Foster is now accused of robbery. The 23 year old allegedly broke into an occupied home in hinsdale, new hampshire last month -- threatened the residents with a weapon -- and then stole several items. This -- after being accused of kidnapping his mother and younger brother last month. Police arrested Foster in Saxtons river last thursday. While en route to the barracks he allegedly kicked out the back window of the police cruiser and then assaulted three police officers. He's due in court Friday.

9} VERNONCLERK_WHITE

A vermont town clerk has been cleared of serious criminal allegations. Sandy Harris is the clerk of Vernon. The long time town employee was being investigated by the attorney general's office for allegedly misappropriating town funds. According to the brattleboro reformer -- the investigation found no evidence of that to support those claims.

10} WEATHER_GREEN

11} FORECAST

Today: Partly sunny Afternoon/evening thunderstorms, some strong Highs: 72 to 78 Wind: S 10 to 15 mph Tonight: Showers, t-storms ending Clearing by morning Lows: 40 to 47 Wind: WNW 5 to 15 mph Thursday: Mostly sunny Highs: 60 to 67 Wind: NW 10 to 15 mph Extended: Friday: Mostly sunny Lows: 35 to 45 Highs: 65 to 75 Saturday: Partly cloudy Lows: 35 to 45 Highs: 70s Sunday: Mostly sunny Lows: 45 to 55 Highs: 75 to 82 Hyper-Extended: Monday: Mostly sunny Lows: 50s Highs: 75 to 82 Tuesday: Partly sunny Lows: 50s Highs: 70s

12} STOCKS

(stox font)

13} MONEYWATCH_INTRO

A major american company announced it doesn't "like" advertising on Facebook -- just days before the company is expected to make its Wall Street debut. Alexis Christoforous tells us why in our moneywatch.

14} MONEYWATCH_PKG

GENERAL MOTORS PLANS TO STOP ADVERTISING ON FACEBOOK. THE COMPANY SAYS IT SIMPLY ISN'T GETTING ENOUGH MILEAGE OUT OF ITS SPENDING. (VO) THE ANNOUNCEMENT COMES JUST THREE DAYS BEFORE FACEBOOK IS EXPECTED TO HOLD A HISTORIC INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING. THE SOCIAL NETWORK GIANT HAS BEEN TRYING TO CONVINCE INVESTORS THAT ITS AD BUSINESS MAKES IT WORTHY OF A 1-HUNDRED BILLION DOLLAR VALUATION. (VO) A DISAPPOINTING EARNINGS REPORT FROM JC PENNEY. THE STRUGGLING DEPARTMENT STORE CHAIN SAYS PROFITS AND SALES WERE MUCH LOWER THAN EXPECTED LAST QUARTER. IT WILL ALSO STOP PAYING A QUARTERLY DIVIDEND TO SAVE MONEY. (ON CAM) ON WALL STREET... STOCKS ARE ON PACE FOR THEIR BIGGEST MONTHLY LOSS SINCE SEPTEMBER. (GRAPHIC) THE DOW SHED 63 POINTS. THE NASDAQ LOST ABOUT 9. (VO) NEWS CORP. WILL ACQUIRE A NEARLY 20 PERCENT STAKE IN ONE OF CHINA'S LARGEST FILM DISTRIBUTORS. THE MEDIA COMPANY HOPES BONA FILMS WILL HELP IT GAIN A STRONGER FOOTHOLD IN CHINA'S BOOMING FILM MARKET. (ON CAM) MORE COMPANIES PLAN TO DIP INTO THEIR CASH RESERVES OVER THE NEXT YEAR. A NEW SURVEY BY AMERICAN EXPRESS FINDS THAT 64 PERCENT OF FINANCE EXECUTIVES PLAN TO USE CASH RESERVES TO SPEND ON RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AND MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS. 53 PERCENT OF GLOBAL COMPANIES PLAN TO HIRE MORE WORKERS OVER THE NEXT 12 MONTHS. (ON CAM) THAT'S YOUR MW, (ANIMATION) FOR MORE, GO TO CBSMW.COM. (ON CAM) IN NY I'M ALEXIS CHRISTOFOROUS.

