Top Stories from NCPR

Bitcoin mining is officially a big deal in the North Country. From Plattsburgh to Tupper Lake, Rouses Point to Massena, dozens of bitcoin mining companies are prospecting for the North Country's relatively cheap electricity. And they're promising hundreds of jobs.But why? What is bitcoin mining and why are high-tech companies wanting to set up shop here?Here are a few things to know about the emerging technology:

This familiar household "spider" is not a spider, but an ancient, near relative in the arachnid family.

Utility crews are still working to restore power to areas across New York state where high winds brought down tree limbs and power lines.

Two warring factions of Democrats in the state Senate are rejoining forces as pressure has mounted from the party's left-leaning base for a reunification.

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is in a very strong position seven months out from the mid-term election. But this week the Republican who represents the North Country 21st district faces what may be the first big test of this political season. Stefanik will meet in two open town hall-style meetings with voters, today in South Glens Falls in Saratoga County and tomorrow in Port Henry-Moriah in Essex County. This comes as Stefanik faces criticism that she's a Washington DC outsider who has avoided a public discussion with constituents.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo, seeking a third term in office, is facing challenges both from the left of his party and from a new Republican candidate. But the two candidates, Cynthia Nixon and Marc Molinaro, share a common theme - they say they are nicer than Cuomo.

The Hyde Collection in Glens Falls will open two exhibitions of Rockwell Kent's works in three mediums on Sunday, April 8. Back in the 1930s, Kent was a household name as an American artist, printmaker, sculptor, traveler and author. His social activism also garnered him a certain degree of political notoriety.

Another candidate has announced he will challenge Andrew Cuomo for governor. This time, it's Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro, who offered a political indictment of Cuomo's practices and temperament in office.

As chain grocery stores over the past half-century offered customers cheaper prices through their meat departments, small, independent butcher shops throughout the North Country closed their doors. Yet there's one butcher in Lake Placid who's trying to reverse that trend. Dave Walker, of Saranac Lake, has deep roots in the meat-cutting business, and he recently decided to go head to head with the big stores. He opened Walker's Neighborhood Butcher Shop last May.

Yup. If the snow is gone and the ground is fairly firm, we can get outside for some judicious yardwork now. Cooperative Extension's Amy Ivy spent Saturday raking. Gently.