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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>
<language>en-us</language>
<copyright>&#x2117; &amp; &#xA9; 2013, North Country Public Radio</copyright>
<docs>http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss</docs>
<ttl>60</ttl>
<managingEditor>radio@ncpr.org</managingEditor>
<webMaster>radio@ncpr.org</webMaster>
<itunes:author>North Country Public Radio Newsroom</itunes:author>
<itunes:summary>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.</itunes:summary>
<itunes:owner>
<itunes:name>Managing Editor</itunes:name>
<itunes:email>radio@ncpr.org</itunes:email>
</itunes:owner>
<itunes:category text="News"></itunes:category>
<itunes:keywords>news, adirondacks, north country, public radio</itunes:keywords>
<itunes:image href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/images/ncprbug60.jpg" />

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<title>North Country Public Radio Newsroom</title>
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<link>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org</link>
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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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<item>
<title>Sencas, Cuomo continue casino deal talks</title>
<link>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22052/20130524/sencas-cuomo-continue-casino-deal-talks</link>
<description><![CDATA[ (May 24, 2013) Over the last week the Oneida Nation and the Mohawk Native have reached settlements with the Cuomo administration giving them exclusive rights to operate casinos in their regions.The Seneca Nation is the third tribe now operating a casino in New York. They have yet to finalize a new agreement. Governor Cuomo, speaking in Buffalo on Wednesday, says that negotiations continue. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22052/20130524/sencas-cuomo-continue-casino-deal-talks">full story</a></strong>]]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
<enclosure url="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130524seneca.mp3" length="2043885" type="audio/mpeg"/>
<itunes:author>NCPR: NCPR News</itunes:author>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Over the last week the Oneida Nation and the Mohawk Native have reached settlements with the Cuomo administration giving them exclusive rights to operate casinos in their regions.The Seneca Nation is the third tribe now operating a casino in New York. They have yet to finalize a new agreement. Governor Cuomo, speaking in Buffalo on Wednesday, says that negotiations continue. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22052/20130524/sencas-cuomo-continue-casino-deal-talks">full story</a></strong>]]]></itunes:summary>
<guid>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130524seneca.mp3</guid>
<itunes:duration>01:25</itunes:duration>
<itunes:keywords>native, gaming, economy, casinos, politics, topstory</itunes:keywords>
</item>
<item>
<title>Riverfront redevelopment underway in Clayton</title>
<link>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22048/20130524/riverfront-redevelopment-underway-in-clayton</link>
<description><![CDATA[ (May 24, 2013) A big redevelopment project is getting underway in the Thousand Islands village of Clayton. The first pieces of equipment are now at work on the former Frink snowplow factory site. That represents the beginning of an aggressive construction schedule that aims to bring the Clayton Harbor Hotel to life by Memorial Day, 2014. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22048/20130524/riverfront-redevelopment-underway-in-clayton">full story</a></strong>]]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
<enclosure url="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130524clayton.mp3" length="2516606" type="audio/mpeg"/>
<itunes:author>NCPR: Joanna Richards</itunes:author>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[A big redevelopment project is getting underway in the Thousand Islands village of Clayton. The first pieces of equipment are now at work on the former Frink snowplow factory site. That represents the beginning of an aggressive construction schedule that aims to bring the Clayton Harbor Hotel to life by Memorial Day, 2014. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22048/20130524/riverfront-redevelopment-underway-in-clayton">full story</a></strong>]]]></itunes:summary>
<guid>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130524clayton.mp3</guid>
<itunes:duration>01:45</itunes:duration>
<itunes:keywords>photolead, economy, outdoor recreation, stlv, tijf, tourism, thousand islands, st. lawrence river, , topstory</itunes:keywords>
</item>
<item>
<title>Transportation chief says goodbye to Seaway</title>
<link>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22047/20130524/transportation-chief-says-goodbye-to-seaway</link>
<description><![CDATA[ (May 24, 2013) U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood&apos;s farewell tour swung through Massena yesterday. One of the few Republicans in President Obama&apos;s cabinet, LaHood announced he was stepping down last January.Obama&apos;s nominee to replace LaHood, Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx, breezed through a Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday.LaHood has overseen the St. Lawrence Seaway for four years. As David Sommerstein reports, he said the Seaway will always occupy &quot;a niche&quot; in the nation&apos;s infrastructure. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22047/20130524/transportation-chief-says-goodbye-to-seaway">full story</a></strong>]]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
<enclosure url="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130524seaway.mp3" length="5477569" type="audio/mpeg"/>