15} GMCR6_VO

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters is looking at ways to contain costs. In a statement - the company told us there are no layoffs -- but they are evaluating how to be properly staffed to handle seasonal demand. In the winter - they sell more cider and cocoa. So Green Mountain Coffee Roasters might encourage employees to use their paid time off before demand for those products increases.

16} REVENUES_FONT

Vermont had a second straight month of strong tax collections -- putting state government back on target for the fiscal year. General fund revenues for April were 179 million dollars -- six-point-3 percent above the consensus revenue forecast. Total collections for the year are now one billion, 17 million -- a fraction above what budget planners had expected.

17} NEWSVAULT_TECH

on this day in 198_ a new hot tub business had just opened up in Burlington -- and reaction was far from luke warm.

18} HOTTUB_VO

Hot tubs stemmed from far east culture, but found their way to America by way of California, and slowly the trend was popping up in Burlington. Owners said it was a sanctuary and an escape with different themed rooms like manhattan, and jungle rooms that drew the attention of those seeking relaxation -- from bankers and students. But not everyone in town was sold on it.

19} PARLOR_SOT

(( it is just one of those crazy sex things as far as I'm concerned. You would never try it? Me NEVER!))

20} WX_CHAT_TECH

21} TECHQUESTIONSAM_LIVE

This morning we have asked a tech expert to come in and answer some frequently asked questions from cell phone users. Todd Theel is here with us this morning. Thanks for being here. 1. How can I avoid roaming charges when I travel this summer? 2. How can I protect myself from identity theft? Or find my phone if it's stolen? 3. What is 3G? What is 4G? What is LTE? What is HSPA+?

22} HEADLINES_FONT

Still to come as the news continues -- a new york man learns his fate - after he tries to kill his ex-girlfriend.// Vermont takes another big step toward major health care reform.// Plus expect to pay more for electricity. We'll tell you why.

23} QUICK_WX_DESK

But before we get to those stories -- let's take a quick look at how the weather is shaping up this morning.

24} MCCANNAM_VO

A northern new york man will spend the next 35 years behind bars -- for trying to kill his ex-girlfriend. 28 year old Robert McCann kidnapped his girlfriend -- held her at gunpoint -- and beat her repeatedly over several hours. He then shoved her in a car trunk so no one could see the condition she was in. The Brushton man was convicted of attempted murder.

25} EXCHANGEAM_VO

It's another big day for health care reform in vermont. Governor Shumlin will sign a bill into law creating a health care exchange. The exchange is essentially marketplace where employers can shop for insurance. The bill will require all businesses with less than 50 workers to drop their current insurance plans by 2014 -- and then get insurance through a state-organized insurance marketplace. Businesses with less than 100 workers will have to join the exchange in 2016.

26} CVPSAM_VO

A lot of Vermonters may soon pay more for electricity. CVPS is raising its rates -- to help pay the costs of recovering from tropical storm Irene. If approved by the public service board-- customers will see their bills rise by one point four percent. That translates to about a dollar and twenty cent increase for most homes.

27} WORLDWATCH_GREEN

President Obama will give congressional leaders his "to-do" list. But Republicans have their own agenda. Manuel Gallegus has more in our worldwatch.

28} WORLDWATCH_PKG

PRESIDENT OBAMA WILL BE MEETING WITH CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS TODAY TO DISCUSS HIS CONGRESSIONAL "TO DO LIST." THE LIST INCLUDES FIVE POLICIES THE PRESIDENT WANTS CONGRESS TO PASS IN ORDER TO CREATE JOBS AND STRENGTHEN THE ECONOMY. (WIPE VO) SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE JOHN BOEHNER SET THE STAGE TUESDAY FOR ANOTHER BATTLE OVER THE DEBT CEILING. THE SPEAKER SAYS HE WILL NOT SUPPORT ANOTHER RAISE IN THE FEDERAL DEBT CEILING UNLESS IT IS OFFSET BY BIGGER SPENDING CUTS. THE U-S WILL HIT THE LEGALLY ALLOWED DEBT LIMIT BY THE END OF THE YEAR UNLESS CONGRESS APPROVES A MEASURE TO ALLOW FOR MORE DEBT. REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS BATTLED OVER DIFFERENCES IN HOW TO CUT DEBT DURING THE LAST ROUND OF DEBT CEILING DEBATE LAST YEAR. THE OFTEN CONTENTIOUS BATTLE CAME DOWN TO THE LAST MINUTE BEFORE A COMPROMISE WAS REACHED. (WIPE VO) AND HIGH WINDS ARE SPREADING A WILDFIRE IN ARIZONA. THE FIRE BEGAN ON PRIVATE LAND SUNDAY...BUT WINDS PICKED UP TUESDAY AND THE BLAZE HAS NOW CONSUMED MORE THAN TWO-AND-A-HALF SQUARE MILES OF LAND. EVACUATION ORDERS ARE IN EFFECT FOR TOWN OF CROWN KING...BUT MOST OF THE RESIDENTS ARE STAYING PUT. AND THOSE ARE SOME OF THE DAY'S TOP STORIES. I'M MANUEL GALLEGUS, CBS NEWS, NEW YORK.

