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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Legislative health committee chairs seek more privacy protections for contact tracing
June 17, 2020 04:00 - 4 minutes - 2.02 MB(Jun 17, 2020) The chairs of the state legislative health committees are proposing a bill that would help protect the privacy of New Yorkers who give personal information to coronavirus contact tracers.
Last three North Country counties enter Phase 3; hospitalizations, deaths hit new lows
June 17, 2020 04:00 - 1 minute - 707 KB(Jun 17, 2020) The Capitol Region, which includes Washington, Warren and Saratoga Counties, can start Phase 3 of re-opening today.
Isolation feeds uptick in Jefferson County overdoses
June 17, 2020 04:00 - 1 minute - 490 KB(Jun 17, 2020) Jefferson County’s Health Department shared some grim numbers yesterday: 21 people in the county are known to have overdosed from drugs just this month—and 4 of those overdoses were in the same 24 hours. Since January, 13 people in Jefferson county have died from overdoses.
When live theater moves from stage to computer screen
June 17, 2020 04:00 - 5 minutes - 2.56 MB(Jun 17, 2020) A Jefferson County improv theatre troupe known for its series of murder mystery productions has moved from in-person performances to the virtual world. "The Butler Did It Players" formed four years ago, and up until the coronavirus pandemic, was performing "who-dunnit" plays in Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Lewis and Oswego counties. But, as co-founder Tanya Roy, explains, until public venues open up again, the company is using social media platforms, like Zoom.
How one North Country church is approaching their re-opening
June 17, 2020 04:00 - 4 minutes - 2.15 MB(Jun 17, 2020) This past weekend, a number of churches in the North Country opened back up to 25% capacity. Many others stayed closed, or are taking more time to plan their re-openings. In Fowler, a community just outside Gouverneur, the Fowler Baptist Church has been physically meeting, depending on the current rules, for over a month.
Report finds higher than normal salt levels in Saranac Lake drinking water
June 17, 2020 04:00 - 30 seconds - 244 KB(Jun 17, 2020) The drinking water in Saranac Lake has higher than normal levels of salt in it.
Why do journalists use passive voice covering protests and police? And why we should avoid it
June 16, 2020 04:00 - 4 minutes - 2.02 MB(Jun 16, 2020) A big, important idea we learn as journalists: write in active voice. Somebody did something. Verbs are important. Subjects are important. Avoid vague forces and things somehow happening. "A black man died in police custody." "A white police officer killed a black man." These are the kind of sentences we're reading, and as journalists, writing, a lot these days as we cover protests against police violence, and systemic racism, and incidents of police violence.
North Country graduating seniors: Chloe Beehm on the world she wants to live in
June 16, 2020 04:00 - 3 minutes - 1.83 MB(Jun 16, 2020) Chloe Beehm is 18, and a graduating senior at Lowville Academy, which has a graduating class of 99 students. She’s gone there since kindergarten; her mother is a first grade teacher there. She says it's been a strange couple of months - this isn’t exactly how she imagined her senior spring.
Statue of slave-owning Revolutionary general likely to stay in Albany
June 15, 2020 04:00 - 2 minutes - 1.18 MB(Jun 15, 2020) The mayor of Schuylervile says he's offered to rehouse the statue of Philip Schuyler at the general's historic home.
No overnight camps this summer, says NYS health commissioner
June 15, 2020 04:00 - 49 seconds - 389 KB(Jun 15, 2020)
Cuomo signs bills and ups the stakes for police reform
June 15, 2020 04:00 - 2 minutes - 1.35 MB(Jun 15, 2020) Governor Andrew Cuomo signed several police reform measures into law last week and says he’ll withhold state funding from local police departments if they do not submit proof that they have worked with their communities to reconfigure their forces.
Cuomo OKs youth sports beginning July 6 for regions in Phase 3
June 15, 2020 04:00 - 1 minute - 861 KB(Jun 15, 2020)
The North Country enters Phase 3 today
June 12, 2020 04:00 - 1 minute - 855 KB(Jun 12, 2020) Governor Cuomo announced yesterday that the North Country can head into Phase 3 of re-opening, as of today. Central New York, Mohawk Valley, Finger Lakes, and the Southern Tier are also approved to enter the next phase.