<itunes:author>NCPR: David Sommerstein</itunes:author>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood&apos;s farewell tour swung through Massena yesterday. One of the few Republicans in President Obama&apos;s cabinet, LaHood announced he was stepping down last January.Obama&apos;s nominee to replace LaHood, Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx, breezed through a Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday.LaHood has overseen the St. Lawrence Seaway for four years. As David Sommerstein reports, he said the Seaway will always occupy &quot;a niche&quot; in the nation&apos;s infrastructure. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22047/20130524/transportation-chief-says-goodbye-to-seaway">full story</a></strong>]]]></itunes:summary>
<guid>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130524seaway.mp3</guid>
<itunes:duration>03:48</itunes:duration>
<itunes:keywords>photolead, politics, economy, transportation, seaway, st. lawrence river, stlv, massena, jobs, lahood, obama, washington, tijf, [loc: ], topstory</itunes:keywords>
</item>
<item>
<title>Farmers&apos; property taxes rise as land values increase</title>
<link>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22040/20130524/farmers-apos-property-taxes-rise-as-land-values-increase</link>
<description><![CDATA[ (May 24, 2013) Agriculture is one of the most dynamic and innovative economic sectors in New York state. All this week, the Innovation Trail team is reporting on some of the current challenges and opportunities facing upstate farmers.One of those challenges is property taxes. Agriculture is a land-intensive industry, so rising property taxes can mean much higher costs for farmers. And taxes have been rising, thanks mostly to increases in the production value of farmland. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22040/20130524/farmers-apos-property-taxes-rise-as-land-values-increase">full story</a></strong>]]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
<enclosure url="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130524farmer.mp3" length="5884936" type="audio/mpeg"/>
<itunes:author>NCPR: Joanna Richards</itunes:author>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Agriculture is one of the most dynamic and innovative economic sectors in New York state. All this week, the Innovation Trail team is reporting on some of the current challenges and opportunities facing upstate farmers.One of those challenges is property taxes. Agriculture is a land-intensive industry, so rising property taxes can mean much higher costs for farmers. And taxes have been rising, thanks mostly to increases in the production value of farmland. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22040/20130524/farmers-apos-property-taxes-rise-as-land-values-increase">full story</a></strong>]]]></itunes:summary>
<guid>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130524farmer.mp3</guid>
<itunes:duration>04:05</itunes:duration>
<itunes:keywords>agriculture, economy, tijf, dairy, topstory</itunes:keywords>
</item>
<item>
<title>Start-ups near SUNY campuses could have ten tax-free years</title>
<link>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22044/20130523/start-ups-near-suny-campuses-could-have-ten-tax-free-years</link>
<description><![CDATA[ (May 23, 2013) Governor Andrew Cuomo and his cabinet are hitting the road to push his proposal to create tax-free zones for businesses that set up shop on or near public college campuses in New York.Deputy Secretary of State for Local Government Dede Scozzafava, formerly North Country assembly member and mayor of Gouverneur, will talk about the initiative in Potsdam today. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22044/20130523/start-ups-near-suny-campuses-could-have-ten-tax-free-years">full story</a></strong>]]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
<enclosure url="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130523TaxFreeCuomo.mp3" length="611372" type="audio/mpeg"/>
<itunes:author>NCPR: NCPR News</itunes:author>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Governor Andrew Cuomo and his cabinet are hitting the road to push his proposal to create tax-free zones for businesses that set up shop on or near public college campuses in New York.Deputy Secretary of State for Local Government Dede Scozzafava, formerly North Country assembly member and mayor of Gouverneur, will talk about the initiative in Potsdam today. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22044/20130523/start-ups-near-suny-campuses-could-have-ten-tax-free-years">full story</a></strong>]]]></itunes:summary>
<guid>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130523TaxFreeCuomo.mp3</guid>
<itunes:duration>01:16</itunes:duration>
<itunes:keywords>politics, economy, education, suny potsdam, topstory</itunes:keywords>
</item>
<item>
<title>Weather disasters on the rise and taxpayers are getting the bill</title>
<link>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22043/20130523/weather-disasters-on-the-rise-and-taxpayers-are-getting-the-bill</link>
<description><![CDATA[ (May 23, 2013) The impact and severity of weather events like the tornado that hit Oklahoma City are increasing due to a changing global climate, according to research from the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC). And more of the related economic burden is being carried by taxpayers. In 2012, federal spending directed toward disaster response for storms, wild fires, floods and drought reached nearly $100 billion, the NRDC report says, beating out funding for education and transport. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22043/20130523/weather-disasters-on-the-rise-and-taxpayers-are-getting-the-bill">full story</a></strong>]]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
