New York News

By Allison Dunne

Poughkeepsie, NY – Dutchess County is one step away from using a pesticide in testing deer station feeders. The research project aims to reduce the risk of contracting Lyme disease. On a separate front in the county, the legislature last night voted to approve a one-time, lump sum tobacco payout. More from WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne.

By Kelly Wilkinson

Berkshire County – A small school in the Berkshires had made great strides for a small but growing model of education: colleges for high school age students. Simon's Rock College of Bard has been used as a model for similar schools around the country. Bernard Rodgers has been the college's dean and vice president for half of the institution's lifetime. He announced his retirement this week. Our Berkshire Bureau Chief Kelly Wilkinson has more.

By Allison Dunne

New Paltz, NY – This evening, a group that promotes sustainable growth in the Hudson Valley will host its first socially responsible investing forum. The talk is entitled "Investing to Change the World", and an analyst from the Calvert Group will inform audience members about socially screened funds. WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne has more.

By Brian Shields

Albany, NY – The requirement that students in New York State pass five Regents exams to earn a high school diploma has been the focus of debate and controversy. Recently state officials lowered the passing grade on the exams from 65 to 55, but now opponents of the testing requirement charge that the exams are holding back minority students. WAMC's Brian Shields reports.

By Pat Bradley

Montpelier, VT – A joint committee of the Vermont legislature has voted to defer a plan that would require the state's poorest residents to pay a premium on state-sponsored Medicaid programs. The group also delayed implementation of a new billing system that eliminates the current co-payment plan. More from North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley.

By Brian Shields

Albany, NY – Friends and colleagues are remembering Dr. G. Stewart Ray, a well known physician, surgeon, medical professor and member of the WAMC Community Advisory Board, who died
on Sunday. WAMC's Brian Shields reports.

By Kelly Wilkinson

Pittsfield, MA – Pittsfield representatives passed a cost-saving plan to shut off or dim some city streetlights. But as soon as the first street went dark, people started complaining. City council members will consider a hiatus in the program at tonight's meeting. More from Berkshire Bureau Chief Kelly Wilkinson.

By Pat Bradley

Montpelier, VT – Vermont Congressman Bernard Sanders says the U-S is losing millions of jobs because of foreign trade policy. Sanders is introducing legislation to repeal most-favored-nation trading status with one of the countries he says is most at fault: China. But many in Vermont's trade community say that won't ultimately solve the problem. More from North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley.

By Allison Dunne

Poughkeepsie, NY – Dutchess County legislators will vote on whether to forgo future payments from the nation's tobacco settlement in exchange for a lump sum payout. A legislative committee gave the go-ahead last week, with the full legislature to cast its vote tomorrow. More from WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne.

By Pat Bradley

Burlington, VT – The University of Vermont's Fleming Museum has on display a rare collection of prints by Rembrandt. The exhibition, from the Amsterdam Museum housing Rembrandt's works, is the only venue in the US that will host the works. North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley takes us on a tour of the exhibition in Burlington.