With movie theaters still closed, New York's drive-ins fill the entertainment gap
June 12, 2020 04:00 - 5 minutes - 2.31 MB(Jun 12, 2020) If you want to go see a movie this summer, it’s probably going to have to be outside. For now, drive-in theaters across New York are the only game in town until movie theaters are allowed to reopen in a few more weeks. Fortunately for the North Country, there are several drive-ins to choose from. NCPR visited one near Watertown to see how it’s adapting to the new coronavirus reality.
SUNY Canton student's offbeat approach to mixing science and music
June 12, 2020 04:00 - 8 minutes - 3.85 MB(Jun 12, 2020) Like many other musicians, Noah King says he creates music to reflect his surroundings and the people he knows. Growing up in Tupper Lake, King says he's always enjoyed nature and hiking in the Adirondacks. He's in his early 20s and recently finished his first year studying engineering science at SUNY Canton.
This weekend in the Adirondacks, 6/12/20
June 12, 2020 04:00 - 2 minutes - 1020 KB(Jun 12, 2020) The weather has been cooperating with those who like outdoor adventure. Aside from the chance of a little localized rain in the afternoons, this weekend is shaping up to be pleasant, if perhaps a little cooler. We’ll see some temperatures on summits in the 30s - tonight and into tomorrow morning.
Early voting for June 23 NY primary begins Saturday
June 12, 2020 04:00 - 36 seconds - 292 KB(Jun 12, 2020) Early voting starts tomorrow ahead of New York’s primary election for state and local offices. New Yorkers will also cast their ballots in the Democratic presidential primary after a court reinstated the election last month.
Assemblyman Jones, Democrat and former corrections officer, thinks through NY police reform
June 12, 2020 04:00 - 3 minutes - 1.43 MB(Jun 12, 2020) In the wake of sweeping police reforms passed by the state legislature this week, we’re checking in with our North Country lawmakers on how they voted. Assemblyman D. Billy Jones is a Democrat from Chateaugay who represents Clinton and Franklin Counties, and parts of St. Lawrence County. He’s also a former corrections officer.
"Couch potato" bass evolving in response to human predation
June 11, 2020 04:00 - 5 minutes - 2.32 MB(Jun 11, 2020) The pressure to keep billions of humans fed can have a transformative impact on amimal populations. Overharvesting that targets the largest animals can result in reduction of the average size of species, as seen in Caribbean conch snails. And sport-fishing pressure on large mouth bass can winnow out the most agressive in the gene pool, resulting in a "lazier," more passive remnant population. Martha Foley and Curt Stager talk about the human factor in animal evolution.
Sen. Little votes against repealing 50-a; for independent investigator of police misconduct
June 11, 2020 04:00 - 2 minutes - 1.21 MB(Jun 11, 2020)
NYS Senate approves new APA members
June 11, 2020 04:00 - 38 seconds - 304 KB(Jun 11, 2020) The Adirondack Park Agency officially has four new board members. The APA shapes environmental policy in the six million-acre state park. Yesterday the state senate approved Governor Cuomo’s nominations to the board.
Cuomo: “we all have a role to play” to reopen safely
June 11, 2020 04:00 - 1 minute - 488 KB(Jun 11, 2020) Governor Andrew Cuomo says New York has entered a new phase of the coronavirus pandemic. At his daily briefing yesterday at LaGuardia airport in New York City, Cuomo said the state is past fighting against the coronavirus day-to-day and is into a full reopening of the economy. He said everyone has a role to play.
It's invasive species awareness week. Here's how you can do your part
June 11, 2020 04:00 - 3 minutes - 1.54 MB(Jun 11, 2020) This week is invasive species awareness week in New York. The Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program is hosting online trainings to help people identify and survey invasive species in the North Country.
As reform bills pass, Senate Leader tells story of life affected by racism
June 11, 2020 04:00 - 3 minutes - 1.59 MB(Jun 11, 2020) The New York State legislature Wednesday wrapped up passage of a package of bills on police reform, as the Senate Leader delivered a very personal speech on how systemic racism has affected her life.
