Top Stories from NCPR
1,050 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 12 ratingsNCPR provides locally-produced news stories from around the Adirondack and North Country regions of New York State, as well as Western Vermont, and Ontario and Quebec in Canada. 010329
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Shrinking Senate GOP conference could be even smaller
December 11, 2019 05:00 - 3 minutes - 1.77 MB(Dec 11, 2019) The declining New York State Senate Republican conference could get even smaller after three Senators announced that they are not running for re-election in 2020. More exits are expected in the coming weeks.
As impeachment vote nears, Stefanik ramps up national defense of Trump
December 10, 2019 05:00 - 6 minutes - 3.07 MB(Dec 10, 2019) Democrats issued formal articles of impeachment against President Trump this morning. North Country Congresswoman Elise Stefanik continues to play a national role defending the President against allegations that he used his power to target a political rival. Stefanik, a Republican, portrays the impeachment inquiry as a partisan attack designed to overturn the 2016 election. She has continued to use the controversy in her fundraising appeals.
Senate Leader cool to taxing the wealthy to close deficit
December 10, 2019 05:00 - 3 minutes - 1.75 MB(Dec 10, 2019)
More daylight follows the darkest nights of the year
December 10, 2019 05:00 - 6 minutes - 2.8 MB(Dec 10, 2019) The longest night of the year, the winter solstice, is approaching on the 21st, but after that daylight will slowly begin to lengthen. Look for Venus next to Saturn in the western sky after sunset. The moon is waxing toward full on Thursday. The winter constellation of Orion is in view. In the morning sky Mars and Mercury are up before the sun.
Sen. Gillibrand holds hearing on higher suicide rates among veterans, active-duty military
December 09, 2019 05:00 - 4 minutes - 1.85 MB(Dec 9, 2019) The rate of death by suicide has increased about 30 percent in the last twenty years. It’s high for veterans and active military, too. On Wednesday, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) convened the Senate Armed Services subcommittee on personnel.
Climate protesters in Plattsburgh demand action from Rep. Stefanik
December 09, 2019 05:00 - 2 minutes - 1.35 MB(Dec 9, 2019) About a hundred people marched through downtown Plattsburgh to Congresswoman Elise Stefanik’s office last week. They were demanding that Rep. Stefanik take action to combat climate change.
Bread Time Stories: Who will bake the bread?
December 09, 2019 05:00 - 4 minutes - 2.07 MB(Dec 9, 2019) We kick off our occasional holiday series, "Bread Time Stories," with a tale from William Matson, who grew up in Norwood, in St. Lawrence County. He shares the story of three generations of bread bakers. His grandmother and mother were well-known in the community for baking bread for family and neighbors during hard times.
Army recruitment today is less "Be all you can be" and more "Call of Duty"
December 09, 2019 05:00 - 3 minutes - 1.82 MB(Dec 9, 2019)
This weekend in the Adirondacks, 12/6/19
December 06, 2019 05:00 - 2 minutes - 1.15 MB(Dec 6, 2019) There is about 4 to 6 inches of snow across most of the Adirondack Park, with deeper snows - about 6-10 inches at the highest elevations, and along much of the Southern Adirondacks from the Upper Hudson River, through the Sacandaga area, at Northville, at Inlet and Old Forge.
Supporters of bail reform, discovery law changes rebut backlash to new laws
December 06, 2019 05:00 - 3 minutes - 1.62 MB(Dec 6, 2019)
Reporter's notebook: Betty Little a conservative who built bridges
December 06, 2019 05:00 - 5 minutes - 2.42 MB(Dec 6, 2019) Little served during a North Country era defined in large part by powerful Republican women. She shaped the Adirondack Park for a quarter century.
"It's time"— After decades in office, Sen. Betty Little will retire in 2020
December 06, 2019 05:00 - 2 minutes - 1.35 MB(Dec 6, 2019) After nearly 25 years in the state legislature, Senator Betty Little is retiring. The Republican from Queensbury made the announcement on Thursday.