29} NYBUDGETS11_VO

School budgets went before voters yesterday in the Empire State. Governor Andrew Cuomo's new tax cap was put to the test for the first time. It restricts districts from increasing property taxes - by more than two percent - or the rate of inflation. Almost every budget passed in our region - but not in the Plattsburgh City School District. The district proposed a 5-point-8 percent increase to save programs. It required 60-percent approval since it exceeded the cap. But the vote wasn't close. It was shot down 1,365 to 729.

30} SHORT11_SOTVO

((Jake Short/Plattsburgh School District Superintendent tc 4:27 "There's a list of things, more programs we could consider taking away, but before we went to that extent they thought they would stop and ask the community.")) Short says the district has two options. Adopt a contingency budget that includes a million dollars in cuts and does not need voter approval. Or make more cuts and have a revote next month. Half a million dollars needs to be cut to meet the tax cap requirements.

31} POETRY11_SOTVO

It was a big night for the Vermont state poetry champion -- Claude Mumbere came in second -- in the national finals in Washington DC. ((0204054, Claude Mumbere/Poetry Out Loud Competitor: She walks in beauty like the night of cloudless climbs and starry skies..)) Claude Mumbere is a Burlington High School senior. He recited Lord Byron's "She Walks In Beauty" -- in the last of three rounds last night. The National Poetry Out Loud contest draws state champions from across the country together for two days of competition. Mumbere was born in the Congo - but moved to the US 8 years ago. His second place finish gives him some big bragging rights -- and a cool 10-thousand-dollars in prize money.

32} WEATHER2_GREEN

33} FORECAST2

34} BERLINPOND5_VO

Some Barre residents won a battle with Montpelier -- at the Vermont Supreme Court. Berlin Pond lies outside Montpelier, but serves as the city's drinking water supply. No trespassing signs around the pond restrict fishing, swimming and other uses. But the supreme court sided with 3 Barre residents who want to use the pond. The case was brought -- after the trio was arrested in 2009 -- for kayaking in the pond. The charges were eventually dropped. The high court ruled that the City had no real power granted by the state to restrict those kinds of uses at the pond.

35} YOUR_TAKE_TECH

And a lot of people think the supreme court made the right move on this. Yeah we saw some comments saying it shouldn't change the water quality one bit. Scott Grant Yes, it is the responsibility of the city of Montpelier that the water be safe, and that can still be done properly via filtration and purification despite recreational use. Erik Bailey Yes... fishing and non-gas boating do not jeopardize the water supply. I'd be more worried about beaver feces than a paddle or two. But some people are worried about what happens when you open the land to fishermen-- and the trash they leave behind. Laurie Parah Capsey I went fishing several times last summer and was appalled to find litter left behind from fisherman. You'd think the people that love the great outdoors and the "live off the land" mentality would be smart enough to clean up after themselves, but it's just not so. Ben Moffatt I disagree with allowing unrestricted public use of this water body. Being an active outdoorsmen in our state I have seen the detrimental affects of many disrespectful outdoorsmen & women. Trash, beer cans, and empty tackle packaging are all to often found littering these great recreation areas.

36} SPORTSWRAP_GREEN

The Celtics and Sixers continue their series in Philadelphia tonight. The series is tied at a game apiece. Scott Fleishman has more in the sportswrap.

