NCPR's Story of the Day

(Oct 15, 2025) On today's Story of the Day, we stop by the Woodwind Summit at SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music. Also: we have details on leaked texts between Young Republican activitists in New York that had racist, antisemitic and homophobic language.

(Oct 14, 2025) On today's Story of the Day, we go on a short and sweet adventure to Blue Ridge Falls just outside North Hudson in the southeastern Adirondacks. Also: Gov. Kathy Hochul has broken out her veto pen, and is preparing for a tough budget year ahead of her reelection campaign.

(Oct 13, 2025) On today's Story of the Day, we break down the federal case against New York Attorney General Letitia James and what it means. Also: a graphite mine in St. Lawrence County is seeking state funding to expand operations.

(Oct 10, 2025) On today's Story of the Day, North Country at Work profiles a family barbershop in Franklin County that was a cornerstone of the Chateaugay social scene. Also: President Donald Trump's Justice Department has indicted New York Attorney General Letitia James for mortgage fraud.

(Oct 9, 2025) On today's Story of the Day, we visit a "tree rodeo" outside Watertown for a rare look at the important work of the utility arborists who keep trees and brush off power lines. Also: New Yorkers on unemployment are about to see a bump in their checks.

(Oct 8, 2025) After decades in Ray Brook, the Adirondack Park Agency is planning to move its headquarters to downtown Saranac Lake. But some critics are asking the APA board to question the reasons behind the move. Also: Hunters can now use electronic hunting licenses and tags as the new season ramps up.

(Oct 7, 2025) Yesterday, the CDC made a softer endorsement of COVID vaccines for all but the youngest babies. You'll now have to talk with a pharmacist or doctor to get the shot. Amidst months of confusion over federal and state vaccine mandates, Catherine Wheeler clears up what's happening now. Also: Construction of the Adirondack Rail Trail from Lake Placid to Tupper Lake is officially complete.

(Oct 6, 2025) This year marks 25 years since the creation of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, a 740-mile canoe route from the Adirondacks to northern Maine that unites people who love to paddle. We hear about its history. Also: Gov. Hochul has named Mark Hall from southern St. Lawrence County as the new board chair of the Adirondack Park Agency.

(Oct 3, 2025) Two colleges in the region have lost federal funding for Upward Bound, a popular college prep program. It helps first-generation and low-income college students get a leg up. Also: With continued dry conditions, Gov. Hochul has implemented a statewide burn ban for two weeks.

(Oct 2, 2025) Electricity line workers keep the North Country powered through the worst of storms. A ‘tree rodeo' is being held in Jefferson County this weekend, a competition for the region's best line workers to show off their skills. Also: The Statue of Liberty remained open during previous government shutdowns thanks to state funding, but Gov. Hochul says she won't foot the bill this time.

(Oct 1, 2025) A drought is playing out across the North Country, affecting riverbeds, farm fields, and people's yards. This past June, July, and August were Canton's driest summer on record. A geologist puts the data in perspective. Also: State lawmakers are considering legalizing psychedelic mushrooms.

(Sep 30, 2025) Canadians remain highly suspicious of the U.S. in the wake of President Trump's trade war and tariffs. Vermont and Quebec leaders went on a cruise ship recently to work to smooth relations. Also: Albany murder suspect Anthony Bechand pleaded not guilty to all charges of killing his girlfriend, days after he was found in the Adirondacks following a two-week manhunt.

(Sep 29, 2025) In just a few months, many lower and middle-income families could start paying a lot more for insurance. That's because federal health care subsidies are set to expire at the end of this year, and the Republican-led Congress doesn't plan to renew them. Also: If you file taxes in New York, there's a good chance a check will soon be hitting your mailbox.

(Sep 26, 2025) A two-week-long manhunt for a suspected murderer from the Albany area ended in Paul Smiths today. Police took Anthony Bechand into custody for allegedly killing his girlfriend. We talk with the man who spotted him. Also: The ongoing drought has caused below-average water levels on Lake Champlain. It's led one ferry operator in southern Essex County to cease operations for the season.

