Saranac Lake, NY, Jul 03, 2009 — On this first Independence Day of the Obama years, liberals may be feeling a sense of pride and triumph. A lot has changed since a year ago, and most of the changes are to their liking. But commentator Paul Willcott, a self-described "big government, tax-and-spend liberal" wants more: from the right, the left, and the in-between. Paul Willcott divides his time between new York City and Saranac lake.  Go to full article

Pierrepont Manor, NY, Jun 02, 2009 — Congressman John McHugh will need Senate approval before taking over as Secretary of the Army. The North Country Republican has been a passionate supporter of the military during his nine terms in Washington. As Brian Mann reports, McHugh has taken nuanced -- and sometimes conflicted -- positions on defense policy.  Go to full article

Mar 04, 2009 — The Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River contain one-fifth of the world's fresh surface water, 90% of the fresh surface water in the U.S. But they've been battered by industrial pollution, farm and road runoff, and invasive species. The 185 foreign species in the Lakes and River cause billions of dollars in damage to the region's economy every year. After years of neglect by Washington, the Obama Administration is making a multi-billion dollar commitment to the cleaning up the Great Lakes. Environmentalists believe they have a big ally. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Plattsburgh, NY, Mar 03, 2009 — In the coming weeks, political leaders in Albany and Washington will be hammering out details of the massive stimulus plan. Here in New York, various interest groups and various regions are lining up to try to win a share of that money. Garry Douglas, head of the Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce, has emerged as one of the most influential dealmakers in New York state. Douglas spoke in-depth about the stimulus and its impact on the North Country with Brian Mann.  Go to full article

Feb 20, 2009 — Plenty of smiles on Parliament Hill yesterday as a crowd of several thousand anticipated President Obama's motorcade.
After passing what she described as "effusively friendly" friendly security checkpoints, Lucy Martin joined Obama fans and the few protesters who mingled on the snow-covered lawn, in a sort of group love-in.  Go to full article

Feb 20, 2009 — President Barack Obama wowed the crowds in Ottawa yesterday, even though few people got to see him. During his six hours in the Canadian capital, Obama had a closed-door working meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper. He waved for a few seconds to a couple thousand people gathered in front of Parliament. And he made an unannounced visit to the Byward market to grab a "beaver tail". Obama and Harper held a joint press conference. David Sommerstein took advantage of the world's longest skating rink, the Ottawa skating canal, to get to there, and has our story.  Go to full article

Feb 16, 2009 — Many Canadians were pleased when newly-inaugurated President Barack Obama announced his first foreign visit would bring him to Ottawa, on February 19th. Right now the economy is the main concern on both sides of the border. With one-tenth the population of the U.S., Canada shed 129,000 jobs in January alone. And figures for December show Canada recording its first trade deficit in over 30 years. Trade and border concerns will top a host of pressing issues when Prime Minister Stephen Harper hosts Obama's quick visit this Thursday. Ottawa correspondent Lucy Martin took a quick survey of expectations on the street.  Go to full article

Jan 22, 2009 — President Barack Obama wove references about the environment throughout his inaugural address. Lester Graham reports that approach differs from politics as usual.  Go to full article

Jan 21, 2009 — About thirty people gathered to watch the inauguration on a giant screen yesterday at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts. Brian Mann was there and sends this story.  Go to full article

Jan 21, 2009 — Governor Paterson was in Washington for the Inauguration. He spoke with reporters about the historic nature of yesterday's Inaugural and that of past presidents. Martha Foley has more.  Go to full article