Story of the Day

It's migration season for birds, and New York is taking official action to help them fly safely. The Lights Out program is dimming the lights on all state buildings, and encouraging the public to get involved, too. Also: Over the weekend, former students from the Ivy Ridge boarding school in Ogdensburg called for something to be done about allegations of physical and mental abuse in the "troubled teen" industry.

We remember Adirondack Forest Ranger and LGBTQ community leader Robbi Mecus. Mecus died in an ice-climbing accident in Alaska last Thursday. She had become one of the forest rangers' most influential and respected members.

The Netflix documentary "The Program" exposed alleged physical, mental, and sexual abuse students were subjected to at a former boarding school near Ogdensburg. We talk with the filmmaker, who is also a former student, about what happened at Ivy Ridge. And we talk with people in Ogdensburg about grappling with Ivy Ridge's legacy.

For the last two months, a nonprofit SPCA near Plattsburgh has been caring 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. Also: Environmental groups say they'll push the New York State Assembly to approve a key climate change bill before the session ends in June.

The new state budget includes the first-ever paid pre-natal leave policy in the country. Who that could help in the North Country, and whether it's enough to help pregnant people get the health care they need. Also: Efforts are underway to highlight the history of Harriet Tubman and other Upstate New Yorkers who fought against slavery with a new Underground Railroad Corridor.