Press Pass Podcast

Press-Republican Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio and Night Editor Ben Rowe get behind the mic for a special episode as they announce their plans to both depart from the paper on May 9. No, it's not an April Fools episode and yes, it's a bittersweet moment. But the pair take time to reflect on their careers on the paper and their hopes for the Press-Republican and journalism heading forward.

Press-Republican Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio and Night Editor Ben Rowe welcome back a newsroom veteran as they sit down with former Press-Republican reporter and current North Country Public Radio reporter Cara Chapman to reflect on memories of the COVID-19 pandemic five years after the first outbreak in early 2020. From the quirks to the lessons, the trio reflect on their memories of those eerie early days and how the world has changed since then.

Episode 113: A Conversation with Liam Mahoney by Press Pass Podcast by Press-Republican

Clinton County Industrial Development Agency Executive Director Molly Ryan sits down with Press-Republican Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio and Night Editor Ben Rowe to discuss the work of bringing in — and keeping — businesses in the North Country.

Clinton Community College Administrator in Charge Ken Knelly sits down with Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio and Night Editor Ben Rowe to discuss the future of the college with its planned move to the SUNY Plattsburgh campus, its recent reaccreditation through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and who was recently behind the Calvin the Cougar mascot mask.

City of Plattsburgh mayoral candidate Wendell Hughes joined Press-Republican Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio, Night Editor Ben Rowe and Staff Writer Carly Newton to discuss his campaign.

City of Plattsburgh mayoral candidate Don Kasprzak joined Press-Republican Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio, Night Editor Ben Rowe and Staff Writer Carly Newton to discuss his campaign.

Clinton County Board of Elections Republican Commissioner David Souliere and Deputy Democratic Commissioner Brandi Lloyd sit down with Press-Republican Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio and Night Editor Ben Rowe to talk about the ins and outs of running an election and the tall order of bipartisan fairness.

Clinton County Fair Events Mananger Mike Perrotte sits down with Press-Republican Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio and Night Editor Ben Rowe to talk about the roller coaster work of managing events at the annual fair.

Press-Republican Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio and Night Editor Ben Rowe jump on the mic again to catch up on the latest news including an ongoing controversy over a downtown bus stop, memories of area concerts and a reminder of the dangers of heat exhaustion.

The Joe-Rowe Power Hour returns as Press-Republican Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio and Night Editor Ben Rowe take to the mic for a classic guest-free episode. After a healthy slate of special guests and with more to come, the pair throw it back to the classic format to discuss the latest North Country news including the local primary elections, flooding in Downtown Plattsburgh and the best spots to watch the Mayor's Cup regatta.

CVPH and Alice Hyde Medical Center COO Michelle LeBeau sits down with Press-Republican Publisher Lamiaa Aly-Elshafay, Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio and Night Editor Ben Rowe to discuss the challenges and rewards of promoting and offering health care in the North Country.

Plattsburgh YMCA CEO Justin Ihne sits down with Press-Republican Publisher Lamiaa Aly-Elshafay, Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio and Night Editor Ben Rowe to discuss his career in the YMCA, what it stands for in the community and progress on its new location in the former CVPH Wellness Center.

MHAB Life Skills Campus Co-Founder Mike Carpenter sits down with Press-Republican Publisher Lamiaa Aly-Elshafay, Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio and Night Editor Ben Rowe to discuss the history of MHAB as a community resource for everything from addiction recovery to homelessness and domestic violence safety.

Clinton County Sheriff David Favro sits down with Press-Republican Publisher Lamiaa Aly-Elshafay, Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio, Night Editor Ben Rowe and Staff Writer Carly Newton to discuss everything from the dramatic police stop of a suspected gunman heading for the CVPH hospital to migrant border policy and the future of Clinton Community College.

It's finally here! The big 1-0-0! Marking 100 episodes of the Press Pass Podcast, Press-Republican Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio, Night Editor Ben Rowe and Publisher Lamiaa Aly-Elshafay sit down with New York District 115 Assemblyman D. Billy Jones to discuss the issues of the day. But Ben and Joe also reflect on nearly four years of holding down the fort as hosts of the Press Pass Podcast and look ahead to what the future holds. Also, stick around after the close for a special extended edition of our theme song, "Newer Wave" by composer Kevin MacLeod of https://incompetech.com/.

