WAMC Northeast Report on WAMC

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness about the need for regular colon cancer screenings.  Also known as colon cancer, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the nation.  Each year in New York State, more than 9,300 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed and over 3,000 preventable deaths occur.

Your afternoon regional weather summary with meteorologist Garett Argianas.

According to analysis from the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, federal budget cuts to research funding including grants from the National Institutes of Health could mean a loss of $127 million in Massachusetts. New York coulld lose $104 million.

Jennifer Zeitzer, Director of Legislative Affairs for FASEB, said that for the Bay State, the cuts could slow a fast growing life sciences industry.

FASEB estimates that all recipient institutions may have to cut their budgets by 5.1%

It seems wherever Governor Cuomo goes these days, he’s followed by protesters who implore him not to allow hydrofracking in New York.  Hundreds gathered in the ornate Million Dollar staircase in the Capitol, where they listen to celebrities and actors like Mark Ruffalo, aka the Hulk.

“We’ll cream you if you open New York State to hydrofracking,” Ruffalo bellowed, to cheers. 

There is great uncertainty about the impact the federal budget cuts, through the process known as sequestration, will have on the Massachusetts economy.   But regional economists remain cautiously optimistic, according to an analysis released this week.  

Have you ever had a thirteen year old ask you if she was going to die? I have. It’s an experience I hope no one ever has to go through, but one that has taught me faith and strength I never thought I had.

When you find out a family member only has less than a year to live, your whole perspective on life changes. You focus on the day, take nothing for granted and live in that moment. This is something I’ve come to realize and appreciate more each day.

Your afternoon regional weather summary with meteorologist Garett Argianas.

During a conference call Thursday, New York 21st District Democratic Congressman Bill Owens talked about his concerns over the sequestration cuts scheduled to take effect on Friday.

Congressman Owens is disappointed that while the president and Congressional leaders plan to meet, there has been no significant legislation, nor real conversation, to address the situation.

New statistics released this week by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that from June 2011 to June 2012 Saratoga County experienced the largest employment growth in New York State at 3.1 percent, with strong job growth in manufacturing and leisure and hospitality.

WAMC’s Patrick Donges spoke with Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Alan Grattidge for his reaction to the positive numbers