New York News

By Kelly Wilkinson

Boston, MA – In Massachusetts, teachers will be urged to renew their teaching licenses early this year. The state used to issue lifetime licenses but requirements have become more stringent under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief Kelly Wilkinson has more.

By Pat Bradley

Plattsburgh, NY – Plattsburgh State is hosting a display of a portion of the Aids Memorial Quilt. The Quilt will be on public view through Wednesday at the college. North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley was at Monday's opening ceremony.

By Brian Shields

Albany, NY – More than 100 teachers across New York State have just earned national board certification. WAMC's Brian Shields reports.

By Kelly Wilkinson

Boston, MA – A Massachusetts program that helps senior citizens and the disabled afford prescriptions will not hold an open enrollment period in January. That's the latest from the Health and Human Services Department. The state says it's a matter of simple economics, but some senior advocate groups say it could leave people without their drugs. More from our Berkshire Bureau Chief Kelly Wilkinson.

By Allison Dunne

Albany, NY – A New York State judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by various church ministries. The suit is based on religious grounds, and sought exemption from providing employees health insurance coverage for birth control. The plaintiffs say they will appeal the decision. WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne filed this report.

By Allison Dunne

Red Hook, NY – A Dutchess County farm is headed for protection from future development. An area conservation group and owners of the farm are putting up just under one million dollars in the deal. More from WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne.

By Kelly Wilkinson

Boston, MA – Massachusetts Catholic parishioners were read a letter this weekend from the state's bishops. It called the gay marriage ruling a national tragedy. But gay advocates say religion and politics should be kept separate. WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief Kelly Wilkinson reports.

By Pat Bradley

Albany, NY – Two groups assessing New York State's fiscal health are criticizing the state's tax burden. One of the reports indicates that the local tax burden is the highest in the country - 72 percent above the national average. North Country Bureau Pat Bradley has more.

By Pat Bradley

Plattsburgh, NY – The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is writing a new Unit Management Plan for Valcour Island in Lake Champlain. While Valcour Island is known for its historic significance, environmental and conservation groups want its unique bio- and geologic diversity preserved. More from North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley

By Allison Dunne

Kingston, NY – Urban black bears are gaining weight and exercising less. So says a study published in the latest Journal of Zoology. Local conservationists say sprawl and lack of planning are to blame. More from WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne.