News

By Jessica Bloustein

Northampton has money for rainy day

Northampton, MA – Some cities in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts are struggling to make ends meet, notably Springfield and Holyoke. But Northampton is in the fortunate position of deciding how to spend an unusually large 4-point-2 million dollar windfall. City officials say the money - - from a combination of lowered spending and increased revenue -- is likely in part to be saved for a rainy day.

The Book Show #908

Albany, NY – On this weeks' Book Show, host Gretchen Holbrook Gerzina talks with author Adam Gopnik. Gopnik, whose previous book "Paris to the Moon" was a big bestseller, is back with a very different book about Paris. In his fantasy novel for all ages, "The King in the Window", Gopnick writes of a twelve-year-old boy who comes to the assistance of wraiths trapped in windows and mirrors--and ends up saving the universe. Air date: 12/5/05.

The Legislative Gazette #548

Albany, NY – Our political observer Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on a political fight among GOP leaders, the state senate returns for a one-day session, and college students ask the Governor to hold the line on tuition.

By Carrie Saldo

Vandalism not tolerated by area community

North Adams, MA – With its cemetery vandalized twice in the past month, the Congregation Beth Israel in North Adams, Massachusetts, is winning support from members of several different religious organizations.

By Jessica Bloustein

New fitness center for Old Hall of Fame

Springfield, MA – Springfield, Massachusetts' riverfront revitalization project got a boost this week. Developers have chosen to convert the old Basketball Hall of Fame into a new fitness center, sports medicine clinic and restaurant. The project will mean new jobs and revenue for the beleaguered city.

WAMC's Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Jessica Bloustein has more.

By Arielle Trimm

A Trip To The Regional Food Bank

Latham, NY – At last count, 35,000 New Yorkers (per week) received food that had been distributed through Regional Foodbank of Northeastern NY. Our Capital District Bureau Chief Arielle Trimm visited the Latham headquarters, to see how things are going during this peak season.

By Carrie Saldo

Around and around to revitalization

Pittsfield, MA – A former Pittsfield, Massachusetts resident taken by the administrations downtown revitalization efforts wants to lend a helping hand, or in this case a hoof.

By Deborah Runcie

Flooding Feared in Ulster County

By Jessica Bloustein

UMASS, Amherst police departments pledge mutual aid

Amherst, MA – The University of Massachusetts at Amherst has long worked with the Amherst police department. This week the town and the university signed an agreement to make it an official partnership of mutual aid.

WAMC's Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Jessica Bloustein has more.

By Deborah Runcie

Property Taxes May Double in 2006

Kingston, NY – Some lawmakers in Ulster County New York say they are working on ways to reduce a suggested tax rate hike for 2006, that could be as high as 49%.
Others don't believe there's much that can be done to lower the proposed tax levy, which means taxpayers will be stuck with paying higher property taxes.
WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Deborah Runcie has more.