WAMC Northeast Public Radio

Capital Region lawmakers join national movement decrying ICE as scope of local crackdown remains unclear Capital Region lawmakers are among the more than 500 state legislators across the country to release a joint statement decrying the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents. The statem...

Capital Region lawmakers join national movement decrying ICE as scope of local crackdown remains unclear

Governor Hochul’s budget plan Last week, Governor Hochul unveiled her $260 billion budget plan for the upcoming fiscal year, which starts on April 1.The governor’s plan contains measures that she had discussed in her State of the ...

🔊 Listen to @nypirg.bsky.social's @blairhorner.bsky.social on @wamc.org: Governor Hochul's budget plan "When it came to the big environmental issues of climate and garbage disposal, little new was offered. Why did the governor fail to address them in any meaningful way?" www.wamc.org/commentary-o...

Local podcast highlights Capital Region LGBTQ+ community Brendan Perperian prides himself in being the host of Wave Your Flag, a podcast he dubs the "official podcast for the LGBT twinks, icons, and divas of New York State." WAMC's Sajina Shrestha spoke wit...

I spoke with the host of "Wave Your Flag" about the importance of local queer media and platforming local queer voices.

www.wamc.org/news/2026-01...

Good morning. Tune in to @wamc.org at 11 today - Wed - to hear Paul Grondahl and Joe Donahue chat about our season of 31 events coming your way!

Mayor Dorcey Applyrs announces Tuesday snow emergency Mounds of snow line the streets, and Albany Mayor Dorcey Applyrs has declared a snow emergency will take effect Tuesday night. The delayed announcement comes after other local municipalities installed...

Mayor Dorcey Applyrs announces Tuesday snow emergency

Checking in with Berkshire County communities large and small after first major snow storm of 2026 As with most of the WAMC listening area, Western Massachusetts is digging out from this weekend’s snow storm. As WAMC reports, the commonwealth’s westernmost county is hard at work beating back heavy ...

Checking in with Berkshire County communities large and small after first major snow storm of 2026

'All aboard!' Annual 'Railroad Hobby Show' brings thousands of visitors, model trains to West Springfield Thousands of model train enthusiasts once again made the pilgrimage to West Springfield for the “Railroad Hobby Show” put on by the Amherst Railway Society.

For @wamc.org: They let the bureau chief who likes trains too much do a train story.

'All aboard!' Annual 'Railroad Hobby Show' brings thousands of visitors, model trains to West Springfield

www.wamc.org/news/2026-01...

some days, reporting for @wamc.org can look like stepping out in the snow and catching sound of people shoveling snow

Affordability agenda, utility bill rate cuts at center of Healey’s latest State of the Commonwealth address Giving her third State of the Commonwealth address, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey on Thursday talked up her affordability agenda, including plans to reduce gas and electric bills for residents this ...

ICYMI: For @wamc.org: I talked shop with WNE Professor Tim Vercellotti re: Thursday's "State of the Commonwealth" address. Expect "affordability" to work its way into most big ticket policy items and speeches for the foreseeable future.

www.wamc.org/news/2026-01...

Here's what you need to know about incoming severe cold and heavy snow WAMC’s Samantha Simmons spoke with Carson Clonan, a meteorologist at the State Weather Risk Communication Center at the University at Albany.

Here's what you need to know about incoming severe cold and heavy snow

For @wamc.org: I hope my listening audience likes trains because next week, they're getting trains. Early attendance/ticket sale estimates for Amherst Railway Society Railroad Hobby Show in West Springfield stands at 12,000-14,000, officials say. Tons of trains. So many trains

Ahead of massive snowstorm, Springfield leaders advise caution, cooperation as city preps As communities across the Northeast brace for heavy snow, officials in Springfield, Massachusetts say the snowstorm that will start Sunday merits an emergency declaration.

For @wamc.org: Ahead of massive snowstorm, Springfield leaders advise caution, cooperation as city preps

www.wamc.org/news/2026-01...

Panel ponders prospects for potential Lake Placid Olympic bid A panel met at Mount Van Hoevenberg to discuss whether and how Lake Placid could host a third Winter Olympics

Panel ponders prospects for potential Lake Placid Olympic bid

For @wamc.org: Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno & other city leaders are detailing response efforts in place ahead of this Sunday's storm. School for Springfield Public students has been preemptively canceled for Monday & Tuesday. Emergency declaration in place for Sunday morning

Vermont lawmakers outline legislation to curb federal excesses in immigration enforcement Given recent immigration enforcement actions in Los Angeles, Chicago and particularly Minneapolis, Vermont advocates and legislators are calling for protections to be enshrined in state law.

