New York News

By Pat Bradley

Plattsburgh, NY – In the 3rd installment of WAMC's 12 part Presidential Issue Series, Pat Bradley takes a look at Bush & Kerry's stance on Charter School.

By Kelly Wilkinson

Pittsfield, MA – A historic baseball park in Berkshire County that's being renovated and prepped to re-open next season has become involved in a labor dispute. The local carpenters union filed a protest saying that the construction work should have been open to more bids, and now the Attorney General's office has weighed in. More from WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief Kelly Wilkinson.

By Allison Dunne

New York, New York – Two separate lawsuits from different anti-war coalitions are being decided in both state and federal courts. Both groups say New York City officials are trampling on their rights to free speech. The coalitions want to hold protests in Central Park at the time of the Republican National Convention. City officials say they've tried to work out solutions. WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne filed this report.

By Pat Bradley

Montpelier, VT – A federal circuit court has largely upheld Vermont's campaign finance law, again. The same three judges passed judgement on the state's campaign spending limits legislation two years ago and came to largely the same conclusion. The ruling upholding Vermont's campaign Spending limits law may have repercussions outside the Green Mountain State. More from North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley.

By Kelly Wilkinson

Boston, MA – Lawyers for eight New England couples who are suing to be able to get married in Massachusetts say they'll continue their fight, despite a setback yesterday. The couples were hoping for a judge to stop enforcing a law that prevents them from getting married in Massachusetts. More from WAMC's Kelly Wilkinson.

By Allison Dunne

Kingston, New York – Affordable housing in the Hudson Valley is getting a more than $21 million-dollar boost from state aid. New York Governor George Pataki says the funding will go to nearly 849 affordable housing opportunities in the region, and result in additional construction jobs. Grant recipients say any amount helps; and one familiar with the area's housing needs says there's a problem with the local process. WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne has more.

By Allison Dunne

Hudson, NY – St. Lawrence Cement officials have come up with a new design for their proposed Greenport Plant in Columbia County, New York. They say the new blueprint will reduce the plant's height by more than one-hundred feet. Opponents say that a lower stack could mean an increase in air pollution. WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne filed this report.

By Pat Bradley

Albany, NY – New York State has ordered emergency regulations be implemented to force power plants in the state to reduce emissions blamed for acid rain in the Adirondacks and Catskills. While environmental groups are pleased the state Department of Environmental Conservation has taken the action, they're also disappointed the action was not more stringent.
More from North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley.

By Kelly Wilkinson

Pittsfield, MA – In Massachusetts, House Speaker Thomas Finneran has outlined some of his priorities for the next legislative session. He says high on his list is ending some schools districts' practice of charging students for participating in sports and extracurricular activities. Some Berkshire County schools had to impose those fees in the face of deep budget cuts. WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief Kelly Wilkinson takes a look.

By Allison Dunne

Kingston, NY – Hudson Valley residents and black bears are having more run-ins this year than last. The encounters mean an increase in the number of complaints lodged with New York's Department of Environmental Conservation. WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne has more.