Best Ncpr Podcasts (2026)

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Ice safety, Mt. Van Hoevenberg ski parties, ADK conditions 29:52

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11h ago29:52

29:52

(Jan 2, 2026) We hear a refresher on ice safety; Mt. Van Hoevenberg is keeping the full moon ski parties alive this winter after Cascade Ski Center closed earlier this year; and John Warren checks on outdoor conditions for the first weekend of the year.By NCPR News

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1/2/26: The Cascade full-moon ski parties are back...at Mt. Van Ho 10:03

18h ago10:03

10:03

(Jan 2, 2026) A fun Adirondack winter tradition was in danger of disappearing when the Cascade Ski Center outside Lake Placid closed down. But the state's Mt. Van Hoevenberg rallied and is keeping the Cascade's full moon ski parties alive. Also: No more styrofoam coolers. That's one of several new laws taking effect in 2026.…

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Farm overtime hour changes, SUNY prison transition program, drag in the North Country 30:22

10h ago30:22

30:22

(Dec 31, 2025) We hear from a State Farm Bureau official about how the change of farm overtime hours affects operations; a new SUNY program matches formerly incarcerated people with internships to help them with the difficult process of finding a job after they're released from prison; and we revisit one of our favorite stories of the year featurin…

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12/31/25: Internships for formerly incarcerated people 9:14

18h ago9:14

9:14

(Dec 31, 2025) People who are released from prison often have trouble finding a job and a home, as well as discrimination because of their criminal record. A new SUNY program matches formerly incarcerated people with internships to help them with the difficult transition of returning to civilian life. Also: New York recorded the highest number of f…

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12/30/25: The Egg, reborn 9:09

3d ago9:09

9:09

(Dec 30, 2025) Enrollment in New York's public schools has been steadily decreasing for years now. A new analysis by Cornell University finds that decline is accompanied by an increase in charter schools and homeschooling. Also: After six months of renovations, the iconic theater at the New York State Capitol Complex, known as the Egg, is reopening…

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Public school enrollment trends, Jay Cook, Canada's Giller Prize book review 29:11

9h ago29:11

29:11

(Dec 30, 2025)By NCPR News

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Warren County road salt, kratom regulations, "Ottawology" 30:27

10h ago30:27

30:27

(Dec 29, 2025) Warren County has been a leader in reducing its use of road salt during winters; the death of a Saratoga County resident helped to inspire new statewide regulations on an over-the-counter herb that could have negative health effects; and a sociologist wants people to recognize that Ottawa is more than just Canada’s national capital.…

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12/29/25: Plows using less road salt 9:07

16h ago9:07

9:07

(Dec 29, 2025) In New York, Warren County has become a leader in reducing its use of road salt during winter. We hear from the county's superintendent of public works on how his department has made that happen in recent years. Also: Lake Placid will now host a World Cup ski event originally planned for Utah because there's not enough snow out West.…

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The HOWL Holiday Special 52:53

1d ago52:53

52:53

(Dec 24, 2025) Five North Country storytellers share tales of unforgettable holidays with their families - both joyful and disastrous.By Ethan Shantie

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Watertown's water issue, NYSERDA on NY's energy plan, North Country Jazz Project in North Creek 30:13

1d ago30:13

30:13

(Dec 24, 2025)By NCPR News

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12/24/25: New York's new energy plan 9:53

1d ago9:53

9:53

(Dec 24, 2025) Last week, the state approved a new energy plan for the next 15 years. The planning board's chair argues it balances the need for carbon-free emissions with the realities of today's energy grid. Critics say it doesn't go far enough. Also: Gov. Hochul signed a set of prison reforms into law last week to expand video footage at all 42 …

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12/23/25: The First Adirondackers 9:50

2d ago9:50

9:50

(Dec 23, 2025) Long before European settlers came to the Adirondacks, indigenous people lived there for thousands of years. We hear from the authors of a new book about how archaeological evidence is reshaping what we know about indigenous Adirondack history. Also: Watertown residents are dealing with a boil-water order that is expected to last int…

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Prison reform bill, Adirondack indigenous history book, Farm update with Kitty O'Neil 33:28

8d ago33:28

33:28

(Dec 23, 2025)By NCPR News

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Stefanik drops out, Russians at Lake Placid luge World Cup, Betsy Kepes on mysteries 31:17

3d ago31:17

31:17

(Dec 22, 2025)By NCPR News

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12/22/25: Stefanik's big decision 9:33