Vermont lawmakers outline legislation to curb federal excesses in immigration enforcement

For @wamc.org: Agawam City Councilor Tom Hendrickson announces his bid for the state's 3rd Hampden house seat. One of the council's most progressive members, he's looking to challenge incumbent Republican Nick Boldyga of Southwick.

Nursing station arrives at Albany International Airport When it comes to family air travel, feeding the baby can add to the frenzy. A new room at Albany International Airport hopes to give nursing mothers and their families a needed break.

I attended the opening of a Nursing Mother's station at the Albany International Airport for @wamc.org Now flying parents will have a quiet resting space to feed and look after their kids!

www.wamc.org/news/2026-01...

New Springfield restaurant opens doors thanks in-part to group devoted to local ‘micro businesses’ In a section of Springfield with a fair share of empty storefronts, a new restaurant has recently opened. It’s the product of an owner and staff with a passion for cooking, and also part of a special ...

For @wamc.org: In a section of Springfield with a number of empty storefronts, a new restaurant has opened its doors. It’s the product of an owner and staff with a passion for cooking, and also part of a special effort by one organization to serve “micro businesses.”

www.wamc.org/news/2026-01...

Watervliet Mayor focused on quality of life in 2026 WAMC’s Samantha Simmons speaking with Watervliet Mayor Charles Patricelli ahead of his State of the City address on Thursday.

Watervliet Mayor focused on quality of life in 2026

Massachusetts auditor breaks down report on ‘abuse’ of NDAs by governmental agencies An interview with Massachusetts State Auditor Diana DiZoglio.

Massachusetts auditor breaks down report on ‘abuse’ of NDAs by governmental agencies

Dutchess County residents ask for free buses A dozen Dutchess County residents turned out to the legislature meeting Tuesday night to advocate for a fare-free bus system like the one in Ulster County.

Dutchess County residents ask for free buses

Citing OUI arrest footage, Holyoke police unions call for Council VP Israel Rivera to resign Two police unions in Holyoke, Massachusetts are calling for a city councilor to resign - citing the councilor’s drunk driving arrest in late-December.At-Large City Councilor Israel Rivera has said he’...

For @wamc.org: Two police unions in Holyoke, Massachusetts are calling for a city councilor to resign - citing the councilor’s drunk driving arrest in late-December.

www.wamc.org/news/2026-01...

If i had a nickle for everytime i matched with someone from the @wamc.org newsroom, i would have 2 nickles

Federal cuts loom large in Vermont's budgeting process Vermont Governor Phil Scott outlined his budget proposal on Tuesday for the next fiscal year.

Federal cuts loom large in Vermont's budgeting process

Continental Army soldier remains set to be re-interred on the shores of Lake George After years of preparations, recently discovered remains of more than 40 Continental Army soldiers are set to be buried on the shore of Lake George.

Continental Army soldier remains set to be re-interred on the shores of Lake George

Disabilities Beat: Are gubernatorial candidates listening to the disability community? New Yorkers are less than 10 months out from choosing their next governor — which makes everything the governor does, and the ways her opponents respond, all that more important.

Disabilities Beat: Are gubernatorial candidates listening to the disability community?

Governor Hochul and the cost of auto insurance Governor Hochul presented her State of the State address last week. The State of the State is an effort by governors to set the policy priorities of the upcoming legislative session. Usually, the spee...

🔊 Listen to @nypirg.bsky.social Senior Policy Advisor @blairhorner.bsky.social on @wamc.org: Governor Hochul and the cost of auto insurance 🚗💵

"The governor can take steps to help New York drivers to comparison shop for the best insurance deals."

www.wamc.org/commentary-o...

Four fights facing Gov. Kathy Hochul in the New York state budget Albany lawmakers will parse proposals on taxes, insurance and protest restrictions before March 31 deadline

Four fights facing Gov. Kathy Hochul in the New York state budget

Berkshire health officials say flu season hitting region hard Public health officials in Berkshire County say a vicious flu season across the commonwealth is hitting Western Massachusetts particularly hard.

Berkshire health officials say flu season hitting region hard

State lawmaker calls for investigation into National Grid bills 111th District Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara calls on state comptroller to look into increasing utility rates.

State lawmaker calls for investigation into National Grid bills