Midday Magazine on WAMC

Question:  In a nation in which individual freedom is its most telling characteristic, how and why would church organized and ordained control of religious belief and practice become the most actively initiated and consistently sought-after power; second only to influence of the political system itself?

A 19-turbine industrial wind farm is near completion in the Northern Berkshires, but according to nearby residents, some uncertainties about the project’s impact on the environment and health remain. WAMC’s Berkshire Bureau Chief Lucas Willard reports…

The Hoosac Wind Project, also known as the Bakke Mountain Wind Farm, could see all 19 standing wind turbines erected by the end of this week, according to spokesman from owner Iberdrola Renewables, Paul Copleman.

Eight candidates are vying to replace the retiring Jack McEneny in the 109th Assembly district. It is the first time in 20 years that someone has a shot at the Assembly seat that includes the state Capitol. Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports.

Issues, Answers and Endorsements are spread across a six-candidate Democratic field: William McCarthy Jr. is a lawyer and political newcomer making his first bid for public office. He considers himself among the front runners going into Thrusday's primary.

As this political season and the race for the U.S. presidency in particular barrel toward Election Day, it seems that the real issues facing average, middle and working-class Americans are being obscured by innuendo and accusation. The goal here apparently is winning at all costs and amassing power, rather than practical problem-solving and serving the U.S. citizenry.

Teachers have a new resource to help them in the classroom. It’s called share my lesson, a new online resource bank, where teachers can collaborate and share teaching resources. Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers, announced the new program today in Rockland County.

For the second time in two years, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has raised the specter of a Moreland Act commission in hopes of scaring people into doing his bidding.

This shouldn't come as any big surprise, if Cuomo has proved anything since he took office in January 2011, it's that he favors a carrot and stick approach to governing - with a heavy emphasis on the stick.

The results of the Massachusetts Democratic primaries are in, and incumbent Congressman Richie Neal has won the seat 1st Congressional District seat held by retiring Congressman John Olver. WAMC’s Berkshire Bureau Chief Lucas Willard reports…

Springfield Congressman Richie Neal faced off in a three-way race for the democratic nomination against former state senator Andrea Nuciforo, Jr. of Pittsfield, and Alford writer & activist Bill Shein. With all 277 precincts in the newly drawn 1st Congressional District reporting, Neal won handily with roughly 65% of the vote.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness-Columbia County is sponsoring a symposium called Navigating/Advocating Within the Local Criminal Justice System at Columbia Greene Community College on September 13. The event features representatives of law enforcement, the justice system, and mental health officials.

Sheri Bolevice is spokesperson for the National Alliance on Mental Illness-Columbia County, which works to support the mentally ill through education, advocacy and support. She spoke with WAMC's Alan Chartock.

We hear what you had to say this week on the WAMC Listener Comment Line. 

The cost of running nursing homes, combined with the expensive capital costs needed to keep the facilities up to date, and cuts in Medicaid made in Washington, has prompted numerous counties across New York State to ponder closing - or selling - their facilities. Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports


Mark Levine, Deputy Director of the New York State Association of Counties, says County Leaders do not WANT to sell their Nursing Homes.