Get your daily dose of what's happening in New York's North Country, the Adirondacks, Vermont, Canada, and beyond. Host David Sommerstein presents the best stories from North Country Public Radio's award-winning newsroom. You'll hear the most interesting voices on the most important issues in the region. There's even a micro-newscast to keep you up to date. When you miss
(May 9, 2025) Volunteerism is down across the country, yet volunteers still play crucial roles in North Country communities. As we launch a series spotlighting the region's volunteers, we hear about some of the people our listeners told us to profile. Also: Federal cuts in President Trump's so-called "skinny budget" could eliminate popular North Country programs, including rural air service and heating assistance.
(May 8, 2025) Second homes and short-term rentals have gobbled up much of the available housing in the Adirondacks, leaving year-round families with few options. One couple is rehabbing homes specifically as long-term rentals for local Adirondackers. Also: A conversation with the chairman of New York's Republican Party, which is gearing up for a big election cycle in 2026.
(May 7, 2025) Some Akwesasne Mohawk students at SUNY Canton have been working on a project they hope makes campus more welcoming for Native Americans. It's been working, and they celebrated with an indigenous-themed trivia night. Also: The property in Massena left behind by General Motors has won a national recognition that could help it find a new manufacturer.
(May 6, 2025) What does welcoming and belonging mean for different people across the Adirondacks? NCPR and Adirondack Explorer asked that question to people at listening sessions this spring in North Creek, Old Forge, and Tupper Lake. We report back on what people said. Also: Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul are already trading barbs in what could be next year's race for governor.
This episode covers a lawsuit against Trump's wind energy policy, the Real ID deadline, and features a story about Sticky's Weed Farm, a cannabis microbusiness in the Champlain Valley run by a young couple. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of growing cannabis in New York after legalization and reflect on their journey in the emerging industry.
This episode discusses the remarkable comeback of lake trout in Lake Champlain, detailing the efforts to combat pollution, overfishing, and invasive species. It also covers Fort Drum's economic impact on the North Country and the controversy surrounding Kehlani's canceled concert at Cornell University. The episode highlights the successful restoration efforts and ongoing monitoring to ensure the trout population's sustainability.
(May 1, 2025) If you want to hike to Indian Head or climb Gothics or Upper Wolfjaw, you'll need to have a reservation starting today. The DEC says the system at the Adirondack Mountain Reserve is now permanent after a few years of evaluation. Also: Spring turkey hunting season and fishing for several cool water fish kick off today.
This episode explores the lives and behaviors of black bears in the Adirondacks, featuring an interview with a DEC biologist. Topics include bear safety through the BearWise campaign, successful strategies for reducing human-bear conflict in the High Peaks region, and ongoing mysteries surrounding bear physiology and habits, especially during hibernation.
(Apr 29, 2025) It's been more than two decades since a Republican won statewide office in New York. With Congresswoman Elise Stefanik said to be considering a run for governor, we talk with a political science professor about her chances. Also: Gov. Hochul and New York state lawmakers have struck a tentative budget deal. We sort through what's in and what's out.
This episode explores the factors behind the boom and bust of New York's prison system, including the state's prison building strategy in the 1980s and 90s. It discusses the negligible economic impact of prisons on rural communities and the consequences of closing prisons after promising economic benefits. The episode also touches on the recent prison strike and the cyclical pattern of worsening conditions for correctional officers.
(Apr 25, 2025) Farms are getting busy as the temperatures warm and the Earth springs back to life. On sheep farms, it's lambing season, a time of rebirth and hope and tiny cute baby lambs. as Also: Glens Falls basketball star Jimmer Fredette announced his retirement from the sport this week.
This episode discusses New York State's lawsuit against the Trump administration over tariff policies, focusing on the potential impact on businesses. It also covers the proposed settlement of a decades-old Mohawk land claim, and opposition to higher education funding freezes. The report details how tariffs could raise prices for consumers on goods ranging from clothing to fireworks and affect NY businesses.
(Apr 23, 2025) The Upstate New York dairy industry is getting a historic jolt. Chobani is building a massive new yogurt plant outside Rome that will increase demand for farmers' milk. Also: St. Lawrence County could join a regional police team that responds to high-risk situations.
This episode explores the aftermath of a Drag Queen Story Hour controversy that led to the closure of the Lake Luzerne Library. It details the efforts of new board members and staff to rebuild the library's reputation and restore its role as a community hub. The episode also covers a political rally concerning potential Medicaid cuts and their impact on local communities.
This episode covers two main stories: anti-Trump rallies in the North Country, where protesters voiced concerns about democracy and social services, and the potential revival of the Constitution natural gas pipeline due to President Trump's interest. Environmental advocates are prepared to fight the pipeline again, despite previously halting its construction.
