For @wamc.org - they let me back in the studio! I'm on our new Northeast Notebook show later this hour! We're talking about western Mass data centers!
WAMC Northeast Public Radio
@wamc.org
WAMC Northeast Public Radio is a regional public radio network serving parts of seven states.
On today’s episode of Northeast Notebook, what's leading to the overcrowding in animal shelters across the Northeast? And how are shelters responding to an influx of pets? We'll cover that story and more regional news today from 3–4 p.m. ET. Listen on-air, online at wamc.org, or on the WAMC app.
Saratoga PLAN has added another plot of land to its growing conservation effort, the acquisition will preserve farmland in one of the fastest growing parts of New York. https://www.wamc.org/news/2026-09-15/saratoga-plan-adds-another-75-acres-of-farmland-to-conservation-effort
Saratoga PLAN adds another 75 acres of farmland to conservation effort
Saratoga PLAN has added another plot of land to its growing conservation effort, the acquisition will preserve farmland in one of the fastest growing parts of New York.
wamc.org
The Dutchess County Legislature passed several resolutions on homelessness on Monday night. As Lower Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Elias Guerra reports, it's been an ongoing issue in the region. https://ow.ly/NSlY50ZO5o5
Poughkeepsie residents upset as Dutchess Co. moves toward opening homeless shelter
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District officials say they’re confident in their backup systems, as authorities continue to investigate just what happened. https://www.wamc.org/news/2026-09-14/with-backups-in-place-springfield-public-schools-resume-class-after-cyber-breach
With backups in place, Springfield Public Schools resume class after cyber breach
Class is back at Springfield Public Schools, after a cyber incident forced school to be canceled last week. District officials say they’re confident in their backup systems, as authorities continue to investigate just what happened.
wamc.org
The lawsuit, brought by Tim Bakken, centers around an Academic Engagement Policy put in effect on Feb. 13, 2025. https://ow.ly/wGV450ZNwcR
Judge rules in favor of West Point law professor suing academy
A judge in the United States District Court Southern District of New York issued a decision this month in favor a law professor suing West Point as part of a class-action lawsuit.
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For @wamc.org: Ceremonies marking the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks are underway throughout western Mass. That includes West Springfield or at least 200+ are gathered to remember West Side's Melissa Harrington-Hughes, 31, who was in the WTC's North Tower
For @wamc.org: Western Mass. communities honor 9/11 victims, including those with local ties www.wamc.org/news/2026-09...
Western Mass. communities honor 9/11 victims, including those with local ties
Across the country Friday, towns and cities solemnly marked 25 years since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks – including communities in western Massachusetts.Two towns in particular continued to commemor...
wamc.org
Commentary: Should we try and fix bad behavior at the Open? Absolutely. Although that means less alcohol sales, cutting the secondary ticket market, and fewer late-night matches. https://ow.ly/8WKE50ZMN1t
For @wamc.org: The Gray House celebrates Sister Jane as co-founder departs Springfield www.wamc.org/news/2026-09...
The Gray House celebrates Sister Jane as co-founder departs Springfield
After decades of devoting herself to those in need, a co-founder of one of Springfield's most beloved nonprofits is departing the city – but hopes to stay connected with the cause and people she’s hel...
wamc.org
One of the largest school districts in New England was closed to students yet again Wednesday as it deals with the fallout of a cyber breach. https://ow.ly/hWA850ZLHIE
Cyber breached-related closure continues at Springfield Public Schools
One of the largest school districts in New England was closed to students yet again Wednesday as it deals with the fallout of a cyber breach.As experts tell WAMC , incidents like it are becoming more frequent.
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About 95 people went to the County Legislature's monthly public forum last week, setting an attendance record. https://www.wamc.org/news/2026-09-09/rensselaer-county-residents-call-on-sheriff-to-end-ice-agreement-amid-court-battles
Albany Times Union reporter Sarah Trafton recently took a deep dive into where things stand with the state's police reform initiatives. She sat down with Hudson/Catskill Bureau Chief Sam Dingman to discuss more. https://ow.ly/OLjP50ZL1aY
In NYS, police reform initiatives show mixed results
Albany Times Union reporter Sarah Trafton recently took a deep dive into where things stand with the state's police reform initiatives.
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For @wamc.org: A press conference in Springfield, MA, is underway, addressing the cyber breach that canceled Springfield Public Schools. Mayor Sarno says investigation behind breach is underway, SPS officials are working out of other city dept. buildings in meantime
As Selectboard Chair Steve Bannon tells Berkshire Bureau Chief Josh Landes, it won't be the only issue for voters to consider. https://ow.ly/IhcQ50ZKKFo
Oct. Great Barrington special town meeting concerns an over $20M wastewater plant upgrade
At a special meeting next month, residents of Great Barrington, Massachusetts, will be asked to support an almost $21 million upgrade to the town's sewer treatment plant.
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The cybersecurity incident comes almost two years after the district of 23,500 students was affected by another breach. https://ow.ly/SI2O50ZKIOB
Springfield Public Schools closed amid security breach
A three-day weekend for Springfield Public Schools students turned into four, after a security breach led to the cancellation of classes today.
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The law protects tenants from being evicted unless the landlord has "good cause" for an eviction. https://ow.ly/VPu850ZJXpc
New Paltz adopts Good Cause Eviction Law
The Town of New Paltz is the latest New York municipality to adopt Good Cause Eviction Law.