37} SPORTSWRAP_PKG

Red Sox and Mariners in a matinee at Fenway. It was Tim Wakefield day a the ballpark. The recently retired Knuckleballer being celebrated for his 17 seasons in Boston. Wakefield actually go to throw out the first pitch today to his longtime catcher Doug Mirabelli. Josh Beckett, booed off the mound last time out, maybe with something to prove. Top of the second he gets some help from the defense, great diving stop by Mike Aviles at short. To first in time for the out. Beckett doing the rest, scattering 4 hits over seven scoreless innings. He strikes out 9 along the way. bottom of the third, David Ortiz gets Boston on the board. His eighth homerun of the season is a solo shot into the bullpen. 1-0 Boston. 3-0 Sox in the 5th when Will Middlebrooks comes through with the RBI single. 12 games, 14 RBI for the Rookie third baseman. 4-0 Sox. Aviles adds an RBI double in the eighth as the Sox go on to the 5-0 win. It's a fitting score as Boston has won 5 in a row. --- Yankees and Orioles in Baltimore. The O's chip away at CC Sabathia tonight. A run here, a run there. Adam Jones blasting a solo homerun in the second to give Baltimore a 1-0 lead. 2-0 O's in the bottom of the 5th when JJ Hardy continues to crush Yankee pitching. The line shot to left hits the base of the wall for an RBI double. It's 3-0 Baltimore. Meanwhile, Orioles starters wei-yin chen keeping the bombers bats silent. In the sixth he makes the nice snag on the nick Swisher liner. Baltimore takes it, 5-2 the final.

38} SHORT_WX_DESK

-------- The 5:00 News Scripts Follow ------------

1} WX_INTRO

Good morning it's 5:00 -- I'm Keagan Harsha. And I'm Gary Sadowsky. weather intro

2} SPRINGAM_JUMBOVO

It's a nightmare many homeowners would like to forget. About a year ago -- Lake Champlain reached a new record high -- cresting at above 103 feet. This morning molly smith joins us with a look back at the storm -- and what has been accomplished in the year since. Good morning molly. Keagan, Lake Champlain was a scary sight for many waterfront residents -- and just one year later progress is evident, but the work isn't over yet. the high water was a reality for these waterfront residents last may -- many of them referring to it as a never ending nightmare. Record snowfall melting in the mountains paired with the rainiest month of May in Vermont's history caused serious damage to homes and businesses. Many learned the hard way that their flood insurance had holes in it -- and had to pay for many repairs out of pocket. Many home and business owners say knowing they were not alone helped them through the mess.

3} FLOODINGAM_SOT

4} BULLYSOLUTIONS11_INTRO

One in four kids will be bullied online or by cellphone. And experts say it can cause lasting emotional trauma. But who's responsible for stopping it? Jennifer Reading continues her special report.

5} BULLYSOLUTIONS11_PKG

With a few key strokes and a click of a mouse -- a teen's world can quickly be turned upside down. ((Jill Remick/Vt. Dept. of Education 00:37:05 "It's a real way that kids can really hurt each other.")) ((Allen Gilbert/ACLU 00:33:39 "school principals are not forensic investigators.")) ((Robert Appel/Human Rights Commission 00:18:25 "It's a very difficult problem.")) These officials are talking about cyberbullying. It's what happens when someone uses the Internet, cell phones, or other devices to send or post text or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person. It is distinctly different from harrassment and hazing. ((Chanyiah Lawrence/13 years old 00:01:02 "they bully me online saying that I'm fat, I starve myself, I am whore.")) According to experts... HALF of all teens have experienced some form of cyberbullying. The majority do not tell their parents it's going on. ((Jill Remick/Vt. Dept. of Education 00:36:41 "kids can really go home and one day and have everything be fine and the next day have the whole school be aware of something someone said. So it's really become a very real problem for students.")) Last year the legislature -- as part of the education bill -- did give schools the authority to discipline students who bully others -- even if the conduct takes place outside of school. But the school MUST establish a connection between the online activity off campus -- and its interference with the victim's ability to learn and feel safe -- while at school. ((Jill Remick/Vt. Dept. of Education 00:38:23 "this is really adding a lot of work for the schools but it's also really important for the safety of their students. So schools are definitely taking this really seriously.")) Some parents are say they're frustrated that schools have the authority to intervene -- but they're not REQUIRED -- by law -- to take action. ((Tanya Lawrence/daughter bullied online 00:07:05 "so you sit here wondering what's going on and when you call them, they have no answers for you.")) But the ACLU says parents should be responsible for disciplining their kids for what happens at home -- not schools. ((Allen Gilbert/ACLU 00:31:41 "there really is a clash of rights that we have to find the balance among, as well as keeping kids safe. And that's a challenge there's no doubt about it.")) The other option is criminal prosecution. Vermont has a law against disturbing the peace through electronic means. But experts say charging kids criminally isn't the answer either. ((Robert Appel/Human Rights Commission 00:12:18 "the sanctions are either juvenile probation which are large case loads with not much supervision or taking the child from the home, which in my view is an overreaction.")) Experts agree that a zero tolerance for online bullying -- coupled with cooperation from parents -- is the only way to curb the cyberbullying crisis. ((Robert Appel/Human Rights Commission 00:15:10 "I remain optimistic that school communities can work through this without the heavy hand of the state getting involved."))