U.S. and Canada likely to keep border closed into July
June 11, 2020 04:00 - 1 minute - 532 KB(Jun 11, 2020) Restrictions on travel across the U.S.-Canada border will likely be extended beyond June. Emma Jacobs has more on reports the two countries are nearing an agreement to prolong the border measures.
Lawmakers repeal 50-a, used to shield police disciplinary reports
June 10, 2020 04:00 - 4 minutes - 2.18 MB(Jun 10, 2020) The New York Assembly and Senate approved the repeal of a measure that’s been used to shield police disciplinary records from the public. But opponents, including police unions and some Republican Senators, says it unfairly singles out officers for scrutiny that other public servants don’t face.
Cuomo calls for structural change and the re-imagining of policing in the wake of the Floyd killing
June 10, 2020 04:00 - 1 minute - 598 KB(Jun 10, 2020)
Most rape kits from sexual assaults go untested in New York
June 10, 2020 04:00 - 1 minute - 572 KB(Jun 10, 2020) Police in New York failed to process nearly 90 percent of rape kits performed on alleged victims of sexual assault over the last six months. That’s because the lab is backlogged and still processing kits from three years ago.
Former North Country Congressman Bill Owens endorses Cobb for NY-21
June 10, 2020 04:00 - 35 seconds - 285 KB(Jun 10, 2020) Former North Country Congressman Bill Owens has endorsed fellow Democrat Tedra Cobb for Congress. Owens works as an attorney in Plattsburgh and represented the North Country from 2009 to 2015.
North Country colleges face money woes in wake of COVID-19
June 10, 2020 04:00 - 4 minutes - 1.9 MB(Jun 10, 2020) The North Country’s colleges and universities are facing an unprecedented time of uncertainty. They’ve lost millions of dollars because of the coronavirus pandemic. And fall classes are still up in the air. On a conference call organized by Congresswoman Elise Stefanik last month, school leaders talked about the hurdles they’re facing as they make plans to reopen their campuses.
After 100 days, NY not out of the woods, but getting there
June 09, 2020 04:00 - 1 minute - 543 KB(Jun 9, 2020) It’s been 100 days since the first coronavirus case was confirmed in New York State. The infection and death rates are dropping and at his daily briefing on Monday, Governor Cuomo applauded New Yorkers for their response to the pandemic.
Four new members nominated to the Adirondack Park Agency board
June 09, 2020 04:00 - 1 minute - 783 KB(Jun 9, 2020) Governor Andrew Cuomo yesterday nominated four new board members to the Adirondack Park Agency. The Agency has been operating with several vacant seats including its chair.
How Roxham Road asylum seekers have fared in Canada
June 09, 2020 04:00 - 5 minutes - 2.55 MB(Jun 9, 2020)
Lawmakers begin passing police accountability package
June 09, 2020 04:00 - 4 minutes - 1.91 MB(Jun 9, 2020) The New York State Legislature met in session at the state Capitol Monday, to begin work on a package of bills aimed at reforming the police. Governor Andrew Cuomo has promised to sign them. If approved, New York would be the first state to act on police reforms since the death of George Floyd, an African American man in Minneapolis, during an incident with police two weeks ago.
LPCA reopens Gallery 46 in Lake Placid
June 09, 2020 04:00 - 4 minutes - 2.21 MB(Jun 9, 2020) Many arts organizations are coping with COVID-19 by canceling live performances and exhibit openings this summer. But there are glimmers of hope. The Lake Placid Center for the Arts has reopened its Gallery 46 on Main Street in Lake Placid.
The long road beyond Roxham for asylum seekers in Canada
June 09, 2020 04:00 - 5 minutes - 2.55 MB(Jun 9, 2020)
Americans can visit family in Canada - but they'll have to quarantine for two weeks
June 09, 2020 04:00 - 1 minute - 715 KB(Jun 9, 2020) Canada will allow people in the U.S. to visit their immediate family members or spouses. But they’ll have to self-quarantine for two weeks once they arrive in Canada.
Covering NYC street protests - can they spark lasting reforms?
June 08, 2020 04:00 - 4 minutes - 2.21 MB(Jun 8, 2020) Brian Mann has been in New York City over the last week covering protests sparked by George Floyd’s death. He’s back in the North Country now. He talks with Monica Sandreczki.
