WASHINGTON (AP) -- Could this turn into something more than political theater? President Barack Obama’s televised dialogue with Republican lawmakers on health care, promised for later this month, has the makings of an entertaining exchange. But the differences between the basic Democratic and GOP ideas are stark -- and the two sides have increasingly hardened their positions in this   Full Story

BENNINGTON -- Southwestern Vermont Health Care’s annual report on giving shows that the number of donors for the fiscal year 2009 rose by 7 percent, but the actual amount in donations dropped by $600,000. Donor numbers are up SVHC is the parent corporation of Southern Vermont Medical Center, Centers for Living and Rehabilitation, the Visiting Nurses Association and Hospice, and   Full Story

BENNINGTON -- Vermont Gov. James Douglas joined Department of Motor Vehicles officials and local dignitaries Monday to formally open a new DMV location in Bennington. "Welcome, everyone, to the new DMV office. I have to confess ... I didn’t really know where the old DMV office was. I guess that’s part of the point," Douglas said.   Full Story

RUTLAND (AP) -- A man accused in the 2008 slaying of a Castleton State College professor pleaded guilty to second-degree murder Monday, admitting he bludgeoned her with a frying pan in a fight overheard by neighbors. David C. Denny, 42, of Poultney, withdrew his previous plea of not guilty under an agreement with prosecutors that calls for a prison term of 22 years to life.   Full Story

Tuesday, Feb. 9 Register for youth lacrosse BENNINGTON -- The Mount Anthony Lacrosse Association will hold registration for the upcoming 2010 season on Feb. 9 and 10 at the Bennington Recreation Center from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for boys and girls ages 5 to 14 (grades K-8). The season begins on April 1.   Full Story