(Apr 18, 2025) Every Thursday, there are free archery lessons at the Saranac Lake Fish and Game Club. Our Adirondack reporter Emily Russell takes up a bow and aims for the mark. Also: Federal immigration agents detained at least twelve people at a chick hatchery in Jefferson County.
This episode covers several local news stories, including a review of the correctional system's culture after an inmate's death, Clinton Community College's move to SUNY Plattsburgh, and a couple's revival of a restaurant in Tupper Lake. It also includes a segment on NCPR's spring fundraiser and the importance of listener support.
(Apr 16, 2025) New York's prison system still has a severe staffing shortage after a wildcat strike earlier this year. A breakdown of how the state is planning to fill those positions. Also: New York State lawmakers have reached a tentative deal on a key issue holding up the state budget - the rules of discovery in court.
(Apr 15, 2025) We meet the woman behind the new transmitter map that's on the new NCPR tote bag available during our spring fundraiser. Nancy Bernstein's maps have become iconic in the Adirondacks in places like Adirondack Explorer magazine. Also: A student at SUNY Plattsburgh has had their student visa revoked by the federal government.
(Apr 14, 2025) The state budget is two weeks late. Gov. Hochul says she's willing to wait to get a change she says will help prosecutors better charge criminals in court. Also: Two of the North Country's state lawmakers are sponsoring a bill that would allow fired COs to return to work.
(Apr 11, 2025) The diner is a classic slice of Americana. Everyone has their favorite, maybe even their favorite booth. We hear from a woman who grew up in her family's diner as a child in the quaint village of Croghan. Also: A St. Lawrence County dairy farmer is still actively campaigning for Congress in NY-21. Democrat Blake Gendebien says he thinks it's possible Congresswoman Elise Stefanik could resign before the mid-terms next year, setting off a special election.
(Apr 10, 2025) President Donald Trump has said in no uncertain terms that he wants to eliminate the federal Department of Education. Our education reporter Amy Feiereisel looks at what that could mean for North Country school districts. Also: State education officials are pushing back on the Trump administration's demand for an end to DEI programming in public schools.
(Apr 9, 2025) Former Governor Andrew Cuomo is trying to return to politics by entering the New York City mayoral race. While supporters say he did a lot for the state, critics say he didn’t take it well when they openly disagreed with him. Also: Trump cuts to a federal agency that supports libraries and museums could trickle down to those institutions in the North Country.
(Apr 8, 2025) One of the challenges the Adirondacks face in drawing more diverse tourists to stay, shop, and visit here is that some people of color don't feel safe recreating outdoors. A Rochester-based woman is working to show her community that they can belong in the Adirondacks. Also: Gov. Hochul says the family detained on a Jefferson County dairy farm and sent to Texas were in "a living hell". But now they're back home after federal immigration officials released them.
(Apr 7, 2025) About a thousand people protested in Sackets Harbor over the weekend after a mother and three children were detained on a local dairy farm. Today, federal immigration officials confirmed they were sending the family home from Texas. Also: A popular Medicaid program could get a pause in a reorganization that worried people with disabilities.
(Apr 4, 2025) This week marked one year since the death of one of the Adirondacks' most respected and skilled forest rangers. About 100 people gathered in Ray Brook Monday on Trans Day of Visibility to remember ranger Robbi Mecus. Also: Two workers were detained at a dairy farm in St. Lawrence County last week as federal immigration agents continue their crackdown across New York.
(Apr 3, 2025) The detention of seven employees from a Jefferson County dairy farm is sending a chill through the dairy community. We talk with farmers and ag experts about the Trump Administration's immigration crackdown and the farmers' need for legal, year-round workers. Also: Border Czar shed some new light and raised new questions about those detentions in a local interview.
(Apr 2, 2025) The community of Sackets Harbor is calling for the return of three children who were detained during a dairy farm investigation by federal immigration officials last week. The school superintendent says the loss has left the school feeling sad, powerless, and confused. Also: People's reactions are mixed to the news that Elise Stefanik will remain the North Country's Congresswoman instead of going to the United Nations.
(Apr 1, 2025) Today marks the start of New York state's fiscal year, and a state budget agreement is nowhere to be found. The holdups aren't so much about money and numbers but about policy issues. Our Albany reporters break down the debate. Also: Anglers in the Catskills celebrated the first day of fly fishing season with a ceremonial first cast today.
(Mar 31, 2025) Even though the corrections officers' wildcat strike is over, New York's prison system is mired in crisis over staffing shortages and violence against inmates. As Gov. Hochul considers closing five more prisons in the next year, we take a step back and look at the prison industry in the North Country over the decades.
