WAMC Northeast Report on WAMC

Democratic Candidates Announced as City of Plattsburgh Looks to Replace all Top Elected Officials

Pat Bradley — Fri, 17 May 2013 22:30:00 +0000

All of the top elected positions in northern New York’s largest city are up for grabs in the November election. The Republican Mayor of Plattsburgh announced in April that he would not run for reelection. And none of the incumbent members of the city’s Common Council will run to return to their seats on that governing body.

Community Leaders Discuss Biking In The Northern Berkshires

Lucas Willard — Fri, 17 May 2013 21:35:21 +0000

A community forum focused on biking in the Northern Berkshires was recently held, where panelists discussed the challenges and future for expanding the potential for biking in the region.

Jonathan Butler, Adams Town Administrator, said that that the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail – an 11.2 mile railroad corridor turned bike path that runs from Lanesborough up through Adams – has had an impact on the town’s economy that he calls “nothing short of significant”.

Alan Chartock - The Vito Lopez Sex Scandal

Brian Shields — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:30:00 +0000

Faced with the possibility of being expelled from the state legislature as soon as next week, State Assemblyman Vito Lopez, a Democrat from Brooklyn, today said he would resign on June 20th at the end of the legislative session and run for a seat on the New York City Council.

Pipeline Owner Seeks Reconsideration of Commission Ruling

Pat Bradley — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:42:13 +0000

The owner of a crude oil pipeline that runs between Maine and Montreal, crossing a portion of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, wants Vermont environmental regulators to reconsider a ruling that determined if the company seeks to transport tar sands oil in the pipeline, it must receive approval under Vermont’s environmental review law know as Act 250.

Execs Respond To Schumer Re: Proposed Utility Merger

Allison Dunne — Thu, 16 May 2013 23:59:29 +0000

Several elected officials have raised concerns over the past few months about a proposed utility merger in the Hudson Valley. Among them is U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. And now top executives of the two companies have responded.

NY AG Breaks Cigarette Trafficking Ring, Hints Terror Ties

Dave Lucas — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:33:46 +0000

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today announced the indictment of 16 members of a criminal ring that flooded New York City, Albany County and Schenectady County with more than a million cartons of untaxed cigarettes illegally imported from Virginia.

A 12-month investigation entailed wiretaps, aerial and electronic surveillance... In announcing the arrests of 16 individuals, Attorney General Schnedierman proclaims that "today the streets of New York are safer..." The investigation, which has so far uncovered $55 million in illegal cigarette sales, is continuing.

Boston Symphony Orchestra Enters New Era With Nelsons

Brian Shields — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:32:00 +0000

At the age of 34, Andris Nelsons will lead one of the most respected orchestras in the world. Nelsons, a native of Latvia, who has earned a distinguished reputation in European classical music and opera, has been named the new music director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, filling the vacancy left by the departure of James Levine, who stepped down for health reasons two years ago. Mark Volpe, the managing director of the BSO, spoke with WAMC's Brian Shields.

Dan Ornstein: Music As Preschool Teacher

Dan Ornstein — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:31:15 +0000

Saratoga Gun Show Schedule Cutback

Dave Lucas — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:54:12 +0000

Gun shows have caused concerns and triggered protests in Saratoga Springs. But the events have been pared back for the coming year...

In the wake of last December's tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, gun safety advocates have grown increasingly concerned with Saratoga Springs City Center's continuing to host gun shows.

Report: Driving Boom Is Over

Lucas Willard — Thu, 16 May 2013 00:50:54 +0000

A new report from the Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group highlighting the decline in the average number of miles driven by the average American is supporting the call for investments in public education in the commonwealth.

The report released by the MASSPIRG Education Fund titled “A New Direction: Our Changing Relationship with Driving and the Implications for America’s Future” says that on average, the amount of miles driven by Americans has been on the decline for the past eight years.