On the trail (again): the Green Party's Howie Hawkins is now running for President
December 05, 2019 05:00 - 1 minute - 678 KB(Dec 5, 2019) There are people who spend their lives either on the campaign trail or in office. They're career politicians. Howie Hawkins has spent decades of his life running for office without ever winning an election. And now, Hawkins has decided to aim for the White House.
Why does hair just keep growing?
December 05, 2019 05:00 - 5 minutes - 2.47 MB(Dec 5, 2019) Animals in the wild do not need haircuts; why do humans? And why just on the head?
To close state's budget deficit, raise taxes or cut spending?
December 05, 2019 05:00 - 4 minutes - 1.86 MB(Dec 5, 2019) New York state is facing the largest budget gap in several years. The $6-billion deficit is due largely to higher costs for Medicaid, the health care insurance program for low-income people.
IJC warns of shifting water levels between Ogdensburg and Massena
December 05, 2019 05:00 - 1 minute - 678 KB(Dec 5, 2019) Water regulators are telling residents along the St. Lawrence River between Ogdensburg and Massena to expect extreme high and low water levels this winter.
Buffalo bishop resigns over handling of clergy sex abuse, Albany bishop will be interim caretaker
December 05, 2019 05:00 - 1 minute - 480 KB(Dec 5, 2019) The Vatican has accepted the resignation of the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo. This comes nearly two years after the start of a major clergy sex abuse crisis. Yesterday, the diocese announced an interim leader at a press conference.
Chef Curtiss: A holiday dish packed with flavor and memories
December 04, 2019 05:00 - 7 minutes - 3.31 MB(Dec 4, 2019) Chef Curtiss Hemm joins us every month to share a favorite recipe for the season. This month, he's remembering Christmases past and his job as a chef at the Westport Yacht Club, where he was known for his frittatas. So, this month's dish is packed with great flavors and family memories.
IJC faces political pressure to prevent flooding next spring
December 04, 2019 05:00 - 3 minutes - 1.79 MB(Dec 4, 2019) Water regulators for Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River are under a lot of pressure this winter. After high water levels caused flooding - and hundreds of millions of dollars in damage from Buffalo to Massena - in 2017 and again last summer, the International Joint Commission is taking extraordinary measures to prevent another repeat.
Lack of key provision could sink new public campaign finance plan in court
December 04, 2019 05:00 - 3 minutes - 1.66 MB(Dec 4, 2019)
Jefferson County seeing opioid overdose data more clearly
December 03, 2019 05:00 - 3 minutes - 1.59 MB(Dec 3, 2019) Jefferson County is seeing an uptick in deaths due to opioid overdoses this year. It's also getting a clearer picture of how many people survive overdoses.
North Country at Work: Dwight Church, the North Country's first aerial photographer
December 03, 2019 05:00 - 5 minutes - 2.66 MB(Dec 3, 2019) In the 1930s, flying was reserved mostly for the birds in Canton. But for local photographer Dwight Church, an airplane was the perfect tool to get a picture no one else could.
Shifts in NY prison policy leave North Country prison towns in limbo
December 03, 2019 05:00 - 4 minutes - 2.08 MB(Dec 3, 2019)
"Push yourself," says Potsdam power lifter. After eight years of lifting, she's a world champion
December 02, 2019 05:00 - 5 minutes - 2.46 MB(Dec 2, 2019)
Potsdam student recognized in national NPR podcast challenge
December 02, 2019 05:00 - 6 minutes - 3.16 MB(Dec 2, 2019) Starting next month, NPR is launching its second annual student podcast challenge. It’s open to anyone in grades 5 through 12. 25,000 students competed in last year’s inaugural challenge. And a high school junior from Potsdam won “honorable mention.”
Midstation lodge burns at Adirondack Park's Whiteface Mountain
December 02, 2019 05:00 - 1 minute - 547 KB(Dec 2, 2019) A fire at Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington burned the popular mid-station lodge Saturday night. There were no injuries and state officials say the blaze won't affect the resort's ability to welcome skiers.
Rail-trail project moves forward again, with public hearings early next month
November 29, 2019 05:00 - 3 minutes - 1.76 MB(Nov 29, 2019) The Cuomo administration is once again moving forward with a plan to create a 34-mile rail-trail in the Adirondacks between Lake Placid and Tupper Lake.
Federal workers say their jobs were threatened after military service
November 29, 2019 05:00 - 4 minutes - 2.02 MB(Nov 29, 2019) Federal law protects the civilian jobs of National Guard and Reserve troops when they deploy. But federal employees allege the government itself doesn't always follow the law.
Thanksgiving: Elementary school librarian teaches what the textbooks don't
November 28, 2019 05:00 - 4 minutes - 2.06 MB(Nov 28, 2019) If you look at a public school textbook, chances are you won't see much written from Native American perspectives. As Thanksgiving approaches, librarian Amerique Wilson at Roberto Clemente Elementary School 8 in the Rochester City School District attempts to address that.
T is for turkey. . . and tryptophan
November 28, 2019 05:00 - 5 minutes - 2.37 MB(Nov 28, 2019) Martha Foley and Dr. Curt Stager talk about tryptophan, and why you may need a new excuse for falling asleep after a turkey dinner.
Rediscovering the "Corn People" of the St. Lawrence Valley
November 28, 2019 05:00 - 8 minutes - 3.92 MB(Nov 28, 2019) Five centuries ago, the St. Lawrence valley, from Watertown to Quebec City, was ruled by a culture that modern anthropologists call "the corn people." When the first French explorer Jacques Cartier arrived in 1534, he found bustling towns and well-ordered fields. A few decades later, when Samuel de Champlain reached the same area, the corn people were gone.
Late Night in Plattsburgh: Students talk politics and climate change
November 27, 2019 05:00 - 4 minutes - 1.98 MB(Nov 27, 2019) For a lot of young voters, climate change is a top priority. But because it’s so broad and abstract, it can feel like a tough issue to tackle. A few students at SUNY Plattsburgh took on that challenge. They’ve launched a podcast and a live talk show all about climate change and current events.
Therapists say new background checks are obstacles to getting their job done
November 27, 2019 05:00 - 1 minute - 748 KB(Nov 27, 2019) Early childhood therapists across New York are saying a new policy for background checks is preventing them from fulfilling legally-binding treatment plans.
Music for a cause: the Canton Goldenaires on Saturday night
November 27, 2019 05:00 - 2 minutes - 1.36 MB(Nov 27, 2019) The Canton Goldenaires Men’s Barbershop Chorus and Friends will perform this Saturday night at 7 pm at the Canton High School Auditorium. Joining the Goldenaires on stage will be the Canton middle school chorus, and Fortisimo, a women's quartet from Potsdam.
Bright, gaudy Holiday Train chugs through Champlain Valley today
November 27, 2019 05:00 - 2 minutes - 1.26 MB(Nov 27, 2019) This is the time of year when towns along the Champlain Valley light up with the annual Holiday Train. Canadian Pacific uses the Christmas tour to raise money and food for local pantries in the North Country.
UPDATE: Missing Chateaugay student found dead near his home
November 27, 2019 05:00 - 57 seconds - 454 KB(Nov 27, 2019) UPDATE: Tuesday Nov. 26 On Tuesday morning New York State Police found the body of John Sexton, 18, who was last seen near his home in Chateaugay on Nov. 10. Franklin County Coroner responded to the scene and authorized removal of Sexton's body to a hospital in Malone.
Glens Falls council to vote on new protest rules tonight
November 26, 2019 05:00 - 57 seconds - 453 KB(Nov 26, 2019) Glens Falls has spent the last two months writing and refining rules governing protests. Tonight, the city council votes on the final version of those rules.
North Country at Work: An early winter tale of working on Boldt Castle
November 26, 2019 05:00 - 3 minutes - 1.62 MB(Nov 26, 2019) Bob Vrooman’s work life has included everything from hospitality to preaching. But he says one of his most memorable jobs was working on Alexandria Bay’s Boldt Castle, the enormous stone mansion on Heart Island that serves as one of the 1000 Island’s biggest tourism destinations.
Public campaign finance commission plan condemned by state's minor political parties
November 26, 2019 05:00 - 4 minutes - 1.94 MB(Nov 26, 2019) The state’s public campaign finance commission voted on a package of bills that would enact a public matching donor program and put strict new limits on the abilities of minor parties to qualify to be on the ballot. The meeting was at times interrupted by protesters, who compared the commission’s’ actions to that of President Donald Trump, and some government reform groups say they can’t support the final product.
