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<title>NCPR Topical RSS: Economic and Business</title>
<link>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org</link>
<description>Latest North Country Public Radio regional news by topic. Topic=economic-and-business.</description>
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<copyright>&#x2117; &amp; &#xA9; 2013, North Country Public Radio</copyright>
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<description>NCPR provides locally-produced news stories from around the Adirondack and North Country regions of New York State, as well as Western Vermont, and Ontario and Quebec in Canada.</description>
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<title>Will immigration reform ease NY&apos;s farm labor shortage?</title>
<link>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22021/20130521/will-immigration-reform-ease-ny-apos-s-farm-labor-shortage</link>
<description><![CDATA[ (May 21, 2013) As lawmakers in Washington debate the immigration reform bill released last month, farmers in New York State are hoping to find enough workers to fully staff their operations. The Senate Judiciary Committee spent a day last week amending the 844-page bill, legislation that includes changes to guest worker programs. The changes may be good news for New York farmers. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22021/20130521/will-immigration-reform-ease-ny-apos-s-farm-labor-shortage">full story</a></strong>]]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Will CSX grease the rails for a new plant in Massena?</title>
<link>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22022/20130520/will-csx-grease-the-rails-for-a-new-plant-in-massena</link>
<description><![CDATA[ (May 20, 2013) The federal trust in charge of finding a new life for the General Motors property in Massena say the process is more marathon than sprint. But as David Sommerstein reports, they&apos;re hopeful a lift from a railroad giant will help. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22022/20130520/will-csx-grease-the-rails-for-a-new-plant-in-massena">full story</a></strong>]]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Stressed schools face troubling budget votes tomorrow</title>
<link>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22019/20130520/stressed-schools-face-troubling-budget-votes-tomorrow</link>
<description><![CDATA[ (May 20, 2013) Tomorrow across the North Country voters go to the polls to decide the fate of their local school districts, electing new school board members and approving or rejecting school budgets.This isn&apos;t just another ho-hum year for school districts.  For half a decade, many districts have faced a nightmare of declining, or flat state aid, skyrocketing costs, a property tax cap and  in some parts of the region, sharply declining enrollment. Those pressures have pushed some districts to the brink. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22019/20130520/stressed-schools-face-troubling-budget-votes-tomorrow">full story</a></strong>]]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>NY Sen. Gillibrand to take on student loans</title>
<link>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22016/20130520/ny-sen-gillibrand-to-take-on-student-loans</link>
<description><![CDATA[ (May 20, 2013) NEW YORK (AP) U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is proposing new legislation to ease the burden for students who have borrowed to pay for their education.The New York Democrat will announce Sunday morning new legislation that would allow student borrowers currently repaying their federal student loans to refinance at a lower interest rate. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22016/20130520/ny-sen-gillibrand-to-take-on-student-loans">full story</a></strong>]]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Undocumented farmworkers weigh benefits against risks</title>
<link>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22012/20130520/undocumented-farmworkers-weigh-benefits-against-risks</link>
<description><![CDATA[ (May 20, 2013) New York&apos;s farms employ about 60,000 people and no one knows how many of those workers are here illegally. According to one estimate, 70 percent of the state&apos;s agricultural workforce is undocumented. Some stay for years, long enough to raise a family. But it&apos;s risky. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22012/20130520/undocumented-farmworkers-weigh-benefits-against-risks">full story</a></strong>]]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Oneidas, NYS settle on sharing casino money</title>
<link>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22010/20130517/oneidas-nys-settle-on-sharing-casino-money</link>
<description><![CDATA[ (May 17, 2013) For the first time, the Oneida Indian Nation has entered into an agreement to share some of its gambling revenues with New York state. The concession means there&apos;s no risk of a competing state-run casino in the Nation&apos;s backyard. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22010/20130517/oneidas-nys-settle-on-sharing-casino-money">full story</a></strong>]]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Most School Budgets Expected to Pass</title>
<link>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22006/20130517/most-school-budgets-expected-to-pass</link>
