New York News

By Allison Dunne

New York, NY – An anti-war group staged a protest this morning deploring what it says are appalling conditions at a temporary detention center in New York City. The center is a vacant pier building where those arrested for protesting during the Republican National Convention are taken to be held and processed. The building once served as a bus garage, and the former head of that garage says there is likely asbestos and other causes for concerns. More from WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne.

By Pat Bradley

Plattsburgh, NY – Gay rights advocates across New York State are joining with their national counterparts in criticizing the Republican National Committee's party platform stance on gay rights. On Sunday, the head of the largest gay Republican organization in the country called the platform a "divisive and bigoted social agenda." North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley spoke to representatives of gay organizations in NY and an openly gay Republican mayor for their assessment of the Republican national platform.

By Pat Bradley

Albany, NY – For the second straight year, new laws have gone into effect in New York that change work rules for liquor stores. But many of the proprietors of such establishments say the changes are actually placing undue burdens on their business. More from North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley.

By Allison Dunne

Rhinebeck, NY – With the end of the this year's Dutchess County Fair came the end of an attraction that has been at the fair for several years. A trainer with the big cats says stricter laws in New York and her home state will keep her tigers and leopards at their wildlife refuge next year. And she says a new rule changed the photo-taking this year. WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne has more.

By Kelly Wilkinson

Pittsfield, MA – A lawsuit in Berkshire County could be the first time General Electric goes to trial over PCB contamination. More from WAMC's Kelly Wilkinson.

By Pat Bradley

Burlington, VT – Vermonters may be in for a shock when they get their heating oil bills this winter. Adjusted for inflation, the American Petroleum Institute is predicting that prices could be the highest ever. But dealers and distributors say it may be too early to accurately determine winter pricing. More from North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley.

By Allison Dunne

Kingston, NY – A federal judge in New York has ruled the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act unconstitutional. The ruling came from a lawsuit brought by the National Abortion Federation on behalf of its members. Whether the ruling highlights the issue in presidential politics remains to be seen. WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne has more.

By Kelly Wilkinson

Great Barrington, MA – Two surveys are out in Massachusetts that show a jump in the number of uninsured residents. Health care advocates are calling for something to be done other than just surveying the scene. Meantime, the percentage of New Yorkers without health insurance dropped. More from WAMC's Kelly Wilkinson.

By Kelly Wilkinson

Great Barrington, MA – In the Berkshires, a new glossy magazine will focus on the region's lifestyle and culture. As WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief reports, other areas with a branded identity have their own similar magazines.

By Allison Dunne

Poughkeepsie, New York – There is a portion of the recently passed New York State budget that will take nearly $23 million dollars in speeding ticket fines from the pockets of local governments. That money will instead go to the state. Town officials say they are taken aback by the move, and are scrambling to assess how their localities would be affected. More from WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne.