News

An amendment introduced by NY Congressman Bill Owens to block a border fee proposed by the Department of Homeland Security in its 2014 budget request was passed in the Appropriations committee Wednesday.

The Lake George Park Commission held the first of two public hearings on its draft aquatic invasive species prevention plan Tuesday afternoon. While most who attended expressed support, some are concerned about how the plan could affect boaters’ access to the lake.

The  25th annual memorial service for western Massachusetts law enforcement officers was held on Wednesday in Springfield.

   The solemn service honored 47 people who lost their lives in the last hundred  plus years  while protecting the public safety in western Massachusetts. Four names were  added  to the end of watch roll call this year. Westfield Police Officer Jose Torres died last July after he was struck by a truck while directing traffic. His widow and son Jay were at the ceremony

Governor Cuomo, who still has not issued a decision on whether hydro fracking should be allowed in New York,  is backing further away from the controversial gas drilling process in his economic development plans for the future.  

Two years ago, Governor Cuomo considered hydro fracking a key component of his plans for economic development in the faltering upstate regions of the state. 

The body of a Berkshire County native killed in Afghanistan earlier this month was welcomed home by supporters who lined the streets of downtown Pittsfield.

The body of 24-year old U.S. Army Specialist Mitchell Daehling arrived Wednesday morning at Barens Air National Guard Airport in Westfield, and shortly after 10:30 was transported through downtown Pittsfield to the Dery Funeral Home.

A long line of supporters gathered along South Street and North Street, many holding American flags.

Massachusetts Republican U.S. Senate Candidate Gabriel Gomez made campaign stops in the Berkshires yesterday where he stressed a bipartisan message. And according to local GOP officials, he’ll have to continue to work hard to win more support in a solidly Democratic part of the state.

There’s been a political shakeup on Beacon Hill. Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray will leave the office shortly to take a job in the private sector in his home city of Worcester.

   Murray announced at an afternoon news conference that he intends to resign the office of Lt. Governor effective June 2 to take the job as President and CEO of the  Chamber of Commerce of Greater Worcester.   He described the decision as bittersweet.

Meteorologist Garett Argianas has the evening weather summary for Wednesday, May 22, 2013.

The city of Poughkeepsie is facing an $11 million  deficit in its general fund brought on, according to New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, by unrealistic budgeting by city officials—including overestimating revenues. DiNapoli, in a new audit, says Poughkeepsie’s debt burden has gone up 45 percent over the past five years as its financial condition deteriorates.

Our resident coin and stamp experts are back after a few years off for another hour of calls from all of you stamp and coin collectors out there. Experts Bob Scott and David Tripp join us this afternoon for the return of our Stamps & Coins show. WAMC's Ray Graf hosts.