For @wamc.org: The 71st running (paddling?) of the Westfield River Wildwater Races has been well underway! The expert race is over and the intermediate race with at least 150 or so contestants (likely more!) is almost halfway through. Here's a dispatch from Russell!

As vinyl sales spin upwards across U.S., record lovers gather in Northampton, Mass. for massive music record fair No matter how you spin it, vinyl records are seeing a resurgence. Vinyl sales even surpassed $1 billion in revenue last year, according to the Recording Industry Association of America.Ahead of “Recor...

For @wamc.org: This was a fun one! Ahead of "Record Store Day" tomorrow, I spent last Saturday at Northampton High School, speaking with music enthusiasts and record sellers about all things vinyl during a massive record fair.

www.wamc.org/news/2026-04...

for @wamc.org

Hampshire College alum recall school that broke new ground in higher ed, plus struggles in its final years Amid news of its upcoming closure, some Hampshire College alumni are balancing mourning with sharing memories of their unconventional alma mater.The Amherst, Mass., school announced this week that it ...

For @wamc.org: I spoke with Hampshire College alumni following news that the institution will close this year. Many recall a school that broke higher ed norms & made their individual futures possible - and the Herculean efforts that went into trying to right the ship. www.wamc.org/news/2026-04...

Mary Lyall discusses advocacy on behalf of missing daughter and others, future of annual Missing Persons Day Since the disappearance of her daughter more than 25 years ago, Mary Lyall has been dedicated to finding answers – for not only herself, but for the families of missing people across the country.

Mary Lyall discusses advocacy on behalf of missing daughter and others, future of annual Missing Persons Day

Additional charges filed against a Vermont sheriff Additional misconduct charges have been filed against a Vermont sheriff.

Additional charges filed against a Vermont sheriff

Albany to scale back seasonal hiring at municipal golf course As Albany Mayor Dorcey Applyrs has proposed a hiring freeze and other spending cuts to deal with an ongoing multimillion-dollar budget crunch, Albany will scale back its seasonal hiring at the Capital...

Albany to scale back seasonal hiring at municipal golf course

Hudson City School District could cut over 30 jobs to close $4 million budget gap The Hudson City School District Board of Education is cutting the $63 million dollars budget $59 million, and would still leave the district struggling.

Hudson City School District could cut over 30 jobs to close $4 million budget gap

Disabilities Beat: What New York has to say about Dr. Oz’s Medicaid fraud allegations CMS admits it overstated New York Medicaid personal care users by 10 times when alleging New York has Medicaid fraud. How has the state responded?

Disabilities Beat: What New York has to say about Dr. Oz’s Medicaid fraud allegations

Environmental groups call on Adirondack Park Agency to measure and protect remoteness Several environmental groups have submitted a formal request to the Adirondack Park Agency to measure and protect remoteness in the Adirondacks.

Environmental groups call on Adirondack Park Agency to measure and protect remoteness

College partners with EV aircraft company Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont and the electric aircraft company BETA Technologies have announced a multi-year partnership

College partners with EV aircraft company

Jacob’s Pillow prepares for inaugural spring season, first summer season since tragedy struck last August After its summer 2025 season was cut short by tragedy, renowned Becket, Massachusetts, dance center Jacob’s Pillow is gearing up for a new year of programming.

Jacob’s Pillow prepares for inaugural spring season, first summer season since tragedy struck last August

Impacts of the late budget New York’s state budget is now two weeks late. There are no public indications that the secret negotiations are heading toward a quick resolution. Reading the tea leaves, the late budget is largely th...

🔊 Listen to @nypirg.bsky.social Senior Policy Advisor @blairhorner.bsky.social on @wamc.org: Impacts of the late budget

"Here's hoping that important budget issues – like strengthening the state's public university systems – gets the attention they deserve."

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

Alam's family pleads for family reunification, memorial for devoted father, husband The family is asking for help in bringing over the three oldest sons from Malaysia, connection to community resources, and a memorial to their devoted father and husband.

Alam's family pleads for family reunification, memorial for devoted father, husband

Advocates demand New York better regulate hair care products Advocates gathered outside a beauty supply retail store in Albany on Tuesday, demanding that New York state pass a law that would regulate ingredients found in personal care products and cosmetics.

Advocates demand New York better regulate hair care products

Albany County leaders tout school bus safety program Albany County began putting cameras in the stop arms of school buses in 2022 to catch drivers violating traffic law. County Executive Dan McCoy says the program has been a success.

Albany County leaders tout school bus safety program

Berkshire DA says police acted lawfully in killing of young man in mental health crisis The Berkshire district attorney says a three-month investigation into a police killing in Hinsdale, Massachusetts, will not result in criminal charges.

Berkshire DA says police acted lawfully in killing of young man in mental health crisis

MORE INFO: www.wamc.org/news/2026-04...

Assemblyman calls for repeal of SAFE Act following inmate deaths A North Country Assemblyman is calling for the repeal of the HALT Act following the deaths of three inmates at North Country correctional facilities last week

Assemblyman calls for repeal of SAFE Act following inmate deaths

Albany mayor maintains positive outlook after first 100 days Albany Mayor Dorcey Applyrs marked her first 100 days in office Monday by discussing a survey her administration conducted with city residents. WAMC's Sajina Shrestha joined Midday Magazine to talk ab...

Albany mayor maintains positive outlook after first 100 days

Hampshire College to close after fall semester Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts, says it will permanently close after the fall 2026 semester. The announcement made Tuesday comes after the college has faced years of declining enrollment.

Hampshire College to close after fall semester

Israel and Lebanon set to meet for first direct talks in more than 30 years An official briefed on Israel's strategy for the talks described Tuesday's meeting as "preparatory" and aimed at laying out a framework for future negotiations.

Israel and Lebanon set to meet for first direct talks in more than 30 years

BREAKING FOR @wamc.org: Hampshire College announces its Board of Trustees has voted to "permanently close Hampshire College following the Fall 2026 semester."

Remote Access Medical clinic provides free health care to hundreds of Capital Region residents For many people, access to health care can be uncertain. But this weekend, hundreds of Capital Region residents received care free of charge.

Remote Access Medical clinic provides free health care to hundreds of Capital Region residents

Upstate New York soil processing plant faces scrutiny A facility that processes contaminated soil is at the center of a planning debate in the Washington County village of Fort Edward.

Upstate New York soil processing plant faces scrutiny

Why Congress is fighting over a central tool of American surveillance Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act is responsible for a huge share of intel collected by the U.S. Lawmakers and civil liberties advocates are worried it enables warrantless spyin...

Why Congress is fighting over a central tool of American surveillance

New York farmers impacted as Iran war hikes gas, fertilizer prices Farmers in the Hudson Valley are being squeezed in all directions, as the war in Iran has causes gas and fertilizer costs to go up.

New York farmers impacted as Iran war hikes gas, fertilizer prices

Springfield City Council to convene again following previous, fiery meeting As the Springfield City Council meets again Monday night, councilors will do so on the heels of a heated back-and-forth that nearly ended with a police officer intervening.

Springfield City Council to convene again following previous, fiery meeting

The Strand Center for the Arts and Behavioral Health Services North partner to show art as a healing tool A new galley exhibition at the Strand Center for the Arts in Plattsburgh explores art and healing

The Strand Center for the Arts and Behavioral Health Services North partner to show art as a healing tool

Pope Leo stands firm with Trump as Vatican–Washington rift deepens over Iran war Pope Leo XIV says he will not be deterred by criticism from President Trump, vowing to continue his calls for peace as tensions escalate between the Vatican and Washington over the Iran conflict.

Pope Leo stands firm with Trump as Vatican–Washington rift deepens over Iran war