New England News

By Charlie Deitz

Massachusetts – MASSACHUSETTS ATTORNEY GENERAL AND BERKSHIRE NATIVE, MARTHA COAKLEY, HAS MADE IT OFFICIAL. SHE IS THE FIRST CANDIDATE TO GO PUBLIC ABOUT HER INTENTIONS TO RUN FOR THE VACANT SENATE SEAT, PREVIOUSLY HELD BY SENATOR KENNEDY. COAKLEY MADE HER FORMAL ANNOUNCEMENT THURSDAY MORNING, AND SHORTLY AFTER SPOKE WITH OUR BERKSHIRE BUREAU CHIEF CHARLIE DEITZ ABOUT HER ASPIRATIONS .

By Charlie Deitz

Massachusetts – The Public Higher Education Network of Massachusetts says the state is neglecting its duty to provide affordable education to residents. The group claims that Massachusetts is among the lowest when it comes to spending on higher education. Our Berkshire Bureau Chief Charlie Deitz reports

By Charlie Deitz

Pittsfield, MA – Berkshire Medical Center has announced its second round of layoffs in three months, putting 65 more people out of work. State funding cuts and reduced revenues have been forcing hospitals around the region to make some hard choices. Our Berkshire Bureau Chief Charlie Deitz explores the issue .

By Charlie Deitz

Massachusetts – A piece of legislation in Massachusetts grants the government the power to respond to pandemics by issuing mandatory quarantines and vaccinations. The blogosphere is lighting up with one part of the bill that says people who refuse to comply could be subject of up to one thousand dollars per day. Our Berkshire Bureau Chief Charlie Deitz takes a look at the legislation

By Charlie Deitz

Massachusetts – When the Massachusetts Legislature presented their budget to Governor Patrick, they had eliminated 130 million dollars for healthcare for 30 thousand legal immigrants. The Governor then put 40 million back in to the budget for this population. Over the last month health officials have been scrambling to come up with a comprehensive health plan with a third of the funding. Our Berkshire Bureau Chief Charlie Deitz reports

By Charlie Deitz

Great Barrington, Ma – Club Helsinki in Great Barrington has been an institution in the region for 15 years. The music venue and caf will be closing its doors for good after tonight's performance. Our Berkshire Bureau Chief Charlie Deitz reports that the Helsinki name will go on in Columbia County

By Charlie Deitz

Boston, MA – The public is being invited to pay its respects to Sen. Edward Kennedy as he lies in repose at his brother's presidential library. WAMC's Joe Woodruff reports.

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Hyannis Port, MA – Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, the liberal lion of the Senate, has died after battling a brain tumor. WAMC's Joe Woodruff reports.

Montpelier, VT – Federal prosecutors say they'll seek the death penalty for a Vermont man charged in the 2008 slaying of 12-year-old Brooke Bennett. WAMC North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley has more.