NCPR's Story of the Day

(Dec 24, 2025) Last week, the state approved a new energy plan for the next 15 years. The planning board's chair argues it balances the need for carbon-free emissions with the realities of today's energy grid. Critics say it doesn't go far enough. Also: Gov. Hochul signed a set of prison reforms into law last week to expand video footage at all 42 of the state's correctional facilities.

(Dec 23, 2025) Long before European settlers came to the Adirondacks, indigenous people lived there for thousands of years. We hear from the authors of a new book about how archaeological evidence is reshaping what we know about indigenous Adirondack history. Also: Watertown residents are dealing with a boil-water order that is expected to last into Christmas due to turbidity in the city's water supply.

(Dec 22, 2025) On Friday, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik shocked the North Country and the nation when she announced she was dropping her campaign for governor and not running for Congress again. We sort through how it happened and what it might mean for the future of North Country politics. Also: New York's latest energy plan says the state will not reach a milestone climate goal by 2030.

(Dec 19, 2025) An updated version of Story of the Day with the surprise announcement that North Country Congresswoman Elise Stefanik will not run for Governor or Congress next year. Also: The holiday season is a time to spend with family, and to remember family who are no longer with us. In northern Clinton County, there's something called a "wind phone", where people can talk to those they've lost...out loud.

(Dec 19, 2025) The holiday season is a time to spend with family, and to remember family who are no longer with us. In northern Clinton County, there's something called a "wind phone", where people can talk to those they've lost out loud. Also: Congress passed a law earlier this week that will allow whole milk to once again be offered in public schools.

(Dec 18, 2025) It's the season when the calendar is packed with holiday events, concerts, and plays. The Depot Theatre is doing A Christmas Carol old-time radio style, with homemade sound effects and everything. Also: The Salmon River school district is under fire for putting children in padded wooden boxes as a disciplinary measure.

(Dec 17, 2025) It's been a full semester since cell phones were banned in New York's public school system. We talk with teachers and students at Glens Falls High School to see how it's playing out there. Also: Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul is maintaining a big lead over Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik in the gubernatorial race.

(Dec 16, 2025) President Donald Trump honored the 1980 Lake Placid Miracle on Ice hockey team at the White House last week. They received the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor for civilians. Also: The VA opened a food pantry at its medical clinic in Westport last week. It's the first VA clinic in the state to offer food, as rates of food insecurity rise.

(Dec 15, 2025) In the aftermath of the federal government shutdown, many military families are struggling with food insecurity. We visit a food distribution event near Fort Drum where people are helping each other put food on the table. Also: Three years after New Yorkers passed the Environmental Bond Act, the state has doled out about a quarter of the $4.2 billion pot of money, including $48 million worth of projects in the North Country.

(Dec 12, 2025) For the last two summers, a woman from the Caribbean has been cooking up meals from her home country at a motel in Tupper Lake. A taste of the island of Carriacou in the Adirondacks. Also: New York state will create a center focused on combating dyslexia.

(Dec 11, 2025) Law enforcement agencies across the country are rethinking how they respond to mental health crises. We ride along with social service case workers in Albany as they handle mental health emergency calls instead of police. Also: A new school bus policy is drawing criticism in the community of Lyon Mountain, in Clinton County.

(Dec 10, 2025) It is very rare for people serving time in state prisons to be granted clemency. We speak with a filmmaker who has been interviewing incarcerated people around the state to make compelling documentaries about their cases for going free. Also: The House of Representatives passed the decades-old settlement to the Mohawk land claim yesterday.

(Dec 9, 2025) It looks like there's going to be a Republican primary for governor next year. Long Island's Bruce Blakeman announced he'll challenge Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, setting up a clash between two ardent supporters of President Donald Trump. Also: A quick and easy hike with great views of Lake George at Bradley Lookout.

(Dec 8, 2025) New York's legislature passed a bill that would legalize doctor-assisted death. Gov. Kathy Hochul has to sign it for it to become law by the end of the year, but she may want to make some changes to it first. Also: The North Country is set to receive about $5.5 million in grants from the Northern Border Regional Commission.

