Thursday May 23, 2013 NEW YORK (AP) -- The Federal Reserve took financial markets for a ride Wednesday, pushing stock prices up in the morning then sending them down in the afternoon. Prices surged on congressional testimony by Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke early in the day that suggested the central bank would not slow its massive economic stimulus program any time soon.   Full Story

Thursday May 23, 2013 My cousin always encouraged me to write. However, I’m not sure he meant it to be in the form of a rebuttal to his column. I don’t begin to write as well as Alden, and I usually don’t agree with him either. However, after reading his last column on Benghazi, I decided it was time to take his advice and write.   Full Story

Thursday May 23, 2013 NEAL P. GOSWAMI Senior Staff Writer BENNINGTON -- Police are looking for an unknown assailant following an armed robbery of the CVS pharmacy in Bennington Tuesday night. Bennington Police Chief Paul Doucette said officers responded to a 911 call around 9 p.   Full Story

Thursday May 23, 2013 KEITH WHITCOMB JR. Staff Writer POWNAL -- After having the nomination of Nelson Brownell rejected by the Pownal Select Board, the town’s Planning Commission voted Tuesday to recommend him again. Brownell, who has been the zoning administrator for Pownal for many years, remains the interim ZA until a new one is appointed.   Full Story

Thursday May 23, 2013 AUSTIN DANFORTH Assistant Sports Editor The whistle blew and Morgan Bazyk never stopped. Caught up in the excitement of playing her first varsity game, she never spared the thought, charging forward while everyone else on the field hit the brakes. Rules are rules, though, and in girls lacrosse, players must stand in place when referees sound off an infraction.   Full Story

Thursday May 23, 2013 HOOSICK FALLS, N.Y. -- Come join us at the 120gallery90 on May 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. at 80 Church St. in Hoosick Falls, N.Y. for the opening reception of "In the Sanctuary of the Bird’s Nest," by the Hoosick Artist Guild. This show is a series of transformed, abandoned bird’s nests from Hoosick Falls in The 120 Gallery.   Full Story