May 09, 2005 — The EPA is testing new ways to clean up toxic waste in the Grasse River this summer. Alcoa dumped PCBs downstream from Massena before the cancer-causing chemicals were banned in 1979. As David Sommerstein reports, an earlier attempt to cover up the contaminated river bottom failed.  Go to full article

Apr 14, 2005 — There's renewed debate over the future of the North Country's share of cheap electricity produced at the hydropower dam in Massena. The local Alcoa and General Motors plants currently use almost 500 megawatts at below market prices. That's more than the amount of electricity all the households in northern New York use. The agreement expires in 2013. Lawmakers want the industrial giants to extend their side of the deal and commit to providing jobs long term. But if Alcoa and General Motors were to close, people worry downstate interests could grab the cheap power. Two North Country lawmakers are writing bills to stop that from happening. But as David Sommerstein reports, they differ over how to do it.  Go to full article

Mar 24, 2005 — The public will get a chance to weigh in on how to use low-cost power generated at the hydroelectric dam on the St. Lawrence River. Assemblyman Darrel Aubertine will hold a town meeting at Massena High School on April 7th.  Go to full article

Aug 27, 2004 — Alcoa Metals will re-open several pot lines at its aluminum smelters in Massena. The company expects to hire 45 people over the next three months. Alcoa cited low short-term power costs and increased demand for the re-start.  Go to full article

Jul 30, 2004 — A St. Lawrence University professor is hosting a conference this weekend on the downside of the chemical fluoride. As David Sommerstein reports, Dr. Paul Connett led a successful anti-fluoridation fight in Canton last year.  Go to full article

Jul 14, 2004 — Two traditional industries in the North Country are sharing in the rebounding economy. The St. Lawrence Seaway posted a 12% boost in traffic in its first few months of the season. And Alcoa released a positive quarterly earnings report last week. But as David Sommerstein reports, it's unclear how the good economic news will affect the region.  Go to full article

May 21, 2004 — Alcoa Corporation in Massena is rehiring 60 people it laid off and creating 20 new jobs. The aluminum market is rebounding slowly. But as David Sommerstein reports, it may not be fast enough to make the new jobs permanent.  Go to full article

Jan 12, 2004 — The Aluminum Company of America is cutting more than a hundred jobs at its smelting plant in Massena. The decision announced late last week comes just after a one year reduction in power costs expires. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Apr 18, 2003 — Senator Chuck Schumer outlined his agenda of North Country issues in two appearances yesterday. New York's senior senator discussed a statewide snowmobile insurance plan in Brantingham in Lewis County. Then he met with local officials in Massena, where he pledged to aid the ailing dairy and aluminum industries. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Apr 17, 2003 — New York Senator Chuck Schumer begins a 2-day visit to the North Country this morning. Press Secretary Blake Zeff says the Senator begins his day in Brantingham in Lewis County to meet with local officials.  Go to full article