6} FOSTERAM_FONT

7} STABBING11_VO

8} VERNONCLERK_WHITE

A vermont town clerk has been cleared of serious criminal allegations. Sandy Harris is the clerk of Vernon. The long time town employee was being investigated by the attorney general's office for allegedly misappropriating town funds. According to the brattleboro reformer -- the investigation found no evidence of that to support those claims.

9} WEATHER_GREEN

10} FORECAST

11} OBAMAAM_INTRO

President Obama and congressional leaders will meet today as the President is set to give them a "to-do" list of bills to pass this session. But Republicans have their own agenda. Susan McGinnis has a preview.

12} OBAMAAM_PKG

PRESIDENT OBAMA WILL MEET WITH THE HEADS OF BOTH PARTIES TODAY TO PUSH FOR A SERIES OF BILLS HE SAYS WILL CREATE JOBS AND BUILD A STRONGER ECONOMY. (SOT: President Obama) "That's why we made Congress a handy "To-Do" list - just like the kind I get from Michelle." (gfx) THE LIST INCLUDES: ELIMINATING TAX BREAKS FOR COMPANIES THAT SEND JOBS OVERSEAS. GIVING TAX BREAKS TO SMALL BUSINESSES HIRING U-S WORKERS. EXTENDING TAX BREAKS FOR CLEAN ENERGY COMPANIES. REFINANCING HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS. AND JOB SEARCH ASSISTANCE FOR VETERANS. (STANDUP: Susan McGinnis/CBS News/Washington, DC) BUT ONE MORE ITEM COULD EMERGE AT THE MEETING: ANOTHER BATTLE LIES AHEAD ON RAISING THE NATION'S DEBT CEILING, WHICH WILL BE REACHED BY YEAR END. HOUSE SPEAKER JOHN BOEHNER SAYS IN ORDER TO RAISE THE CAP, HE WILL INSIST ON DEEP CUTS IN FEDERAL SPENDING. (SOT: Speaker John Boehner/(R) Ohio) "Allowing the debt ceiling to go up, without addressing our fiscal challenge, would be the most irresponsible thing I could do." LAST YEAR'S DEBT BATTLE WAS CONTENTIOUS ...LEADING TO SEVERAL FAILED ATTEMPS TO TACKLE THE DEFICIT. AMONG THEM: A DEAL NEARLY REACHED AT A GOLF SUMMIT BETWEEN PRESIDENT OBAMA AND SPEAKER BOEHNER FELL APART, AND THE THREAT OF A DEFAULT TRIGGERED A DOWNGRADE OF THE U-S CREDIT RATING. SENATE MAJORITY LEADER HARRY REID SAYS ITS TIME FOR REPUBLICANS TO WORK WITH DEMOCRATS. (SOT: Sen. Harry Reid/(D) Majority Leader) "The American people have had enough of this brinkmanship. They want us to get things done." TODAY'S ARGUMENTS ARE SAME ONES THAT FACED CONGRES THEN: REPUBLICANS WANT DEEP CUTS IN SPENDING. DEMOCRATS WANT HIGHER TAXES FOR THE WEALTHIEST AMERICANS. SUSAN MCGINNIS, CBS NEWS, WASHINGTON, DC.

