Mar 12, 2009 — The North Country has managed to dodge the worst parts of the home-mortgage crisis that has devastated the country's economy. Foreclosures in this region haven't spiked as they have in other parts of the country. But some real estate experts say the souring economy and the growing number of lay-offs has begun to hit more homeowners. Brian Mann has our story.  Go to full article

Mar 09, 2009 — In the middle of a recession that's crippling the construction field, there's at least one sector of industry that's doing pretty well. That's "material reuse." Taking pieces of old buildings and using them in new ones. Advocates say used materials could save developers a heap of money. Samara Freemark has the story of one re-use company that's both green and in the black.  Go to full article

Feb 19, 2009 — This week, we're viewing the recession through the lens of one North Country community: the village of Lowville in Lewis County. Yesterday we heard from Main Street merchants struggling to make a living. Climb the hill from Main Street, up the Tug Hill Plateau, toward the East's largest wind farm, and you reach Lewis County's social services building. Inside, caseworkers are flooded with new clients. Heating assistance and food stamp applications are up 40%. As David Sommerstein reports, those who hold the safety net want even more people to use it.  Go to full article

Jan 12, 2009 — Coming off his first State of the State address, Governor David Paterson is taking his prescription for the state's $15.4-billion deficit on the road. The first stop on his Upstate tour was last night at the North Side Improvement League in Watertown. His message to the packed house of 400 people was as grim as it was simple: 2009 will be "the year of bad medicine" for New York State. Paterson offered little new from previous speeches. But as David Sommerstein reports, his frankness appeared to win the crowd.  Go to full article

Dec 19, 2008 — One of America's oldest management-training companies in the U.S. is also one of the biggest private employers in Saranac Lake. The American Management Association, based in New York City, offers guidance and skills-development to executives wrestling with the sour economy. But AMA is itself facing tough times. Fewer companies have the budgets to pay for AMA's training courses and declining enrollments have triggered lay-offs. North Country Public Radio's Brian Mann has our story.  Go to full article

Jan 23, 2008 — The Bush Administration wants part of an economic stimulus package to include tax rebates: $800 for individuals, $1600 for couples. Officials hope the checks will induce people to spend money and boost the economy. David Sommerstein stopped by Lloyd's of Lowville Diner Monday. Amidst sizzling burgers and cups of coffee, he asked patrons what they thought of the stimulus plan, and what they'd do with their rebate check...  Go to full article

Mar 08, 2002 — Many economists are now saying the recession is over. The revenue estimates released by the state Assembly and Senate reflect that optimism. Both houses have discovered more money for possible use for favored programs. Karen Dewitt reports.  Go to full article

Mar 07, 2002 — New York's Labor Department has released its latest employment numbers and the jobs picture looks bleak for much of the state. Hit by the September 11th terrorist attack and by a global recession, the state lost more than 140,000 jobs last year. As Brian Mann reports, parts of the north country are feeling the squeeze - but others held steady.
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Mar 01, 2002 — This year, New York state's prisons cut more than six hundred corrections officers. With inmate populations shrinking, corrections commissioner Glenn Goord says another five hundred prison guards will go this year. As Brian Mann reports, the loss of high paying jobs is being felt in prison towns across the North Country.  Go to full article

Dec 12, 2001 — When economists recently announced the country was in a recession, most people already knew. In Massena, Alcoa workers have been feeling the pinch of a lagging economy for over a year now. After its latest round of layoffs and early retirements, the company is assessing its needs for the future. More layoffs are possible. But as David Sommerstein reports, hints of a market turnaround may help dispel worries of further cutbacks.  Go to full article