New York News

By Allison Dunne

Central Valley, NY – There is a coalition in the Hudson Valley that aims to get the word out about reclaiming Democracy. The goal of a forum to be held this weekend is to show how national and international issues can affect Mid-Hudson Valley residents, and how residents can contribute to social change. Former head of the UN Iraqi Weapons Inspection Program Scott Ritter will be the keynote speaker. WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne has a preview.

By Allison Dunne

Kingston, NY – The Ulster County legislature has approved a resolution regarding the proposed Belleayre Resort at Catskill Park. The measure calls on the state's environmental regulator to adjudicate all the issues brought forth at a recently concluded issues conference. And it's a measure the legislature's chairman says will be further addressed. WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne has more.

By Kelly Wilkinson

Pittsfield, MA – In yesterday 's primary, Berkshire County voters went overwhelmingly for the incumbent District Attorney. David Capeless won by a 3-1 margin. No state legislative seats were contested in the primary, but the field of contenders narrowed for a Western Massachusetts representative to a statewide council. More from WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief Kelly Wilkinson.

By Pat Bradley

Montpelier, VT – Health care insurance discounts for low and moderate income working Vermonters are among a series of health care proposals unveiled by Vermont Governor James Douglas. While many say his reform concepts are good, there are concerns that they do not address fundamental system problems nor cost factors. North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley has the story.

By Kelly Wilkinson

Great Barrington, MA – Turnout for the primary in Massachusetts tomorrow is expected to be minimal. In Western Massachusetts, voters who get to the polls will narrow the field of contenders for a seat on the Governor's Council, a group that reviews judicial appointments in the state. In the wake of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruling that made gay marriage legal, there has been more attention paid to how judges are appointed. WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief Kelly Wilkinson reports.

By Pat Bradley

Plattsburgh, NY – A voter registration push has begun on State University of New York campuses. The campaign, which will run thru October 1st, is a good-natured competition to see which of the 64 campuses can register the greatest number of students to vote.
More from North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley.

By Pat Bradley

Plattsburgh, NY – New York State has the highest state and local tax burden in the nation. That's according to an annual survey that ranks states based on total population and income tax revenue. While fiscal analysts in New York agree the state's taxes are high, at least one says the current survey misrepresents the true tax burden on residents.
More from North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley.

By Allison Dunne

Poughkeepsie, NY – New York Senator Clinton and dozens of police departments across the state are calling on President Bush to renew the ban on assault weapons. The ten-year-old ban is set to expire Monday. More from WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne.

By Allison Dunne

Hudson, NY – New York's DEC commissioner says plans for St. Lawrence Cement's proposed Greenport plant will be subject to extensive environmental reviews. Plant opponents say the long-awaited decisions strengthen their argument to stop the plant, while a St. Lawrence spokesman says the rulings could help move plans forward. WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne reports.

By Pat Bradley

Plattsburgh, NY – New York and Connecticut are suing the Environmental Protection Agency in an effort to force the agency to set national standards on polluted water run-off from construction sites. The federal lawsuit says the EPA has failed to follow a requirement under the Clean Water Act to set guidelines for discharge of industrial pollutants at construction and land-development sites. More from North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley.