WFCR NewsRoom

Amherst, MA (2009-11-20) Massachusetts lawmakers and Governor Deval Patrick are at odds over the state budget - and that includes funding that could avert the closure of an outpatient clinic at Holyoke's Soldiers Home. WFCR's Susan Kaplan reports.

Increased Population for W Mass Cities

Amherst, MA (2009-11-20) Massachusetts state officials, in conjunction with the Donahue Institute at UMass-Amherst have challenged the results of the 2008 Federal Census and found several thousand more residents living in the state than previously estimated. WFCR's Fred Bever reports.

Amherst MA Organization Gets Grant

Amherst, MA (2009-11-20) An Amherst Massachusetts based organization has received a major government grant to promote reconciliation among religious groups in Sri Lanka.

Deadline for Ballot Questions in Mass

Amherst, MA (2009-11-19) Today is the deadline for Massachusetts activists pushing potential ballot questions to submit signatures to local city and town clerks. As WFCR's Bob Paquette reports, it can be hard to get a voter to sign on the dotted line.

Health Insurer Data Breach

Amherst, MA (2009-11-19) Insurer Health Net reported a big private data loss this week to Connecticut's Attorney General's Office. But as WFCR's Fred Bever reports, the breach has apparently been under wraps for six months.

Smoking Link to ALS

Amherst, MA (2009-11-18) A new study just published in the journal "Neurology" says smoking increases the risk for ALS -- commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. WFCR's Susan Kaplan reports.

W Mass Cancer Center Against New Guidelines

Springfield, MA (2009-11-18) A major cancer center in Western Massachusetts is coming out against new national recommendations for breast cancer screening. WFCR's Karen Brown reports.

Springfield Armor Ready to Play

Springfield, MA (2009-11-18) With about a week before professional basketball debuts in the city of its birth, players and coaches with the Springfield Armor say they're excited about the season beginning. WFCR's Kari Njiiri met some of the team at its practice facility at the Springfield YMCA.

MA Report on Immigrants

Amherst, MA (2009-11-18) Governor Deval Patrick has released a state-commissioned report with 131 recommendations to make Massachusetts a more inclusive place for the one million immigrants living here.

High Court Justice in Springfield MA

Springfield, MA (2009-11-17) A justice on Massachusetts' highest court says the rulings that legalized same-sex marriage remain the most significant decisions since he's been on the bench. Justice Rick Ireland was in Springfield speaking to law students at Western New England College. WFCR's Kari Njiiri reports.

Department of Children and Families Report

Springfield, MA (2009-11-17) The Massachusetts Department of Children and Families has released its annual report showing improved outcomes for abused or neglected children - but at the same time, budget cuts and a union vote are raising questions about the department's future. WFCR's Karen Brown has more.

Shumlin Announces for Governor

Amherst, MA (2009-11-17) Vermont Senate President Pro Tem Peter Shumlin is running for governor.

Goodspeed Musicals New "Actor's Village"

Amherst, MA (2009-11-16) Goodspeed Musicals is breaking ground on an "actor's village," next to its opera house in East Haddam, Connecticut.

Credit Union Loans for Farm Shares

Amherst, MA (2009-11-16) A local credit union is teaming up with area farmers on a new loan program to get fresh food to more families. WFCR's Karen Brown reports.

Guantanamo Detainee to Amherst?

Amherst, MA (2009-11-16) Activists in Western Massachusetts say they're still hoping to host a Guantanamo Bay detainee they believe will be freed, even though he's wanted by Interpol -- an international police organization. WFCR's Karen Brown reports.

Belchertown Library Rehab in Limbo

Amherst, MA (2009-11-16) A planned renovation of a 122 year old library building in Belchertown is up in the air. This is after residents in a special town meeting voted down a proposal to bond up to two thirds of the $9.3 million project. WFCR's Kari Njiiri reports.

Voters rights groups critical of MA Military personnel being given option to vote online

Amherst, MA (2009-11-13) A coalition of national and state voting rights groups are criticizing a measure in Massachusetts new veterans law, which gives military personnel overseas the option to vote online. WFCR's Jill Kaufman explains.

Levasseur prohibted from traveling to MA

Amherst, MA (2009-11-11) Ray Luc Levasseur, the former leader of the United Freedom Front, a violent anti government group linked to numerous bombings on U.S. soil in the 1970s, will not be speaking at UMASS Amherst tomorrow as scheduled. In a press release from the event organizers, they say Levasseur has been denied permission to live the state of Maine, by the U.S. Parole Commission. The forum will still take place with other scheduled speakers.

Funding Cut to Treat Compulsive Gamblers

Amherst, MA (2009-11-11) As Massachusetts lawmakers consider proposals for casinos and slot machines in the state, the non-profit agency that treats problem gamblers is facing a deep budget cut. WFCR's Bob Paquette reports.

Funding Cuts Impact Homeless Shelters

Amherst, MA (2009-11-11) Officials at the largest provider of homeless services in Western Massachusetts say they are being disproportionately hurt by budget cuts announced last month by the Patrick Administration. WFCR's Bob Paquette reports.

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