Nov 07, 2006 — Voting is the most basic activity of democracy, yet in this country half of us don't bother. In young people, between 18 and 25, it's 75 percent. That's not for lack of trying to get out the youth vote. Last election, millions of dollars were spent to get kids to register and vote, but when all was said and done, the percentage stayed the same. Maybe we're waiting too long.

A new project that combines journalism and civics engages kid early - before they're eligible to vote -- and places them in the path of people who take their citizenship seriously. It's called The Face of Democracy, and tenth graders from Johnsburg are one of three pioneering classes in the nation to take it on. Oakland, California, and St. Paul, Minnesota are the other sites. Journalist Sue Halpern is one of the national organizers of The Face of Democracy. She's also training and mentoring the Johnsburg class, along with photographer Woody Widlund. Martha Foley talked with her yesterday, as she was packing up for the big day today.  Go to full article

Sep 01, 2006 — There are more than a million children with parents in the military. These families on average move on average every three years, compared to every five and a half years for civilian families. Military children also have to deal with their parents' long absences in often war-torn places like Iraq or Afghanistan. An Army family in Watertown is trying to reach out to so-called "military brats" with a new magazine that's written for kids by kids. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Apr 11, 2006 — There's a lot happening in the spring. Farmers are tilling. Gardeners are pruning. And many high school senior girls are stressing. They're shopping for prom dresses. David Sommerstein stopped by the Dressing Room in Malone for this year's latest fashions and today's Heard Up North.  Go to full article

Jul 21, 2005 — The streets are full of tourists in downtown Alexandria Bay, in stark contrast to dark, quiet days of winter. David Sommerstein got the year-round perspective from a group of local high schoolers checking out the scene in front of Jreck's subs.  Go to full article

Jun 13, 2005 — For a lot of kids in high school, the opportunity to live in your own apartment is like a dream come true, a long awaited chance for independence and freedom. That's what Brittany LaBrake thought. Brittany was living in a foster home for five years. A month before her 18th birthday, while she was still in high school, she signed herself out of foster care to live on her own. Brittany moved into an apartment in Potsdam with her boyfriend, Gary. She wanted to live her life independently, bravely, like her hero, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, from TV. But it's not that easy. Here's Brittany's audio diary, a part of our series Raise Your Voice: Stories from North Country Teens.  Go to full article

Nov 09, 2004 — The 2004 Election was the most expensive in U.S. history. There were more TV and radio ads than ever before. And there were 3 presidential debates, but the issue of campaign finance reform barely got a mention. Those who want to reduce the amount and influence of money in politics are re-grouping to bring their message back to the headlines. Joan Mandle is executive director of Democracy Matters, based at Colgate University, with chapters on college campuses nationwide. She told David Sommerstein the 2004 election makes campaign finance reform more important than ever.  Go to full article

Feb 19, 2004 — The St. Lawrence County legislature Tuesday night heard allegations of physical abuse regarding its military-style program for troubled youths. Two former employees and parents of a former participant say drill instructors used excessive force on their middle and high school students. As David Sommerstein reports, lawmakers are calling for an external investigation.  Go to full article

Aug 09, 2002 — Ground was broken and tilled last spring for a new community garden in Gouverneur managed by young people. Todd Moe visited the garden as the first seeds were planted.  Go to full article

Jul 31, 2002 — Some of the 23 Cubans who stayed in Canada following World Youth Day have emerged from seclusion to apply for refugee status. The rest are expected to do the same this week with help and support from the local Cuban community. Jody Tosti reports.  Go to full article

Jun 18, 2002 — High school musicians usually get a chance to perform for an audience at school jazz band or orchestra concerts. But aside from parties and the occasional high school dance, there are few opportunities for young rock musicians to test their licks in public. For 7 years now, the Norwood Village Green concert series has provided an outlet for high school bands to rock out. David Sommerstein takes us backstage at the High School Rock Band Festival.  Go to full article