Washington, DC, Dec 11, 2012 — The federal government is easing its new rules for school lunches. In a letter to members of Congress Friday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the USDA would remove calorie limits on grains and meats in schools.

At the same time, Vilsack defended the program put in place last fall. He wrote it's ensuring twice the amount of fruits and vegetables in school lunches, and a "substantial" increase in the use of whole grains.  Go to full article

Paul Smiths, NY, Aug 30, 2012 — We use buckwheat flour for many of the same purposes as wheat flour, but the plants they originate from are not even closely related. And that's a good thing for people who suffer from gluten allergies.  Go to full article

Paul Smiths, NY, Oct 06, 2011 — Between the ages of 20 and 50, the average American doubles his or her body fat. As turkey and trimmings are placed on the table and visions of sugar plums dance, get "the skinny" on fat from Dr. Curt Stager and Martha Foley.  Go to full article

Canton, NY, May 23, 2011 — Cuts in federal and state aid and a potential 2% property tax cap mean North Country County public health departments are facing some tough choices. What those choices are likely to be is just now starting to come out as the departments are beginning to formulate their budgets for next year.  Go to full article

Washington, DC, Apr 15, 2011 — North Country Congressman Bill Owens lashed out at Republicans' plan to reduce the federal deficit while backing President Obama's. Speaking in a telephone town hall meeting Thursday, the Democrat from Plattsburgh attacked House Budget Committee chairman Paul Ryan's deficit reduction plan. Martha Foley reports.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Mar 29, 2011 — Governor Andrew Cuomo is very close to winning a significant victory in a state budget that relies on deep cuts and no new taxes to close a $10 billion dollar deficit. But, as Karen DeWitt reports, Cuomo may get what he wants because of something, that in the end, he didn't have to do.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Mar 28, 2011 — Almost a week before the deadline, Governor Cuomo and legislative leaders agreed to a conceptual budget plan yesterday. It cuts spending by nearly $10 billion, and does not raise any new taxes. The leaders scrapped a proposal for a continued tax on the state's millionaires. There are deep cuts to education and health care. Karen Dewitt has the details.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Mar 01, 2011 — The state's former health commissioner, Dr. Richard Daines, died suddenly over the weekend. The probable cause of death was a heart attack. Daines was the public figure in former Governor Paterson's effort to pass a tax on sugary drinks. Karen Dewitt reports.  Go to full article

New York, NY, Feb 28, 2011 — It's been over a year since New York implemented reforms of the Rockefeller Drug Laws.

The new rules divert many drug addicted felons from prison to treatment.

Reporter Charles Lane from public radio station WSHU has been following several of the people going through the new program.

He found that some of them are getting treatment in rigorous residential treatment facilities, and say the programs are harder than doing time in prison.

Editor's Note: Charles Lane has heard news that Joan D'Alessio turned herself in and is doing better. We'll bring you updates in the coming months on her as well as a look at the cost of the Rockefeller reforms.  Go to full article

Canton, NY, Feb 21, 2011 — The "granddaddy" of St. Lawrence County chili cook-offs went off smoothly yesterday. Organizers of the Morristown Chili and Chowder Cook-o-Rama were nervous after similar events were cancelled this month in Canton and Ogdensburg due to health codes.

On Friday, local leaders gave state health inspectors an earful at a meeting in Canton. As David Sommerstein reports, they complained of onerous and capricious enforcement.  Go to full article