New York News

By Pat Bradley

Plattsburgh, NY – A new study indicates many Adirondack communities are not taking advantage of the Internet. As a result, they may be losing out on economic development opportunities. More from North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley.

By Brian Shields

Albany, NY – An Albany resident has been selected to direct a United Nations Committee that works to protect religious freedom around the world while also striving for separation of church and state. WAMC's Brian Shields reports.

By Kelly Wilkinson

Springfield, MA – Springfield, Massachusetts usually makes news because the city is saving money through its groundbreaking prescription drug program. Now the city has another, far less desirable designation: it's the only city in Massachusetts with junk bond status of its debt. The designation came late yesterday from Standard and Poor's investment house. It's a major blow to the city and will make it harder and more expensive for Springfield to borrow money. Kelly Wilkinson has more.

By Allison Dunne

Poughkeepsie, NY – There is a debate in the City of Poughkeepsie over whether the mayor had the right to veto a resolution passed by the Common Council. That resolution would change a number of polling places, which some say would disadvantage senior citizens and the disabled. Tomorrow marks the final day for the council to override the mayor's veto, and there is uncertainty about what would happen next. More from WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne.

By Brian Shields

Albany, NY – An Albany area high school is among the first schools in New York State to take part in a state program that not only provides schools with solar power, but also allows students to learn about new energy technology in the classroom. WAMC's Brian Shields reports.

By Pat Bradley

Albany, NY – A federal judge in California has declared the so-called "Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act" unconstitutional, saying the measure infringes on a woman's right to choose. North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley looks at reaction in New York State to yesterday's partial birth abortion ruling and the possible impact on a similar case in New York.

By Allison Dunne

Poughkeepsie, NY – A New York City native with two river swims under his belt, is climbing New York's Mount Marcy today to reach the northernmost entry to the Hudson River. Tomorrow he'll dive into Lake Tear of Clouds to begin his 315-mile swim for a pristine Hudson. WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne has more.

By Kelly Wilkinson

Amherst, MA – A new report out from a Boston-based foundation says the University of Massachusetts needs more flexibility from the state to remain a competitive and top-notch educational system. The report says making the changes are an urgent matter, since the state's economy is dependent on a well-educated workforce, and UMass educates more Massachusetts residents than any other university. WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief Kelly Wilkinson filed this report.

By Pat Bradley

Fort Ticonderoga, NY – A recent weekend at Fort Ticonderoga, New York brought scholars, re-enactors and history buffs together for an examination of the impact of the first war of the fledgling American colonies. The "Seven Years War", also known as the "French and Indian War", helped set allegiances and preliminary borders, and tempered the early careers of the first leaders of the United States. North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley was at Fort Ticonderoga for this year's seminar.

By Allison Dunne

Syracuse, NY – More than 1,500 companies and individuals across New York State are on the receiving end of mail from the U.S. Attorney's Office. The letter says they could be victims of illegal asbestos abatement and testing by an Albany company, and urges them to immediately have their places re-examined for asbestos. Several state and county offices are among the potential victims. WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne has more.