13} FUNERALAM_VO

Mourners packed a church in rochester, new york Tuesday -- to remember an army nurse who died in afghanistan. Captain Bruce Kevin Clark collapsed and died on April 30th while talking with his wife on skype. Clark's family initially thought the 43 year old had been shot -- but the military says there was no bullet wound. The exact cause of death is still being investigated. Clark leaves behind a wife and two children.

14} MARRIAGE5_VO

The state of Rhode Island will recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states.... ... Even though gay marriage is not legal in Rhode Island. Civil unions were legalized last summer -- and now Governor Lincoln Chafee (CHAY-fee) has signed an executive order stating that same-sex spouses who were married in other states will be entitled to health and other benefits. Also, same-sex couples will be able to list both names as parents on a child's birth certificate. Chaffee says state law was not clear on the subject.

15} STUDENTSAM_VO

A fire chief in Amherst, massachusetts is furious about a late night rescue. Five firefighters, an ambulance, and the chief had to help three college students get off a roof on the Hampshire College campus on Monday. Chief Tim Nelson says there is a sign on the building warning people to stay off the roof. He wants the students to pay restitution to the fire department -- for totally ignoring the signs -- and for putting firefighters at risk.

16} NYBUDGETS11_VO

School budgets went before voters yesterday in the Empire State. Governor Andrew Cuomo's new tax cap was put to the test for the first time. It restricts districts from increasing property taxes - by more than two percent - or the rate of inflation. Almost every budget passed in our region - but not in the Plattsburgh City School District. The district proposed a 5-point-8 percent increase to save programs. It required 60-percent approval since it exceeded the cap. But the vote wasn't close. It was shot down 1,365 to 729.

17} SHORT11_SOTVO

18} NEWSVAULT_TECH

on this day in 198_ a new hot tub business had just opened up in Burlington -- and reaction was far from luke warm.

19} HOTTUB_VO

20} PARLOR_SOT

(( it is just one of those crazy sex things as far as I'm concerned. You would never try it? Me NEVER!))

21} WX_CHAT_TECH

22} ALZHEIMERS11_VO

A new national plan -- targets treatments for Alzheimers. The new National Alzheimers plan -- has a 2025 deadline -- to find effective treatments for the disease. The national strategy provides federal funding for major studies -- including whether a nasal spray with insulin is effective. And offers patients and their families a one-stop website for information on treatment and research. Caring for people with dementia cost the US 200 billion dollars this year. And The Alzheimers Association estimates that will grow to 1-trillion dollars by 2050.

23} SEBELIUS11_SOTVO

((SOT - Kathleen Sebelius/Health and Human Services Secretary: "We've made considerable progress, but what we know is a lot more needs to be done, and it needs to be done right now because people with Alzheimer's disease and their loved ones and caregivers need help right now.")) Its estimated that 5-and-a-half million Americans have Alzheimers or a related form of dementia -- and researchers say that could grow to 16 million by 2050. We have a link to the new national alzheimers website -- in the infocenter at wcax-dot-com.

24} HIVTEST11_VO

An FDA advisory panel voted to approve a take-home HIV test. It's the OraQuick HIV test. You simply swab your gums -- and get results in 20 minutes. A study shows the test is 93-percent accurate in identifying people who are HIV positive. The FDA's standard is 95-percent -- and government advisors say the test would miss about 38-hundred people with HIV each year. Still -- the panel says the benefits outweigh the risks.

25} HEADLINES_FONT

26} QUICK_WX_DESK

But before we get to those stories -- let's take a quick look at how the weather is shaping up this morning.

27} MCCANNAM_VO

28} EXCHANGEAM_VO

29} CVPSAM_VO

30} BUS11_INTRO

A bus ride to school turned into a dangerous adventure for dozens of kids. One of those students -- took matters into her own hands and was honored for her heroic efforts. Matt Henson explains.

