News

The maneuvering for the next Speaker of the New York State Assembly is going on largely behind the scenes, and government reform groups say that’s the wrong way to begin a new era in what’s been called "the people’s house."  They’ve asked the announced candidates to commit to an open process, and want an answer before the weekend.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is adopting new grading standards for maple syrup to match international standards. Maple producers say it’s needed so that consumers have a better understanding of what they are buying.

The Baker Administration is seeking to strengthen ties between state government and local municipalities in Massachusetts.

       Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, who is the administration’s primary liaison to cities and towns, began a statewide tour Thursday to visit mayors and other officials.  Her first stop: Holyoke City Hall for a meeting with Mayor Alex Morse.  She offered assurances that when the administration takes steps within days to close a projected $765 million state budget gap, cities and towns will not be burdened.

Meteorologist Garett Argianas delivers the evening weather forecast for Thursday, January 29, 2015.

Some newer Assemblymembers are using the selection of a new Assembly Speaker to push for change, and have written a letter to the candidates vying to replace Sheldon Silver.

Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, along with more than 20 other more recently elected Democrats, are credited with helping push Speaker Silver out of his leadership post, when long time veteran members initially resisted.

Santabarbara says ideas include whether there should be limits on how long someone can be speaker. Silver held the post for 21 years before his arrest on corruption charges.

Connecticut Police say 71 drivers have been issued $92 tickets for defying the state's travel ban during the winter storm.

(Airs 1/29/15) WAMC's Alan Chartock speaks with State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor Nancy Zimpher.

The Hunger Action Network of New York has new leadership.

Hunger Action Network, started in 1982, is a statewide membership organization of emergency food providers, advocates, faith groups and low-income New Yorkers whose goal is to end hunger and its root causes, including poverty, in New York.

Long time "frontman" for the organization, executive director Mark Dunlea, is leaving the agency after 29 years to work on climate change

 Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner of New York’s 113th District unveiled her first piece of legislation Wednesday evening to restore state aid to all school districts in the state. 

In the auditorium at Greenwich High School, Woerner announced that her first bill to be submitted to the Assembly since taking office earlier this month would be to eliminate the Gap Elimination Adjustment.

The New York state environmental commissioner has selected a Hudson Valley Hasidic Jewish village to lead the review of a request annexing just over 500 acres of land in the Orange County town of Monroe. As WAMC’s Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne reports, the decision is controversial.