This week Vermont Public Television will release the latest episodes in a long series called "The Governors," covering the administrations of Howard Dean and Jim Douglas.

We look at what affect state recognition of the Abenaki tribes might have on federal recognition, revisit the Maurice Sendak collection at Dartmouth and get a preview of the VPT series, "The Governors."

Emails from some top officials in Governor Jim Douglas' Administration were apparently deleted shortly after his administration left office. The practice came to light after the state employees union sought internal emails from officials in the Agency of Natural Resources.

Former Governor Jim Douglas thinks that politicians in Washington could learn something from Vermont about taking a bipartisan approach in severe economic times. We talk with Douglas about the current economic crisis, and get his thoughts on the Republican presidential field.

For 38 years, Jim Douglas has commuted from his home in Middlebury to Montpelier.  First, part time, as a state lawmaker. Then five days a week as secretary of state, state treasurer - and for the last eight years as governor. VPR's Nina Keck commuted with Governor Douglas for his last full day of work and filed this report.

After serving 38 years in public service, Governor Jim Douglas delivered a farewell speech today at the Statehouse.

After nearly 40 years in elective office, Jim Douglas said goodbye Wednesday. He delivered his formal farewell to a joint session of the House and Senate.

When Governor Douglas leaves office on Thursday, he'll be the first Vermont Governor to have some records stored electronically.

Governor Jim Douglas needs to decide before he leaves office next week how long some of his administration's most sensitive records will be sealed from the public. And, for the first time, this process will involve a lot of electronic communications.

When Governor Jim Douglas held the final press conference of his gubernatorial career on Wednesday, he had a surprise for members of the Capital press corps.

Outgoing Governor Jim Douglas will hold his final press conference with the media today.

A look back on the successes, the failures and the legacy of the Douglas governorship. Plus, the old-time filibuster conducted by Senator Bernie Sanders. And, we hear the Caribbean rhythms of the Cuban band Septeto Tipico Tivoli.

Governor Jim Douglas is starting to look back at his record in office over the past 8 years. He says budget management and health care reform initiatives are his greatest achievements during his years as governor.

Obesity is rapidly approaching tobacco addiction as the leading preventable public health problem facing Vermonters. We discuss obesity with Dr. Bob McLellan of Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. Plus, VPR’s Bob Kinzel looks at Governor-elect Peter Shumlin’s new staff. And we get a peak at what goes into the official portrait of Governor Jim Douglas. 

Governor Jim Douglas is headed to Colorado this weekend to take part in a special seminar to give practical advice to 29 new governors who were elected earlier this month.

Governor Jim Douglas remains very popular among voters as he prepares to step down after eight years in office. It defies what often happens in a political career, when those in office tend to wear out their welcome over time.

Public attention may be focused on the gubernatorial campaign between Brian Dubie and Peter Shumlin. But some are already beginning to honor the man who's preparing to leave the governor's office after nearly 40 years in public life. 

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce has announced the winner of its "citizen of the year" award. And it goes to Governor Jim Douglas.

The Douglas administration is highlighting a program that allows people to pursue a career while retaining their government disability benefits.

The current governor is thinking about what he'll do when he leaves office.

Governor Jim Douglas stepped down this month as head of the National Governors Association. And he says one of the biggest challenges facing him and other governors is the mounting federal deficit.

Governor Jim Douglas will preside over next month's summer meetings of the National Governors Association in Boston.

Sen. Sanders discusses his plan to ban off-shore drilling and raise fuel efficiency standards in cars. We also discuss some of the provisions of the federal health care law that are beginning to go into effect. Also in the program, Middlebury artist Kate Gridley explains her approach to painting the governor's official portrait.

These were some of the voices in the news this week:.

Business leaders and the governor are lobbying hard against a legislative proposal that they say would raise taxes.