Shows
Northern LightMercy Care for the ADKs, New York prison conditions, Adia Victoria(Sep 24, 2025) We listen back to a profile on Mercy Care for the Adirondacks, a volunteer organization that tackles elder isolation with friendship that's currently seeking new volunteers; conditions inside New York's prisons haven't improved much for inmates and corrections officers since a three-week wildcat strike earlier this year; and News Director David Sommerstein joins the show to preview Adia Victoria's performance at St. Lawrence University this Friday titled “Skip James is My Analysis: An Evening On The Abyss,” which will feature a set of songs and a candid conversation about mental health and the blues.
2025-09-2429 min
Story of the Day09/05/2025: A profile on the Seagle Festival's company manager(Sep 5, 2025) On today's Story of the Day, North Country at Work brings us a story about how a career in the performing arts led a Midwesterner to the Adirondacks. Also: NCPR News Director David Sommerstein reports from the starting line of the Adirondack Canoe Classic, known as the 90-miler.
2025-09-0509 min09/05/2025: A profile on the Seagle Festival's company manager(Sep 5, 2025) On today's Story of the Day, North Country at Work brings us a story about how a career in the performing arts led a Midwesterner to the Adirondacks. Also: NCPR News Director David Sommerstein reports from the starting line of the Adirondack Canoe Classic, known as the 90-miler.
2025-09-0509 minCanadian trade expert, Tupper Lake knotweed program, Ottawa Blues Festival(Jul 10, 2025) We hear from a Canadian trade expert about Canada's ongoing efforts to strengthen its economy beyond the U.S. amid the ongoing trade war; homeowners in Tupper Lake can now get help eradicating Japanese knotweed from their property; and News Director David Sommerstein previews the massive Ottawa Blues Festival, which kicks off tonight and runs for 10 days.
2025-07-1029 minNorthern LightCanadian trade expert, Tupper Lake knotweed program, Ottawa Blues Festival(Jul 10, 2025) We hear from a Canadian trade expert about Canada's ongoing efforts to strengthen its economy beyond the U.S. amid the ongoing trade war; homeowners in Tupper Lake can now get help eradicating Japanese knotweed from their property; and News Director David Sommerstein previews the massive Ottawa Blues Festival, which kicks off tonight and runs for 10 days.
2025-07-1029 min
Read This TodayAristophanes' CloudsStep into the zany world of ancient Athens with a deep dive into Aristophanes' uproarious comedy, Clouds. Join us as we dissect this foundational work of satire, exploring its hilarious jabs at Socrates, the "new education," and the generational divides of 5th-century BCE Athens. Discover the genius of Old Comedy, unpack the play's enduring themes of intellectual hubris and societal change, and understand why its sharp wit and timeless commentary on "making the worse appear the better reason" still resonate with surprising relevance today. Perfect for students of Greek drama, lovers of satire, or anyone curious about the comedic...
2025-07-0845 minNorthern LightState budget deadline missed, ADK spring hike, NCPR National Poetry Month project(Apr 1, 2025) The state budget is officially late, and our Albany reporters break down the hold-ups; NPR's Brian Mann and NCPR's David Sommerstein take an Adirondack hike that's both spring and still winter; and North Country Public Radio wants to invite you to celebrate National Poetry Month with us.
2025-04-0133 min
In Our TimeLysistrataMelvyn Bragg and guests discuss Aristophanes' comedy in which the women of Athens and Sparta, led by Lysistrata, secure peace in the long-running war between them by staging a sex strike. To the men in the audience in 411BC, the idea that peace in the Peloponnesian War could be won so easily was ridiculous and the thought that their wives could have so much power over them was even more so. However Aristophanes' comedy also has the women seizing the treasure in the Acropolis that was meant to fund more fighting in an emergency, a fund the Athenians had...
2024-05-0955 min
In Our Time: CultureLysistrataMelvyn Bragg and guests discuss Aristophanes' comedy in which the women of Athens and Sparta, led by Lysistrata, secure peace in the long-running war between them by staging a sex strike. To the men in the audience in 411BC, the idea that peace in the Peloponnesian War could be won so easily was ridiculous and the thought that their wives could have so much power over them was even more so. However Aristophanes' comedy also has the women seizing the treasure in the Acropolis that was meant to fund more fighting in an emergency, a fund the Athenians had...
2024-05-0955 minEpisode 5: What We Learned(Jan 15, 2024) A conversation with our editor, David Sommerstein, about how we got into this story, what we found, and what’s next.
2024-01-1512 min
WJFF - The Local Edition - Special ReportPro Publica Report: OSHA Investigates Small Dairy Farms So Rarely That Many Worker Advocates Don’t Bother to Report Deaths and InjuriesProPublica is an independent, nonprofit newsroom PRODUCING investigative journalism AND A new investigation by ProPublica finds when a farmworker is injured or dies on a Catskills dairy farm, federal labor safety investigators often look the other way.In New York State, OSHA, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is barred from looking into injuries and deaths on farm with fewer than eleven workers. Many local dairy farms are that size or smaller.The exception is if the workers are deemed in a “temporary labor camp.” But ProPublica reporter Melissa Sanchez told New York...