31} BUS11_PKG

32} BUS11_TAG

The bus driver - whose name is not being released - is ok. She actually visited Jennifer over the weekend to thank her for being her guardian angel.

33} POETRY11_SOTVO

34} WEATHER2_GREEN

35} FORECAST2

36} BERLINPOND6_INTRO

A decision by the Vermont Supreme Court rejecting the capital city's authority to restrict public use at Berlin Pond is attracting attention -- Not only from municipal leaders and the legal community - but anglers as well. Alexei Rubenstein reports...

37} BERLINPOND6_PKG

Berlin Pond -- the two mile, 256 acre reservoir just south of Montpelier is a natural beauty -- popular with birders, runners, and dog walkers alike. But as of last week, it could now become a hot spot for paddlers, bathers and fisherman... ((NAT HIT fisherman)) Restricted to public use for more than a century, the Vermont Supreme Court ruled last week that the City of Montpelier does not currently have the authority to restrict public recreation at its drinking water supply. ((21:08 Rick Barnett/Won Court Appeal "The onus is on the city to show serious health hazard or public health risk to the water, which thus far they failed to do)) Rick Barnett, an avid fisherman from Barre, was among a group that -- used civil disobedience -- to prove the city was wrong. ((23:09 Rick Barnett/Won Court Appeal "We were kayaking out here - doing some fishing - it was bass season. We both had our limit of 5 bass and chief of police Facos showed up and ordered us off the water. They cited me for criminal trespass.)) The charges were later dropped -- but the legal issue became an obsession -- that ended with Barnett successfully representing his case before the high court. ((18:46 Rick Barnett/Won Court Appeal "I'm the type of person that when I start something and I'm convinced that I'm right, I stick with it.)) But the court decision leaves the city in a sort of legal limbo. ((02:01 Pat Parenteau/Vermont Law School "One of the ironies here is that the city of Montpelier is liable for delivering water top its customers that is in any way impaired by the activities that occur in Berlin Pond and yet Montpelier doesn't have the authority to protect and prevent that kind of harm from occuring.)) City officials say they're still trying to sort out they're next step forward. Parenteau says they have one of two options -- going to the state Water Resources Panel -- and persuading them that the pond will be harmed by recreation. ((3:39 Pat Parenteau/Vermont Law School "The other option would be to go to the legislature and get a clear delegated authority to amend the charter for the city of Montpelier to directly regulative activities at Berlin Pond.)) The ruling also raises questions about restricted public use at other naturally occuring water reservoirs outside municipal limits -- like the ones Barre and St. Johnsbury rely on. Barnett says he's well aware he may have opened a Pandora's Box, but he says he has faith that users of the pond will be responsible. ((19:47 Rick Barnett/Won Court Appeal "I believe that most people are good and most people will pick up after themselves and not injure the water source. If there was a danger to the water source.)) But for right now, he's primarily thinking about fishing .. ((24:01 bass season starts second saturday in June. I will be here)) Alexei Rubenstein - Ch 3 News - Berlin

38} BERLINPOND6_TAG

A warning to would-be visitors -- The high court said the city is still within its rights to enforce no trespassing on land it owns surrounding the pond ...

39} YOUR_TAKE_TECH

so kyakers and canoers are welcome to fish in the pond now, and a lot of people think the supreme court made the right move on this. Yeah we saw some comments saying it shouldn't change the water quality one bit. Scott Grant Yes, it is the responsibility of the city of Montpelier that the water be safe, and that can still be done properly via filtration and purification despite recreational use. Erik Bailey Yes... fishing and non-gas boating do not jeopardize the water supply. I'd be more worried about beaver feces than a paddle or two. But some people are worried about what happens when you open the land to fishermen-- and the trash they leave behind. Laurie Parah Capsey I went fishing several times last summer and was appalled to find litter left behind from fisherman. You'd think the people that love the great outdoors and the "live off the land" mentality would be smart enough to clean up after themselves, but it's just not so. Ben Moffatt I disagree with allowing unrestricted public use of this water body. Being an active outdoorsmen in our state I have seen the detrimental affects of many disrespectful outdoorsmen & women. Trash, beer cans, and empty tackle packaging are all to often found littering these great recreation areas.

