News

By Eesha Williams

Bennington, VT –
In the past decade, Vermont's prison population more than doubled. Three experts told WAMC today the growth in prison spending may have failed to make ordinary Vermonters safer. The legislature is now debating a solution to the state's prison crisis. WAMC's Eesha Williams reports.

By John Krol

Boston, MA – Massachusetts Senator John Kerry is criticizing fellow Massachusett Democrats for a proposed change in the party's platform to more clearly establish its support for gay marriage.

Pittsfield, MA – Teachers and administrators are voicing optimism after negotiations in two Berkshire County school districts.

Great Barrington, MA – A police surveillance tape, showing alleged abuse of a prisoner in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, is missing. This as the district attorney's office continues its investigation of the town police department.

By Hank Gross

Mongaup Valley, NY – Residents of the Catskill region of New York can breathe easier as emergency officials say a "depression" in a reservoir appears to pose no imminent danger to the Swinging Bridge Dam.
Correspondent Hank Gross reports.

By John Krol

Boston, MA – Massachusetts Attorney General Tom Reilly is expected to propose new rules today to crack down on lavish salaries and benefits for heads of charitable organizations.
WAMC's Berkshire Bureu Chief John Krol reports.

By Allison Dunne

New Paltz, NY – The first conference to come out of the Disaster Mental Health Institute at SUNY New Paltz takes place Friday. The Institute began in the fall of 2004, and its director was one of the first mental health professionals to offer support in New York City following the September Eleventh terror attacks. WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne reports.

By Eesha Williams

Northampton, MA – Like New York and Vermont, western Massachusetts is experiencing a building boom. Two leading environmental groups say Governor Mitt Romney has done less than previous governors to make sure farmland is protected from development. WAMC's Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Eesha Williams reports.

Boston, MA – Massachusetts Attorney General Tom Reilly is expected to propose new rules today to crack down on lavish salaries and benefits for heads of charitable organizations.
WAMC's Berkshire Bureu Chief John Krol has the story....

Boston, MA – A bill promoting stem cell research in Massachusetts passed by a veto-proof margin in the statehouse today -- as lawmakers say a system of oversight will assure that ethical standards are maintained for the controversial research. WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief John Krol has the story...