News

By Allison Dunne

Poughkeepsie, NY – New York's Attorney General spoke at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. yesterday, and denounced President Bush's idea to create private Social Security accounts. The President is slated to talk about the issue during his state of the nation speech tomorrow night. WAMC's Allison Dunne spoke with some political science professors in the Hudson Valley about how Spitzer's national comments might play into his run for state office.

By John Krol

Pittsfield, MA – The federal government has come through with much needed funding for homeless shelters in western Massachusetts -- but shelter directors say homelessness is a growing problem in the region -- which needs to be addressed. WAMC'S Berkshire Bureau Chief John Krol has the story.

By Eesha Williams

Northampton, MA – Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney last week proposed a budget that relies heavily on closing corporate tax loopholes to pay the state's bills. The idea is unpopular with some business groups. WAMC's Eesha Williams has more.

By John Kroll

Pittsfield, MA – While competitive price wars led to KB Toys closing half of its 1,250 stores nationwide last year -- company officials say the retailer is back on track financially, and that there are no plans for cuts or changes at corporate headquarters in Pittsfield. WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief John Krol has the whole story.

By Pat Bradley

Burlington, VT – A second series of "Study Circles on Racism" in Burlington Vermont has just been completed. Participants in the racism discussions discussed progress that has been made since the first meetings in 2003, and work that still needs to be done. More from WAMC's North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley.

By Eesha Williams

Brattleboro, VT – Today is the deadline for Vermont Governor James Douglas to sign an annual letter to federal regulators approving the emergency evacuation plan for the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant. But some towns and citizen groups near the plant are urging the governor not to sign off on the plan. WAMC's Eesha Williams has more.

By Av Harris

Hartford, CT – In an abrupt turn of events, Connecticut's first execution in 45 years, set to happen early this morning, has been postponed until Monday. WAMC's Connecticut Correspondent Av Harris reports.

By Karen DeWitt

Albany, NY – Governor Pataki wants to create a commission to close hospitals and nursing homes around the state, but Assembly Democrats say the bill he's submitted would result in a rapid base closing type
commission, and is unacceptable. WAMC's Capitol Correspondent Karen Dewitt reports.

By Allison Dunne

Kingston, NY – The Republican Committee in one Hudson Valley county is reaching out to its party members via the Internet. One reason for the new Web presence is to improve communication between the Republican party and county residents. WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne has more.

By John Krol

Pittsfield, MA – Pittsfield Public School teachers and administrators are at a stalemate on negotiations for a new contract. The school committee wans the teachers to make concessions during tough fiscal times, while teachers say the deal their being offered amounts to a pay cut.
The teachers took their case again to the public with a demonstration in dowtown Pittsfield.
WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief John Krol was there