The article features a discussion about the reality TV show 'Love Island' and its impact on viewers, particularly focusing on one fan's personal story. The fan, Sophie Mackintosh, used the show as a coping mechanism during a difficult summer when her partner, Chris, was hospitalized with bowel cancer. The show provided a daily routine and a distraction from the stress of the situation. The article also includes a 'Tiny Love Story' by Melissa Akie Wiley, who shares her experience of finding love despite being disfigured from a childhood dog attack. Both stories highlight the themes of love, healing, and the power of television to provide comfort and escape during tough times.

The article is a transcript from 'The New York Times' podcast 'Modern Love,' hosted by Anna Martin, featuring a story by David Khalaf. It discusses the complexities of family relationships and cultural expectations regarding sexual orientation. David, who is gay and married to a man, talks about his family's decision to keep his marriage a secret from his traditional grandmother. During a visit to his ailing grandmother, he removes his wedding ring and plays along with the pretense that he is not married. The narrative explores the emotional toll of this concealment on David and his relationship with his grandmother. The article also touches on David's final visit to his grandmother in the hospital, where he reflects on the limitations of their relationship and his relief at no longer having to hide his true self after her passing.

The article is a transcript of an episode from 'The New York Times' podcast 'Modern Love,' hosted by Anna Martin, featuring guest Natasha Singh. Natasha discusses her parents' arranged marriage and how it influenced her views on love and marriage. She observed her parents' traditional and seemingly affection-less relationship, which led her to reject the institution of marriage and explore her identity, including her sexuality. Despite her initial resistance, Natasha eventually found love and got married to a man named Branly, which was a significant departure from her parents' experience. The conversation also touches on Natasha's mother's mourning process after the death of her father, and how Natasha's understanding of her parents' marriage evolved over time, recognizing the devotion and respect they had for each other.

This episode of 'Modern Love' from The New York Times, hosted by Anna Martin, delves into personal stories about divorce, particularly from the perspective of children affected by it. The episode features Natalie Muñoz, the youngest person to write a 'Modern Love' essay, who shares her experience of her parents' divorce at the age of 15 and the challenges of living between two homes. The episode also includes various listeners' accounts of the moment they realized their parents were getting a divorce, highlighting the emotional impact and the changes it brought to their lives. These stories range from the logistical difficulties of splitting time between parents to the deeper emotional realizations of family separation.

The article is a transcript from The New York Times' Modern Love podcast, hosted by Anna Martin, featuring a personal narrative by Annabelle Allen. Annabelle shares her experience of caring for her father, who has Alzheimer's disease. She reflects on the challenges and intimate moments of caregiving, her father's diminishing memory, and the discovery of his old journals that reveal his past thoughts and experiences. The journals provide Annabelle with a connection to her father's former self and offer comfort amidst the difficulties of watching his decline. The story is a poignant look at the emotional complexities of caring for a loved one with dementia and the enduring bonds of family.

The article is a transcript of an episode from 'Modern Love,' a segment by The New York Times, featuring Anna Martin and Heather Sellers. Heather Sellers revisits her 2013 Modern Love essay about reconnecting with her estranged, abusive father, Fred, towards the end of his life. The essay was written as a form of closure and peace-making with their complicated relationship. However, Heather's feelings have evolved over the past decade. During the interview, Heather admits that the essay was a selective recollection of events, emphasizing the positive aspects and omitting the painful realities. She reveals that her portrayal of a healing and forgiving relationship with her father was not entirely accurate. Heather discusses the complexities of forgiveness and how her understanding of her father and their relationship has changed. She now sees her past self as someone desperate to be seen as connected to her father, influenced by the legacy of abuse. Heather's current perspective is more about connecting with others through kindness and compassion, rather than seeking forgiveness.