(Sep 25, 2025) Making a living from art is hard in the North Country. In the village of Malone, the Downtown Artist Cellar provides a creative space for the local artist community. Also: GOP officials rallied around their candidate for an upcoming special election. Republican Brent Davison says he wants to push back on Democrats' one-party rule in Albany.

(Sep 24, 2025) Conditions inside prisons haven't improved much for inmates or corrections officers since a three-week wildcat strike earlier this year. The force is down by 2,500, officers are exhausted, and inmates are isolated and sometimes locked out of educational programs. Also: The New York Power Authority is finalizing a low-cost power deal to keep Alcoa in Massena for at least another decade.

(Sep 23, 2025) State and federal agencies have spent decades trying to restore Lake Champlain's native salmon population. Officials say a new tool on the Boquet River will help them figure out which stocking strategies are working. Also: The Adirondack Experience museum in Blue Mountain Lake is facing criticism for selling more than a dozen historic boats from its collection.

(Sep 22, 2025) Businesses across Northern New York are starting to see the impacts of decreased Canadian traffic and President Donald Trump's tariffs. Our community engagement reporter Amy Feiereisel runs down what North Country businesses told us about their experiences. Also: Two corrections officers were sentenced to decades behind bars for their role in the beating death of prisoner Robert Brooks at a state prison near Utica.

(Sep 19, 2025) With the Winter Olympics just months away in Italy, top athletes are getting their training in at Lake Placid's Olympic venues. Top cross-country skier Jessie Diggins also got in some cross-training with a big hike in the High Peaks. Also: State politicians are getting involved in the New York City mayoral race, and a new poll has some good news for Democrats. We have a wrap-up of the week in Albany.

(Sep 18, 2025) Scientists expect mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile and Triple E to increase in the North Country as the climate warms. St. Lawrence County is trapping and testing mosquitos to establish a baseline of which diseases are out there. Also: Republicans have officially nominated former state police commander Brent Davison as their candidate for the special election to replace Billy Jones in the state Assembly.

(Sep 17, 2025) Public school enrollment in the Adirondacks is down more than 40% in the last 45 years. We speak with a reporter at the Adirondack Explorer about enrollment trends. Also: Gov. Hochul got her COVID shot yesterday and she says you should too. An executive order makes the vaccine available in New York to anyone 3 years or older.

(Sep 16, 2025) It's been over five years since a state mandate called on police departments to address racial bias in their work. We hear from a local nonprofit that's been leading an effort to train officers across the Adirondacks. Also: Canton businessman, community booster, and St. Lawrence County legislator Daniel Fay died Saturday at 81 years old.

(Sep 15, 2025) Mining used to be a pillar of the North Country economy, but, except for specific cases, it's mostly disappeared today. An old zinc mine in St. Lawrence County is getting a new life as one of the country's only sources of graphite. Also: The APA approved a new solar farm in Clinton County last week, sparking a debate over land use in the Adirondacks.

(Sep 12, 2025) 2025 was a big summer for fishing tournaments in Massena. It's becoming more nationally recognized as a major fishing destination. Also: The Adirondack Rail Trail is seeing steady traffic and boosting business in the Tri-Lakes area.

(Sep 11, 2025) Democratic Assemblyman Billy Jones stepped down last week to take a job at a local community college. Reflecting on his nine years in office, he says he was most proud of his team's work helping constituents. Also: North Country lawmakers condemned the killing of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk.

(Sep 10, 2025) Governor Kathy Hochul was in Plattsburgh yesterday. She attended the grand opening of a bus manufacturer that helped save hundreds of local jobs. Also: Federal agents arrested dozens of people at a food processing plant in Central New York last week.

(Sep 9, 2025) Volunteer numbers have been steadily declining across the U.S for decades now. That's made it hard for local fire departments to replenish their ranks. We talk with a 40-year veteran of firefighting in Malone. Also: New Yorkers can now get a COVID vaccine directly from a pharmacy, a departure from the Trump Administration's new rules.

(Sep 8, 2025) Last summer, over half the teachers in the St. Regis Falls central school district quit and took jobs in other school districts. One year later, with a leadership change, the small school is looking to rebuild and focus on quality education. Also: Gov. Hochul is declaring a health emergency to help New Yorkers get COVID vaccines.

