Aug 24, 2007 — A chance encounter by two filmmakers in a refugee camp in Guinea, West Africa brings us our next story. Zach Niles and Banker White met the Sierra Leone Refugee All-Stars in 2002. They documented the story of survivors of the deadly civil war in Sierra Leone who played music to pass the time in the refugee camp. The resulting film made the festival circuit. It snowballed into a POV documentary on PBS, an appearance on Oprah Winfrey, and a record contract for the band. The Sierra Leone Refugee All-Stars' second U.S. tour makes a stop Sunday night in Burlington at the Higher Ground Concert Hall. David Sommerstein spoke with the group's founder.

**Tune in to the Beat Authority from 3-4:45 pm today for a chance to win a pair of tickets to the concert**  Go to full article

Jul 13, 2007 — By next April, the House of Representatives wants all American troops out of Iraq except for a limited residual force. The Democratic-led House passed the measure soon after gatting an interim report on Iraq that shows only spotty military and political progress. The North Country's Democratic congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand voted yesterday with the majority to withdraw American troops from Iraq. Martha Foley reports.  Go to full article

Mar 14, 2007 — As the the fourth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq approaches, a community forum was held at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Canton to explore a question on the minds of most Americans, regardless of political stripe: "Where to from here?" Panelists included Karl Schonberg and Assis Malaquias, both on the faculty of St. Lawrence University, Dan Bradburd of Clarkson University, and Capt. Jim Wilkes (ret.) of Angel Tracks, a support organization for returning soldiers and their families. The discussion was moderated by NCPR's news director Martha Foley, and was followed by audience Q & A.  Go to full article

Feb 22, 2007 — There has been poetry of war through all of history, celebrating glory, valor and conquest, sanctifying the sacrificed. But as modern warfare has become more mechanized and indiscriminate, modern poets have increasingly turned their pens toward themes of peace. At St. Lawrence University, poets, readers and listeners--both town and gown--gather monthly before a fireplace in huge overstuffed chairs to share their own work--or anything else that has caught their ear. While some in February's gathering touched on the politics of the current war, Dale Hobson was struck by how broad the landscape of peace becomes, when filtered through poetic imagination. The next Poetry for Peace reading takes place March 7, at 4:30 pm, in the Winston Room of the Student Center at St. Lawrence University.  Go to full article

Feb 16, 2007 — Another North Country Congressman, Democrat Michael Arcuri, voiced his support for the non-binding resolution that praises U.S. troops but rebukes President Bush's handling of the Iraq war. Martha Foley has more.  Go to full article

Feb 16, 2007 — Complete audio of Rep. Michael Arcuri's floor speech (2/15/07) in the debate of a nonbinding resolution opposing the administration plan for a 21,500 troop increase in US forces in Iraq.  Go to full article

Feb 15, 2007 — Debate continues in the House over a non-binding resolution that supports American troops in Iraq but condemns President Bush's plan to add 20,000 additional combat soldiers. On Wednesday, Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand joined the debate. Martha Foley reports.  Go to full article

Feb 15, 2007 — Complete audio of Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand's floor speech (2/14/07) in the debate of a nonbinding resolution opposing the administration plan for a 21,500 troop increase in US forces in Iraq. Speech from Rep. Arcuri will follow.  Go to full article

Feb 14, 2007 — Yesterday, the House of Representative began three days of debate over the war in Iraq. Democratic leaders introduced a non-binding resolution that expresses support for American troops. But the statement also condemns President Bush's plan send another 20,000 combat soldiers to fight in Bagdad and Anbar province. North Country Congressman John McHugh is a Republican and a member of the Armed Services Committee. Speaking on the House floor last night, McHugh attacked the Democratic resolution and helped to lead the Republican opposition. Brian Mann reports.  Go to full article

Feb 14, 2007 — Complete audio of Rep. John McHugh's floor speech (2/13/07) in the debate of a nonbinding resolution opposing the administration plan for a 21,500 troop increase in US forces in Iraq. Speeches from Rep. Arcuri and Gillibrand will follow.  Go to full article