In this episode of 'Modern Love' from The New York Times, host Anna Martin interviews Christi Clancy, a spin instructor who recounts her experience of encountering her best friend's ex-husband and his new girlfriend in her spin class. The ex-husband had left her friend for another woman, and shortly after, her friend was diagnosed with cancer. Clancy, feeling a mix of anger and a sense of justice, decided to use her position as the instructor to subtly take revenge during the class by creating a playlist themed around cheating and assigning the ex-husband a particularly challenging bike. However, after the class, she realized her actions were more for her own catharsis than for her friend's benefit. Clancy later told her friend about the incident, who found it surprising but ultimately appreciated the gesture of support. The episode explores themes of friendship, the complexity of relationships, and the personal motivations behind seeking revenge.

The article is a transcript of an episode from 'The New York Times' podcast 'Modern Love,' where host Anna Martin interviews Deanna Fei about her interracial relationship. Deanna, a Chinese-American, recounts her experiences living in Shanghai on a Fulbright award and meeting her future white American boyfriend, a journalist. She discusses the complexities of navigating their relationship amidst cultural differences and societal perceptions, particularly the objectification she faced as an Asian woman. Despite initial hesitations about financial dependence and betraying her feminist values, Deanna's relationship deepens as her partner shows understanding and commitment, eventually leading to marriage. The conversation touches on themes of love, identity, and the challenges of interracial relationships.

The Modern Love podcast from The New York Times introduces its new host, Anna Martin, who joins existing hosts Dan Jones and Miya Lee. The episode features a story titled 'What Lou Reed Taught Me About Love' by Lisa Selin Davis, read by Kirsten Potter, which reflects on the impact of the song 'I'll Be Your Mirror' on the author's understanding of love during her teenage years. The hosts and guests discuss the songs that shaped their perceptions of love at the age of 16, including tracks by Beyoncé, One Direction, and Bob Dylan. The conversations explore themes of love, self-worth, and the formative power of music during adolescence.

The article is a transcript of an episode from The New York Times' 'Modern Love' series, featuring Khalid Abdulqaadir's story. Khalid recounts his experience with a polygraph test during a job interview, which prompts him to reflect on the secrets he's kept from his wife, including his family's investigation by the FBI after 9/11 and his own extramarital affair. The story unfolds as Khalid and his wife, after a period of separation, decide to reconcile. However, the weight of his secrets strains their relationship. Eventually, Khalid reveals everything to his wife, including the affair and the family's history with the FBI. This act of truth-telling transforms their relationship, allowing them to become friends and truly experience love. Khalid's wife also shares her own secrets, leading to a deeper connection and understanding between them.

The article from The New York Times, narrated by Anna Martin, explores unconventional relationship arrangements through personal stories. The first story, 'A Throuple's Tricky Geometry,' written by Evan Sterrett and read by MacLeod Andrews, recounts the experiences of a gay couple who invite a third man into their relationship for the summer. The arrangement brings excitement but also jealousy and complexity, ultimately leading to the couple's breakup. The second story features April Meyers-Doyle and Samatra Doyle, an interracial lesbian couple who choose to live in separate houses. Despite their love for each other, they maintain separate residences to best meet the needs of their children from previous relationships. This arrangement works for them, challenging traditional notions of marriage and cohabitation.

The article is a transcript from 'The New York Times' podcast 'Modern Love,' hosted by Anna Martin, featuring a personal love story from Susan Gelles. Susan shares her experience of feeling exhausted by dating and her intense job as a lawyer in NYC during the late '90s. Despite her ambivalence towards dating, she attends a singles mixer, which initially feels like a disaster. However, she decides to attend a second mixer, where she meets Richard, a lawyer who enjoys opera. After an awkward first interaction and Susan's initial reluctance, they connect, exchange numbers, and eventually start dating. Richard invites Susan to see 'Tosca,' an opera by Puccini, and two years later, they get married. Susan reflects on how her life changed despite her attempts to avoid dating, and she expresses gratitude for the serendipitous events that led her to Richard.