Press-Republican Publisher Lamiaa Elshafay-Aly, Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio and Night Editor Ben Rowe sit down behind the mic with Robin Pierce, executive director of the Plattsburgh-based Advocacy and Resource Center that provides for North Country residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Press-Republican Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio and Night Editor Ben Rowe sit down to chat with incoming City of Plattsburgh Councilors Jacob Avery and David Monette as they prepare to take their seats on the Common Council in the new year. The councilor-elects offer their thoughts on the past, present and future of the city they've been elected to serve.

Press-Republican Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio and Night Editor Ben Watson sit down with City of Plattsburgh Community Engagement Coordinator Courtney Meisenheimer to discuss the upcoming winter season events planned for the city and whether Mother Nature will cooperate.

City of Plattsburgh Councilors Jeff Moore, Elizabeth Gibbs and Julie Baughn sat down for a lengthy conversation with Press-Republican Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio, Night Editor Ben Rowe and Staff Writer Carly Newton. From a proposed Harborside hotel project to the Margaret Street renovation to the current status of the Durkee Street development, the councilors shared their thoughts on a range of topics of city development.

City of Plattsburgh Mayor Chris Rosenquest sits down with Press-Republican Publisher Lamiaa Aly, Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio, Night Editor Ben Rowe and Staff Writer Carly Newton to discuss the latest city issues from a proposed hotel deal to progress on the Margaret Street renovations and the future of the Crete Memorial Civic Center.

The summer is slipping away, but Press-Republican Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio and Night Editor Ben Rowe are still here to fill you in on the latest headlines. But that's also sprinkled in with proposing an HBO Battle of Plattsburgh miniseries to talking about the best wings to eat for the big game,

As the Redford Picnic marks the traditional end of summer in the North Country, Press-Republican Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio and Night Editor Ben Rowe discuss other changes happening around us. From road construction to home renovations, Ben and Joe break down some of the latest headlines.

Town of Plattsburgh Supervisor Michael Cashman hops on the mic with Press-Republican Publisher Lamiaa Aly, Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio, Night Editor Ben Rowe and Staff Writer Carly Newton to discuss the town's new development guide, Michigan Month 2023 and his favorite Dole Whip flavors.

Press-Republican Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio and Night Editor Ben Rowe are back on the mic with the latest headlines. They delve into the heavy flooding and smoke the North Country has seen recently, along with the latest ups and downs in the local news.

Press-Republican Publisher Lamiaa Aly, Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio and Night Editor Ben Rowe sit down with North Country Chamber of Commerce President Garry Douglas this week to discuss the recent announced 2025 closure of local manufacturer Nova Bus and how the Chamber hopes to help the region move forward.

Joe and Ben welcome a special guest to the pod today: Publisher Lamiaa Aly. Along with the latest headlines, they talk about some personal accident avoidance tips and the value of supporting local businesses.

New North Country Mission of Hope Executive Director James Carlin spent an hour recently discussing the latest updates for the mission on the Press-Republican's Press Pass podcast. Carlin took over for longtime Executive Director Sr. Debbie Blow last year after serving as the mission's board president for several years. He explained to P-R Editor in Chief Joe LoTemplio and P-R Night Editor Ben Rowe that the mission is hoping to return to Nicaragua at some point.

All aboard for another episode of the Press-Republican's Press Pass Podcast! Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio and Night Editor Ben Rowe hop on the mic to talk about the return of Amtrack's Adirondack Line, a celebration of the 175th anniversary of Schuyler Falls and all the other headlines this week.

Press-Republican Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio and Night Editor Ben Rowe are back on the mic to discuss the week's biggest news. Beyond the usual food chatter, they discuss how a number of national issues: migration at the border and school shootings, made local headlines this week.

As Baby Boomers continue to age, the need for home health care figures to remain vital for years to come. HCR, a home health care agency operating in seven North Country counties including Clinton, Essex and Franklin, has been providing services for more than a decade and is looking to the future. HCR's Director of Patient Services and Regional Director for the North Country Kari Charette and Director of Patient Services Melinda Clark both recently sat down to discuss home health care services with the Press-Republican Press Pass Podcast team of Editor in Chief Joe LoTemplio and Night Editor Ben Rowe. Charette and Clark discussed the history of HCR from when they purchased the business license from Clinton County, to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

Press-Republican Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio and Night Editor Ben Rowe reflect on the waning days of winter and the cuisine that comes with it. They also catch up on the big headlines of the week, including some cheerful news about the United Way and the Harison Place project in Malone.

