Nov 12, 2008 — North Country Public Radio is airing a new series of interviews called "A Fresh Start." We've asked some of the country's most compelling thinkers to make recommendations for president-elect Barack Obama. One of the thorniest issues facing American society is religious faith. Our nation is a tapestry of different religions and different churches. Episcopal priest and activist George Nagle from Saranac Lake says he thinks religion can play a healthier role in our political debates. Father Nagle told Brian Mann that the faith community should urge Barack Obama to think about a different slate of top issues.  Go to full article

Jan 18, 2008 — The spring semester starts Monday on many college campuses across the region. It's also Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a national holiday. Across the country, millions will honor King's legacy by taking part in a variety of community service projects and remembrances. St. Lawrence University will hold a day-long "teach-in" that will include music, films, lectures and a special evening service in the chapel. Todd Moe has more.  Go to full article

Sep 27, 2006 — The Rev. William Sinkford, preseident of the Untarian-Universalist Association, brought a message of pluralism, tolerance and justice to Canton this week. He spoke with Martha Foley.  Go to full article

Dec 27, 2005 — Commentator Betsy Kepes and her family are taking a year off from their regular jobs in northern New York. They're traveling and doing volunteer work. Their first adventure brought them to the Deep South.  Go to full article

Dec 12, 2005 — Like many rural regions across the U.S., the north country has far fewer African Americans and Hispanics than the national average. This week the Plattsburgh Press Republican is examining the issue of race as it affects our schools. The paper's reporters found that many of the region's kids have little opportunity to interact with racial minorities. The lack of experience may leave some children unprepared for the complex diversity that defines American life. Brian Mann spoke with reporter Ned Rauch.  Go to full article

May 03, 2005 — The U.S. Border Patrol has dramatically increased the use of road checkpoints inside the U.S.- Canada border. One on the Adirondack Northway grabbed headlines last year after 4 people died and more than 50 were seriously injured in accidents there. But there are also dozens of border patrol checkpoints on smaller roads across the North Country. The Border Patrol says they're a critical second line of defense for stopping terrorism. But some citizens and civil liberties groups say they're an invasion of privacy and may not be very effective. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Apr 20, 2004 — Hate speech and hate crimes are on the rise on college campuses across the country. St. Lawrence University is coping with several recent cases of violence, threats of violence, and discrimination. The incidents range from racial and homophobic slurs to a phoned death threat and a physical assault on a campus running trail. As David Sommerstein reports, the incidents have sparked a debate over how to confront a very persistent problem.  Go to full article

Apr 20, 2004 — David Sommerstein talked with St. Lawrence University students outside the student center to learn how they see discriminatory harassment issues on campus.  Go to full article

Feb 10, 2003 — Race, class and gender are the focus of an annual magazine being produced by a few students at SUNY Potsdam. Jody Tosti met with the woman who's putting the publication together.  Go to full article

Jul 29, 2002 — Intense weather played a huge role in Sunday's Lake Placid Ironman. Top finishers Heather Fuhr and Ryan Bolton negotiated a slick bike course to win the event. As Brian Mann reports, the big obstacle for many racers was the muggy heat--and a powerful late-nite thunderstorm:

Locals Fare Well:

A total of fifty-five north country athletes competed in this year's Lake Placid Ironman. Jackie Hatherly, who moved to Lake Placid a year ago, took third place in the women's competition. Amy Farrell, from Ray Brook, finished fifth. The St. Lawrence graduate raced as an ironman pro for the first time. Nick Fitzsimmons, from Ausable Forks, finished in 29th place, with the region's top time--just under ten hours. Finally, Lake Placid's Charles Cowan won the 50-54 year old age group. Cowan--who's fifty--topped ninety other runners to finish in ten hours and seven minutes.  Go to full article