Jan 10, 2006 — The confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito move into the question phase today. Alito is virtually guaranteed a tough grilling. In opening statements yesterday, Democrats made it clear they'll quiz him about abortion and presidential power. Martha Foley has more.  Go to full article

Nov 29, 2005 — Senator Chuck Schumer wants North Country leaders to get together to deal with the housing crunch around Fort Drum. On Monday, the Democrat called for a Fort Drum Housing Summit to address the issue. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Oct 11, 2005 — According to a state report issued this week, twelve percent of the students in New York's public schools are enrolled in special education programs. Children living with disabilities are expensive to educate. Their services often cost twice or even three times as much as a child in general education programs. Advocates here in the North Country say the pay-offs are worth it. Many children who might have been unproductive and unemployed are now learning important life and job skills. Some are able to go on to college. But even supporters of disability education programs agree that Federal support for local school districts is lagging behind. A new set of Federal mandates is set to go into effect this year. As Brian Mann reports, local taxpayers are likely to pick up the tab.  Go to full article

Aug 19, 2005 — New York State Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno is calling on New York's Senators in Washington to help win more Medicaid funding for the state. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Aug 09, 2005 — As part of a tour of the North Country on Monday, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer traveled to Saranac Lake and Lake Placid. As Chris Knight reports, the community leaders and local elected officials who met with Schumer shared many of the same concerns.  Go to full article

May 16, 2005 — There was big relief across the region last week when Fort Drum was NOT on the Pentagon's list for base closures. The Base Realignment and Closure Commission, or BRAC, recommended shutting down 150 military assets nationwide. New York's biggest casualty was the Air Reserve Station in Niagara Falls. The recommendations don't become final until September. That makes for a summer of intense politicking. As David Sommerstein reports, Fort Drum supporters say they won't be caught off guard.  Go to full article

May 06, 2005 — Senator Chuck Schumer met with North Country leaders yesterday in Watertown. The New York Democrat discussed the impact of proposed requirements for crossing the border with Canada. Last month, the Department of Homeland Security said everyone would need a passport to cross the border by 2008. The announcement caught most people by surprise, even President Bush, who said he read about it in the newspaper. The President has urged the government to look for other options. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Jan 13, 2005 — This year the U.S. military will conduct its first base closure process since the Griffis and Plattsburgh Air Bases were closed in 1995. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld has said the military needs to trim its infrastructure by as much as 20%. Many lawmakers agree small- and medium-sized posts are most vulnerable. But as David Sommerstein reports, supporters of Fort Drum near Watertown are taking no chances.  Go to full article

Nov 01, 2004 — In New York, the race at the top of the state's ticket, the campaign for U.S. Senate, is not going to be the nail biter that the Presidential election is turning out to be. The most recent poll shows Senator Chuck Schumer 56 points ahead of his nearest challenger. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Oct 20, 2004 — Senator Charles Schumer largely ignored his two challengers in a debate held at Cornell University last night. Far ahead in the polls, the senator focused on his record and refused to answer attacks by Republican Howard Mills or Conservative Marilyn O'Grady. Karen DeWitt has more.  Go to full article