'Joe Lo' and Ben Rowe are back on the mic this week to discuss the week's news. Beyond more grocery shopping mishaps, they discuss the series in the Feb. 24/25 edition of the Press-Republican exploring the remarkable past and uncertain future of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Churubusco.

*Doctor Who Theme Plays* Press-Republican Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio and Night Editor Ben Rowe are back on the mic and hopping into the P-R Time Machine to read some Lookback articles from decades past. What secrets can they glean from the news in 1923? And they recount some of the big events from the past weekend, including the Super Bowl!

Press-Republican Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio and Night Editor Ben Rowe are back on the mic to talk about a very busy weekend ahead. From Tannen-BOOM to the Super Bowl, there's plenty to enjoy this upcoming weekend as Ben and Joe break it all down for you.

Press-Republican Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio and Night Editor Ben Rowe are back on the mic to start off another year of Press Pass Podcasts. This week, they're looking forward to the FISU World University Games kicking off this weekend, while also looking back at 35 years of the Champlain Centre Mall.

In this special edition of the Press Pass Podcast, City of Plattsburgh Mayor Chris Rosenquest shares his thoughts on the future of and recent debate around the Crete Memorial Civic Center.

Coming in from the cold, Press-Republican Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio and Night Editor Ben Rowe break down the latest headlines, from the midterm elections to the 'Tridemic' around the area.

It's the spooky season of Halloween weekend! But even scarier than that...the midterm election has begun! Press-Republican Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio and Night Editor Ben Rowe hit the mic to break it all down for you.

Press-Republican Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio and Night Editor Ben Rowe are back on the mic to talk about the week's headlines, but not before veering off onto the usual food sidetracks with a question: What's up with these adult happy meals?

Press-Republican Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio and Night Editor Ben Rowe are back again to bring you the latest local headlines. They touch on the heart-warming efforts of the United Way of the Adirondack Region and the North Country Honor Flight, while also looking ahead to Halloween season.

Press-Republican Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio and Night Editor Ben Rowe are joined by sportswriters Erik Rhyne and Drew Wemple to talk about North Country athletics, with the usual detours into discussions of the border and favorite local eateries.

Press-Republican Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio and Night Editor Ben Rowe are back on the mic after a brief hiatus, but they'll explain what's been keeping them away while also dishing out the latest in North Country news.

Press-Republican Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio and Night Editor Ben Rowe are back and it's Michigan Month. We talk about the favorite local dish, as well as our hopes for the holiday weekend and more in North Country news.

Press-Republican Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio and Night Editor Ben Rowe are back. It goes without saying that 2022 has continued to be a rough year for many people, but Ben and Joe work on finding a few silver linings in the news as well.

Press-Republican Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio, Night Editor Ben Rowe and Staff Writer Cara Chapman sit down at the mic again to chat about the latest news this week. With restrictions loosening at the border, the North Country is looking to welcome back more of our neighbors to the north, but we also briefly discuss helping our buzzing friends right in our own backyards.

Episode 69: Press-Republican Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio, Night Editor Ben Rowe and reporter Cara Chapman are back on the mic this week talking about the latest COVID-19 news, some fresh windows at Plattsburgh City Hall, and reviewing two of the biggest movies out right now.

Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio is on the mend after a recent slip, but he still managed to get on the mic to join Night Editor Ben Rowe and special guest Staff Writer Carly Newton for this week's episode as we talk about the fun and laughs of St. Patrick's Day and the not-so-fun news of high gas prices.

Episode 66: Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio, Night Editor Ben Rowe and Staff Writer Cara Chapman are back and what a week it's been. From the State of the Union in Washington, to the State of the County, City and Town, to the state of the "Batman" franchise, the trio discusses it all.

Episode 66: Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio and Night Editor Ben Rowe are still in a sports-filled mood after the Super Bowl last Sunday, but there's plenty of other big new breaking this week. From law enforcement shake-ups, to the Hunter Church sub, we break it all down in this week's episode of the Press Pass Podcast.

Episode 65: Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio, Night Editor Ben Rowe and Staff Writer Cara Chapman are back and it's Super Bowl weekend! Along with sharing who they're rooting for, they talk about the recent Tannen-BOOM bonfire, COVID-19 updates and future flights at Plattsburgh International Airport.