New York News

By Allison Dunne

Kingston, NY – An Assemblyman from the Hudson Valley says that at the year's midway point, New York's legislative session has been a mix of progress and standing still. The Democratic Assembly member, who six months ago criticized the Empire Zone program for its abuses, says there has been a move toward improvement. And, he says, some school districts in his region will suffer without education reform. WAMC's Allison Dunne spoke with Assemblyman Kevin Cahill about the legislative agenda.

By Kelly Wilkinson

Springfield, MA – A tent city in Springfield that was set up by the region's homeless was supposed to be disbanded by today. But its inhabitants have been given one more week before they need to leave. Homeless advocates say the issue is not just the city's problem to solve. More from WAMC's Kelly Wilkinson.

By Kelly Wilkinson

Boston, MA – A bill that tries to protect Massachusetts residents during a vulnerable time is headed to Governor Mitt Romney. The potential law would require cemeteries to provide customers with greater disclosure. But industry representatives around the country don't agree that consumers are vulnerable without the law. WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief Kelly Wilkinson has more.

By Brian Shields

Albany, NY – Twenty years ago, on July 8, 2004, Albany police shot and killed a mentally ill African American man. The death of Jessie Davis led to changes in police and mental health procedures in the city. Community activists, police and elected officials came together on Thursday to mark the 20th anniversary of the shooting. WAMC's Brian Shields reports.

By Allison Dunne

Monticello, NY – Nearly one week after video-lottery terminals opened in the Hudson Valley's Sullivan County, a court decision yesterday says the way in which the revenue from these VLT's is disbursed is unconstitutional. A state senator from the region says he's been working with legislators since the decision came down on how to work out the issue. More from WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne.

By Pat Bradley

Lake George, NY – The Adirondack Park Agency will hold two hearings today regarding the proposed siting of a cell tower on Pilot Knob, overlooking Lake George. Many residents of the area oppose the plan, and say alternatives to the design and the site have not been fully assessed. North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley has this report.

By Pat Bradley

Burlington, VT – The University of Vermont has selected a new head of their College of Engineering and Mathematics. The appointment of a nationally renowned innovator in science education may also increase Vermont's ability to entice high-tech companies to the state. More from North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley.

By Kelly Wilkinson

Great Barrington, MA – It's now been almost two months since the first gay marriages were legalized in Massachusetts. Some Berkshire County couples whose same sex marriages were among the first in the state told their stories last night. They all said they were proud to defy the predictions of gay rights opponents who said same sex marriages would have a negative societal impact....but opponents of gay marriage say it's too soon to come to any conclusions. WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief Kelly Wilkinson reports.

By Allison Dunne

Buchanan, NY – The top nuclear regulator is coming to Indian Point territory next week. Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff members will be in Westchester County one week from tomorrow to speak with the public about plans to store spent nuclear fuel from Indian Point's two plants in a so-called dry cask storage system. WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne has more.

By Kelly Wilkinson

Pittsburgh, PA – Political observers are weighing in on Senator John Kerry's newly named running mate, Senator John Edwards. Kerry made the announcement this morning. While Edwards might not bring electoral votes to the Kerry campaign, he does bring charisma and optimism. WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief Kelly Wilkinson spoke with some political observers in Massachusetts, who presented different views of Kerry's choice.