New England News

Berkshire County activists and politicians are expressing dismay at Governor Charlie Baker’s veto of a climate bill passed by the Massachusetts legislature last week.

The Great Barrington, Massachusetts nonprofit Construct works on the front lines of Berkshire County’s housing crisis to help hundreds of families looking for stable housing, assistance with fuel and utility bills, and other support. Executive Director Jane Ralph spoke with WAMC before Construct’s “Warm Up the Winter Call to Action for Emergency Assistance” fundraiser on February 6th. Ralph discussed how COVID-19 has impacted housing in the region, how racial disparities emerge within housing needs, and how the nonprofit distributes funding.

Across Berkshire County, community groups are recognizing the Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service on Monday.

Vermont’s at-large congressman has been meeting virtually with different industry sectors in the state this week to discuss how the latest COVID-19 relief bill will affect businesses.

A former Progressive mayor of Burlington, Vermont is endorsing Democratic incumbent Miro Weinberger for re-election ahead of Town Meeting Day in March.

The North Adams, Massachusetts city council got a COVID-19 update from Mayor Tom Bernard this week.

The Southern Berkshire Regional School District is transitioning into a fully remote learning model after confirming new COVID-19 cases this week.

North Adams, Massachusetts city councilor Benjamin Lamb says he won’t seek a fifth two-year term this fall. The former city council president says he’s stepping aside to encourage more diverse candidates to seek office. Lamb spoke with WAMC about his decision, and what he’s most proud of after almost a decade in office.

Montpelier, Vermont is the smallest capital city in the country but it is not immune to the passions and controversies swirling over the departure of President Donald Trump and the inauguration of President-elect Joseph Biden. The police department is working with federal and state agencies to secure the city and Statehouse in the wake of FBI warnings of potential violent protests at state capitols across the country.

The University of Vermont is hoping to give students more room when they return to campus for the spring session.

Officials say two people are dead after a fire in Sheffield, Massachusetts Wednesday morning.

Vermont’s at-large Congressman spoke on the floor of the U.S. House Wednesday morning as the second impeachment hearing against President Donald Trump began.

Massachusetts is preparing to open its first mass coronavirus vaccination site at Gillette Stadium

The Pittsfield, Massachusetts city council kicked off 2021 with a five-hour meeting Tuesday that addressed COVID-19, police spending and the city’s response to last month’s snowstorm. 

Great Barrington, Massachusetts has chosen a new permanent police chief. 53-year-old Paul Storti is a town native. The former sergeant has been Acting Police Chief since December, when Chief William Walsh retired after 40 years. His official start date remains pending as he negotiates a contract with the town. Storti, who’s been with the department since 1995, spoke with WAMC about why community outreach is his top priority, and what he learned from calls to cut public funding for the department at last year’s town meeting.

         The newly-installed president of the City Council in Springfield, Massachusetts has announced a special committee to address COVID-19 issues. 

Officials in North Adams, Massachusetts say a new wave of COVID-19 cases are connected to city restaurants.

Vermont Governor Phil Scott held his regular COVID-19 briefing today.  Officials said they are tracking concerning trends in the disease and have been briefed about FBI warnings over possible armed protests as the presidential inauguration looms.

      The City Council in Springfield, Massachusetts will be on the clock during meetings this year.

The Pittsfield, Massachusetts city council is meeting tonight for the first time in the new year.

The town government in Williamstown, Massachusetts has reiterated its support for an independent investigation of its police department following allegations of racism, sexual assault and the resignation of the police chief.

Vermont ice cream company Ben & Jerry’s is introducing a line of frozen dog treats, its first foray into the lucrative pet food market.

Middlebury College is considering revoking the honorary degree awarded to Rudy Giuliani, President Donald Trump’s attorney, saying he played a role in the violent uprising against the nation’s capital last week.

    First responders in Massachusetts rolled up their sleeves today to take the COVID-19 vaccine. 

The Williamstown, Massachusetts board of health is requiring a town motel to close after a slow response to code violations.

With the COVID-19 pandemic still in full swing and weighing down the local economy, the mayor of Berkshire County’s largest community is laying out her 2021 agenda. Pittsfield Mayor Linda Tyer says her top priority is a return to in-person education in the city’s schools. Tyer spoke with WAMC about the new policies and programs her administration will be rolling out, and when residents can expect to take advantage of her home improvement loan program “At Home In Pittsfield.”

The Vermont Senate has joined the state House in passing a resolution condemning the breach of the U.S. Capitol and demanding that President Donald Trump resign or be removed from office.