(Sep 5, 2025) On today's Story of the Day, North Country at Work brings us a story about how a career in the performing arts led a Midwesterner to the Adirondacks. Also: NCPR News Director David Sommerstein reports from the starting line of the Adirondack Canoe Classic, known as the 90-miler.

(Sep 4, 2025) Every public radio station in the country is usually doing its own thing, running its programs, gathering its local news. On Monday, NCPR and WAMC based in Albany are collaborating for a live in-person talk show in lake Placid about Adirondack issues. We'll hear what it's all about. Also: A second Democrat has entered the race for the North Country's seat in Congress next year.

(Sep 3, 2025) The Adirondack '90-Miler' Canoe Classic is a massive logistical undertaking to keep everyone safe and everything running smoothly. From safety boats to pit crew volunteers, we check in with the logistics coordinator behind the Adirondacks' biggest paddling race, which is this weekend. Also: The massive butter sculpture at the New York State Fair isn't going into the garbage; it's being turned into electricity.

(Sep 2, 2025) The Trump administration has asked the nation's schools to end their diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. In Saranac Lake, they've been building out their DEI program for years, and they have no plans of stopping. Also: New York officials are considering new rules about how juvenile offenders get parole.

(Aug 29, 2025) Court-appointed special advocates have one job: to represent the wishes of a child who's been a victim of neglect or abuse. It's a volunteer position. We talk with one about why it's so important. Also: We travel overseas for a trail running audio postcard from the craggy cliffs of Corsica.

(Aug 28, 2025) Clinton Community College started classes at its new campus this week, now sharing space with SUNY Plattsburgh. Students and employees say the move is bittersweet. Also: The Army is doing an about-face and keeping open the R-O-T-C program based at Clarkson University in Potsdam.

(Aug 27, 2025) Marketing and promotion can be one of the hardest things for any upcoming musician or band to handle. An arts organization in Watertown is hosting an event for local music acts to take professional-quality photos and videos. Also: A retired veterinarian and former bobsled athlete drowned in Lower Saranac Lake last week. John Cogar was 76.

(Aug 26, 2025) The DEC is in its second year of an experimental motorized wheelchair program at one of the Adirondacks' most historic sites. We follow one of the first users as he tests the device along the trail into Great Camp Santanoni. Also: Senator Kirsten Gillibrand was in Saranac Lake yesterday to push for scientific research funding for the Trudeau Institute.

(Aug 25, 2025) Climate change is driving more erosion along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. Experts want property owners and communities to adapt by reinforcing the shoreline before it's too late. Also: Ogdensburg's hospital is getting an infusion of almost $20 million to expand mental health services and update cancer-fighting technology.

(Aug 22, 2025) We explore Camelot Island in Canada's Thousand islands National Park through the eyes of a curious kid. Also: A coalition of North Country doctors and medical leaders is trying to figure out how to minimize steep cuts to Medicaid.

(Aug 21, 2025) We hear from the fourth-generation owner of a family-owned and operated cottage rental on Paradox Lake in the eastern Adirondacks. Also: Forest rangers had another busy week helping hikers and responding to multiple brush fires.

(Aug 20, 2025) A gathering in the Champlain Valley honors the life and legacy of prominent Adirondacker and civil rights activist Alice Paden Green. Also: the Clinton County GOP chair is backing State Police Troop B Commander Brent Davison to run in an upcoming special election for Assembly.

(Aug 19, 2025) Congresswoman Elise Stefanik attended a dedication ceremony in Plattsburgh yesterday. Her appearance followed a rare public feud with local Republicans over selecting a candidate for an upcoming special election. Also: Part of the reason for a road salt shortage last winter was because of a requirement to buy from an American company.

(Aug 18, 2025) Drag shows have become mainstream in cities across the country, but they're less common in small towns. In the North Country, a group of local drag performers says every show is a chance to build acceptance for their art form, one local stage at a time. Also: The Adirondack Park Agency's potential move to downtown Saranac Lake is taking another small step forward.