We've been looking at how conservative media is treating major issues, from healthcare to the investigation of Russian meddling in last year's presidential campaign. These days there are often stark differences in the way Americans, including people right here in the North Country, see and experience the same events. One of the thinkers grappling with this complicated reality is Arlie Russell Hochschild, a sociologist at the University of California Berkeley. She spent five years in rural Louisiana researching a book about conservative culture called "Strangers In Their Own Land: Anger And Mourning on the American Right."We spoke with Hochschild about her book and her experiences.

June 27: Little Italy's first day in Canton. The official grand opening isn't for a few weeks, but the restaurant is already packed with customers. Around us everything is in motion: employees twist garlic knots, chat with customers, and open and close the doors to the large pizza oven. The lighting is soft, the walls exposed brick.

The Republican drive to repeal "Obamacare" took a huge blow last night, with a 51-49 Senate vote rejecting the so-called �skinny bill�, a measure to roll back parts of the Affordable Care Act without any replacement strategy.At the end of a night of high suspense in the U.S. Capitol, it was unclear if Republicans can advance any health bill despite seven years of promises to repeal Obama's signature legislation.Senate Majority Leader Mitch Connell said, "This is clearly a disappointing moment." He also said after the early Friday vote: "I regret that our efforts were not enough, this time."Planned Parenthood leaders in New York are keeping a close eye on the Republican led Congress�s actions. The say in all the GOP versions so far, their health care centers faced drastic reductions.

Plattsburgh's Common Council has voted to adopt Mayor Colin Read's plan to abolish the city's human resources, information technology, engineering, and recreation departments. That puts four city managers out of a job at the year's end. Their departments will be absorbed into other city services.

The company that's restoring an iconic Saranac Lake hotel has dropped its lawsuit against local officials over a potentially competing hotel.Roedel Companies, which owns the Hotel Saranac, isn't saying why it discontinued the litigation. The case surrounded the village Planning Board's approval of the controversial Lake Flower Resort and Spa.

It remains a busy time in the Adirondacks. Trailhead parking areas and popular campsites fill early, especially in the High Peaks. For the next several weeks, consider visiting less popular areas of the Adirondack Park.

City officials in Ogdensburg have spent the last few years looking for a cheaper way to run their government. But after raising taxes and trying to trim the city payroll, those officials are out of ideas. Now, they're asking for some outside help.

After years of museum and exhibit design work with his wife, Kevan Moss, artist Stephen Horne says he's finally getting back to what he really loves - painting. He recently completed work on a new studio space at their woodsy home just north of Paul Smiths, and that's where you'll find him most days, if he's not out for a hike or swim in a nearby pond.

Another candidate has filed paperwork to run against Congresswoman Elise Stefanik in 2018 and this time, it's someone from Stefanik's own party.

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-Willsboro) is pushing back against President Donald Trump's sudden announcement via tweet Wednesday morning to ban transgender people from serving in the military.