(Dec 5, 2025) Home health aides are in serious demand as Baby Boomers get older and more people want to age at home. We hear about what it's like to work as a home health aide, convincing people to accept help, and building close bonds with the people you serve. Also: A new study from the Adirondack Land Trust is helping people with disabilities navigate which Adirondack trails are truly accessible.

(Dec 4, 2025) SUNY is seeing a bump in enrollment statewide after several years of declines. Two North Country community colleges had the highest enrollment gains among state schools in the region. Also: The operator of the hospitals in Ogdensburg and Carthage says their future is in danger, and it's blaming the state.

(Dec 3, 2025) For the first time in years, the federal government will enforce SNAP work requirements, a measure that could push thousands of people off the anti-hunger program. We'll look at how North Country social services agencies are preparing for the change. Also: We sample the Tom and Jerry's holiday drink at Watertown's Crystal restaurant, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

(Dec 2, 2025) Snowplows keep North Country life going in the winter. Our Adirondack reporter Emily Russell rides along with a young plow driver, who works long hours in a job that touches public safety, the environment, and climate change. Also: Two companies settled a lawsuit over price gouging of baby formula filed by the state Attorney General's office.

(Dec 1, 2025) Before European settlers came to the Adirondacks, many landmarks were known by indigenous names. A new state historical marker at what was once known as Akwesasne Lake in Paul Smiths is paying homage to that history. Also: Gov. Kathy Hochul is still deciding whether to sign a bill that would allow terminally ill patients in New York to end their lives.

(Nov 26, 2025) For some North Country communities, local food options are few and far between. This Thanksgiving, regional farms are boxing up fresh food for families in the isolated Adirondack town of Indian Lake. Also: Gov. Hochul approved amendments to the Adirondack State Land Master Plan, but they did not include a special provision for electric mobility devices in wilderness areas.

(Nov 25, 2025) New York's child care subsidy program expanded to help more parents afford child care. But it's become so popular that over half of the counties in the state have run out of money for it just two months into the fiscal year. Also: We visit a soup kitchen in Canton that's seeing more demand amidst cuts to federal safety net programs.

(Nov 24, 2025) A new $40 million lodge at the base of Gore Mountain is ready for skiers. But it hasn't opened yet due to disputes between the town of Johnsburg and ORDA, which runs the ski area. Also: Republican Assemblyman Robert Smullen launched his campaign for the North Country's congressional district last week.

(Nov 21, 2025) A village bill meant to protect immigrants in Saranac Lake sparked months of tension at board meetings. It's also left some locals questioning how their police force will respond to the growing threat of federal immigration enforcement. Also: Zohran Mamdani plans to push an ambitious agenda when he returns to Albany as New York City's new mayor.

(Nov 20, 2025) Supporters of building a nuclear power plant in the North Country held educational sessions recently. But many people remain skeptical of nuclear energy's safety and potential economic benefit to the region. Also: Enrollment at SUNY is up more than 6% over the last three years, including 5% at community colleges.

(Nov 19, 2025) The state plans to close Bare Hill Correctional Facility this spring, one of three state prisons in Malone. We talk with local officials and advocates for inmates about the impact of the closure. Also: Why the massive $125 million deal to buy the Whitney estate in the central Adirondacks fell through.

(Nov 18, 2025) As Elise Stefanik sets her sights on the governor's mansion, we take a look at the Republican's impact on New York's 21st Congressional District after six terms in office. Also: The state announced today it's closing Bare Hill Correctional Facility, one of three prisons in Malone.

(Nov 17, 2025) A military sub-contractor in Essex County is triggering the Adirondack Park Agency's first adjudicatory hearing in almost 15 years. We'll hear the details behind a controversial proposal to test military-grade cannons in the Adirondacks. Also: Governor Kathy Hochul says she's enlisting business leaders in her push to keep President Donald Trump from sending the National Guard to New York City.

(Nov 14, 2025) Whiteface Mountain is getting an early start to the ski season this weekend. The weather's been decent, but it's the snowmaking technology that makes this early opening possible. Also: Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani are talking about how they can push back against the Trump administration if it sends National Guard troops to New York.

