News

By Jessica Bloustein

Springfield, MA – Teachers in Springfield, Massachusetts are continuing their push for a contract. They hold not only the troubled city, but also the state, responsible for the problem of underperforming schools in the district.

WAMC's Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Jessica Bloustein reports.

Albany, NY – New Hampshire's Charles Bass joins Alan Chartock in the Congressional Corner to discuss the budget, ANWR, and eminent domain.

By Jessica Bloustein

Northampton, MA – Center fielder Johnny Damon has joined a long list of Red Sox that have left the team to become New York Yankees. The free agent signed on for a fifty-two million dollar, four year contract with the Bronx Bombers to further his dream of winning another World Series. But in doing so, he may have broken the hearts of diehard Red Sox fans.

WAMC'S Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief got the reaction from Sox fans in Western Massachusetts.

By Pat Bradley

Plattsburgh, NY – The weekly Holiday Sales Watch from a New York retail organization found that businesses saw a spike in sales last weekend. Consumer purchases were 2 to 4 percent higher than the same period last year. Despite that increase, merchants are cautiously optimistic while reporting overall average holiday sales. WAMC's North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley has more.

By Jessica Bloustein

Springfield, MA – The cash-strapped city of Springfield, Massachusetts is taking another hit. State lawmakers sent a clear message to the city yesterday that it will not provide any more financial assistance. Meanwhile, the superior court ruling that the city illegally froze teacher wages in 2003 still looms. Mayor Charles Ryan calls the situation, vexing.

WAMC's Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Jessica Bloustein reports.

By Carrie Saldo

Pittsfield, MA – Play Ball! That phrase will be heard for the next two summers at Wahconah Park in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Pittsfield is one of many smaller Northeast region cities that consider semi-pro baseball a tourist attraction, as well as a boon for locals.

Albany, NY – On In Our Backyard, its all wildlife all the time! Today, we'll be talking with Ward about deer, great blue herons, turkeys, mountain lions and beavers. Plus, there is a creature living in the wall of Susan's house that is continually scratching and we're wondering if Ward knows what it is.

Air Date 12/19/05

By Deborah Runcie

Kingston, NY – Many counties in the Northeast region have seen skyrocketing property values during the past several years. But in Ulster County, higher property values may not lead to tax relief. WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Deborah Runcie has more.

By Jessica Bloustein

Undated – One of the most damaging influences on Massachusetts' state parks and wildlife preserves is felt heavily in Western Massachusetts. All-terrain vehicles have been disallowed on much of the state's private property, but that may be a cause of the problem.

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

By Pat Bradley

Burlington, VT – The University of Vermont faculty ratified a new contract late last week. The agreement will give full time faculty a 16-percent salary increase over the next three years. WAMC's North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley has more.