40} SPORTSWRAP_GREEN

The Celtics and Sixers continue their series in Philadelphia tonight. The series is tied at a game apiece. Scott Fleishman has more in the sportswrap.

41} SPORTSWRAP_PKG

42} SHORT_WX_DESK

43} SIMPLE6_INTRO

The Simple life. Many of us strive to live one -- but in today's fast paced, high tech world that's often easier said than done, especially when you're living off the grid. ***PKG***}

44} SIMPLE6_PKG

((nats of car/driving??)) Journey off the highway -- and onto this gravel road in mendon ((road nats up full??)) -- and if feels like you're taking a trip back in time. ((15:13-15 Sharon: "it's very soothing I think.")) Missing are the homes - people - -and the usual signs of civilization... ((19-25 Sharon Stahle/Mendon: NATS: "usually you see a deer or two and beautiful trees and you just follow the river the whole way along.")) .... With a few exceptions. ((shot of house??)) ((20-22 Sharon: "i'm the only one for the first four miles or other quick nat hit from sharon.")) Sharon Stahle is one of them. ((1:51-58 Sharon: I think the real estate agent that brought me down was more worried than I was saying you don't want to live here. You don't want to live here, and I was like yeah, I do.")) Sharon and her husband greg are all totally off the grid. They supply their own power. ((5:27-31 Sharon: "I was told it's a quarter of a million dollars to get to me and I said, oh never mind.")) And they're not alone. Statewide -- it estimated several hundred people live off the grid -- and the numbers are growing. Neil Langer and Roger Olsen are Sharon's neighbors. Ironically -- both of these men are electrical engineers. ((27:04-06 Neil Langer/Mendon: "I know how to do it. I know how things work." )) ((34:40-51 Roger Olsen/Mendon: "I can't call cvps when my power doesn't work. When i'm greedy and use more power than my battery banks. 35:00-04 Those types of issues. i'm the guy, i'm on stage.")) ((nats: 40:40-43 SHOW SHOT OF WALKING OUT OF HOUSE WITH THIS SOT OVER TOP: "we're headed up to the solar panels." )) Life off the grid can be a challenge.... ((rain drop nats or other nat hit)) Vermont only averages 80 sunny days a year -- and setting up a solar system can be pricey. In sharon's case -- 20-thousand dollars. ((46:007 "yeah, that's the second panel over there.")) But the technology is evolving. The Stahle's have a generator -- but rarely need to use it. ((55:03-05 KEAGAN Harsha/Mendon: "this is where sharon and greg keep the batteries to their system and get this, it's been raining 7 of the last 9 days, but the batteries are still charged.")) and a life without power lines doesn't mean -- a life without lights. ((1:10-12 "that one's off and on.... This one here.")) You'll find everything here that you'll find in most homes -- from the television....to the computer -- To the microwave. ((nats beeping/or opening.")) ((10:36-43 "I have electricity just like you. It's no different. WE run water, laughs..... Turns it on.")) And there are other benefits to life off the grid. Mendon was pummelled by tropical storm irene. Most town residents lost power -- but not the folks on wheelerville road. ((irene nats)) And so -- ultimately -- it's a way of life with lots of pros AND cons.... Not necessarily easy .... ((2:42-46 "we don't leave everything running, living off the grid. ""18:19-24 "if someone calls you up and says hey turn on the tv, you can't ... laughs.")) But a way of life that these folks say is worth living. A step back in time -- to a simpler life -- in the backwoods of vermont. ((nature nats??))

45} SIMPLE6_TAG

Sharon Stahle hasn't paid a power bill in 26 years. But If you factor in the costs of setting up a solar system -- it's averaged out to about 23 dollars a month. Coming up tonight at 6 -- we'll meet the world's biggest cheapskate -- as our series on living the Simple Life continues.

-------- The 7:26 News Scripts Follow ------------

1} MCCANNAM_VO

2} FOSTERAM_FONT

3} EXCHANGEAM_VO

4} CVPSAM_VO

5} AM_PROMO

Coming up tomorrow morning on the channel 3 news -- we'll have all the latest headlines. The sunshine returns. Gary will have the latest -- and speaking of sunshine -- sharon takes us outside and into the garden for this week's tip.

Top of Script