News

By Eesha Williams

Holyoke, MA – In the 1970s, the federal government ordered Massachusetts cities to hire more minority police officers and firefighters. Thirty years later, Holyoke and Springfield still haven't fully obeyed the order. A civil rights group is now considering taking the cities to court. WAMC's Eesha Williams reports.

By Pat Bradley

Plattsburgh, NY – New York State has reached an agreement to protect 104-thousand acres of northern Adirondack timberlands from development and provide public recreational access. The deal will add 20-thousand acres to state forest lands and allow for public access, thru easements, to another 84-thousand acres for hiking and snowmobiling atv and other recreational use. WAMC's North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley has more.

By Eesha Williams

Northampton, MA – With the busy Christmas season over, many churches in the Northeast are struggling to fill the pews on Sunday mornings. But a different kind of religious service from India is drawing standing-room-only crowds in western Massachusetts. WAMC's Eesha Williams reports.

By Allison Dunne

Albany, NY – New York Governor George Pataki will deliver his state-of-the-state address tomorrow. Those in the environmental sector say they are hoping to hear about an increase in funding for the environment. Many consider Pataki to be a friend of the environment, and now they say he needs to be a funding friend. WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne reports.

By Pat Bradley

Burlington, VT – Towns and cities across Vermont are preparing items for the Town Meeting Day Ballot. Last night, Burlington's City Council authorized moving forward with several charter changes to be presented to voters in March. Two non-binding resolutions were postponed for later discussion. WAMC's North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley has more.

By Av Harris

Hartford, CT – The 2005 Connecticicut legislative session officially gets underway Wednesday with Republican Governor Jodi Rell's first state of the state address. As WAMC's Connecticut Correspondent Av Harris reports, the governor will face strengthened Democratic majorities in both the house and senate.

By Karen Dewitt

Albany, NY – Governor George Pataki delivers his 11th State of the State message Wednesday at 1 pm. The Governor begins the New Year facing a number of challenges, including a $6 billion dollar budget deficit, and
increasing speculation of what his future plans may be. WAMC's Capitol Correspondent Karen Dewitt has more.

By Allison Dunne

Kingston, NY – The former chairman and C-E-O of Federated Department Stores - the group that operates about 450 department stores nationwide - has been charged with perjury. The indictment stems from an investigation into possible antitrust violations. WAMC's Allison Dunne has more.

By Pat Bradley

Plattsburgh, NY – There's been a surge in donations to the Good News Garages in the region. Officials say that's because contributors were trying to beat the January first start of a new federal tax law. WAMC's North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley has more.

By Brian Shields

Albany, NY – Groups that want a state legislature that is more open, and not under the iron hand control of the majority leaders, will be in Albany this week to put pressure on lawmakers to implement reforms. WAMC's Senior Correspondent Brian Shields reports.