New England News

A series of proposals aimed at cracking down on crime are pending before the city council in western Massachusetts' largest city. Several of the public safety initiatives proposed in Springfield are intended to reduce illegal guns, and are being considered in the aftermath of recent horrific gun violence. WAMC's Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is pressing lawmakers to push back a key deadline by as much of a year, saying taking over the duties of the state racing commission will make it harder to get new casinos up and running.  WAMC's Tristan O’Neill reports…

Commission chairman Steven Crosby said the panel will meet the May 20 deadline if needed, but said delaying the takeover makes more sense.

Crosby said the commission is also working to better respond to city and town leaders who are already asking questions about potential casinos in their communities.

   Experienced disaster response volunteers are canvassing the tornado devastated neighborhoods of Springfield Massachusetts to conduct a needs assessment.  Local organizations will use the  collected information to help people still struggling to recover from the storm.   WAMC”s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports.

Gasoline prices in Massachusetts continue to climb, although not as rapidly as in recent weeks.  WAMC’s Paul Tuthill reports…

The average price for unleaded regular self serve gasoline in Massachusetts rose two cents last week.  The average price, according to a survey by AAA is $3.89 per gallon. Prices ranged between $3.78 and $3.99 per gallon.  The price is 23 cents per gallon more than a year ago.

Gasoline prices have gone up for five straight weeks, but some energy analysts believe a peak is near.

Paul Tuthill, WAMC News.

Last minute tax filers in Massachusetts have until midnight to double-check their math before submitting their state and federal tax returns this year. 

Director of the Greenagers program Will Conklin puts it this way…

A program of the Berkshires-based Center for Peace Through Culture, Greenagers is a youth program based in environmental stewardship and service to community.

On Saturday, April 21st, Greenagers will begin its season by providing volunteer hours to clean up and pull weeds on the Housatonic River Walk in Great Barrington. Director Will Conklin…

There is debate currently in several states including Massachusetts, New York and Connecticut about raising the minimum wage. A group in one western Massachusetts city is pushing for what it calls a “living wage” WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports.