Midday Magazine on WAMC

Each year, so many downright awful movies make it into theaters. If you set out to compile a list of the ten-best films of a given year, you easily might cite the 25 worst films... or the 35... or the 50. And unfortunately, 2012 was no different.

A plan to re-invent the former prison farm at Wawarsing as a recreational getaway and tourist attraction is moving forward. Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports.

Activists envision transforming the old farm at Eastern Correctional Facility into "the CATSKILL-SHAWANGUNK GREENWAY" -John Adams is founder of the Friends of Colony Farm: he says there is wide ranging support for the plan to market the town as a recreational gateway community to the 2 mountain ranges, with emphasis on agri-tourism, hiking and biking.

Members of the public in Essex and Ulster counties have 15 days to sound off on a federal proposal to buy several flood-prone homes, many of which suffered massive damage in 2011 from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports.

Top executives from casino industry heavyweights MGM Resorts International and Penn National Gaming pitched their competing  plans for Springfield Massachusetts last night.  The forum drew hundreds of people with questions about the impact of a casino development in downtown Springfield.  WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports.

The jobs report last Friday was confusing, to say the least. Yes, the core unemployment rate fell to 7.7 percent, but a major reason for that was a drop in the size of the workforce—now a mere 63.6 percent of the population, far below what it has been over the past decade. While 146,000 jobs were created, the employment market remains anemic, demand is still low, and median income is still trending flat to down.

Just what is the Nobel Peace Prize committee up to?  In giving the prize to the European Union (EU) the Norwegians comprising the decision making committee made themselves a laughing stock… again.  In what sense, is this regional union an avatar for peace? This decision is comparable to giving an award to a committee held together with illusions.

A school district in Orange County is one of 16 districts in the nation to receive a federal "Race To The Top" grant, as we hear in this report from Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Dave Lucas.

Opponents and supporters of gas drilling and hydraulic fracturing are stuck in limbo, both sides believing a "final decision" is long overdue, Some local governments have taken matters into their own hands, not waiting for the state to take action.  Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports on some of the most recent developments.

It’s been said that death and taxes are the only two guarantees in life , but being unable to find a parking spot in the city in Albany is also certain. But for some city residents, who live near the state capitol and the empire state plaza, which will change next month. After almost two decades of discussion, debate and court challenges, Albany will implement a permit system in certain designated areas, beginning January 15th.  Albany city clerk Nala Woodard is in charge of getting distributing parking permits for the new system.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has begun several days of meetings  to address dozens of policy questions.   It’s a prelude to the commissioners writing the final regulations to fully implement the year old gambling law and license resort casinos.   WAMC”s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports.