New York News

By Kelly Wilkinson

Salisbury, CT – Western parts of Connecticut and Massachusetts could become preserved and protected under the National Park Service. What people think of as the Berkshires and the Litchfield Hills could ultimately merge into geographic area. More from WAMC"s Berkshire Bureau Chief Kelly Wilkinson.

By Allison Dunne

Albany, NY – The New York Department of Environmental Conservation is looking for comment on its plan for reviewing proposals for new or expanded hazardous waste facilities. The DEC estimates the state's sole commercial land disposal facility will reach capacity by 2005. More from WAMC's Allison Dunne.

By Pat Bradley

Plattsburgh, NY – Four years ago, the Vermont Supreme Court ordered legislators to find a way to offer marriage benefits to same-sex couples. Now, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial court has ordered its legislature to find a way to allow same sex couples to marry. North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley asked Vermonters that were involved in the civil union debate what they think of the Massachusetts ruling and how they think it affect Vermont's Civil Unions law.

By Pat Bradley

Syracuse, NY – Critics of NY's Empire Zone program say some businesses are taking advantage of loopholes to snag thousands of dollars in tax breaks. The head of Empire State Development says they are working to close those loopholes. More from North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley.

By Brian Shields

Albany, NY – A federal court this week heard the case of Jose Padilla , a U.S. citizen held for a year and half without access to the courts or a lawyer. Padilla was designated by President Bush as an enemy combatant after the government alleged he was involved in a plot to explode a radioactive "dirty bomb". WAMC's Brian Shields spoke with a legal expert on the Padilla case, and other detainments after
9/11.

By Kelly Wilkinson

Boston, MA – Yesterday's groundbreaking decision by the Massachusetts highest court ruled that banning gay marriage is unconstitutional. The move has drawn clear battle lines, and set the stage for political debate to unroll in the Bay State and beyond. More from our Berkshire Bureau Chief Kelly Wilkinson.

By Allison Dunne

Kingston, NY – The Energy Policy Act passed the House yesterday by a vote of 246 to 180. Hudson Valley Congressman Maurice Hinchey says it's one of the worst pieces of legislation he has seen in decades. WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne spoke with the Congressman about the bill.

By Brian Shields

Albany, NY – Federal officials say this years flu season may be worse than had been expected because the flu strain is not an exact match with this years flu vaccine. State officials in New York are urging people to be vaccinated. WAMC's Brian Shields reports.

By Pat Bradley

Albany, NY – New York's Attorney General is among more than a dozen AG's that have filed for an injunction to block implementation of an EPA rule change. The A-G's say the planned roll-back in the Clean Air Act will lead to higher rates of respiratory disease, smog and acid rain. More from North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley.

By Allison Dunne

Green County, NY – Plans for a power line that would run from just south of Albany to New York City have been filed with the Public Service Commission. Some of the project's details have changed from a few months ago, after a surge of opposition in Greene County. WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne reports.