Hudson Valley News

On a dark and rainy night 235 years ago, 16-year old Sybil Ludington rode her horse into history - Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports

“Listen, my children, and you shall hear, Of a ride of our female Paul Revere…”  Sybil Ludington's 40 mile trek was a small victory that helped lead to American Independence and the eventual formation of the United States.

This year's Earth Day Lobby Day at the State Capitol will focus on critically important environmental issues such as expanding solar energy, curbing greenhouse gas emissions, and protecting New York from the dangers of fracking. Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Dave Lucas has a preview.

A New York State Joint Intervention Team conducted a review which found one of the city of Hudson's intermediate schools falling behind: Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports on the recommendation to restructure the Montgomery C. Smith School.

Lawmakers and Lobbyists say communities that have been supportive of hydraulic fracturing are likely to be among the first areas of New York to get approval if the State Department of Environmental Conservation allows the technique... Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Dave Lucas has more.

The DEC has been involved in establishing ground rules for permitting hyrdrofracking throughout New York State since 2008 - the agency's review of the process and recommendations are eagerly awaited by individuals and entities on both sides of the issue.

New York State’s controversial new system for evaluating teachers and principals was enacted into law in 2010 to help the state win $700 million in federal Race to the Top funds. The system grades teachers, in part on how their students progress on state tests. Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports the issue has turned red hot:

An Ulster County City is considering enacting a proposal that would make renters responsible for some duties typically expected of landlords. Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports.

The discovery of an emerald ash borer infestation in the Dutchess County
village of Rhinecliff last month has entomologists hopeful they can
control the invasive pest... Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Dave Lucas
reports.

The state is creating smoke-free areas outdoors at New York state parks and historic sites, including around playgrounds and pools. WAMC's Dave Lucas reports…

The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation says Monday the smoke-free zones will be around recreation areas, including beaches and picnic shelters. The agency operates 178 parks and 35 historic sites.

Parks officials say that will protect children and others from the dangers of secondhand smoke and reduce litter from discarded cigarettes.