Top Stories from NCPR

A nasty bug called the emerald ash borer is spreading. Experts say it’s almost certain to infest and kill our ash trees, which account for about 10% of all the trees in New York state, in some places up to 25%. We’re talking millions of trees. The beetle still hasn't invaded the North Country, yet.

The state is one step closer to having ride-hailing services available before the Fourth of July, now that the state Senate has passed a bill to speed up when companies like Uber and Lyft will be allowed to operate outside of New York City.When state lawmakers agreed to allow the companies to operate in upstate New York and on Long Island as part of the budget, they thought that they would pass the legislation by April 1, the start of the new fiscal year.

Hiking season is here. But state conservation officials are warning hikers away from trails above 3,000 feet until early June, when muddy trail conditions are expected to improve. Not to worry. The Adirondack Park also offers a lot of rolling hills - miles and miles of trail that wander over relatively flat terrain through forests and bogs.

New York Senator Charles Schumer is demanding the White House release transcripts of President Trump's meeting last week with top Russian officials. President Trump has confirmed that he disclosed "facts" to the Russians during their Oval Office visit. Numerous news organizations have reported that the information was highly classified.

A professional women’s organization in the North Country wants local women to step up into community leadership roles.

The Crane School of Music's Latin Ensemble has become a musical treasure in the North Country - playing smoking Latin jazz around Potsdam that gets everyone out on the dance floor.It's an ever rotating roster of students. This year's group had the opportunity this spring to travel to the heartland of where the music they play comes from — Cuba.

It's a tumultuous, confusing and often jarring time in American politics. Is it tumultuous enough that Rep. Elise Stefanik might be vulnerable in 2018?

The leader of the Senate Independent Democratic Conference for the first time publicly answered questions from the media about news stories that some of his members received stipends for committee chair positions that they do not actually hold.Sen. Jeff Klein defended the practice, while the leader of the Senate Democrats is calling for an investigation.

There are calls for a criminal investigation of some questionable stipend payments to some New York state senators. One of the senators who received those payments is giving it back, while another is calling the controversy a “witch hunt.”

An in-depth look at Elise Stefanik's statements on Medicaid, pre-existing conditions, and how the Republican bill will affect access to care.