2023-11-2006 min
NCPR's North Country in the HouseE9: We have answers(Nov 7, 2018) All the questions of the 2018 campaign are answered, for now. Stefanik cruises. Democrats lock down Albany. And the North Country is all but shut out of power. Brian Mann and Lauren Rosenthal join David Sommerstein for this post-election episode.
2018-11-0700 minNCPR's North Country in the HouseBonus: Get ready, get set, go!(Nov 5, 2018) To get you prepared to vote on Election Day, Lauren Rosenthal, Brian Mann, and David Sommerstein look back through the fierce campaign in the 21st Congressional district and size up the big picture for Congressional elections in the North Country.
2018-11-0500 minNCPR's North Country in the HouseE8: Guns, fund balances, and fierce debates(Nov 1, 2018) Rep. Elise Stefanik doubles down on her opposition to an assault weapons ban. Tedra Cobb served on the St. Lawrence County legislature at a complicated time. And Lynn Kahn gets frustrated with the rhetoric of her two major party opponents. Lauren Rosenthal, Brian Mann, and Zach Hirsch join David Sommerstein as we race to the finish line in NY-21.
2018-11-0100 minNCPR's North Country in the HouseE7: NY-21 candidates meet in first debate(Oct 25, 2018) Republican Elise Stefanik, Democrat Tedra Cobb, and Green Lynn Kahn shared a stage for the first time this week. And it got heated. Plus, a first look at voter registration. Brian Mann and Zach Hirsch join David Sommerstein.
2018-10-2500 minNCPR's North Country in the HouseE6: The Green Party passes the baton in NY-21(Oct 18, 2018) Glens Falls area baker Matt Funiciello reinvigorated the Green party in the North Country. Can this year's candidate, Lynn Kahn, do the same? Plus, Paul Ryan, campaign fundraising data dive, and Coffee Shop. Lauren Rosenthal and Brian Mann join David Sommerstein.
2018-10-1800 minNCPR's North Country in the HouseE5: A Stefanik staffer leans on SUNY Canton(Oct 11, 2018) When a private citizen wanted to moderate a town hall on health care, Rep. Elise Stefanik's office put pressure on that citizen's employer, SUNY Canton. Plus, Tedra Cobb issues an apology while on the stump in Plattsburgh. Lauren Rosenthal and Zach Hirsch join host David Sommerstein.
Send us your feedback and questions - david@ncpr.org
2018-10-1100 minNCPR's North Country in the HouseE2: Stefanik and the press(Sep 20, 2018) North Country media largely agree that Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is very hard to pin down for an interview on the important issues of the day. Do voters care? David Sommerstein and Brian Mann discuss. And we hear from an Ogdensburg voter who's not at all plugged into what's happening in politics. Send voice memos of your questions about NY-21 to david@ncpr.org
2018-09-2000 minNCPR's North Country in the HouseE1: Let's get up to speed(Sep 13, 2018) In our first episode of North Country in the House, Lauren Rosenthal, Brian Mann, and David Sommerstein catch you up on what's happened so far in the North Country's race for Congress. And we hear from our first voter in our "Coffee Shop" segment. Send voice memos of your questions or comments to david@ncpr.org
2018-09-1300 min
Day-by-Day: The Nick Hillary TrialDay By Day E17: The view from here(Oct 3, 2016) In episode 17 of Day By Day: The Nick Hillary Trial podcast, David Sommerstein, Lauren Rosenthal, and Brit Hanson look into reactions to Hillary's not guilty verdict, including takes from legal experts about the prosecution's insistence that Hillary is the killer.
2016-10-0300 minDay-by-Day: The Nick Hillary TrialDay By Day E16: Not Guilty(Sep 28, 2016) In episode 16 of Day By Day: The Nick Hillary Trial podcast, David Sommerstein, Brit Hanson, and Lauren Rosenthal talk about the verdict, the reaction from both sides and from Garrett Phillips' family.
2016-09-2800 minDay-by-Day: The Nick Hillary TrialDay By Day E14: We have (some) answers(Sep 26, 2016) In episode 14 of Day By Day: The Nick Hillary Trial podcast, David Sommerstein, Lauren Rosenthal, and Brit Hanson try to answer some of your questions about DNA and fingerprints, the person in the window, and who's actually prosecuting this case.
2016-09-2600 minDay-by-Day: The Nick Hillary TrialDay By Day E13: Closings(Sep 23, 2016) In episode 13 of Day By Day: The Nick Hillary Trial podcast, David Sommerstein, Lauren Rosenthal, and Brit Hanson discuss the closing arguments in the trial. Judge Felix Catena, serving as judge and jury, said he will issue a verdict next Wednesday or Thursday.
