News

By Av Harris

New Haven, CT – State and local officials in New Haven have launched a new initiative aimed at helping prisoners re-enter society one they've finished their sentences by connecting them to community resources. WAMC's Av Harris reports.

By Brian Shields

Albany, NY – Standardized testing is one of the more controversial debates in education as schools work to raise academics. Opponents argue that too many tests reduce learning to little more than getting ready for exams, but supporters say tests are needed to determine if students are learning and if schools are teaching. WAMC'S Brian Shields reports on testing and accountability as an issue in the presidential campaign.

By Allison Dunne

Albany, NY – New York's two Senators are part of a bill intended to safeguard military families from financial fraud. The fraud is in the form of a product that insurance industry executives say is outdated, and they support the legislation's intentions. WAMC's Allison Dunne has more.

By Pat Bradley

Albany, NY – Common Cause-New York is celebrating its 30th anniversary this week. Over the past three decades, the citizens' lobby has been involved in some of the most significant government reform legislation to be enacted in the state. North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley spoke to current Common Cause-New York executive director Rachael Leon about the history, accomplishments and future of the organization.

By Kelly Wilkinson

Williamstown, MA – A new professional sporting event in the Berkshires is being held this week. Organizers say it's the only international professional sports event in the county...and they hope it can help a growing sport. More from WAMC's Kelly Wilkinson.

By Karen Dewitt

Albany, NY – Presidential Candidate Ralph Nader brought his campaign to the NY State Capitol Thursday. The defiant Nader urged supporters to vote their conscience and back him on Election Day. WAMC's Capitol Correspondent Karen Dewitt reports.

By Pat Bradley

Plattsburgh, NY – Democrats in New York State are funneling money into state races where they believe Republican incumbents are vulnerable. On the Democratic "short list" is Republican incumbent assemblyman Chris Ortloff from the 114th district. Ortloff has held office for 18 years in a district that state Democrats have largely ignored. North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley has the story.

By Allison Dunne

Ghent, NY – A New York Assembly Republican Task Force has been making the rounds in parts of the Hudson Valley. Task force members have been touring farms in two counties at the end of a statewide tour and public forum to hear concerns and ideas from local farmers. More from WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne.

By Kelly Wilkinson

Amherst, MA – The University of Massachusetts at Amherst has been sorting through sensitive racial issues recently. This week there were continued protests which stem from the release of photographs of students leaders posing in front of a Ku Klux Klan drawing. WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief Kelly Wilkinson has the latest.

Albany, NY – New York's John Sweeney joins Alan in the Congressional Corner to discuss NanoTech in the Capital Region, Tax Cuts, the election, and the first round of presidential debates.