Protests continue throughout the North Country, Cuomo urges testing for participants
June 08, 2020 04:00 - 1 minute - 779 KB(Jun 8, 2020) Thousands of people in the North Country haven taken to the streets over the last week to protest police brutality and demand justice for George Floyd.
DOL: Unemployment claims in the North Country up nearly 800% from last year
June 08, 2020 04:00 - 1 minute - 685 KB(Jun 8, 2020) New numbers out from the New York Department of Labor give a clearer picture of how many people have filed for unemployment across the state since the coronavirus pandemic hit.
NY high schools can host small, outdoor graduations beginning June 26
June 08, 2020 04:00 - 28 seconds - 228 KB(Jun 8, 2020) High Schools across New York State can host graduation ceremonies beginning on June 26. Governor Andrew Cuomo made the announcement at his daily briefing on Sunday.
NYS Legislature takes up police conduct reform package
June 08, 2020 04:00 - 1 minute - 630 KB(Jun 8, 2020) The New York State Senate and Assembly is due to meet in Albany Monday to discuss a package of bills aimed at curbing police abuses. Karen DeWitt reports.
This weekend in the Adirondacks, 6/5/20
June 05, 2020 04:00 - 2 minutes - 2.22 MB(Jun 5, 2020) Although nights will continue to be chilly, dipping into the 40s Saturday night, it will be generally pleasant, with the notable exception of the possibility of some rain on Saturday, and possibly a thunderstorm Saturday afternoon.
Cuomo advises protesters: get a COVID-19 test
June 05, 2020 04:00 - 58 seconds - 460 KB(Jun 5, 2020) Governor Andrew Cuomo is urging the thousands of New Yorkers who are participating in social justice protests to get tested for COVID -19, to help prevent another potential outbreak of the virus.
North Country (back) at work: Plattsburgh's Greek Aleka's Restaurant opens outdoor seating
June 05, 2020 04:00 - 2 minutes - 1.28 MB(Jun 5, 2020) Outdoor dining was able to re-open in the North Country yesterday, subject to safety rules, like spacing tables six feet apart. But the news only came Wednesday night, and businesses have been scrambling to get set up. Aleka's Restaurant, owned and operated by Peter Kritziotis, opened it's street-side dining on Thursday night. Aleka’s initially closed down in March. They received a PPP grant, which Peter says allowed him to re-hire his staff back - they’ve been open for takeo...
Audio Postcard: Exploring the bank of the Boreas River
June 05, 2020 04:00 - 3 minutes - 1.55 MB(Jun 5, 2020) State officials are urging hikers to avoid the High Peaks right now. Hiking through mud can damage the trails and delicate ecosystems and it can be dangerous. So Emily Russell sent a postcard from a hike south of the High Peaks, out to the bank of the Boreas River in the central Adirondacks.
"Not just brush it under the table": Potsdam's Black Lives Matter organizer on changing systemic racism
June 05, 2020 04:00 - 2 minutes - 1.15 MB(Jun 5, 2020) Potsdam was the site of one of the North Country’s largest demonstrations protesting the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. On Monday, hundreds of people marched through downtown Potsdam. The organizer is a Jennifer Baxtron, a 46 year old woman who moved to the North Country in 2012 from Syracuse, with her teenage son.
Canton church bells ring in memory of George Floyd
June 05, 2020 04:00 - 54 seconds - 427 KB(Jun 5, 2020) Yesterday at noontime in Canton, St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church and other faith communities chimed the bells in their church towers every nine seconds for nine minutes, in remembrance of George Floyd to mark a time of mediation and prayer.
School budget votes take place amid uncertainty
June 05, 2020 04:00 - 3 minutes - 1.81 MB(Jun 5, 2020)
Warren County leaders express support for peaceful march today in Glens Falls
June 05, 2020 04:00 - 1 minute - 929 KB(Jun 5, 2020) Today a march for Black Lives Matter is planned in Glens Falls to honor George Floyd, and other African-American people who died at the hands of police or from hate crimes. Warren County released a statement yesterday, in support of a peaceful protest.