3d ago9:33

9:33

(Dec 22, 2025) On Friday, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik shocked the North Country and the nation when she announced she was dropping her campaign for governor and not running for Congress again. We sort through how it happened and what it might mean for the future of North Country politics. Also: New York's latest energy plan says the state will not…

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12/19/25 updated: Stefanik will not run for Governor 9:54

6d ago9:54

9:54

(Dec 19, 2025) An updated version of Story of the Day with the surprise announcement that North Country Congresswoman Elise Stefanik will not run for Governor or Congress next year. Also: The holiday season is a time to spend with family, and to remember family who are no longer with us. In northern Clinton County, there's something called a "wind …

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Whole milk bill approved, Salmon River school boxes, Champlain grief phone, ADK Conditions 28:50

6d ago28:50

28:50

(Dec 19, 2025)By NCPR News

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Bonus Episode: Live in Lake Placid 35:04

6d ago35:04

35:04

(Dec 19, 2025) A selection of 5 stories from Smoke Signals in Lake Placid.By Ethan Shantie

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12/19/25: A land line to channel grief 9:45

6d ago9:45

9:45

(Dec 19, 2025) The holiday season is a time to spend with family, and to remember family who are no longer with us. In northern Clinton County, there's something called a "wind phone", where people can talk to those they've lost out loud. Also: Congress passed a law earlier this week that will allow whole milk to once again be offered in public sch…

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12/18/25: A Christmas Carol, radio style 9:54

7d ago9:54

9:54

(Dec 18, 2025) It's the season when the calendar is packed with holiday events, concerts, and plays. The Depot Theatre is doing A Christmas Carol old-time radio style, with homemade sound effects and everything. Also: The Salmon River school district is under fire for putting children in padded wooden boxes as a disciplinary measure.…

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Hochul to sign Aid in Dying bill, sports photographer, Depot Theater "Christmas Carol" production 29:08

7d ago29:08

29:08

(Dec 18, 2025)By NCPR News

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12/17/25: The cell phone ban in schools, so far 10:03

8d ago10:03

10:03

(Dec 17, 2025) It's been a full semester since cell phones were banned in New York's public school system. We talk with teachers and students at Glens Falls High School to see how it's playing out there. Also: Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul is maintaining a big lead over Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik in the gubernatorial race.…

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GF school cellphone ban, Hochul Stefanik poll, Duck hunting on the St. Lawrence 28:41

8d ago28:41

28:41

(Dec 17, 2025)By NCPR News

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12/16/25: The Miracle on Ice at the White House 9:42

9d ago9:42

9:42

(Dec 16, 2025) President Donald Trump honored the 1980 Lake Placid Miracle on Ice hockey team at the White House last week. They received the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor for civilians. Also: The VA opened a food pantry at its medical clinic in Westport last week. It's the first VA clinic in the state to offer food, as rates of food …

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Westport VA food pantry, "Miracle" hockey team medal, this month's night sky 31:03

9d ago31:03

31:03

(Dec 16, 2025) The VA opened a food pantry at its medical clinic in Westport last week, the first in the state to offer food as rates of food insecurity rise; President Trump honored the 1980 Miracle on Ice hockey team at the White House last week with the Congressional Gold Medal; and astronomer Aileen O'Donoghue guides us through this month's nig…

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Military families and food, end-of-year bill review, Peter Lourie 29:17

10d ago29:17

29:17

(Dec 15, 2025) Some military members and their families around Fort Drum are struggling with food insecurity and the lasting impacts of the government shutdown; as the year winds down, Gov. Kathy Hochul is working her way through bills that still need her signature; and we talk to the man who has recreated his canoe journey from the headwaters of t…

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12/15/25: Soldiers helping each other with food insecurity at Fort Drum 9:32

19d ago9:32

9:32

(Dec 15, 2025) In the aftermath of the federal government shutdown, many military families are struggling with food insecurity. We visit a food distribution event near Fort Drum where people are helping each other put food on the table. Also: Three years after New Yorkers passed the Environmental Bond Act, the state has doled out about a quarter of…

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Caribbean Kitchen, young farmer, ADK conditions, 10th Mountain Division Band 29:02

13d ago29:02

29:02

(Dec 12, 2025) For the last two summers, a woman from the Caribbean has been cooking up meals at a motel in Tupper Lake; we meet a young farmer in Jefferson County who is trying to make it in the industry; John Warren checks on trail and mountain conditions in the Adirondacks; and the 10th Mountain Division Band has two upcoming performances of "A …