The article is a transcript from 'The New York Times' podcast 'Modern Love,' where host Anna Martin interviews Jessica Slice about her dating experiences and relationship with David, whom she met on OkCupid. Jessica discusses her first date with David, her condition called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and her struggles with accepting kindness and love due to past experiences. Despite initially breaking up with David due to her discomfort with his earnest affection, Jessica reflects on her feelings and, after self-reflection and therapy, realizes she loves him. She reaches out to David, they reconcile, and have been together for eight years. The story highlights Jessica's journey of self-discovery, overcoming her fears, and learning to accept love and feel lovable.

Wrexham Association Football Club, a small soccer club in Wales, has been promoted to a professional league after a 3-1 victory over Boreham Wood. The club, which was struggling financially a decade ago, was purchased by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in 2021. Their ownership has increased global interest in the club, partly due to the FX documentary series 'Welcome to Wrexham.' The promotion to League Two promises financial benefits from league payments, broadcasting rights, and increased ticket sales. The town of Wrexham has also seen a rise in tourism and celebrity visits. Soccer figures and royalty, including King Charles and Queen Camilla, have shown support for the club.

The article is a transcript from 'The New York Times' podcast 'Modern Love,' where host Anna Martin interviews Jessica Slice about her dating experiences and relationship with David, whom she met on OkCupid. Jessica discusses her first date with David, her condition called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and her struggles with pain and disability. Despite David's kindness and interest, Jessica initially felt repulsed due to past experiences where kindness signaled a cue to flee. However, after breaking up with David, she realized her feelings of love for him. They eventually reconciled, with David setting clear expectations for their relationship. Jessica reflects on her journey from questioning her lovability to feeling genuinely loved and deserving in her relationship with David.

The article is a transcript of a 'Modern Love' podcast episode from The New York Times, featuring a conversation between the host, Anna Martin, and the guest, Denny Agassi. Denny shares her experiences with dating in New York City as a transgender woman. She talks about her initial approach to dating, which was casual and non-committal, and how that changed when she met Jack, a guy who made her want more from a relationship. Despite the connection they shared, Jack eventually ghosted Denny, leaving her to process her feelings and the realization that being trans is not a hang-up and that it's okay to want more from relationships. Denny's story highlights the complexities of dating, self-acceptance, and the importance of treating oneself with the love one seeks from others.

Aly Tadros shares her personal journey into a B.D.S.M. relationship and how it impacted her life beyond the bedroom. Initially intrigued by the idea of domination, Aly recounts her first experience with B.D.S.M. with a man named Dan, who was in an open relationship and had clear rules and boundaries. Through their interactions, Aly learned about setting boundaries, the importance of communication, and the distinction between causing hurt and causing harm. The relationship with Dan was a step towards self-discovery, helping her realize the need for honesty and assertiveness in expressing her needs. Aly's story is not just about her exploration of kink but also about how the principles of B.D.S.M. can be applied to other aspects of life, such as work and friendships, to ensure one's needs are met and boundaries respected.

Northern and central New York are facing a severe drought, with groundwater reserves depleted and wells drying up. Residents and farmers are resorting to measures such as trucking in water, drilling new wells, and conserving water usage. The drought has affected crops, with hay and corn yields suffering significantly. The village of Copenhagen is relying on a single well, and measures like using paper plates in schools have been implemented to save water. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has declared certain counties as disaster areas, making federal aid available to farmers. Livestock farms are particularly strained, with some like Lucky 7 livestock farm in Rodman requiring hundreds of gallons of water daily for their animals. The community is hoping for increased moisture to help recharge the groundwater.

The article recounts the personal story of Samantha Joseph, whose childhood was enriched by visits to her Aunt Gail in California. Aunt Gail was a part of the Hollywood scene and had friendships with notable actors. However, at some point, Aunt Gail cut off contact with Samantha's family, which left Samantha feeling devastated. This sense of loss was compounded when Samantha learned years later that Aunt Gail had died by suicide. The article touches on Samantha's journey to find answers after her aunt's death and mentions a healing conversation she had with actor David Schwimmer.

