New York News

By Brian Shields

Albany, NY – Beginning January 1st gasoline that is sold in New York State may not contain the additive M.T.B.E. because of concerns about groundwater pollution. In some parts of the state Ethanol will be mixed into gasoline in place of M.T.B.E. . WAMC's Brian Shields reports that some are concerned about what the new mix will mean
to drivers and to the state.

By Kelly Wilkinson

Pittsfield, MA – Residents, state and local politicians across Massachusetts remembered Gerard Downing as a man of integrity after his sudden death Monday. The Berkshire County District Attorney was a highly respected prosecutor, family and community man. More from WAMC's Kelly Wilkinson.

By Pat Bradley

Plattsburgh, NY – The Residents' Committee to Protect the Adirondacks has released a report saying all-terrain vehicles are tearing up Adirondack forest land and state government has done little to lessen the damage. But A-T-V groups decry the report and what they say is a stereotyping of A-T-V users. More from North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley.

By Allison Dunne

Albany, NY – Representatives from some women's and medical groups want to make emergency contraception available over-the-counter across the nation. They are presenting evidence today to the Food and Drug Administration to do so. WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne spoke with people from both sides of the debate.

By Allison Dunne

Catskill Park, NY – New York's Attorney General has released a report on water quality in the Schoharie Reservoir. He says a new water intake structure would not only improve the drinking water, but protect a Catskill Mountain trout stream. WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne filed this report.

By Kelly Wilkinson

Boston, MA – Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney is looking into a dramatic revamp of the state's court system. Under a new plan, local courthouses could be replaced with consolidated regional centers. But some Western Massachusetts politicians are leery of the plan. Berkshire Bureau Chief Kelly Wilkinson has more.

By Pat Bradley

Plattsburgh, NY – Northern New York and Vermont are digging out of a second major snowfall within two weeks. Some communities say it could take several days to fully clean-up roads and streets packed with two-to-three-feet of snow. More from North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley.

By Allison Dunne

Goshen, NY – New York Senator Charles Schumer has secured federal funds to curb the Canada geese overpopulation problem in the Hudson Valley. The money will go toward a GeesePeace program that uses humane methods. Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne has more.

By Pat Bradley

Albany, NY – New York State's five year study of charter schools finds they should be allowed to continue to operate. The study recommends changes to improve them, while minimizing the fiscal pain on traditional public schools. North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley filed this report.

By Kelly Wilkinson

Pittsfield, MA – In downtown Pittsfield, empty storefronts are part of the landscape. The vacant buildings have given rise to a group of artists who set up studios in the once empty shops. Residents say it's one more example of arts attempting to transform a community. More from our Berkshire Bureau Chief Kelly Wilkinson.