NCPR's Story of the Day

(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.

(Oct 24, 2025) On today's Story of the Day, we hear from both sides of the debate over whether to legalize physician-assisted death in New York state. Also, a green group in the Adirondacks is pausing its plan to change the name of a mountain it says is derogatory.

(Oct 23, 2025) On today's Story of the Day, as Ontario prepares to expand a major highway that cuts through a critical wildlife corridor, an environmental group is pushing for infrastructure that'll help more animals cross it safely. Also, the public comment period for NYSEG's rate increase case closes tomorrow.

(Oct 22, 2025) On today's Story of the Day, advocates for people incarcerated in New York state are pushing Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign a bill that would expand prison oversight and require more cameras. Also, we tag along with engineers Radio Bob Sauter and Kurt Lanning to prepare the NCPR transmitter on McCauley Mountain in Old Forge for the winter.

(Oct 21, 2025) On today's Story of the Day, a conversation with longtime Mountain Lake PBS host Thom Hallock, who recently retired from full-time journalism. Also, a look at what Jefferson County voters can expect when they head to the polls this election.

(Oct 20, 2025) On today's Story of the Day, we hear from Trump opponents and supporters who attended Saturday's "No Kings" rally in Potsdam. Also, a jury has convicted one former corrections officer and acquitted two others of murdering inmate Robert Brooks at Marcy Correctional Facility last year.

(Oct 17, 2025) On today's Story of the Day, North Country at Work profiles an elementary school librarian in Malone. Also, Gov. Kathy Hochul hopes the state can buy 32,000 acres of the Whitney estate in the Adirondacks.

(Oct 16, 2025) On today's Story of the Day, high schoolers in Jefferson County are determined to revitalize their village's basketball court. Also: Sen. Chuck Schumer highlighted North Country healthcare costs on the Senate floor yesterday to argue for the extension of tax credits that help millions of middle- and lower-income Americans.

(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.