New York News

By Allison Dunne

Margaretville, NY – Environmentalists and some area residents spoke out last night in opposition of a proposed Belleayre resort project. Amid a crowd of roughly 250 people, they said they are not against development per se, but are against the scope of this one. Some local business owners and elected officials voiced their support of the proposal by Crossroads Ventures, hoping such a project would stimulate the local economy. WAMC's Allison Dunne was at the hearings last evening in Delaware County's Margaretville.

By Kelly Wilkinson

Pittsfield, MA – KB Toys, headquartered in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, filed for bankruptcy yesterday. The privately held company has been hit hard by discount stores' price wars, which are changing the face of the toy industry. The bankruptcy announcement follows one of the toy company's worst holiday seasons. WAMC's Kelly Wilkinson reports.

By Pat Bradley

Montpelier, VT – The advocacy group, Toxics Action Center, says action needs to be taken to clean up Vermont's toxic sites. The group has released a map showing 2000 sites they say are dangerous. More from North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley.

By Kelly Wilkinson

Lenox, MA – The Environmental Protection Agency kicked off another round of meetings in Berkshire County yesterday about the Housatonic River. The EPA is getting feedback on a key study that will help determine how much more of the river should be cleaned of PCBs. Berkshire Bureau Chief Kelly Wilkinson has more.

By Brian Shields

Albany, NY – A health group in New York says the state needs to do more in the fight against cancer by banning open burning, and
reducing the risk of exposure to Dioxin. WAMC's Brian Shields reports.

By Allison Dunne

Kingston, NY – Hudson Valley Congressman Maurice Hinchey says there is proof the Bush administration has deceived the public about the need to go to war in Iraq. When Congress returns to session next week, the Democratic Congressman says he will urge his colleagues to hold hearings on the matter. WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne spoke with Congressman Hinchey about his priorities for 2004.

By Open Burning Ban Sought In New York

Albany, NY – A health group in New York says the state needs to do more in the fight against cancer by banning open burning, and reducing the risk of exposure to Dioxin. WAMC's Brian Shields reports.

By Pat Bradley

Champlain, NY – The NEXUS program opened this week at the Champlain border crossing in New York and at Highgate Springs Vermont. It's a system that allows for speedy border crossing for pre-approved, low risk travelers. More from North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley.

By Kelly Wilkinson

North Adams, MA – First it was Springfield, Massachusetts that snubbed the Food and Drug Administration when city workers had the chance to buy cheaper Canadian drugs. Now a private business in North Adams is a significant step closer to helping people access lower cost prescriptions north of the border. But it remains to be seem whether state or federal officials will intervene. WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief Kelly Wilkinson filed this report.

By Pat Bradley

Plattsburgh, NY – An arctic cold front is moving into the region, bringing sub-zero temperatures and dangerous wind chills. The National Weather Service has issued wind chill warnings for much of upstate NY for tonight. More from North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley.