(Jul 7, 2020) Sometimes achieving a dream can take a long time. That was true for David Lee Belding.

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker issued a report Monday on the likely cause of deaths from COVID-19 in New York’s nursing homes that he said shows the virus came in through infected staff, not through hospital readmissions.

There's been a significant uptick in new coronavirus cases here in the North Country.

Over the last few days St. Lawrence County is reporting eight active cases, Herkimer County is reporting four new cases, while there are three new cases in Essex, Clinton, and Jefferson Counties.

Since last week, eight people in Warren County have tested positive for COVID-19. Emily Russell spoke with Warren County's director of Public Affairs Don Lehman about the uptick in cases.

While many residential summer camps have closed for this summer - they include Massawepie Scout Camp in Tupper Lake, and Camp Overlook in Malone - some are still opening as family lodging.

People who receive food stamps have seen a big boost during the pandemic. In the last stimulus bill, Congress increased benefits by $15 billion. But those increased benefits ran out in June. Now, Congress is weighing whether to increase money for food stamps in the next stimulus package, expected this month.

Tonight at 8 pm, 1A makes its debut on North Country Public Radio. Produced by NPR and WAMU in Washington, 1A explores important issues such as policy, politics, technology, and what connects us across the fissures that divide the country. But new host Jenn White says it's not all serious - they'll make room for some fun, too.

The weather is looking nice after some scattered showers this evening, though be aware that we could see afternoon thunderstorms Saturday and Sunday as well.