<enclosure url="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130523Tornado.mp3" length="980287" type="audio/mpeg"/>
<itunes:author>NCPR: Kate O'Connell</itunes:author>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[The impact and severity of weather events like the tornado that hit Oklahoma City are increasing due to a changing global climate, according to research from the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC). And more of the related economic burden is being carried by taxpayers. In 2012, federal spending directed toward disaster response for storms, wild fires, floods and drought reached nearly $100 billion, the NRDC report says, beating out funding for education and transport. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22043/20130523/weather-disasters-on-the-rise-and-taxpayers-are-getting-the-bill">full story</a></strong>]]]></itunes:summary>
<guid>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130523Tornado.mp3</guid>
<itunes:duration>02:02</itunes:duration>
<itunes:keywords>economy, environment, weather, climate, topstory</itunes:keywords>
</item>
<item>
<title>Mohawk chiefs hope casino pact paves way for more land</title>
<link>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22038/20130523/mohawk-chiefs-hope-casino-pact-paves-way-for-more-land</link>
<description><![CDATA[ (May 23, 2013) On Tuesday, Governor Cuomo and the chiefs of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe announced a surprise deal in Albany. It grants the Mohawks&apos; exclusive gaming rights in the North Country. In return, the tribe will resume sharing millions of dollars in casino revenue with New York State and St. Lawrence and Franklin counties. That after a three-year dispute.Yesterday, the chiefs were back in Akwesasne, holding a press conference at their brand new hotel and casino expansion.They called Cuomo &quot;sincere&quot;. They said it was the promise of resolving the Mohawks&apos; 31-year old land claim that made the gaming pact possible.David Sommerstein reports. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22038/20130523/mohawk-chiefs-hope-casino-pact-paves-way-for-more-land">full story</a></strong>]]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
<enclosure url="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130523CasinoDS.mp3" length="2443735" type="audio/mpeg"/>
<itunes:author>NCPR: David Sommerstein</itunes:author>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[On Tuesday, Governor Cuomo and the chiefs of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe announced a surprise deal in Albany. It grants the Mohawks&apos; exclusive gaming rights in the North Country. In return, the tribe will resume sharing millions of dollars in casino revenue with New York State and St. Lawrence and Franklin counties. That after a three-year dispute.Yesterday, the chiefs were back in Akwesasne, holding a press conference at their brand new hotel and casino expansion.They called Cuomo &quot;sincere&quot;. They said it was the promise of resolving the Mohawks&apos; 31-year old land claim that made the gaming pact possible.David Sommerstein reports. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22038/20130523/mohawk-chiefs-hope-casino-pact-paves-way-for-more-land">full story</a></strong>]]]></itunes:summary>
<guid>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130523CasinoDS.mp3</guid>
<itunes:duration>05:05</itunes:duration>
<itunes:keywords>photolead, politics, economy, cuomo, akwesasne, mohawk, casino, st. lawrence county, franklin county, stlv, st. lawrence river, native, indian, land claims, albany, [loc: ], topstory</itunes:keywords>
</item>
<item>
<title>Fracking not in NY&apos;s economic development plans</title>
<link>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22039/20130523/fracking-not-in-ny-apos-s-economic-development-plans</link>
<description><![CDATA[ (May 23, 2013) Governor Cuomo, who still has not issued a decision on whether hydro fracking should be allowed in New York,  is backing further away from the controversial gas drilling process in his economic development plans for the future. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22039/20130523/fracking-not-in-ny-apos-s-economic-development-plans">full story</a></strong>]]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
<enclosure url="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130523HydroFracking.mp3" length="1389294" type="audio/mpeg"/>
<itunes:author>NCPR: Karen DeWitt</itunes:author>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Governor Cuomo, who still has not issued a decision on whether hydro fracking should be allowed in New York,  is backing further away from the controversial gas drilling process in his economic development plans for the future. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22039/20130523/fracking-not-in-ny-apos-s-economic-development-plans">full story</a></strong>]]]></itunes:summary>
<guid>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130523HydroFracking.mp3</guid>
<itunes:duration>02:53</itunes:duration>
<itunes:keywords>photolead, politics, economy, albany, cuomo, energy, frack, hydraulic fracturing, hydrofracking, topstory</itunes:keywords>
</item>
<item>
<title>Farmers and beekeepers respond to colony collapse</title>
<link>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22036/20130523/farmers-and-beekeepers-respond-to-colony-collapse</link>
<description><![CDATA[ (May 23, 2013) Since 2006, honey bees have been abandoning seemingly healthy hives in large numbers.That&apos;s raised the alarm worldwide among beekeepers, farmers and researchers.  Honey bees are big business, and some of the industries that are dependent on bees are adapting, finding ways to manage the losses. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22036/20130523/farmers-and-beekeepers-respond-to-colony-collapse">full story</a></strong>]]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
