News

By Deborah Runcie

Rhinebeck, NY – Congressman John Sweeney, a republican representing upstate New York, has unveiled legislation that would allocate $25 million for hospitals to purchase software for the entry of drug prescriptions.

By Jessica Bloustein

Albany, NY – The future of one of the country's premier racetracks at Saratoga is hanging in the balance, with the troubled New York State Racing Association's franchise expiring at the end of 2007. Before another organization can sign on for the franchise, the state must set guidelines-guidelines that the city of Saratoga Springs and the county of Saratoga want to play a part in creating.

By Carrie Saldo

Northampton, MA – Two colleges in the region have joined Williamstown, Massachusetts' Williams College as higher-education institutions with endowments over one-billion dollars.

Albany, NY – Bonifaz joined Susan Arbetter and Joe Donahue on The Roundtable to discuss his platform and reasons for running.

Albany, NY – This week Ward went shopping, but he wasn't too happy with what he picked up--we'll tell you why. Then we will be discussing an issue that has become quite contentious--wind power. Next, we cover an important element of the National Environmental Policy Act that you most likely haven't heard about. Plus, more on bird flu and your letters.

Air Date: 1/23/2006

By Deborah Runcie

Albany, NY – The Health Department has unveiled a website that makes it easier for consumers to get access to information about hospitals throughout New York state.
WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Deborah Runcie has more.

By Jessica Bloustein

Albany, NY – The spotlight is on the ongoing battle between the Roman Catholic Dioceses of the Northeast and alleged victims of clergy sex abuse. In New York's Capital District, a State Supreme Court Judge recently issued a restraining order against a group protesting outside an Albany church. The controversy has flared just as state legislators have strengthened laws to punish pedophiles.

WAMC's Capital District Bureau Chief Jessica Bloustein reports.

By Carrie Saldo

Pittsfield, MA – With the original musical comedy the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, which had its debut at Barrington Stage Company, playing on Broadway and touring in Australia the organization is looking for ways to foster the development of other works.

By Jessica Bloustein

Troy, NY – The pipe organ at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall is renowned as the last remaining 19th century American concert hall organ in its original location and condition. It is undergoing a cleaning and semi-restoration this year in preparation for the 50th birthday of the Organ Historical Society. The June celebration will be the first time the organ has been played in concert since 1990.

WAMC's Capital District Bureau Chief Jessica Bloustein took a look inside the organ.

By Pat Bradley

Plattsburgh, NY – Lake Champlain is at near-record levels for this time of year due to spring-like January weather. Normally the lake is nearly frozen over by mid-January and ice-anglers dot it's frozen surface. But restaurants and motels around the lakeside village of Port Henry are reporting there are no anglers at a time of year when business is usually busy. WAMC's North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley has more.