In this 'Modern Love' podcast episode from 'The New York Times', host Anna Martin interviews author Nell Stevens about her personal essay. Nell recounts her experience of winning a luxury honeymoon to India during a time when she was both bored and in love. However, by the time she won, her relationship had ended. Despite the breakup, Nell decided to take the trip with her best friend. Throughout the journey, she grappled with the expectations of a romantic honeymoon and her own emotional turmoil from the breakup. Nell also reflects on her past pursuit of heterosexuality and how the trip, along with the breakup, led her to embrace her queerness. She shares her subsequent life choices, including deciding to have a child alone and meeting her now-wife, with whom she has two children. The episode explores themes of love, heartbreak, self-discovery, and the breaking away from societal norms.

In this episode of 'Modern Love' from The New York Times, hosted by Anna Martin, the guest is Susan Silas, who wrote an essay for the column about her unconventional relationship with a man referred to as 'the teamster'. They met on the set of a TV show where Susan was a production accountant and the teamster was a driver. Despite their different backgrounds and the challenges of finding privacy for intimacy, their relationship flourished. Susan, an artist, and the teamster, who comes from a more traditional working background, have been together for 23 years and are married but live separately. Susan discusses the dynamics of their relationship, their individual lives, and how they make their marriage work. The episode touches on themes of love, sex, and the complexities of relationships that defy societal norms.

The article is a transcript of an episode from 'The New York Times' podcast 'Modern Love,' hosted by Anna Martin. The guest, Susan Silas, discusses her Modern Love essay about her unconventional relationship with a man referred to as 'the teamster.' Despite their age difference and different backgrounds, they have maintained a relationship for 23 years and are married. Susan is an artist, and the teamster is a former teamster and Marine Corps veteran. They have navigated their relationship by respecting each other's space and maintaining separate residences. Susan also talks about a photo project featuring the teamster and her, which captures intimate moments of their relationship. The article highlights the importance of understanding and love in a relationship, regardless of societal norms or expectations.

The article is a personal essay by Clare Almand, shared on the New York Times' 'Modern Love' section, where she discusses her experience of losing her virginity at the age of 30. Clare had congenital heart disease and underwent multiple surgeries throughout her life. When her health began to decline rapidly, she feared she was running out of time and decided to have sex with a man she didn't particularly like, thinking she might die soon. After the encounter, her health improved following a procedure that corrected a significant heart issue. Clare reflects on her decision to have sex under the pressure of her health scare and her desire to feel normal, concluding that she does not regret the experience despite the circumstances.

The article is a transcript of an episode from 'Modern Love,' a podcast by The New York Times, featuring a story by Tyler Wetherall. It narrates a unique post-breakup situation where Tyler's ex-boyfriend, Sam, suffers a head trauma leading to significant memory loss, including the entire span of their relationship. Tyler is tasked with helping Sam recover his memories, creating a slideshow of photographs and recounting their shared experiences. However, she initially avoids telling him about their breakup. Eventually, Sam learns about their past relationship status from a friend and confronts Tyler. The story explores the complexities of their interactions post-accident, Tyler's feelings, and the eventual acceptance of their relationship's end. It concludes with a sense of closure as they acknowledge the importance of their time together.

The article is a transcript of an episode from 'The New York Times' podcast 'Modern Love,' hosted by Anna Martin, featuring an essay by Bob Morris. The essay recounts Bob's experience with his father, Joe Morris, who found love with a woman named Arlene after the death of his wife. Despite their age and Joe's declining health, Joe and Arlene shared a deep connection, enjoying activities like singing and dining together. However, when Joe's health deteriorated, Arlene set boundaries, not wanting to become his caretaker. This caused some misunderstandings and tension within the family, especially when Joe misinterpreted Arlene's sentiments about marriage. After Joe's death, there was a reluctance from Bob and his brother to include Arlene in the funeral, which led to regrets. Months later, Bob and Arlene met for lunch, where she clarified that she had never proposed marriage to Joe. The article also includes an interview with Arlene, who reflects on her relationship with Joe and the boundaries they had set.

