Northern Light

After a public meeting yesterday on the future of psychiatric centers in New York State, St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center in Ogdensburg awaits its fate. In Essex County, more FEMA buyout funds are on the way for homeowners impacted by 2011's Tropical Storm Irene. A New York DA says Assemblyman Vito Lopez' conduct is "alarming", but it's not a crime. Heard up North: Another flea market opens in Canton. And on Natural Selections, continental drift.

Remembering NCPR jazz host and producer Louis Cook, who died this week. The Maple Ridge wind farm has been a windfall for communities in Lewis County

Why doesn't the North Country talk more about prisons when we talk about our economy? In Albany, lawmakers carry on in spite of the ongoing ethics scandal. The North Country breathes a sigh of relief as the US Government says it won't pursue a border crossing fee from Canada. How casino development could affect our state's health. Vermont lawmakers pass end of life legislation. Betsy Kepes reviews the new book "Peak Experiences," on mountain climbing in the Northeast. And on Story Traveler, Aesop's fables.

David Sommerstein explores the boom in North Country wines, and does a bit of tasting. The Adirondack Park Agency will hear from the public on how to classify its newly-acquired land. The Vito Lopez ethics report may be released this month. Talking about what freedom means at John Brown Day. And all about seeds with horticulturalist Amy Ivy.

EJ Noble Hospital is closing its rural clinic in the Adirondack village of Harrisville, but care continues. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo details his plans for upstate casinos. Heard Up North: A "Gentleman's runabout" in the Thousand Islands. Brian Mann and Todd Moe report on a new choral piece celebrating the 150th anniversary of Emancipation; it's a part of the John Brown Day events happening this weekend. Adirondack weekend conditions; and a special birthday surprise for Todd.

A new Vermont law will grant driver's licenses to migrant workers. Nine more New York senators are named for possible corruption. Essex County's new rules on bar closing times raise questions on safety, religion. North Country Community College reaches a deal with its faculty union. Canals in the state expect a 20-year high in commercial traffic. A new children's book by Canton writer Mary Sue Seymour includes illustrations by a young artist from Ogdensburg: Todd Moe talks with the author and the artist. And on Natural Selections: Spiders and the webs they weave.

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand looks for food stamps, milk price reform in the new Farm Bill. A proposed plan to turn Lake Placid Hospital's ER into an urgent care center draws criticism. A dispute over public access overshadows a hearing on NYS campaign finance. Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy, U.S. Rep. Bill Owens oppose a proposed US-Canada border fee. Essex County OKs an earlier closing time for bars. New York is a step closer to online access to medical records for patients. Bill Bowers presents mime and monologue in Lake Placid, and on Story Traveler: Aesop's Fables.

After a rough year, Gouverneur's EJ Noble Hospital is back open for business, but still lacking in patients. Yet another NYS legislator, Brooklyn Sen. John Sampson, is arrested on corruption charges. US Sen. Chuck Schumer says if there's a new East Coast missile defense site, it should be in New York. The Vermont legislature deals with some major issues as it winds down its session, including end-of-life choices, legalized marijuana, and driver's licenses for migrant workers. A new report finds most upstate cities are losing jobs to the suburbs. And on Adirondack Attic, Why an old concrete block from Mineville is important.

Fort Drum soldiers are told to expect frequent deployments "'til the end" in Afganistan. David Sommerstein looks at New York state's new environmental regulations for dairys and asks whether they'll make a difference. Why there's a burn ban in place for the next week. NYS Sen. Dean Skelos on public campaign financing in New York state and the lessons learned from the quick passage of the state's new gun law. US Sen. Charles Schumer wants to block 3D-printed plastic guns. The National Wildlife Federation expands its challenge to new invasive rules. A Jefferson County dairy is expanding, thanks to a power upgrade grant from National Grid. Kim and Reggis Harris bring their music and stories of the Underground Railroad in civil rights movement to Saranac Lake. And in the garden, shaping up perennials.

A new state audit says St. Lawrence County is "walking a financial tightrope." Can the North Country make nursing homes work? St. Lawrence County's ban on smoking on county property starts Saturday. New York's second-highest court upholds local fracking bans. New York counties push a "no new mandates" law. Crossing borders to create a small-town Orthodoxy. And Adirondack weekend conditions.