<description><![CDATA[ (May 17, 2013) Voters in New York go to the polls on Tuesday, May 21 to approve new school budgets. The State School Boards Association finds that many school districts are living within the limits imposed by a property tax cap enacted two years ago.The School Board Association&apos;s Tim Kremer says a survey of the state&apos;s school districts finds that the vast majority are budgeting within the strictures of the tax cap, and as a result,  93 percent expect their budgets to be approved by voters. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22006/20130517/most-school-budgets-expected-to-pass">full story</a></strong>]]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Officials: NY April jobless rate was 7.8 percent</title>
<link>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22005/20130517/officials-ny-april-jobless-rate-was-7-8-percent</link>
<description><![CDATA[ (May 17, 2013) ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) State labor officials say New York&apos;s unemployment rate dropped to 7.8 percent in April, the lowest since the end of the Great Recession in 2009.They say preliminary U.S. Department of Labor statistics show the rate fell from 8.2 percent in March and 8.6 percent a year earlier. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22005/20130517/officials-ny-april-jobless-rate-was-7-8-percent">full story</a></strong>]]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Another big Adirondack real estate development?</title>
<link>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22002/20130517/another-big-adirondack-real-estate-development</link>
<description><![CDATA[ (May 17, 2013) Adirondack Park Agency officials have been meeting with a company looking to develop a large resort around Loon Lake, in Franklin County. Loon Gulf Inc. owns 2,800 acres, including the former Loon Lake Golf Course, which closed 10 years ago. At this point, though, the company&apos;s representatives say they&apos;re just testing the waters at this point and have no immediate plans for the property. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22002/20130517/another-big-adirondack-real-estate-development">full story</a></strong>]]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Job losses big concern if Ogdensburg psych center closes</title>
<link>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22000/20130517/job-losses-big-concern-if-ogdensburg-psych-center-closes</link>
<description><![CDATA[ (May 17, 2013) The state Office of Mental Health could decide as soon as Monday whether it will close the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center in Ogdensburg.  This week, the state held a meeting to listen to the community&apos;s comments about the center. One topic many people brought up was jobs: The Ogdensburg facility employs more than 500 people. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22000/20130517/job-losses-big-concern-if-ogdensburg-psych-center-closes">full story</a></strong>]]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center awaits its fate</title>
<link>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/21994/20130516/st-lawrence-psychiatric-center-awaits-its-fate</link>
<description><![CDATA[ (May 16, 2013) The state plans to decide next week which mental health hospitals it&apos;s going to close, and which will be chosen as what the state&apos;s calling  &quot;Regional Centers of Excellence.&quot; That&apos;s the word from New York&apos;s Acting Commissioner for Mental Health. Kristin Woodlock wrapped up her &quot;listening tour&quot; of hospitals around the state in Ogdensburg on Wednesday. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/21994/20130516/st-lawrence-psychiatric-center-awaits-its-fate">full story</a></strong>]]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Heard Up North: Another flea market opens in Canton </title>
<link>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/21993/20130516/heard-up-north-another-flea-market-opens-in-canton</link>
<description><![CDATA[ (May 16, 2013) You may have noticed flea markets, where different vendors can sell all kinds of new and used things under one roof instead of having their own storefront, becoming more and more popular in the North Country. There are now three flea markets in the Canton and Potsdam area alone. The newest opened yesterday. The village Mayor, Town Supervisor, and vendors were at the grand opening of North Country Neighbors Too. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/21993/20130516/heard-up-north-another-flea-market-opens-in-canton">full story</a></strong>]]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>In Essex County, more FEMA buyout funds on the way</title>
<link>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/21992/20130516/in-essex-county-more-fema-buyout-funds-on-the-way</link>
<description><![CDATA[ (May 16, 2013) Good news for homeowners impacted by 2011&apos;s Tropical Storm Irene: Essex County will get grant money to cover the 25 percent non-federal share for up to 37 property buyouts.Governor Andrew Cuomo announced this week that funds for Hurricane Sandy recovery will be used to make those enrolled in the Federal Emergency Management Agency&apos;s property acquisition program whole. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/21992/20130516/in-essex-county-more-fema-buyout-funds-on-the-way">full story</a></strong>]]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Community to rally for St Lawrence Pysch Center </title>
<link>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/21987/20130515/community-to-rally-for-st-lawrence-pysch-center</link>
