Focus Western New England

The Future of Electricity in the Northeast
New England Pub...

This hour, electricity -- or the lack of it. In the 2008 ice storm, the December 2010 snowstorm, this year's June tornados, August's Tropical Storm Irene, and last months freak snowstorm . All of these volatile weather events strained the region's electric system past the breaking point. (note: delay on audio 11/11/11)

Guests

Richard Sullivan, Massachusetts Secretary of the Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs

Marcy Reed - President of National Grid in Massachusetts

Rebuilding after the Tornadoes

It's been a month since the June 1st tornadoes ripped through towns and cities in western and central Massachusetts. Some residents are back in their homes but many are still living in shelters, motels, or with friends. FEMA and MEMA have committed funds and other resources, but how do individuals and communities rebuild, in some pockets, literally, from the ground up?

The Future of Nuclear Energy

The fight is on over the fate of the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant, located on the banks of the Connecticut River, just north of the Massachusetts border. Vermont officials say they have the authority to force the plants closure next year, but that would mean the loss of hundreds of jobs and a relatively cheap energy source. Entergy, which owns the plant, is suing the state to keep it open. And Japan's Fukushima disaster has intensified the debate.

Civil Rights 50 Years Later: The Freedom Riders

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Fifty years ago this summer, 400 men and women, black and white, traveled through the Jim Crow South aboard buses. Their actions were a prelude to the Civil Rights movement about to explode. On the next Focus Western New England, Tuesday April 5th, meet the Freedom Riders from this region, and join the conversation about race in America then and now.

Unions Under Fire?

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