Top Stories from NCPR

This is the season for giving and getting holiday plants and indoor greenery. But what about recipients who don't have a "green thumb"?Cooperative Extension horticulturist Amy Ivy has some can't-fail gift ideas for the holidays, including floral arrangements and natural centerpieces that won't require care later this winter.

This holiday shopping season got off to a rocky start in Massena. A few weeks ago, the town learned that a major grocery store and one of the last department stores left in its St. Lawrence Centre mall would be shutting down.

Election Day was on November 7, but a town supervisor race near Plattsburgh is still ping-ponging back and forth.At first, Beekmantown appeared to choose the Republican candidate as its new supervisor. But some ballots were contested. Now the Democrat has won, and the Republican is appealing.

According to published reports, some of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's hiring practices are the subject of an FBI investigation.

Groups opposing the federal tax overhaul plan held a demonstration Friday at the State Capitol, chanting "kill the bill," and saying the measure is bad for New York and the nation.

Fresh snow has fallen throughout the region, and snow showers are expected to continue through the weekend, leaving deep snow in some lake effect areas in the western parts of the Adirondacks and at higher elevations. Plan for winter conditions and expect to encounter blow-down from recent high winds.

The Champlain Valley Voices Community Chorus, accompanied by a Baroque orchestra, will present the Christmas portion of Handel's "Messiah." The concert will be performed Saturday at 7:30 pm at Giltz Auditorium, SUNY Plattsburgh. Director Timothy Morningstar says "Messiah" is a favorite during the Christmas season for audiences and singers, too.

State officials unveiled new plans this week for the old Frontier Town theme park in North Hudson in Essex County. Governor Cuomo says he wants the site to serve as a gateway to the Adirondacks.

County leaders across New York are the latest to complain about the tax overhaul plan now being crafted in Congress. They predict higher taxes for many New Yorkers, declining home prices and slowed economic growth.

The official arm of the Mexican government in New York State is touring St. Lawrence County. Mexico's consulate wants to reach out to Mexican citizens across the North Country, including dairy farm workers without legal papers.