Northern Light

Marital fidelity is a sensitive subject for many in the military. Relationships are stressed by distance, frequent moves and the dangers of war. Gen. David Petraeus's admission that he had an extramarital affair has led some Fort Drum families to reflect on the difficulties of keeping their personal relationships whole - and their image among a public that often doesn't understand their culture.The Obama administration is giving states an extra month to decide if they plan to create their own health care exchanges, the core of the new federal health care law. States were initially supposed to decide by last Friday. In states that don't do it themselves, the federal government plans to create exchanges. The deadline isn't an issue in New York.Food is on many a mind as Thanksgiving approaches. Of course, there will be potatoes, squash, and green beans for the big meal. But what about something different? An investment banker and securities broker from Saranac Lake has been barred from the securities industry for defrauding his customers out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.The weather is still just fine for lots of outdoor chores. You could still sneak in a little window-washing, or move a few more piles of brush and leaves.

One day after saying they could not "speculate" on when a key health review on hydrofracking in New York would commence, the New York State Department of Health has now announced three university experts have been chosen and will review the data.If lawmakers in Washington need a lesson in bipartisanship, they might consider consulting with Ray and Matt Scollin, a father and son from Saranac Lake who worked for opposing political parties throughout the recent election.A Senate Democrat wants breakaway senators to get back in line and stop siding with Republicans. Kodak has launched a free "app" to help photography enthusiasts in the U.S and Europe work more easily with film.An exhibition of one of America's most famous 20th century artists, and an Adirondack farmer, is on display through mid-December at St. Lawrence University: 'Rockwell Kent: The Once Most Popular American Artist' is on display. And weekend conditions in the Adirondacks.

About fifty parents and others concerned about the Canton Central Schools gathered Wednesday night, to discuss how to avoid another devastating year of state funding cuts. Former Governor George Pataki says cutting taxes and reducing the size of government would help spur New York's economy, which he believes is still recovering too slowly. New York State is facing a Nov. 29 deadline to write rules for the controversial gas drilling method hydraulic fracturing. Clifton-Fine, a tiny hospital in the northwest Adirondacks, is searching for a larger hospital in the region to partner with, in hopes of gaining financial strength and better services.On Natural Selections: Three things about squids.And Robin and Linda Williams will bring their band and some music from their new album, 'These Old Dark Hills', to the Adirondacks this weekend with a concert at Pendragon Theater in Saranac Lake on Sunday night at 7:00. The audio for this story incorrectly states the concert time as 8 pm. NCPR regrets the error.

Veterans say they're worried that their wartime experience is actually making it harder for them to find good, stable jobs as they face discrimination from some employers. A Franklin County man has been arrested in connection with a racially charged incident that happened outside of a Saranac Lake bar late last month.Climate change may lead to a much warmer New York. Head Up North: Snow Geese crowd the skies. SUNY Canton will host Chicago writer Adam Levin on Wednesday night as part of their "Living Writers Reading Series." And Community Performance Series in Potsdam is asking patrons to donate favorite books from every genre as part of their Meets the Arts series this year.

This morning, Brian Mann begins a special series looking at the efforts of young American veterans to climb the economic ladder. Social work programs in upstate New York are trying to improve rural services for veterans and their families. People who live in Watertown's north side community are raising concerns over pollution surrounding the New York Air Brake industrial site, which was cleaned up beginning in the 1990s. The New York Thruway Authority has postponed a meeting scheduled for Friday, Nov. 9, and rescheduled it for Tuesday, Nov.13.Martha Foley talks with horticulturist Amy Ivy about the up-and-down, see-saw weather and its affect on the garden. And Connie Meng talks about the World Premiere of "thirsty" by Dionne Brand, which is running in the Studio at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa through November 17.

Governor Andrew Cuomo discusses the crushing cost of Hurricane Sandy. North Country Hurricane Sandy responders were not able to vote because they were helping with relief efforts.State Senator Betty Little ran unopposed this week and will once again represent a big chunk of the North Country in the state legislature, but she returns to office in a changed political landscape. Essex County looks at options for a long-term budget fix.Robin Collen, a Potsdam woman, traveled to a small village in France to retrace her father's footsteps during World War Two. And weekend conditions in the Adirondacks.

Control of the State Senate is still up in the air, and could be for weeks. A family of five statisticians has written a new text book. "Trash Can Frisbee," or "KanJam," used to be considered just a waste of time, but now, it's considered a sport.On Natural Selections: Why the sky is blue? Community Performance Series will host the CALEFAX Reed Quintet on Sunday night at 7:30pm in the Hosmer Concert Hall at SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music. And Todd Moe talks with Hillary Oak, director of the St. Lawrence County Arts Council, about this weekend's 25th annual Artists' Studio Tour.

Democratic New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand won a landslide victory over Republican Wendy Long on Tuesday.Also on Tuesday night, Democrat Bill Owens survived one of the most costly and bitter political campaigns in North Country history. Jefferson County businessman Matt Doheny lost a second straight close election to Congressman Bill Owens.NCPR's Martha Foley speaks with reporter Brian Mann about the election overall. Republican Janet Duprey swept the 115th Assembly race last night, beating back Conservative challenger Karen Bisso and Democrat Tim Carpenter. Democrats retained their supermajority in the New York Assembly, but it could be weeks until it's decided which party is going to control the state Senate. Incumbent Republican state Senator Patty Ritchie easily won reelection in the 48th district. Long time Republican Assembly member Marc Butler won the newly drawn 118th district.One of the most hotly contested local races in the North Country yesterday was in the Saranac Lake area, where two political veterans battled for the position for town of Harrietstown supervisor. On Adirondack Attic: Andy Flynn visits the Adirondack Museum for a closer look at Native American artifacts. And Quilts of all sizes and designs are on display this month at the 26th annual Quilts Unlimited show in Old Forge.

The latest report from the independent campaign watchdog group Open Secrets shows that Republican Matt Doheny has drawn huge support from outside groups hoping to influence the 21st District Congressional race. On Friday, we looked at the business record of Matt Doheny, the Republican from Watertown; this morning, Brian Mann profiles Plattsburgh Democrat Bill Owens. Green Party candidate Don Hassig throws support to Congressman Owens on Election Day. Tuesday's election will determine State Senate.The race for state Senate in the 48th district - which includes Jefferson, Oswego and St. Lawrence counties - pits incumbent Republican Patty Ritchie against underdog Democrat Amy Tresidder. Super PAC money may influence Vermont elections. Martha Foley talks with Brian Mann and David Sommerstein about the races, and how tomorrow's vote could shape the region's political landscape in a reporter's roundtable. Martha Foley talks with horticulturist Amy Ivy about fall bulbs. And Connie Meng reviews "Fly Me to the Moon", a production that is running at the Great Canadian Theatre Company in Ottawa through November 18.

As fire and rescue crews downstate grow weary from the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, teams from the North Country are beginning to rotate into the storm damaged area. We look at Republican NY21 Congressional candidate Matt Doheny's background in business. Candidates take to the streets, going door-to-door to make their final pitches to voters. North Country residents with family and friends in the greater New York City area reach out to their loved ones in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.The Burlington vocal ensemble Social Band is out with a new recording entitled "Those Stars". And weekend conditions in the Adirondacks.