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For @wamc.org: First reported by the Boston Globe/Jim Kinney of The Springfield Republican, Springfield sues MGM casino operators as reports emerge of potential sale www.wamc.org/news/2026-09...
Springfield sues MGM casino operators as reports emerge of potential sale
The City of Springfield is taking the operators of the MGM Springfield casino to court, claiming it has fallen well short of its host community agreement. All the while, two media outlets have reporte...
wamc.org
A water company in the Berkshires is facing scrutiny for delays in making critical upgrades to its filtration system. WAMC's Sam Dingman spoke with Talia Lissauer, the South County reporter for the Berkshire Eagle about her reporting on the topic. https://ow.ly/bCwi50ZJ1wW
Mass. utility company faces scrutiny, residents face chronic issues with discolored water
Hudson/Catskill Bureau Chief Sam Dingman spoke with Talia Lissauer, the South County reporter for the Berkshire Eagle.
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Joe Tache sat down with Berkshire Bureau Chief Josh Landes in Pittsfield this week to explain why he feels Massachusetts needs a new path forward with socialism. https://ow.ly/rCYs50ZJ1s8
Socialist U.S. Senate candidate in Mass. says he's running to confront crisis of capitalism
Joe Tache sat down with Berkshire Bureau Chief Josh Landes in Pittsfield this week to explain why he feels Massachusetts needs a new path forward with socialism.
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Fair season is in its final stretch this weekend as Labor Day nears 🎡✨ What’s the one thing you have to do when you go to the fair? Share your answers in the comments 👇 📍 Washington County Fair 📸 Aaron Shellow-Lavine
At an emergency town board meeting Monday, Wilton residents came out to share their concerns with the ongoing clean up. https://ow.ly/b65O50ZJ1pA
Wilton residents, officials continue cleanup in wake of tornado
One week after a tornado touched down in Saratoga County, officials continue to put the pieces back together and reckon with future storms.
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Covered on @wamc.org: Reinvent Albany joined Citizens Union, Common Cause/NY, the League of Women Voters/N.Y.S., New York City Bar, and NYPIRG to urge that “candidates for New York office safeguard the integrity of the state elections.” buff.ly/IA5tl4p
Commentary: Election season is ramping up
In less than two months, in fact, New Yorkers will be able to start going to early voting polling centers and submitting mail-in ballots - that is if the President’s efforts to derail mail-in voting…
wamc.org
The Poughkeepsie Central School District Board of Education voted at the end of last month to implement a new curriculum with the company Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. https://www.wamc.org/news/2026-09-03/poughkeepsie-adopts-new-k-8-curriculum-amid-low-test-scores
Poughkeepsie adopts new K-8 curriculum amid low test scores
As the new school year nears, one Hudson Valley school district is set to adopt a new curriculum for students in kindergarten through eighth grade.
wamc.org
The program will hand out "college essential kits" along with other resources to eligible students hoping to live on campus. https://ow.ly/jxof50ZJ0R7
SUNY to provide resources for foster care, homeless students
Foster youth and formerly homeless students attending State University of New York institutions are now eligible for a program aimed at helping them get situated at school. WAMC's Sajina Shrestha reports.
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For @wamc.org: I had a long LONG conversation w/ Matt Szafranski of @wmasspi.com this morning about last night's primaries - specifically, the state house races (and Neal and Whalen). We talked generational dynamics, incumbent strengths and a lot more. www.wamc.org/news/2026-09...
Pioneer Valley primary round-up with WMP&I’s Matt Szafranski
Amid statewide contests, like Sen. Ed Markey besting Congressman Seth Moulton in the Democratic Senate primary, western Mass. was home to a number of primaries over seats on Beacon Hill.WAMC kept trac...
wamc.org
The city of Newburgh Police’s Flock system was included in hundreds of thousands of searches by outside law enforcement agencies between Oct. 1, 2024, and Jan. 22, 2026, according to a report obtained by WAMC. https://ow.ly/v86v50ZItqu
Newburgh police memo: Outside agencies obtained Flock data without permission
A Newburgh Police Department memo obtained by WAMC says outside agencies have accessed the data collected by the city’s Flock cameras without permission.
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Tara Jacobs spoke with Berkshire Bureau Chief Josh Landes about how an $11,000 grassroots campaign led to a convincing win. https://www.wamc.org/news/2026-09-02/outspent-but-not-outmatched-how-tara-jacobs-upset-the-mass-dem-establishment-again
Outspent, but not outmatched: How Tara Jacobs upset the Mass. Dem establishment again
Tara Jacobs cruised in Tuesday's Democratic primary as she seeks a third two-year term as the western Massachusetts representative on the Governor's Council.
wamc.org
For @wamc.org: Yet again, 'Big' Western Mass. fair promises to be taste-E www.wamc.org/news/2026-08...
Yet again, 'Big' Western Mass. fair promises to be taste-E
In a matter of weeks, West Springfield, Massachusetts, will a hub for all things fair and farming. The Big E returns on Sept. 18, with an annual array of carnival cuisines.
wamc.org
For @wamc.org: 1st Mass. Congressional District Democrats face off in lone debate www.wamc.org/news/2026-08...
1st Mass. Congressional District Democrats face off in lone debate
Massachusetts Congressman Richard Neal and his opponent, Jeromie Whalen, faced off Wednesday in what will likely be their only primary debate.While it went off without a hitch, there were plenty of je...
wamc.org