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12/12/25: Caribbean delicacies in a Tupper Lake motel 9:12

13d ago9:12

9:12

(Dec 12, 2025) For the last two summers, a woman from the Caribbean has been cooking up meals from her home country at a motel in Tupper Lake. A taste of the island of Carriacou in the Adirondacks. Also: New York state will create a center focused on combating dyslexia.By NCPR News

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Mohawk land claim vote, mental health responders in Albany, local holiday giving 30:25

14d ago30:25

30:25

(Dec 11, 2025) The House passed a bill to ratify the Mohawk land claim deal in the North Country; we ride along with social service case workers in Albany as they handle emergency calls; and we’ll find out about a few ways you can give back this holiday season.By NCPR News

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12/11/25: Social workers at 9-1-1 calls 9:53

14d ago9:53

9:53

(Dec 11, 2025) Law enforcement agencies across the country are rethinking how they respond to mental health crises. We ride along with social service case workers in Albany as they handle mental health emergency calls instead of police. Also: A new school bus policy is drawing criticism in the community of Lyon Mountain, in Clinton County.…

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12/10/25: Videos to make the case for clemency 9:31

15d ago9:31

9:31

(Dec 10, 2025) It is very rare for people serving time in state prisons to be granted clemency. We speak with a filmmaker who has been interviewing incarcerated people around the state to make compelling documentaries about their cases for going free. Also: The House of Representatives passed the decades-old settlement to the Mohawk land claim yest…

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Clemency videos, advocates push for prison reform bill, holiday orchestra concert 29:00

15d ago29:00

29:00

(Dec 10, 2025) We speak with a filmmaker who has been interviewing incarcerated people around the state trying to help their clemency cases; advocates are calling on the governor to sign a prison reform bill, a year after corrections officers beat a Marcy Correctional inmate to death; and we'll hear conversation and music to preview the Orchestra o…

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Lake George boat fire, Bradley's Lookout, fighting censorship, Tim Brookes 30:52

22d ago30:52

30:52

(Dec 9, 2025) An unoccupied tour boat on Lake George was damaged by a fire on Monday morning; we head to Bradley’s Lookout with reporter Amy Feiereisel for a short hike with a big payoff; a bill awaiting the governor’s signature would ensure librarians across New York State can fight censorship within schools; and North Country writer Tim Brooks ha…

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12/9/25: A high-reward lookout of Lake George 9:54

23d ago9:54

9:54

(Dec 9, 2025) It looks like there's going to be a Republican primary for governor next year. Long Island's Bruce Blakeman announced he'll challenge Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, setting up a clash between two ardent supporters of President Donald Trump. Also: A quick and easy hike with great views of Lake George at Bradley Lookout.…

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12/8/25: Will Hochul sign the right-to-die bill? 9:28

17d ago9:28

9:28

(Dec 8, 2025) New York's legislature passed a bill that would legalize doctor-assisted death. Gov. Kathy Hochul has to sign it for it to become law by the end of the year, but she may want to make some changes to it first. Also: The North Country is set to receive about $5.5 million in grants from the Northern Border Regional Commission.…

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Bills awaiting signature, Dinapoli campaign, Barb Heller and Danny Gotham 29:21

17d ago29:21

29:21

(Dec 8, 2025) Bills are piling up on Gov. Kathy Hochul's desk as the end of the year draws closer; Democrat State Comptroller Tom Dinapoli is running for a fifth term in next year's election; and we listen back to a conversation with longtime friends and musical collaborators Barb Heller and Danny Gotham.…

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12/5/25: Life as a home health aide 9:24

20d ago9:24

9:24

(Dec 5, 2025) Home health aides are in serious demand as Baby Boomers get older and more people want to age at home. We hear about what it's like to work as a home health aide, convincing people to accept help, and building close bonds with the people you serve. Also: A new study from the Adirondack Land Trust is helping people with disabilities na…

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North Star Health Alliance troubles, accessible ADK trails, weekend holiday events 29:06

27d ago29:06

29:06

(Dec 5, 2025) The North Star Health Alliance says delayed reimbursements from the state threaten patients and over 1,700 jobs; a new study from the Adirondack Land Trust is helping people with disabilities navigate which Adirondack trails are truly accessible; and it’s a big weekend for holiday celebrations throughout the North Country, and we’ll h…

