New York News

By Pat Bradley

Ticonderoga, NY – Opponents of International Paper's plans to test burning tires for fuel at the Ticonderoga NY plant say the company concealed emissions test results from a previous burn. But the company says the results they have aren't the type of measurements needed for proper analysis of the emissions. More from North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley.

By Brian Shields

Albany, NY – There is a new campaign underway to raise the minmium wage in New York State, but one major business group says the minimum
wage should be set in Washington, not Albany. WAMC's Brian Shields reports.

By Kelly Wilkinson

Springfield, MA – Two regions in Western Massachusetts are tweaking their identities to attract more tourism and business revenue. While the Pioneer Valley has a history of luring business to the area...and the Berkshires have a well-established tourism legacy...each region is trying to improve the other half of the tourism-business equation. Our Berkshire Bureau Chief Kelly Wilkinson has more.

By Pat Bradley

Burlington, VT – Former Vice President Al Gore has formally endorsed Howard Dean in the Democratic presidential race. Gore told a crowd in NYC this morning that Dean is among a great field of candidates, but that he's the only one who has truly inspired Americans at the grassroots level. North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley has regional reaction.

By Kelly Wilkinson

North Adams, MA – North Adams Planning Board delayed a decision last night that would have green-lighted the only business in Berkshire County to offer residents cheaper drugs from Canada. The board wants to make sure the permit would be legal. But the applicant says it's a question of fairness, not legality. Berkshire Bureau Chief Kelly Wilkinson reports.

By Allison Dunne

New York, NY – The Environmental Protection Agency is out to reduce emissions, and has proposed two of three standards to do so. The third proposal would reduce mercury emissions from coal-burning power plants, and is due out by December 15th. However, the proposal was leaked, and environmentalists who have seen it say it is disappointing, and does not bode well for New York. More from WAMC's Allison Dunne.

By Pat Bradley

Plattsburgh, NY – Last week the Washington DC based Judicial Watch filed suit to gain access to Howard Dean's sealed gubernatorial records. The former governor had been criticized for the secrecy, and using his presidential campaign as a basis for preventing access to the documents. This weekend, Howard Dean said he will let a judge determine which of his sealed gubernatorial records should be opened to the public. More from North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley.

By Brian Shields

Albany, NY – Canada will have a new prime minister on Friday. Liberal Paul Martin will take over from Jean Chretien at a time of somewhat strained relations between the U.S. and Canada. WAMC's Brian Shields reports.

By Kelly Wilkinson

Hadley, MA – Last week, the US Fish and Wildlife approved plans to monitor peregrine falcons. The birds used to be on the endangered species list but have made a successful comeback...including nesting in buildings in Western Massachusetts. Our Berkshire Bureau Chief Kelly Wilkinson talked with a biologist about their recovery.

By Allison Dunne

Buchanan, New York – Union workers at the Indian Point nuclear power plant voted last night to walk out next month unless they reach agreement on a contract with Indian Point's Parent -- Entergy Corporation. A union spokesman says the sides are far from reaching an understanding, while an Entergy spokesman characterizes the talks differently. WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne reports.