<description><![CDATA[ (May 15, 2013) More than 300 people were registered to attend a meeting at the St. Lawrence psychiatric center in Ogdensburg Wednesday morning, as the New York State Office of Mental Health is making a stop on its &quot;listening tour,&quot; as it considers changing the way mental health services are delivered. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/21987/20130515/community-to-rally-for-st-lawrence-pysch-center">full story</a></strong>]]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Cuomo details local gov&apos;t bailout plan</title>
<link>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/21986/20130515/cuomo-details-local-gov-apos-t-bailout-plan</link>
<description><![CDATA[ (May 15, 2013) New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is turning his attention to a previously announced plan to help communities in financial distress.The governor is offering more details of his plan to set up a restructuring panel to help local governments on the brink of insolvency. He&apos;s also putting some money behind the plan...according to the Associated Press, $80 million.Cuomo says his proposed financial restructuring panel will help local governments in distress merge and consolidate services, possibly lay off more workers and to permanently restructure operations. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/21986/20130515/cuomo-details-local-gov-apos-t-bailout-plan">full story</a></strong>]]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Wind farm a windfall to Lewis County communities</title>
<link>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/21985/20130515/wind-farm-a-windfall-to-lewis-county-communities</link>
<description><![CDATA[ (May 15, 2013) Wind farms are a touchy subject in the North Country. As the town of Cape Vincent wrestles with a potential project, in neighboring Lewis County another wind farm has been operating for seven years. The Maple Ridge Wind Farm has brought some big changes to its community. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/21985/20130515/wind-farm-a-windfall-to-lewis-county-communities">full story</a></strong>]]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Turning downtown into an art gallery</title>
<link>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/21983/20130515/turning-downtown-into-an-art-gallery</link>
<description><![CDATA[ (May 15, 2013) The St. Lawrence Country Arts council kicked off its inaugural community gallery project &quot;Art walk&quot; on Friday night in the villages of Canton and Potsdam. Around 20 local businesses lined their walls and shelves with local art and hosted receptions featuring local artists.The idea of art in local businesses is nothing new. Other communities in the region have held similar events in recent years. St. Lawrence County art leaders hope to foster a long term relationship between the businesses community and local artists. The council contacted local businesses with the idea that shops would stay open late and display local work. The hope is that having the walk will get people to enter places they may not normally go. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/21983/20130515/turning-downtown-into-an-art-gallery">full story</a></strong>]]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>How NYS casino development could affect New Yorkers&apos; health</title>
<link>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/21979/20130514/how-nys-casino-development-could-affect-new-yorkers-apos-health</link>
<description><![CDATA[ (May 14, 2013) Governor Andrew Cuomo has outlined plans to expand organized gaming in the state, arguing the addition of three casinos in upstate New York would bring substantial economic benefits to the region. &quot;We have gaming. The question really is, should we recognize the reality of our situation, and fully participate in casinos and gaming, and actually regulate it intelligently and tie it into our overall tourism efforts.&quot;But, casino development has other implications including, as researchers have discovered, a significant impact on health. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/21979/20130514/how-nys-casino-development-could-affect-new-yorkers-apos-health">full story</a></strong>]]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>US won&apos;t move forward with Canada border fee, North Country relieved</title>
<link>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/21978/20130514/us-won-apos-t-move-forward-with-canada-border-fee-north-country-relieved</link>
<description><![CDATA[ (May 14, 2013) Leaders on both sides of the U.S.-Canada border are pleased that the U.S. isn&apos;t moving forward on a border crossing fee.The Department of Homeland Security recently asked Congress to authorize a border fee study. The department wanted to charge everyone entering the U.S. by land from Canada and Mexico. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/21978/20130514/us-won-apos-t-move-forward-with-canada-border-fee-north-country-relieved">full story</a></strong>]]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Lawmakers carry on despite scandals</title>
<link>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/21976/20130514/lawmakers-carry-on-despite-scandals</link>
<description><![CDATA[ (May 14, 2013) Lawmakers in Albany tried to carry on as usual in the wake of one of the worst scandals in recent decades. Recent corruption arrests have overshadowed most other news coming out of the Capitol.  And much of this week&apos;s legislative session has been cancelled.But politicians who were in town insisted that their agendas are not being derailed. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/21976/20130514/lawmakers-carry-on-despite-scandals">full story</a></strong>]]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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