Landlords can't discriminate against renters paying with government assistance
November 25, 2019 05:00 - 2 minutes - 1010 KB(Nov 25, 2019) It’s illegal for landlords to turn down a tenant based on where they get their rent check, as long as it’s a legal source.
Senate Leader says commission should not change fusion voting
November 25, 2019 05:00 - 3 minutes - 1.5 MB(Nov 25, 2019) A commission designing a public campaign finance system for the state’s political races is poised to limit fusion voting, or the ability for candidates to run on multiple party lines. Now the leader of the State Senate, is saying that it would be better if the commission leaves it alone.
NY21: Stefanik, Cobb continue sparring on national stage
November 25, 2019 05:00 - 4 minutes - 2.01 MB(Nov 25, 2019) Public impeachment hearings wrapped up last week, but the political aftershocks continue here in the North Country. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik continues to draw praise and financial support from conservatives for her role defending President Trump. Her Democratic challenger, Tedra Cobb, has also seen her national profile soar.
More government officials raise Trump alarm, Stefanik says "no evidence"
November 22, 2019 05:00 - 4 minutes - 1.84 MB(Nov 22, 2019) Congresswoman Elise Stefanik raised her profile even further yesterday defending President Trump. She challenged witnesses during impeachment hearings and made an appearance on Sean Hannity’s highly rated program on Fox News. Stefanik once again showed little interest in testimony of government officials who said President Trump tried to involve Ukraine in America's domestic politics.
This weekend in the Adirondacks, 11/22/19
November 22, 2019 05:00 - 1 minute - 934 KB(Nov 22, 2019) We could see up to a few inches of fresh snow before Saturday morning. Trails will be icy in places and there will be about 4-8 inches of crusty snow across most of the Adirondacks, with deeper snows - about 6-8 inches, at higher elevations across the Central and Northern Adirondacks, including the High Peaks. Carrying snowshoes for use in places above about 2,500 feet is recommended, and all hikers should carry traction devices for use on icy trails and at water crossings.
Vermont's Congressman convinced of President Trump's guilt
November 22, 2019 05:00 - 5 minutes - 2.47 MB(Nov 22, 2019) North Country Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has emerged as one of President Trump’s fiercest defenders in the impeachment hearings on Capitol Hill. Across Lake Champlain, Vermont’s lone Congressman is one of Trump’s biggest critics.
After witness implicates Trump in "quid pro quo" Stefanik declares President innocent
November 21, 2019 05:00 - 2 minutes - 1.25 MB(Nov 21, 2019) Congresswoman Elise Stefanik once again played a pivotal role Wednesday defending President Trump against bombshell witness testimony from one of his political appointees Ambassador Gordon Sondland. Sondland detailed how the President made it clear U.S. support for Ukraine would be withheld until that country investigated one of his political rivals.
NY21: In second run at Stefanik, Cobb energized and flush with donations
November 21, 2019 05:00 - 4 minutes - 2.24 MB(Nov 21, 2019) Democrat Tedra Cobb is making her first big public campaign swing ahead of the 2020 election, now a year away. Her campaign has been energized, in part, by the impeachment debate with more than $1 million donated to her campaign over the last week. The Democrat is looking more experienced and confident in her second run against Stefanik.
SUNY Plattsburgh names Dr. Alexander Enyedi as new college president
November 21, 2019 05:00 - 59 seconds - 466 KB(Nov 21, 2019) SUNY Plattsburgh has named Dr. Alexander Enyedi as its new college president. Dr. Enyedi succeeds Dr. John Ettling, who retired earlier this year after 15 years leading the college.
Northern Flicker, the anteater of the woodpecker family
November 21, 2019 05:00 - 5 minutes - 2.45 MB(Nov 21, 2019) The Northern Flicker is one of the most recognizable birds. This distinctly-marked member of the woodpecker family, instead of browsing wood for their food like their relatives, digs for food in the ground. Martha Foley and Curt Stager explore its habits.