Lucas Willard

Vermont state lawmakers are introducing for the third time a bill designed to require polluters to pay for medical monitoring expenses for residents affected by toxic contamination.

With eviction moratoriums continuing for almost a year, lawmakers in Albany are trying to find ways to assist landlords struggling from a loss of rent during the pandemic. 

The Saratoga Springs Police Reform Task Force received some public comment Wednesday night on its draft police reform recommendations. But one case continues to dominate conversation around policing in the Spa City.

The same day that the targeted vaccination center opened in Albany, the county leaders of Albany, Rensselaer, and Schenectady Counties gathered to encourage the public to seek a vaccine, and also aired some shared frustrations.

The city of Saratoga Springs is preparing for an influx of federal aid and coronavirus vaccine. 

The village of Scotia in Schenectady County is preparing for some neighborhood improvements. Democratic Mayor Tom Gifford told WAMC's Lucas Willard about some efforts that are in the planning stages, including pedestrian improvement projects.

A New York Times report Saturday night detailed new allegations of sexual harassment against Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Saratoga Hospital has designs for a new medical office complex near its main campus in Saratoga Springs. After a similar effort failed in 2016, the hospital pitched a new concept to the city’s planning board Thursday night.

Saratoga County officials are encouraging business owners to take advantage of available grant funding to assist small companies during the pandemic.

In compliance with a state mandate to “reimagine” policing, the Saratoga Springs Police Reform Task Force has approved a list of policy recommendations to be reviewed by the city council.

Three newcomer candidates have been endorsed by major parties in contests for Schenectady’s city council, where five seats will be chosen this Election Day.

Glenville Town Supervisor Chris Koetzle recently announced his run for a fourth term. 

Five of seven Schenectady City Council seats will be up for grabs this fall. 

Montgomery County Executive Matt Ossenfort delivered his eighth State of the County address this week. As WAMC’s Southern Adirondack Bureau Chief Lucas Willard reports, the Republican reflected on the sacrifices made over the last year.

Officials in Saratoga County provided updates Wednesday on a number of efforts related to assisting residents during the pandemic.

Saratoga Springs Public Safety Commissioner Robin Dalton announced this past week she’s running for a second two-year term on the city council, but she’s leaving the Republican Party first. 

A self-described moderate, Dalton says she no longer fits in with the party, and will seek re-election without a party affiliation. 

WAMC's Lucas Willard spoke with Dalton about her announcement. 

An outside audit of the Schenectady County Town of Niskayuna’s police department has been released. The audit reveals a racial disparity in arrests in the mostly white community.

Advocates are challenging the findings of a 2019 New York State Department of Health assessment of cancer patterns in Warren County.

As part of an effort to reduce the use of road salt in the Adirondacks, the FUND For Lake George has released a film to demonstrate how communities in the Lake George Basin have been able to use new technology to save money and protect the environment.

Troy has begun public meetings of its Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative. Tonight, city residents will have the chance to share their thoughts in a public forum. As WAMC’s Southern Adirondack Bureau Chief Lucas Willard reports, a coalition of the city’s Black leaders offered recommendations this week.

With Vice President Kamala Harris casting the tie-breaking vote, Democrats in the U.S. Senate early Friday took action to move forward a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package. State and federal officials provided updates on the bill on Friday.

Troy Mayor Patrick Madden delivered his State of the City address Thursday night.

The New York State Senate has passed a bill relating to the aftercare of retired racehorses. 

The State Senate on Wednesday voted on the bill that among other provisions prohibits the slaughter of race horses or breeding stock, requires all racehorses be microchipped, requires breeding funds have a dedicated set-aside for aftercare programs, and provides tax credits for accredited aftercare facilities.  

As a state mandated committee reviews police policies and procedures in Schenectady, the city’s existing Civilian Police Review Board is suggesting its own improvements.

Officials in the City of Saratoga Springs are once again lobbying the state legislature to restore aid funding from New York’s video lottery terminal gambling facilities.

Due to the pandemic, the New York Racing Association in 2020 held races at its three tracks — including Saratoga Race Course — without fans in the stands. In Saratoga, it made for an eerie summer, with the normally packed picnic grounds and finish line desolate.  

NYRA recently announced the schedule for the 2021 meet at the Spa, with live racing scheduled from July 15th to Labor Day, but word is still out if fans will be allowed back on the historic grounds. 

WAMC's Lucas Willard spoke with NYRA President and CEO Dave O'Rourke about his hopes for bringing cheering crowds back to Saratoga Race Course this summer.