Chip CEOs in Saratoga

radio@ncpr.org (North Country Public Radio) — Thu, 24 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

(May 24, 2012) Computer chip company executives from around the globe are in Saratoga Springs this week. As the Innovation Trail's Marie Cusick reports, it�s yet another sign of the Capital Region�s growing importance in the world of advanced manufacturing. [full story]

Comptroller says state pension fund looks good

radio@ncpr.org (North Country Public Radio) — Thu, 24 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

(May 24, 2012) New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli says the state�s pension fund has �successfully weathered� another economic storm. He reports returns are the highest since global market meltdown of 2008. In Albany, Karen DeWitt has the details. [full story]

Minimum wage stalemate continues in legislature

radio@ncpr.org (North Country Public Radio) — Thu, 24 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

(May 24, 2012) The question of increasing the state�s minimum wage remains controversial in the legislature. While the Assembly Speaker is persevering, Governor Cuomo and Senate Republicans are staying negative about the bill�s chance of success. In Albany, Karen DeWitt has more. [full story]

Colleges bring more than just dollars and cents

radio@ncpr.org (North Country Public Radio) — Thu, 24 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

(May 24, 2012) The impact colleges and universities have on North Country communities goes beyond dollars and cents. That was the message from three higher education leaders who led a panel discussion last week at the Adirondack Research Consortium�s 19th annual Conference on the Adirondacks.The two-day conference included presentations on forest products and the future of the Adirondack Park, as well as discussions on climate change, sustainable communities and land use in the Adirondacks. Chris Morris sat in for the discussion on the economic impact of higher education. [full story]

Wallenda brings an eclectic mix to Niagara Falls

radio@ncpr.org (North Country Public Radio) — Thu, 24 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

(May 24, 2012) Over the last week, tightrope walker Nik Wallenda�s been in Niagara Falls, practicing for his June 15th walk over the famous Falls. The Innovation Trail�s Daniel Robison joined hundreds of people at the scene and found Wallenda's presence inspired an eclectic, carnival atmosphere in the hard scrabble city of 50,000. [full story]

Logging, rubber loon race in Newcomb

radio@ncpr.org (North Country Public Radio) — Thu, 24 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

(May 24, 2012) The Adirondack Interpretive Center in Newcomb will try a new twist on the "rubber duck race" on Saturday, using rubber loons instead. The event is part of the center's celebration of its first anniversary under the leadership of the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Proceeds will support educational programs at the center. The event will focus on the two most iconic symbols of human and natural history in the Adirondacks: logs and loons. Some 500 black-and-white rubber loons will be dropped into the Rich Lake outlet for a 425-yard floating race. Prizes will be awarded for those who sponsored the winners. Visitor's center program coordinator Paul Hai told Todd Moe that a California company, CelebriDucks, manufactured the rubber loons for the race. [full story]

Natural Selections: Plant blood

radio@ncpr.org (North Country Public Radio) — Thu, 24 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

(May 24, 2012) Do plants have blood? How does the human circulatory system compare to that of plants and trees? Martha Foley and Dr. Curt Stager tackle the question. [full story]

Brasher supervisor sees a casino in the future

radio@ncpr.org (North Country Public Radio) — Wed, 23 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

(May 23, 2012) Gov. Cuomo�s proposal to expand gambling in New York gave one rural St. Lawrence County leader an idea."I was thinking when I read the governor�s proposal to put seven casinos in New York State, I thought, why not put one in the northern tier? Maybe we could get one up here." Brasher Town Supervisor James Dawson told town board members last week a casino would be a great way to attract visitors to the region�and to pump up St. Lawrence County�s flagging economy. The 900 acres Dawson has in mind has already been considered for a racetrack and entertainment complex. That development failed, and the land ended up in bankruptcy court. Dawson told Nora Flaherty a casino there could anchor a host of spin-off development. [full story]

North Country dam authority wins round in court

radio@ncpr.org (North Country Public Radio) — Wed, 23 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

(May 23, 2012) A new ruling by a state Supreme Court could force five counties in the North Country and the Hudson Valley to pay millions of dollars a year to help fund dam operations in the southern Adirondacks. The decision found that it is reasonable for counties to be charged for the benefits they receive in the form of flood protection from dams located on Great Sacandaga and Indian Lake. As Brian Mann reports, county leaders in the North Country say footing the bill for dam operations would add new pressure on taxpayers at a time when budgets are already tight. [full story]

South Burlington City Council votes against F-35s

radio@ncpr.org (North Country Public Radio) — Wed, 23 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

(May 23, 2012) Host intro: The Vermont Air National Guard is considering whether to make Burlington International Airport home to a fleet of new F-35 fighter jets. Communities around the airport debated the jets� presence at a public hearing last week. The Environmental Impact statement put out by the Air Force says that the new jets will bring higher noise levels to neighborhoods surrounding the airport. On Monday night, South Burlington�s City Council voted 4 � 1 to oppose the plan. Sarah Harris has more. [full story]

Top Stories from NCPR

Chip CEOs in Saratoga

Comptroller says state pension fund looks good

Minimum wage stalemate continues in legislature

Colleges bring more than just dollars and cents

Wallenda brings an eclectic mix to Niagara Falls

Logging, rubber loon race in Newcomb

Natural Selections: Plant blood

Brasher supervisor sees a casino in the future

North Country dam authority wins round in court

South Burlington City Council votes against F-35s