r e g i o n a l n e w s
NCPR News Staff: Kate O'Connell
Reporter, The Innovation Trail
Stories filed by Kate O'Connell
The recovery bill from Hurricane Sandy is still being added up. Photo: Office of Gov. Cuomo
Weather disasters on the rise and taxpayers are getting the bill
May 23, 2013 — The impact and severity of weather events like the tornado that hit Oklahoma City are increasing due to a changing global climate, according to research from the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC).
And more of the related economic burden is being carried by taxpayers. In 2012, federal spending directed toward disaster response for storms, wild fires, floods and drought reached nearly $100 billion, the NRDC report says, beating out funding for education and transport. Go to full article
And more of the related economic burden is being carried by taxpayers. In 2012, federal spending directed toward disaster response for storms, wild fires, floods and drought reached nearly $100 billion, the NRDC report says, beating out funding for education and transport. Go to full article
Apples at the Rochester Public Market. Photo by Kate O'Connell
Fighting fire blight in NY's apple orchards
May 22, 2013 — Agriculture is one of the most dynamic and innovative economic sectors in New York state. All this week, the Innovation Trail team is reporting on some of the current challenges and opportunities facing upstate farmers.
In this story: New York's the second biggest apple producing state in the country. But, last year production dropped dramatically due to a warmer winter, early blooms, and harsh spring frosts. But weather isn't the only challenge growers are contending with Go to full article
In this story: New York's the second biggest apple producing state in the country. But, last year production dropped dramatically due to a warmer winter, early blooms, and harsh spring frosts. But weather isn't the only challenge growers are contending with Go to full article
Photo: ragingwire, Creative Commons, some rights reserved
How NYS casino development could affect New Yorkers' health
May 14, 2013 — Governor Andrew Cuomo has outlined plans to expand organized gaming in the state, arguing the addition of three casinos in upstate New York would bring substantial economic benefits to the region.
"We have gaming. The question really is, should we recognize the reality of our situation, and fully participate in casinos and gaming, and actually regulate it intelligently and tie it into our overall tourism efforts."
But, casino development has other implications including, as researchers have discovered, a significant impact on health. Go to full article
"We have gaming. The question really is, should we recognize the reality of our situation, and fully participate in casinos and gaming, and actually regulate it intelligently and tie it into our overall tourism efforts."
But, casino development has other implications including, as researchers have discovered, a significant impact on health. Go to full article
Photo: jfcherry, Creative Commons, some rights reserved
NY closer to online patient access
May 08, 2013 — The state is one step closer to giving patients access to their medical information online. The e-Health Collaborative has announced nine finalists in their competition to design an online patient portal. Go to full article
Syracuse-area job losses. Infographic: Brookings Institution report
Most upstate cities losing jobs
May 07, 2013 — There's been a steady flow of jobs away from America's city downtowns for the first decade of this century. Some of upstate New York's cities are bucking the trend, but not all. Go to full article
Harbor at Picton, Ontario. Photo: Shreyans Bhansali, Creative Commons, some rights reserved
New water levels plan controversial for Canada, NNY harbors
May 01, 2013 — The water levels in Lake Ontario have a significant impact on the economic and environmental viability of harbors in upstate New York and Canada. As a result, a proposed plan to change the management of those water levels has raised some concerns in waterfront communities. Go to full article
Merlin interacts with online users through games to learn how people see birds.
Cornell project uses artificial intelligence to ID birds
Apr 11, 2013 — More than one in five Americans engage in bird watching. Now, researchers at Cornell University are making it easier to identify different species with an artificial intelligence program called Merlin. Go to full article
Image: Veronica200626 via WXXI
Will the US follow Canada's entrepreneur visa lead?
Apr 08, 2013 — Canada is aiming to woo bright young entrepreneurs with a startup visa program. The scheme offers immediate permanent residence to foreign nationals who are able to secure business funding from Canadian investors. But, there are mixed feelings in the US about the benefits of following suit.
Introduced on April 1, the pilot program will have an initial annual allotment of almost 3,000 visas for entrepreneurs who secure at least $200,000 from Canadian venture capital funds or $75,000 from a private investor. Go to full article
Introduced on April 1, the pilot program will have an initial annual allotment of almost 3,000 visas for entrepreneurs who secure at least $200,000 from Canadian venture capital funds or $75,000 from a private investor. Go to full article
High tech advocates plan "march" for immigration reform
Mar 26, 2013 — The technology industry is using social media to create a "virtual march" on Washington. The March for Innovation, launched by the Partnership for a New Economy, is lobbying for immigration reform, putting pressure on Congress to provide more visas for high-skilled workers and entrepreneurs.
But the strategy has its skeptics. Go to full article
But the strategy has its skeptics. Go to full article
Photo: Kate O'Connell
Can an old coal plant adapt to the new energy market?
Dunkirk, NY, Mar 21, 2013 — This week, reporters from the Innovation Trail are taking a look at the pieces of New York State's complex energy puzzle.
The Cuomo administration laid out its agenda to address future energy requirements. The blueprint focuses on clean technology, the smart grid, and new sources of alternative energy.
But New York's home to some of the oldest power generating facilities in the U.S., including coal fired plants.
Stricter emissions regulations introduced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the availability of cheap natural gas are combining to make times tough for coal-fired plants. Go to full article
The Cuomo administration laid out its agenda to address future energy requirements. The blueprint focuses on clean technology, the smart grid, and new sources of alternative energy.
But New York's home to some of the oldest power generating facilities in the U.S., including coal fired plants.
Stricter emissions regulations introduced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the availability of cheap natural gas are combining to make times tough for coal-fired plants. Go to full article
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St. Lawrence University, Canton,
New York 13617 • phone: 1-877-388-6277 • email
radio@ncpr.orgNCPR is a proud affiliate of:
NPR • American Public Media • Public Radio International