Anna Martin from The New York Times interviews Mark Jason Williams about his essay on the evolving relationship with his mother, Betty. Mark, a cancer survivor, discusses how his illness as a child led to a close yet overprotective bond with his mother. As he grew older, Mark felt a need to distance himself from the constant reminders of his illness, which his mother frequently mentioned. To address this, they made a playful bet to avoid bringing up his cancer and his sexuality, which were sensitive topics for each. The bet eventually led to a deeper understanding and reconnection between them, especially when Mark wanted to introduce his boyfriend, Michael, to his mother. The story concludes with a conversation with Betty, who expresses pride in Mark's survival and happiness that he is well cared for by Michael.

The article is a transcript from The New York Times' 'Modern Love' podcast, hosted by Anna Martin, featuring Jay Shetty, a former monk turned relationship expert. Shetty discusses his transition from monkhood to mainstream life, including the challenges of re-entering the dating world and the societal pressures of impressing a partner. He shares his experience of a date that didn't go as planned with his now-wife, Radhi, due to his attempt to impress her with a fancy restaurant, which was misaligned with her simple and vegan preferences. Shetty emphasizes the importance of being oneself in relationships and how his monk training influenced his approach to love and life. He also touches upon the four stages of love as per the monk philosophy and his current stage in that journey.

The article is a transcript from 'The New York Times' podcast 'Modern Love,' hosted by Anna Martin, featuring Rick Reiss and his son Gabe Reiss. Rick discusses the difficult decision to send his then-14-year-old son Gabe to a wilderness therapy program due to his intense anger and violent outbursts. Despite the program and subsequent boarding school, Gabe's behavior worsened, leading to drug abuse and legal troubles. Rick reflects on the decision, expressing doubt about its long-term effectiveness but acknowledging it was the best choice at the time. Gabe, now 33 and clean for over two and a half years, shares his perspective on the experience, his journey through addiction, and his current relationship with his parents. He has come to terms with his past and forgives his parents for their decisions, emphasizing the importance of communication in rebuilding their relationship.

The article recounts the unconventional love story of Sonja Falck and Colin, a couple with a significant age difference. Sonja, a psychotherapist specializing in high IQ adults, fell for Colin, a professor of English literature and published poet, before even meeting him. Despite the age gap, they married and had two children. As Colin aged, their physical relationship waned, leading Sonja to feel a lack in her life. During a class on better conversations, Sonja met Richard, a man closer to her age, and they developed a connection. After a difficult conversation with Colin, they agreed that Sonja could discreetly pursue a physical relationship outside their marriage. Sonja and Richard's relationship deepened, and Colin, acknowledging his age and the future, supported Sonja's happiness, even meeting Richard. The family dynamic evolved to include Richard, and they lived as a family of five until Colin's death in 2020. The story highlights the complexities of love, relationships, and communication.

The article explores the contested origins of Thousand Island dressing, a popular condiment in American cuisine. One story attributes its creation to the chef of George and Louise Boldt, owners of the Waldorf-Astoria, during a cruise on their yacht. However, Allen Benas, a local fishing guide and owner of The Thousand Islands Inn, claims to have found the original recipe, known as 'Sophia's Sauce,' which belonged to Sophia Lelonde, a fisherman's wife from the late 19th century. Benas suggests that the dressing was popularized by actress May Irwin, who shared it with the Boldts. Food historian Ben Davison provides context, noting that the end of the 19th century saw a salad craze in America, leading to various dressings being invented, including Thousand Island dressing. The article implies that the dressing's true origins may never be fully known, but it has transitioned from a high-society favorite to a common addition to many dishes.

The article features two stories about love and relationships. The first story, narrated by Anna Martin, reflects on her past relationship with 'The Bartender' and her realization that she wanted a partner willing to overcome the distance between them. She now dates someone who lives further away, but they make it work. The main essay, titled 'In Praise of the 10-Percent Wrong Relationship' by Oz Johnson and read by Samantha Desz, discusses the author's experience at a business school reunion where she connects with a classmate. They share deep conversations and a brief romantic connection, but he ultimately ends it, feeling something was missing. The author reflects on the idea of seeking a perfect partner versus embracing imperfections together. The second story, shared by Nancy Cardwell, is about her love for tango dancing and how it led her to meet her husband, Luis, in Buenos Aires. Despite not initially seeking a relationship, their shared passion for tango brought them together, and they have been inseparable since.

