Northern Light

New York state looks to auction off 11 prisons, including two in the North Country. Longtime editor and co-publisher John Johnson, Jr., steps down from the Watertown Daily Times. The Reproductive Health Act appears stalled in the New York State Senate. Upstate New York may be home to a big new computer plant. A preview of "Remembering the Fallen" in Watertown. And on Natural Selections: Porcupines.

An Adirondack town tries the "white space" approach to broadband. New York considers an early voting system. Ogdensburg leaders speak out for psych center. NY state overtime costs up 11 percent. Lisa Vroman returns to her roots, sharing some musical inspiration.

The Watertown Community comes out to support Fort Drum as the Army plans reorganization, cuts. Will New York Gov. Cuomo drop an abortion rights bill and campaign finance reform from his agenda in the face of Republican opposition? A Washington County dairy family switches to hops. And on this week's gardening conversation with horticulturalist Amy Ivy, keeping up with asparagus.

A century later, an African-American baseball hero gets his due. Sarah Harris reports on an officer-involved shooting in Winooski, VT. US Rep. Bill Owens is upset by inaction on background check bill. Will Gov. Andrew Cuomo tap Indian Lake for a promised Adirondack Challenge? Why US Rep. Bill Owens is returning $75,000 to US Treasury. Gov. Cuomo pushes for local goverment's restructuring board. North Country and Vermont reps say a Canada to US entrance fee is a "bad idea". We check in with musician Christopher Battles. And our weekly report on Adirondack weekend conditions.

Father and daughter Fort Drum soldiers will deploy together to Afghanistan. A new emergency tower plan for the Adirondacks worries bird experts, who say it might impact the rare Bicknell's Thrush. More Albany scandal, hydrofracking edition, as opponents charge potential conflict of interest with a New York state consultant. The "Go digital or go dark" campaign looks to help small theaters struggling in the digital age. A preview of the Orchestra of Northern NY's Spring Concert. And on Natural Selections: Passenger Pigeons.

Government and non-profit groups join forces to stop human trafficking in North Country. Adirondack Energy will pay $112,000 to prevent underground leaks at the gas stations it owns. A Lake Placid run honors Boston. New York state confirms a big expansion of the Adirondack forest preserve. Fracking overshadows other issues on New York state's Earth Day lobby day. And author TC Boyle returns to Potsdam for a reading at SUNY Potsdam's Lougheed Festival of the Arts.

Canada disrupts a "major terror plot" supported by Al Qaeda. Elmira thinks twice about its fracking boom. Hydrofracking is a top concern at New York State's Earth Day lobbying day. Corruption is still Albany's topic A. And a preview of St. Lawrence University's production of the Vagina Monologues.

In a month of scandals, is it time for reform at the state Board of Elections? A sex abuse charge rocks US speedskating. And in our weekly gardening conversation, bringing Earth Day back home.

Amish farmers make an unusual partnership with dairy giant Agri-Mark. "Milk Not Jails" moves for the upstate economy to invest in dairy, not corrections. Sen. Charles Schumer says a new bipartisan immigration deal will help dairy farmers and immigrant workers. A new poll finds New Yorkers want more action against corruption. BP will push forward with its Cape Vincent wind power project, although it's put its entire renewables division up for sale. And on Natural Selections: unusual pollinators.

Will the Greek yogurt boom help dairy farmers? Why some North Country parents want their kids to boycott New York state's standardized tests. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Assembly Democrats roll out some reform ideas. And the St. Lawrence University Wind Ensemble brings together campus and community.