News

By Eesha Williams

Northampton, MA – Federal Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta was in Boston this week promoting President Bush's plans for Amtrak. Bush wants to eliminate all federal funding for Amtrak. Massachusetts Senator John Kerry says that would mean the end of passenger rail service between cities in New York and New England. WAMC's Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Eesha Williams has more.

By Alan Chartock

Albany, NY – TODAY WE MEET POUGHKEEPSIE MAYOR NANCY COZEAN IN THE COMMUNITY CORNER. SHE TELLS ALAN WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE MAYOR AND HOW SHE MANAGES HER TIME, AND THEN THEY TURN THE CONVERSATION TO THE EMPIRE ZONES.

By Karen DeWitt

Albany, NY – State legislators agreed on the final two elements in the state budget- education and health care. Lawmakers hope they can wrap up by Friday and pass bills by the April 1 deadline.

By Pat Bradley

Montpelier, VT – A bill that would consolidate the investment portfolio of three of Vermont state pension systems' assets was vetoed by the Governor last week. Wednesday the state Senate overrode that veto. WAMC's North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley has more.

By John Krol

Pittsfield, MA – Business leaders say Massachusetts is not a good place to do business, particularly for manufacturers -- as the legislature is seeking input on how to improve the business environment. WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief John Krol has the story.

By Pat Bradley

Waterbury, VT – The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources is planning to hold informational meetings on International Paper's plans to conduct a test burn of tire-derived fuel at its Ticonderoga, New York mill. Both International Paper officials and opponents of its plan say they're pleased that Vermont officials will hold the public sessions. WAMC's North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley has more..

By Karen DeWitt

Albany, NY – The New York State legislature made more progress Wednesday towards finishing a budget, but Governor Pataki is warning that the Senate and Assembly want to spend even more money than previously announced. WAMC's Capitol Correspondent Karen DeWitt reports.

By John Krol

North Adams, MA – A big-box retail developer has purchased the vast K-Mart property in downtown North Adams -- which presents a major dilemma for city planners, and cultural leaders -- who have a less conventional vision for the retail space. WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief John Krol has the story.

By Pat Bradley

Burlington, VT – In mid-February a judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging random searches of passengers' carry-on luggage and vehicles using Lake Champlain ferries. The ACLU of Vermont has now decided to appeal that ruling. WAMC's North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley has more.

By John Krol

Williamstown, MA – In an effort to encourage home-grown green energy projects, the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative is matching contributions from Mass Electric ratepayers, who take part in the so-called Green-up program. The money goes to individual funds for cities and towns that qualify. WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief John Krol has the story.