The article features two segments from the New York Times' Modern Love, hosted by Anna Martin. The first segment is a reading of Felice Neals' essay 'The Curious Tale of Mr. Kale,' narrated by Shayna Small, about an unexpected romantic encounter with a man named Sam at a Whole Foods store in Tribeca. Despite the initial connection over kale, they do not exchange numbers, and subsequent attempts to meet again are unsuccessful. The second segment is a personal story by Jessica Strange, who revisits her old home on Zillow to remember her life with her late husband, Dylan. The Zillow listing shows the house stripped of their personal belongings, but Jessica recalls the rich memories of love and family life that took place there.

Sara Glass, who grew up in an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, shares her journey of self-acceptance and the challenges she faced in reconciling her sexual identity with her faith and community expectations. Initially conforming to the strict dress codes and marrying a man, Sara eventually acknowledged her true self as a gay woman. Despite her fears of losing custody of her children and community backlash, she divorced her husband and pursued her dream of becoming a psychologist. Sara opened a therapy practice on Long Island, serving the ultra-Orthodox community, but after her second divorce and moving to Manhattan to openly date women, her practice was jeopardized when a photo of her with her partner was leaked and went viral in Orthodox chats. This led to a loss of clients and the eventual closure of her Long Island practice. Despite the hardship, Sara found support in her partner, whom she later married, and they have a child together. Sara continues her work as a therapist in Manhattan and navigates the complexities of her relationship with her past community.

The article discusses the challenges faced by military families, particularly the children who have to move schools frequently due to their parents' assignments. On average, a military child changes schools six to nine times before turning 18, which can be emotionally difficult. To address this issue, the characters from Sesame Street, including Elmo and Cookie Monster, are visiting military bases across the United States to support these children in coping with the frequent relocations. The report is from Fort Drum in upstate New York and is covered by Julia Botero of North Country Public Radio, a contributor to Here & Now.

The northeastern United States is facing a severe drought, the worst in over a decade. The drought has led to the depletion of groundwater reserves, affecting both residential and agricultural water supplies. Farmers are being forced to transport water for their livestock, while residents are drilling new wells. Local towns are seeking strategies to conserve water amidst this crisis. The situation is reported by Julia Botero of North Country Public Radio, highlighting the challenges faced by the community and the urgent need for solutions to manage the water scarcity.

The article explores the contested origins of Thousand Island dressing, a common condiment made from mayonnaise, ketchup, and other ingredients. One story attributes its creation to a chef working for George and Louise Boldt at Boldt Castle in the Thousand Islands region. However, local fishing guide and The Thousand Islands Inn owner, Alan Benas, disputes this account. He claims to have found the original recipe, called 'Sophia's Sauce,' in a safe at the inn, which was previously owned by Sophia and George Lelonde. Benas suggests that the Lelondes shared the recipe with actress May Irwin, who then passed it on to the Boldts. Food historian Ben Davison notes that the end of the 19th century saw a salad craze in America, leading to the invention of dressings like Thousand Island. The dressing, once associated with high society, is now a ubiquitous and not particularly health-conscious choice.

President Barack Obama has decided to delay the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, deviating from his initial plan to remove almost all troops by the end of his presidency. Gen. Jeffrey Bannister, the commanding general of Fort Drum, commented that the 10th Mountain Division has been one of the most frequently deployed units to Afghanistan, with 2,800 soldiers currently stationed there. Bannister believes that the extended stay of U.S. troops will benefit the training of Afghan security forces and their counter-terrorism efforts. Approximately 9,800 U.S. forces are currently involved in training and counter-terrorism in Afghanistan. The number of Fort Drum soldiers to remain until 2017 is yet to be determined, pending Pentagon instructions. Bannister, along with 200 additional Fort Drum troops, will be deployed to Afghanistan this month.

