Hartford, CT, Jul 28, 2009 — This morning we begin a series about how the down economy is changing the dynamics of land preservation.

States are facing tough decisions about where to invest their shrinking budgets. In most cases protecting open space is not at the top of the list. It's also putting pressure on developers and landowners facing budget problems of their own. The consequence, in some places, is a drop in land prices.

As part of a collaboration with Northeast stations, Nancy Cohen of WNPR in Hartford, Connecticut reports there are new opportunities to preserve land and curb development. (Tomorrow, Brian Mann reports tight state budgets are putting the squeeze on land conservation by green groups.)  Go to full article

Saranac Lake, NY, Jun 25, 2009 — This morning we continue our series "A Year of Hard Choices." Last year, the North Country lost more than 1700 jobs, according to the New York Department of Labor. The national headlines these days are full of lay-offs, bankruptcies and government bail-outs. But down in the trenches of America's struggling economy, thousands of entrepreneurs are opening new businesses, rolling out new products and even hiring new workers. Brian Mann has our profile of four people in this region who decided to take the plunge.  Go to full article

Glens Falls, NY, May 28, 2009 — In our series, A Year of Hard Choices, we've been reporting on the current economic downturn and how it's affecting the choices people in the North Country are making. With household budgets under pressure, these are already tough times for restaurants. Rick Davidson is co-owner of Davidson Brothers Brew Pub and Restaurant in Glens Falls. He says new fees and taxes meant to close government budget gaps are making things tighter. New York increased its excise tax on beer and wine--not much, he says, but it all adds up for businesses like his.

North Country Assemblywoman Addie Russell is circulating a petition to repeal the "floor tax." Russell says petitions are going out to local restaurants, breweries, wineries and liquor stores. There's also a digital version on the assemblywoman's web site.

Davidson tells Jonathan Brown that since May 1, restaurants, wineries, liquor stores and distributors are all paying 11 cents more for each gallon of wine, and three cents more for each gallon of beer they sell.  Go to full article

Massena, NY, May 27, 2009 — Another blow for the reeling community of Massena. After years of work and planning, the village is giving up on its bid to build a $25-million community center. Massena...  Go to full article

Potsdam, NY, May 12, 2009 — President Barack Obama meets today with business executives to talk to them about the high price of health care. In a meeting at the White House yesterday, representatives of...  Go to full article

Watertown, NY, May 06, 2009 — Two year ago, the North Country was one of the most profitable regions in the country to milk cows. A new report in Farm Futures magazine ranks Jefferson, Lewis, and St....  Go to full article

Massena, NY, Apr 20, 2009 — If you want to put your finger on the pulse of the economy, talk to a trucker. Tomorrow's products are hauled in today's 18-wheelers. And many are nearly empty. In our...  Go to full article