(Nov 13, 2025) The invasive spotted lanternfly hasn't made it to the North Country yet, but it may not be long. We talk with an expert about how the North Country's cold could prevent a widespread infestation. Also: Governor Kathy Hochul is considering multiple picks for her running mate next year.

(Nov 12, 2025) New York wants to build a new nuclear power plant in Upstate New York to produce more carbon-free electricity. Assemblyman Scott Gray thinks the state should build it here in the North Country. He's hosting hearings to educate the public. Also: A controversial weapons range proposed in the eastern Adirondacks could be headed to a special APA hearing.

(Nov 11, 2025) North Country Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is moving on to Albany, trying to unseat Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul. We hear from voters in the region, who are finding flaws in both candidates. Also: A Head Start program in Warren County is at risk of closing even if the federal government starts business again soon.

(Nov 10, 2025) The North Country's newest Assemblymember could begin serving the 115th District as soon as this week. We talk with Democrat Michael Cashman, who says he plans to make the North Country's voice heard as a member of the legislative majority in Albany. Also: Governor Kathy Hochul's administration is clearing a big roadblock for a natural gas pipeline off the coast of New York City.

(Nov 7, 2025) As the Trump Administration appeals in court to stop funding for SNAP food assistance, millions of people are struggling to put food on the table. We visit food pantries in the North Country where lines are long and people are worried about the coming winter. Also: Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is making the rounds doing interviews today after she announced she's running for Governor of New York next year.

(Nov 6, 2025) Finding a move-in-ready home for less than $200,000 is basically a pipe dream in much of the Adirondacks. But one is for sale in Newcomb, and it represents a potential solution for affordable workforce housing. Also: Lawmakers in Essex County are pushing back against a plan to rename Coon Mountain near Westport, saying its origin isn't derogatory.

(Nov 5, 2025) In the North Country's top race yesterday, Democrat Michael Cashman kept an Assembly seat with his party in the special election to replace Billy Jones. We sort through the results from yesterday's election. Also: We hear what was on voters' minds in St. Lawrence County.

(Nov 4, 2025) We visit a small farm in Keeseville that's rethinking what it means to grow and share food. There are no employees, no price tags, and everything on the farm is offered as a gift to the local community. Also: On Election Day, we sum up the big races in the North Country and one big Adirondack ballot measure that the whole state will vote on.

(Nov 3, 2025) It's election day tomorrow. Polls are open from 6 am to 9 pm. We'll sort through two local races we're watching - for Canton town supervisor and Clinton County clerk. Also: Biologists are applying lampricide to the Boquet River on Tuesday to try to kill off an invasive fish.

(Oct 31, 2025) On your back of your ballot this election year is a proposition that could have big implications for the Adirondacks. Proposition 1 would fix a constitutional violation tied to an Olympic sports complex in Lake Placid and add 2,500 acres to the forest preserve. Also: Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is releasing her first book as she's about to announce whether she'll run for governor next year.

(Oct 30, 2025) It's an off-year election season, but there are some big races in the North Country's cities. We sort through who's running in Watertown and Glens Falls and in the special election Assembly race for Billy Jones' seat. Also: Democrats called on the Trump Administration to fully fund SNAP food assistance before Saturday's deadline, when checks won't go out because of the federal shutdown.

(Oct 29, 2025) There are an unusually high number of write-in campaigns in Essex County on Election Day. The Adirondack Daily-Enterprise did reporting to figure out why. Also: A state Assemblyman is raising concerns about new bright LED headlights causing distractions for drivers.

(Oct 28, 2025) In the Adirondack town of Lewis, a man has been conducting military exercises as a contractor for the U.S. government. Now he wants to build a weapons range for military-grade cannons, and it's sparked concerns. Also: The federal government is suing to access New York's voter registration data, including social security and driver's license numbers.

(Oct 27, 2025) A special election will decide who gets to be the North Country's newest Assemblymember. We'll learn about Democrat Michael Cashman and Republican Brent Davison and their positions leading up to election day next week. Also: Democrats may get another chance to create new congressional districts in New York thanks to a new lawsuit.