Some of the decade's top Vt. stories
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The Associated Press - Published: December 27, 2009
Among the news highlights of the decade in Vermont:
CIVIL UNIONS: Vermont becomes the first state in America to recognize same-sex unions, adopting a bill in 2000 that calls for establishment of "civil unions" giving gay and lesbian couples some rights enjoyed by married couples. In 2009, the state Legislature adopts a gay marriage bill, extending more rights to same-sex couples.
JEFFORDS DEFECTS: In 2001, U.S. Sen. James Jeffords announces he is abandoning the Republican Party to become an independent, briefly throwing control of the U.S. Senate to Democrats.
DEAN FOR PRESIDENT: Former Gov. Howard Dean mounts a bid for the White House but falls short of the party's nomination, later becoming chairman of the Democratic National Committee.
VERMONT YANKEE: The Vernon nuclear plant is sold, gets permission to store radioactive waste on site and applies for permission to operate for 20 years past its scheduled 2012 closing.
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