Sony BMG one of the largest record companies in the world has reached an agreement with the New York attorney general to stop providing gifts and trips in exchange for airtime.

Performer, collector and folk activist Helen Schneyer has died.

John Herald, best known as as guitarist and lead vocalist for the Greenbriar Boys has died. He was 65. Herald also had a career as a solo artist and session musician. Recording with Bonnie Raitt, Doc Watson, Bette Midler, Ian and Syvia, and others. There’s an obituary here.

Update: 7/23 Another obituary from the Poughkeepsie Journal. Update: 7/24 And from the New York Times. Update: 7/31 John Weingart posted this remembrance at his site. Update: 8/2There is an article in the Woodstock Times by John’s friend Brian Hollandar. A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday August 28th at the at the Bearsville Theater, Bearsville NY.

WUMB, Bostons full time folk radio station has been awarded “Best Use of Local Airwaves” in the Improper Bostonian magiznes 2005 annual best of issue.

Colombia Records will release a new Dylan album on August 30th. The two CD set will include many rare and unheard tracks.

The Folk Alliance has announced new dates for it’s 2006 conference in Austin Texas. The new dates are Feburary 10-14 .

Two long running folk and acoustic venues are turning 30 this year.

According to a report by Paul Stamler on the Folk-Dj email list. Hedy West has died.