The Labor Department reported Friday that 20,000 jobs disappeared last month. In Vermont, officials said the number of people on food stamps hit a 15-year high. Big Oil posted huge profits as senators worked to rein in rising gasoline prices, the No. 1 problem cited by families struggling to make ends meet. One factor blamed for oil costs going up is the war in Iraq. In Baghdad, it was reported Thursday that April was the deadliest month so far this year for American forces. Thursday, coincidentally, was the fifth anniversary of President Bush posing on an aircraft carrier under a banner that proclaimed "Mission Accomplished." With all that bad news, at least it's spring. The ice on Joe's Pond finally has melted, and Vermonters prepared for Green Up Day.

The Economy Payrolls shrank by another 20,000 jobs in April, a fourth straight drop. The unemployment rate fell to 5 percent, the Labor Department reported. As the price of food staples increased significantly, the number of Vermonters signed up for food stamp benefits hit a 15-year high. The state said about 56,000 people received food stamps in March. To take our quick quiz on the economy, click here.

Gas Prices In the long term, Americans must break our dependency on fossil fuels and do much more to develop solar and wind and other efficient, sustainable sources of energy. In the short term, Sanders proposed a windfall profits tax on oil companies as part of a comprehensive package. A big majority of you who took our survey on gas prices favor taxing oil company profits and a crackdown on unregulated speculators who drive up prices. To read more about Sanders' proposals, click here. To read a Bennington Banner editorial, click here. To take our survey, click here.

War in Iraq There were more American troops killed last month in Iraq than during any month in more than half a year. The increased violence underscored questions about whether U.S. and Iraqi forces can maintain last year's security gains as American troops deployed in a year-old "surge" return home. On Capitol Hill, the Senate this month is expected to take up a Pentagon spending bill that would cut off spending on major reconstruction work in Iraq and pave the way for Baghdad to start paying its own military bills.

Credit Cards After turning a blind eye for years to credit card abuses, bank regulators signaled Friday that they may ban practices like arbitrary interest rate hikes. Don't hold your breath. The Federal Reserve, the Office of Thrift Supervision and the National Credit Union Administration are expected to take the rest of the year to consider proposed consumer protection measures. Sanders, meanwhile, has proposed legislation to cap interest rates that banks may charge credit card customers. He also has encouraged people to call their credit card company and insist on lower rates. If you are sick and tired of credit card ripoffs and want to know how you might be able to lower your bills, click here.

Green Up Vermont Vermont's Green Up Day began in 1970, when 70,000 Vermonters joined forces to clean up roadside litter that had accumulated during the winter months. Today, the non-profit organization that coordinates activities says Geen Up Day "is about people of all ages from all walks of life joining together in community spirit to take care of Vermont. It teaches our children pride and respect….Over 40,000 bags of trash are collected annually with the help of over 250 volunteer coordinators and…15,000 participants." To visit the Web page of Green Up Vermont, click here.