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SUNY community college enrollment, home health aide, "The Reindeer Games" 29:03

23d ago29:03

29:03

(Dec 4, 2025) Two North Country community colleges had the highest enrollment gains among state schools in the region this fall; we hear about what it's like to work as a home health aide; and we have a conversation with the author and illustrator of a new children's book about how each of Santa's reindeer got their names.…

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12/4/25: Good enrollment news at SUNY's community colleges 8:58

28d ago8:58

8:58

(Dec 4, 2025) SUNY is seeing a bump in enrollment statewide after several years of declines. Two North Country community colleges had the highest enrollment gains among state schools in the region. Also: The operator of the hospitals in Ogdensburg and Carthage says their future is in danger, and it's blaming the state.…

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SNAP work requirements, Tom and Jerrys at the Crystal, baked brie with Chef Curtiss 29:03

24d ago29:03

29:03

(Dec 3, 2025) For the first time in years, SNAP work requirements will be enforced in the North Country; we sample the Tom and Jerry holiday cocktail at the Crystal in Watertown, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary; and Chef Curtiss Hemm joins us this morning for a rich and comforting recipe, full of melty cheese.…

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12/3/25: The SNAP work requirements 10:06

25d ago10:06

10:06

(Dec 3, 2025) For the first time in years, the federal government will enforce SNAP work requirements, a measure that could push thousands of people off the anti-hunger program. We'll look at how North Country social services agencies are preparing for the change. Also: We sample the Tom and Jerry's holiday drink at Watertown's Crystal restaurant, …

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High Peaks snowplow driver, Cook Farm, book review at a beaver pond 33:37

25d ago33:37

33:37

(Dec 2, 2025) Amid one of this winter's first snowstorms, we head out with a young plow driver through Cascade Pass in the Adirondacks; a young family outside of Malone is determined to preserve their farmland by using sustainable farming methods; and NCPR book reviewer Betsy Kepes takes us out to her beaver pond to talk about a new book out of Ver…

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12/2/25: Inside a big ole snow plow 9:47

26d ago9:47

9:47

(Dec 2, 2025) Snowplows keep North Country life going in the winter. Our Adirondack reporter Emily Russell rides along with a young plow driver, who works long hours in a job that touches public safety, the environment, and climate change. Also: Two companies settled a lawsuit over price gouging of baby formula filed by the state Attorney General’s…

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Akwesasne Lake marker, Wright Peak postcard, Soulful Christmas preview 29:18

26d ago29:18

29:18

(Dec 1, 2025) A new state historical marker at Akwesasne Lake by Paul Smith's College is paying homage to its Indigenous history; NPR's Brian Mann sends an audio postcard from a wintry hike up Wright Peak in the Adirondacks; and we preview the Plattsburgh State Gospel Choir's Soulful Christmas concert this Sunday.…

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12/1/25: It was called Akwesasne Lake 8:49

27d ago8:49

8:49

(Dec 1, 2025) Before European settlers came to the Adirondacks, many landmarks were known by indigenous names. A new state historical marker at what was once known as Akwesasne Lake in Paul Smiths is paying homage to that history. Also: Gov. Kathy Hochul is still deciding whether to sign a bill that would allow terminally ill patients in New York t…

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Indian Lake Thanksgiving food boxes, ADK amendments, hermit thrush part II 29:05

1M ago29:05

29:05

(Nov 26, 2025) For some North Country communities, local food options are few and far between. This Thanksgiving, special food boxes connect families in the Indian Lake school district with regional farms; Gov. Hochul approved amendments to the Adirondack State Land Master Plan, which notably did not include a special provision for electric mobilit…

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11/26/25: Farm to families deep in the Adirondacks 9:33

1M ago9:33

9:33

(Nov 26, 2025) For some North Country communities, local food options are few and far between. This Thanksgiving, regional farms are boxing up fresh food for families in the isolated Adirondack town of Indian Lake. Also: Gov. Hochul approved amendments to the Adirondack State Land Master Plan, but they did not include a special provision for electr…

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Childcare funding runs out, Canton soup kitchen, Mohawk story of the hermit thrush 29:31

1M ago29:31

29:31

(Nov 25, 2025) After the state vastly expanded eligibility for childcare programs, funds haven't been able to keep up with demand, with over half of counties running out of money; delays in federal assistance and high food prices are making it a hard start to the holiday season for many in the North Country; and we’ll hear a Mohawk story about how …