<enclosure url="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130523Honeybees.mp3" length="2139974" type="audio/mpeg"/>
<itunes:author>NCPR: Matt Richmond</itunes:author>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Since 2006, honey bees have been abandoning seemingly healthy hives in large numbers.That&apos;s raised the alarm worldwide among beekeepers, farmers and researchers.  Honey bees are big business, and some of the industries that are dependent on bees are adapting, finding ways to manage the losses. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22036/20130523/farmers-and-beekeepers-respond-to-colony-collapse">full story</a></strong>]]]></itunes:summary>
<guid>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130523Honeybees.mp3</guid>
<itunes:duration>04:27</itunes:duration>
<itunes:keywords>photolead, environment, economy, agriculture, health, [loc:42.4439614 -76.5018807], topstory</itunes:keywords>
</item>
<item>
<title>What the Mohawk casino deal means for the North Country</title>
<link>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22033/20130522/what-the-mohawk-casino-deal-means-for-the-north-country</link>
<description><![CDATA[ (May 22, 2013) Mohawk tribal chiefs joined Governor Cuomo in Albany yesterday to announce a new deal on casino exclusivity.They signed off on settling a long-running dispute over revenues from the Mohawks&apos; Akwesasne Casino near Massena. In return, the Mohawks will get exclusive gaming rights in the 8-county North Country region.David Sommerstein joined Martha Foley to sort out what the deal means for the North Country and the Mohawk land claim. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22033/20130522/what-the-mohawk-casino-deal-means-for-the-north-country">full story</a></strong>]]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
<enclosure url="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130522mohawkcasinos.mp3" length="2827869" type="audio/mpeg"/>
<itunes:author>NCPR: David Sommerstein</itunes:author>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Mohawk tribal chiefs joined Governor Cuomo in Albany yesterday to announce a new deal on casino exclusivity.They signed off on settling a long-running dispute over revenues from the Mohawks&apos; Akwesasne Casino near Massena. In return, the Mohawks will get exclusive gaming rights in the 8-county North Country region.David Sommerstein joined Martha Foley to sort out what the deal means for the North Country and the Mohawk land claim. [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22033/20130522/what-the-mohawk-casino-deal-means-for-the-north-country">full story</a></strong>]]]></itunes:summary>
<guid>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130522mohawkcasinos.mp3</guid>
<itunes:duration>05:53</itunes:duration>
<itunes:keywords>photolead, politics, economy, casino, gaming, mohawk, akwesasne, st. lawrence county, franklin county, stlv, st. lawrence river, land claim, native, indian, massena, cuomo, albany, [loc: ], topstory</itunes:keywords>
</item>
<item>
<title>Fighting fire blight in NY&apos;s apple orchards</title>
<link>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22029/20130522/fighting-fire-blight-in-ny-apos-s-apple-orchards</link>
<description><![CDATA[ (May 22, 2013) Agriculture is one of the most dynamic and innovative economic sectors in New York state.  All this week, the Innovation Trail team is reporting on some of the current challenges and opportunities facing upstate farmers. In this story: New York&apos;s the second biggest apple producing state in the country. But, last year production dropped dramatically due to a warmer winter, early blooms, and harsh spring frosts. But weather isn&apos;t the only challenge growers are contending with [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22029/20130522/fighting-fire-blight-in-ny-apos-s-apple-orchards">full story</a></strong>]]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
<enclosure url="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130522appleorchard.mp3" length="2186775" type="audio/mpeg"/>
<itunes:author>NCPR: Kate O'Connell</itunes:author>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Agriculture is one of the most dynamic and innovative economic sectors in New York state.  All this week, the Innovation Trail team is reporting on some of the current challenges and opportunities facing upstate farmers. In this story: New York&apos;s the second biggest apple producing state in the country. But, last year production dropped dramatically due to a warmer winter, early blooms, and harsh spring frosts. But weather isn&apos;t the only challenge growers are contending with [<strong><a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22029/20130522/fighting-fire-blight-in-ny-apos-s-apple-orchards">full story</a></strong>]]]></itunes:summary>
<guid>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130522appleorchard.mp3</guid>
<itunes:duration>04:32</itunes:duration>
<itunes:keywords>photolead, economy, environment, agriculture, health, farm, orchard, topstory</itunes:keywords>
</item>
<item>
<title>Will CSX grease the rails for a new plant in Massena?</title>
<link>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22022/20130521/will-csx-grease-the-rails-for-a-new-plant-in-massena</link>
<description><![CDATA[ (May 21, 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/22022/20130521/will-csx-grease-the-rails-for-a-new-plant-in-massena">full story</a></strong>]]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
<enclosure url="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130521CSXds.mp3" length="1015855" type="audio/mpeg"/>
