New York News

By Brian Shields

Albany, NY – Gasoline prices have been going up in recent days but that does not always mean more money for the local dealers. In fact, one Getty owner in the Albany area has stopped selling gasoline in a legal dispute with the company. WAMC''s Brian Shields reports.

By Allison Dunne

Hudson, NY – As the New York legislative session is newly underway, Hudson Valley area Assemblyman Pat Manning says there are two local issues at the top of his list. He says on a statewide basis, given the nearly $6-billion-dollar budget deficit, legislators should view taxes through different lenses. WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne spoke with the Republican Assemblyman Manning about his goals for 2004.

By Pat Bradley

Montpelier, VT – A national organization seeking to legalize the medical use of marijuana has begun a TV-ad campaign in Vermont. The Marijuana Policy Project hopes the spots will help persuade Governor Douglas and House legislators opposing the measure to change their minds. North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley reports.

By Kelly Wilkinson

Pittsfield, MA – Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield held an open house on Friday, unveiling key parts of its renovation for the public. The gleaming laboratory and operating rooms include new technology so state of the art that only one other hospital in Massachusetts has the same equipment. More from WAMC's Kelly Wilkinson.

By Kelly Wilkinson

North Adams, MA – A business that wants to open in Massachusetts to provide information about getting prescription drugs in Canada has become very controversial. While North Adams city officials say there could be legality issues about the business, the business owner says the city could be encroaching on his constitutional rights. WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief Kelly Wilkinson reports.

By Allison Dunne

Millbrook, NY – Six thousand acres of farmland in New York will be protected, thanks to $12 million dollars in state funding. The Hudson Valley will receive more than $2.4 million dollars of that amount, for three projects spanning three counties. WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne filed this report.

By Pat Bradley

Plattsburgh, NY – The New York State Attorney General's office says an appellate court decision regarding a private landowner's construction of a driveway thru wetlands is a significant move in upholding the enforcement authority of the Adirondack Park Agency. But property rights advocates say the Park Agency's enforcement capability has never been in doubt. More from North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley.

By Pat Bradley

Montpelier, VT – Vermont's Secretary of State says her office can barely handle the demand for requests for documents from the Dean administration. She plans to ask the Legislature for funds to hire additional staff. More from North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley.

By Kelly Wilkinson

Boston, MA – Yesterday and today, gay marriage supporters and opponents held rallies at the Massachusetts statehouse. The issue has been highly visible and highly contentious since the landmark decision in November that said same sex couples had the right to marry. With the new year's legislative session underway, WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief Kelly Wilkinson took at look at how the issue is expected to intensify even further.

By Brian Shields

Albany, NY – In his 10th annual State of the State address on Wednesday Governor George Pataki urged the Legislature not to take
a "Robin Hood approach" in meeting a court order to change the school aide formula. WAMC's Brian Shields reports.