Vermont's Sex Offender Laws

In the wake of Brooke Bennett's death, we take a closer look at Vermont's sex offender laws. The body of the 12-year-old Braintree girl was found last week, and federal prosecutors have charged her uncle with kidnapping. Now, some lawmakers are calling for an investigation into the state's sex offender laws, and for the passage of "Jessica's Law", which requires a 25-year minimum sentence for sex offenders. Attorney General Bill Sorrell explains Vermont's current sex offender laws, how they've changed, and why Vermont has a national reputation as being lenient on offenders. (Listen)

Also, this Friday Montpelier will host the state's largest gathering of biologists and naturalists. Their goal: to identify as many species within city limits, and all within 24 hours. It's called BioBlitz, and we take a walk through the city with one of the event's organizers, Chip Darmstadt. (Listen)

And, also in Montpelier this weekend, 350 people will have a chance to see the state's first screening of the new Batman movie, The Dark Knight. Senator Patrick Leahy will be on hand to introduce it. He's a longtime Batman fan, and also has a cameo in the new film. VPR's own Tim Johnson imagines a scenario in which he could fight crime throughout Vermont with the Senator. (Listen)

Photo: Chip Darmstadt, Executive Director of the North Branch Nature Centern on the banks of the North Branch River.