Dec 08, 2008 — A New York artist who spends much of each year in the Adirondack town of Keene is making national headlines. Not for her art, but because of an encounter last summer with Homeland Security agents. Jerilea Zempel was crossing into Maine after attending an exhibition in New Brunswick when she was detained for an hour at a border post. Zempel - who describes herself as a "radical" knitter - was questioned about sketches in her artist's notebook. Zempel's experience has since been featured in an Associated Press story, an article in the Plattsburgh newspaper - and on the popular comedy program, the "Colbert Report." She spoke about the experience with Brian Mann.

Postscript: Zempel is looking for a place to display her crocheted SUV cover here in the U.S. She said her "SUV cozy" is "custom made for a Hyundai Santa Fe," but in an email Zempel added, "because it stretches, I bet it would fit more villainous models like Lexuses."  Go to full article

Oct 22, 2008 — In this election season, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have often been eclipsed by the sagging economy. But national security took center stage last night when Congressman John McHugh and challenger Mike Oot met for a debate in Plattsburgh, hosted by Mountain Lake PBS. The pair clashed repeatedly over the war's future, treatment of returning soldiers, and civil liberties. Brian Mann has our story.

NOTE: Last night's debate was hosted by Mountain Lake PBS. It will air in its entirety on October 30 at 8 pm.  Go to full article

Apr 28, 2008 — On Friday, David Paterson made his first visit to Fort Drum since becoming Governor. He bid farewell to 1,100 soldiers who are leaving for Iraq. During the brief ceremony, Paterson said addressing the troops was "the highest privilege" he's had in public office. As David Sommerstein reports, the new governor impressed the military brass.  Go to full article

Mar 18, 2008 — Late Friday night, a 23 year-old Fort Drum soldier injured seven pedestrians when he plowed into a crowd leaving a music club in Watertown. Kristopher Hendricks hit a parked car, then drove the wrong way down a one-way street. He was charged with drunk driving. Watertown police say all the people Hendricks hit are fellow soldiers. All but one has been released from the hospital. The incident came a week after Fort Drum's weekly newspaper began publishing the names and photos of soldiers arrested for DWI. The policy has touched off a debate over the best way to handle the misdeeds of combat veterans who have recently returned from Iraq or Afghanistan. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Feb 01, 2008 — People coming over the border from Canada or Mexico now have to provide proof of citizenship. Yesterday, border agents started requiring a passport or military identification card. A state-issued I-D, like a driver's license, will only be accepted with a birth certificate. An oral declaration of citizenship won't be enough to get back across the border. U.S. officials have promised a grace period, and said agents will hand out informational fliers. Martha Foley has more.  Go to full article

Feb 01, 2008 — New rules took effect yesterday at the international border with Canada. Motorists entering the United States now must provide proof of citizenship, like an original birth certificate, in addition to a drivers license. Lawmakers from across the northern border region, including Senators Clinton, Schumer, and Leahy and Congressman John McHugh, have written letters to Department of Homeland Security chief Michael Chertoff. They asked Chertoff to put off the new rules until June 2009, a date Congress voted for implementation of a passport requirement at the border. McHugh told David Sommerstein Thursday he's not happy at all.  Go to full article

Nov 13, 2007 — There's a preliminary budget meeting set today between representatives of the executive branch, the legislature and state comptroller. They're to discuss revenue and spending estimates for the coming fiscal year. But there's not much else on the schedule. Months of rancor between Gov. Eliot Spitzer and Republican leadership were compounded by opposition to Spitzer's adamant announcement of a plan to issue driver's licenses to people who are in the country illegally. This past weekend, the governor appeared to soften his tone. Martha Foley talked with Albany correspondent Karen DeWitt.  Go to full article

Oct 22, 2007 — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security may be backing down from a requirement that travelers show a passport when entering the U.S. at the northern border. That's what Senator Charles Schumer told a group of about 20 business and civic leaders during an economic development roundtable in Lake Placid on Friday. Chris Knight reports.  Go to full article

Oct 02, 2007 — Just days after a scathing Federal report found big gaps in security along the US-Canada border, a coalition of New York state, Quebec Provincial, and local officials from the North Country say they plan to step up their efforts to stop illegal traffic. New York State Homeland Security Secretary Michael Balboni held a meeting yesterday in Plattsburg. As Brian Mann reports, they say better communication is the first step.  Go to full article

Jun 12, 2007 — Federal officials say a border officer who waved a man with a dangerous strain of tuberculosis through the Champlain crossing north of Plattsburgh has "retired." As Brian Mann reports, the officer had been widely criticized by the media and by officials within the Department of Homeland Security.  Go to full article