Story of the Day NCPR

The story behind the mural outside the Hepburn Library in the little hamlet of Colton in St. Lawrence County. It's part of our mural mapping project, which you can find on NCPR's homepage. Also: Gov. Hochul made several climate change-related announcements this week targeted at helping New York reduce its carbon emissions by 70% in seven years.

In Saranac Lake, a volunteer group has been beautifying the village for 113 years. Amy Feiereisel caught up with a few members of the Village Improvement Society, as they trimmed a tree downtown. Also: Tolls are going up by 5% on the New York State Thruway next year.

We get reaction to the news that SUNY Potsdam is downsizing its campus, cutting up to 14 majors. The university has to eliminate a $9 million dollar deficit. Also: A preview of the Adirondack Balloon Festival in Glens Falls.

St. Lawrence County lawmakers reacted angrily to reports that the state might house asylum seekers in New York City at the airport in Massena. The chairman of the legislature called the migrants "enemies". Also: SUNY Potsdam announced plans to downsize its campus today, including eliminating up to 14 major programs. The university faces a $9 million dollar structural deficit.

Several North Country horses have tested positive for a rare disease called Eastern Equine Encephalitis. It can be very dangerous for horses, and for people too, but it's extremely rare in humans. Also: State lawmakers are calling for a veterans home to be built in the North Country. Right now, the closest one is about a four-hour drive from St. Lawrence County.

Lewis County has the highest rate of death by suicide in New York State. For National Suicide Prevention week, a profile of a rapid response team there that helps families and friends cope, and tries to prevent the next tragic loss. Also: The child poverty rate has doubled nationwide, and it's higher than average in many parts of the North Country.