<itunes:author>NCPR: David Sommerstein</itunes:author>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[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/22022/20130521/will-csx-grease-the-rails-for-a-new-plant-in-massena">full story</a></strong>]]]></itunes:summary>
<guid>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130521CSXds.mp3</guid>
<itunes:duration>02:06</itunes:duration>
<itunes:keywords>photolead, economy, environment, manufacturing, massena, stlv, racer, st. lawrence river, st. lawrence county, csx, [loc:44.9281049 -74.891865], topstory</itunes:keywords>
</item>
<item>
<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>
<enclosure url="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130521immigrationreform.mp3" length="2021623" type="audio/mpeg"/>
<itunes:author>NCPR: Matt Richmond</itunes:author>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[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>]]]></itunes:summary>
<guid>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130521immigrationreform.mp3</guid>
<itunes:duration>04:12</itunes:duration>
<itunes:keywords>politics, economy, agriculture, immigration, photolead, topstory</itunes:keywords>
</item>
<item>
<title>Stressed schools face troubling budget votes</title>
<link>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22019/20130520/stressed-schools-face-troubling-budget-votes</link>
<description><![CDATA[ (May 20, 2013) 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">full story</a></strong>]]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
<enclosure url="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130520schoolbudgets.mp3" length="3988597" type="audio/mpeg"/>
<itunes:author>NCPR: Brian Mann</itunes:author>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[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">full story</a></strong>]]]></itunes:summary>
<guid>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130520schoolbudgets.mp3</guid>
<itunes:duration>08:18</itunes:duration>
<itunes:keywords>education, economy, politics, taxes, photolead, topstory</itunes:keywords>
</item>
<item>
<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>
<enclosure url="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130520migrantfarmworkers.mp3" length="2006357" type="audio/mpeg"/>
<itunes:author>NCPR: Matt Richmond</itunes:author>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[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>]]]></itunes:summary>
<guid>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130520migrantfarmworkers.mp3</guid>
<itunes:duration>04:10</itunes:duration>
<itunes:keywords>photolead, politics, economy, agriculture, labor, immigration, dairy, topstory</itunes:keywords>
</item>
<item>
<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>
<enclosure url="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130517casinosharing.mp3" length="666122" type="audio/mpeg"/>
<itunes:author>NCPR: Ryan Delaney</itunes:author>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[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>]]]></itunes:summary>
<guid>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130517casinosharing.mp3</guid>
<itunes:duration>01:22</itunes:duration>
<itunes:keywords>politics, economy, cuomo, native, gaming, topstory</itunes:keywords>
</item>
<item>
<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>
<enclosure url="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130517schoolbudget.mp3" length="1510726" type="audio/mpeg"/>
<itunes:author>NCPR: Karen DeWitt</itunes:author>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[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>]]]></itunes:summary>
<guid>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130517schoolbudget.mp3</guid>
<itunes:duration>03:08</itunes:duration>
<itunes:keywords>education, economy, politics, taxes, tax cap, cuomo, topstory, ncsymposium13</itunes:keywords>
</item>
<item>
<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>
<enclosure url="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130517loonlake.mp3" length="1076298" type="audio/mpeg"/>
<itunes:author>NCPR: Chris Knight</itunes:author>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[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>]]]></itunes:summary>
<guid>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130517loonlake.mp3</guid>
<itunes:duration>02:14</itunes:duration>
<itunes:keywords>photolead, economy, environment, adirondacks, outdoor recreation, topstory</itunes:keywords>
</item>
<item>
<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>
<enclosure url="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130517psych.mp3" length="637002" type="audio/mpeg"/>
<itunes:author>NCPR: Julie Grant</itunes:author>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[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>]]]></itunes:summary>
<guid>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130517psych.mp3</guid>
<itunes:duration>01:19</itunes:duration>
<itunes:keywords>photolead, politics, economy, cuomo, albany, health, stlv, topstory</itunes:keywords>
</item>
<item>
<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>
<enclosure url="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130516JGPsych.mp3" length="2077830" type="audio/mpeg"/>
<itunes:author>NCPR: Julie Grant</itunes:author>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[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>]]]></itunes:summary>
<guid>http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/audio/130516JGPsych.mp3</guid>
<itunes:duration>04:19</itunes:duration>
<itunes:keywords>photolead, politics, economy, cuomo, albany, health, topstory</itunes:keywords>
</item>


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