2016-09-2300 minDay-by-Day: The Nick Hillary TrialDay By Day E12: Last defense(Sep 21, 2016) In episode 12 of Day By Day: The Nick Hillary Trial podcast, David Sommerstein, Brit Hanson, and Lauren Rosenthal cover the final day of testimony. Hillary's daughter faces tough questioning from the prosecution, investigators come under a microscope, and we hear from Nick Hillary's friends.
2016-09-2100 minDay-by-Day: The Nick Hillary TrialDay By Day E11: Two versions(Sep 20, 2016) In episode 11 of Day By Day: The Nick Hillary Trial podcast, David Sommerstein and Lauren Rosenthal discuss Tuesday's testimony through the lens of the very different kinds of cases the two sides are making, and the way they're making those cases. Also, the prosecution rests its case, and the defense calls for dismissal again.
2016-09-2000 minDay-by-Day: The Nick Hillary TrialDay By Day E8: What the neighbors heard(Sep 14, 2016) In episode 8 of Day By Day: The Nick Hillary Trial podcast, the defense asks for a mistrial again. Neighbors testify what they saw and heard during the 30 minutes Garrett Phillips is believed to have died. And a witness saw someone looking out of the apartment window. David Sommerstein and Brit Hanson discuss the day in court.
2016-09-1400 minDay-by-Day: The Nick Hillary TrialDay By Day E7: Near mistrial(Sep 13, 2016) In episode 7 of Day By Day: The Nick Hillary Trial podcast, David Sommerstein, Brit Hanson, and Lauren Rosenthal discuss an extraordinary day in court. The defense asks for dismissal after discovering a potentially key piece of evidence the prosecution did not provide, as obligated under law. And then the trial continued.
2016-09-1300 minDay-by-Day: The Nick Hillary TrialDay By Day E6: Openers(Sep 12, 2016) In episode 6 of Day By Day: The Nick Hillary Trial podcast, David Sommerstein, Lauren Rosenthal, and Brit Hanson review what happened in the first day of testimony. Lawyers on both sides gave their opening statements, and Tandy Collins, the mother of the victim, testified for almost two hours.
2016-09-1200 minDay-by-Day: The Nick Hillary TrialDay By Day E4: 10 in one (day)(Sep 7, 2016) In episode 4 of Day By Day: The Nick Hillary Trial, we cover the first day of jury selection. Ten jurors were selected and sworn in - eight women, two men. David Sommerstein, Lauren Rosenthal, and Brit Hanson talk about how the attorneys framed "a reasonable doubt", the role circumstantial evidence may play, and the introduction of race and prejudice as issues in the trial.
2016-09-0700 minDay-by-Day: The Nick Hillary TrialDay by Day E2: How did we get here?(Sep 6, 2016) In our second episode of Day By Day: The Nick Hillary Trial podcast, the trial finally starts. But first, David Sommerstein and Martha Foley take a look back at what happened after a young boy named Garrett Phillips was killed in Potsdam and what's driving national interest in this case.
2016-09-0600 minDay-by-Day: The Nick Hillary TrialDay By Day E3: DNA, a controversial petition, and the length of trial(Sep 6, 2016) This third episode of Day By Day: The Nick Hillary podcast covers the first day of proceedings in the courtroom. David Sommerstein and Brit Hanson discuss the ongoing debate over DNA evidence, a petition the defense considers a sign of bias among potential jurors, and the attorneys' estimates of how long the trial will take.
2016-09-0600 min
PRI's The World Jan 23, 2013Military Practices Flying Drones Over Northern New YorkThe drones that fly over Afghanistan are generally piloted by people sitting in the United States. Those pilots also fly training missions over domestic skies. That's the case in northern New York. North Country Public Radio's David Sommerstein reports on the fuzzy line between military preparation and a creepy eye in the sky.
2013-01-2306 min
IndieFeed: Big Shed Audio DocumentariesBig Shed in Potsdam!(Produced by ) A few weeks ago, Shea was visiting beautiful SUNY Potsdam in upstate
NY to make a presentation about audio documentaries to students at the
school, an audio pep rally recruiting students for a cool project he's
working on with prof. audrey sprenger (you'll hear more about that in
the coming months ... enjoying the mystery?). David Sommerstein, a
supercool reporter with ,
came out for the presentation, too (that's David in the photo above).
After the presentation--flattering us to no end (truly, we're still
blushing)--David interviewed Shea about Big Shed and ran this really
nice piece.
The summed up th...
2006-10-2516 minThe Big Shed PodcastBig Shed in Potsdam!(Produced by ) A few weeks ago, Shea was visiting beautiful SUNY Potsdam in upstate
NY to make a presentation about audio documentaries to students at the
school, an audio pep rally recruiting students for a cool project he's
working on with prof. audrey sprenger (you'll hear more about that in
the coming months ... enjoying the mystery?). David Sommerstein, a
supercool reporter with ,
came out for the presentation, too (that's David in the photo above).
After the presentation--flattering us to no end (truly, we're still
blushing)--David interviewed Shea about Big Shed and ran this really
nice piece.
The summed up th...
2006-10-2516 min