Northern Light NCPR

For the last two months, a nonprofit SPCA in Clinton County has cared for almost 50 dogs seized in an alleged animal cruelty case. The organization's leaders say they've been stretched thin, but things are turning a corner as they ready the dogs for adoption; environmental groups say they'll push the New York State Assembly to approve a key climate change bill before the session ends in June; a conversation with Wilmington author and illustrator, Maxwell Eaton III. He's joining NCPR for a celebration of children's literature Saturday morning at the Massena Public Library. We sat down with him to talk about writing and the fun of getting drawings from young readers in the mail.

The new state budget includes the first-ever paid prenatal leave policy in the country. Now, New Yorkers will get 20 hours of paid sick leave for health appointments during pregnancy. That's in addition to their regular parental leave; we'll hear how Essex County is helping farmers manage their land sustainably; also, a conversation with Adirondack children's author and illustrator Jessica Kane. She has two new books out and will join us for a celebration of reading and children's books this Saturday at the Massena Public Library.

Stefanik is leading the push to get the President of Columbia University to resign amid pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus; Hochul scored her lowest favorability rating since Siena College began tracking her in 2021, with only 40% viewing her positively, and 49% viewing her negatively; Kitty O'Neil with the Cornell Cooperative Extension talks about the uptick in avian flu during springtime and how to protect backyard flocks.

State lawmakers passed a $237 billion budget that incentivizes new affordable housing and restores cuts to school aid; a major newspaper covering the Akwesasne Mohawk community has had to suspend publication as it deals with financial troubles; also, in celebration of Earth Day we'll take a walk and talk with Vermont poet David Crews about how his writing connects him to nature, the environment and a new season!

The community of North Creek is crossing their fingers for a state grant to keep their nursing home open. Elderwood is hosting an open house Saturday morning for the community to meet residents, staff and families; we’ll take a tour of the shop in the lower Adirondacks that makes all those yellow and brown Adirondack Park signs; and John Warren checks the trail conditions in the Adirondacks for us this weekend.

We’ll take a closer look at the economic impact from the tens of thousands of tourists who came to the region during the total solar eclipse. Tourism officials estimate that Essex County alone saw a $2 million boost in sales; so far, two Democrats and a Republican have thrown their hats in the ring to become Plattsburgh's next mayor. Now an independent candidate is joining the field; New York Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie says Governor Hochul spoke prematurely this week when she said they’d reached a tentative budget agreement; plus, music and conversation with Brian Keane, the drummer of Gordon Lightfoot’s band. He's performing in Brockville Friday night.