WVTK Local & State News February 9, 2015

Officials at VTrans say you can expect messy driving conditions to continue. Earlier today, there was some freezing drizzle along with snow which caused slick roads, and they say they're re-freezing, which isn't helping. Crews are out in force as this slow moving weather system continues to move out of the area tonight. Roads will improve going into tomorrow.

A group of public and private officials from Vermont is in Colorado to learn about that state's legalized marijuana program. The delegation is being led by Public Safety Commissioner Keith Flynn and Chittenden State's Attorney TJ Donovan. The group will tour a marijuana cultivation facility, along with a retail marijuana store. The group will also sit down with Denver's U.S. Attorney and a representative of the Colorado governor's office.

There is a public hearing tomorrow night on expanding background checks for all gun purchases, including individual, private sales. The Senate Committees on Health & Welfare and Judiciary will hold the public hearing starting at 5:30 pm in the House Chamber at the State House. Members of the public interested in testifying regarding bill S.31 may sign up 30 minutes prior to the hearing outside the House Chamber. Each person will have 2 minutes to testify and the hearing will adjourn at 8:00 pm.

The University of Vermont says it has received an all-time high number of applications for enrollment this fall, 25,146. UVM Officials say they have received applications from all 50 states and from 85 countries. They added that they also set application records both in its traditional markets of New England, New York and New Jersey and in states like Florida and North Carolina, which are typically beyond their historic recruiting area.

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer is calling on the CDC to make the measles vaccine and booster shots free.
This is in light of recent outbreaks in the U.S. So far this year at least 102 people have become infected with measles in 15 different states, including New York. Schumer said the vaccine should be more readily available and free like the flu vaccine, so health coverage is not an issue. Health experts said measles is highly contagious in both children and adults.