New York State Senator Patty Richie has secured $650,000 for four hospitals serving Fort Drum troops and their families. The funds are intended for expansions and renovations, with Samaritan Hospital in Watertown allocating $125,000 to renovate its maternity ward. River Hospital will use its $175,000 to expand its PTSD treatment program, which remains operational despite an Army directive to centralize treatment on base. Carthage Area Hospital and Gouverneur Hospital will also benefit from the funding. Additionally, $100,000 will support the Development Authority of the North Country in coordinating projects with Fort Drum. The investment comes as the Army plans troop reductions, and local lawmakers emphasize Fort Drum's economic significance to the region.

Maj. Gen. Jeffery Bannister, the new commanding general at Fort Drum, has indicated that all units at the base are likely to be deployed overseas within the next 13 months. The nature of U.S. military presence in Iraq and Afghanistan is evolving, leading to different deployment patterns, with troops also being sent to other strategic locations such as Korea and Jordan. While 1,500 soldiers are set to leave for Afghanistan at the end of May and over 1,200 to Iraq this fall, the need for large-scale deployments has decreased, with only 30 to 50 percent of troops expected to be sent overseas. Bannister highlighted the challenge of deciding which soldiers will deploy and which will remain, as well as the impact of military budget cuts on the readiness and recovery time of the troops. He emphasized the importance of maintaining force readiness in the face of Middle East instability and the threat posed by the Islamic State.

Defense Secretary Ashton Carter visited Fort Drum and addressed the 10th Mountain Division soldiers, assuring them of the base's importance and announcing the deployment of 1,250 soldiers to Iraq to assist in the fight against ISIS. Carter discussed his vision for the Army's future, emphasizing the retention of skilled personnel by proposing expanded retirement benefits and longer leave for education and family time. He acknowledged the challenge of balancing soldier and veteran benefits with budget constraints. Rep. Elise Stefanik expressed her commitment to working with Carter to combat sequestration and prevent military budget cuts. Carter's visit also included plans to discuss post-military transition programs in Syracuse.

The article discusses new enforcement of boating regulations by the Canadian Border Service Agency (CBSA) that requires U.S. boaters to report to Canadian customs as soon as they cross into Canadian waters on the St. Lawrence River. This has caused frustration among local U.S. residents who are accustomed to freely navigating the waters. Mike Hajjar and Bill Morrison, local boaters, express their concerns and experiences with the new rules. Ted Hsu, a Canadian Member of Parliament, acknowledges the need for security but also the importance of not making Americans feel unwelcome. Doug Tulloch, another local, has decided to avoid boating in Canadian waters to avoid the hassle. The CBSA declined to comment but stated that the rules have been in place since 2012, although locals claim this is the first time they are being strictly enforced.

Local stakeholders in Clayton, N.Y., including politicians, environmentalists, and business owners, are advocating for the adoption of Plan 2014, a new water management plan for the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario. The plan aims to replace a 55-year-old treaty that has prevented natural water level fluctuations, which in turn has negatively impacted wetlands and wildlife. Plan 2014 promises environmental restoration and an extended boating season. However, some residents fear increased erosion and vulnerability to storm surges. The International Join Commission has been developing the new treaty, which now awaits final approval from U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Canadian officials. Mayor Norma Zimmer expressed support for the plan despite its imperfections, emphasizing the need for action over inaction.

John Kellett, who worked at the Baltimore Maritime Museum, was concerned about the trash in Baltimore's Inner Harbor and invented a water wheel to address the issue. The wheel is strategically placed where the Jones Falls river meets the harbor, capturing trash that is swept into storm drains after rainstorms. Since its installation in May, the water wheel has removed 40 tons of trash, significantly reducing the manual labor previously required to clean the harbor. Local business owners, such as Bill Flohr from Baltimore Harbor's East Marina, have praised the water wheel for its effectiveness. While Kellett acknowledges that the water wheel doesn't completely solve the trash problem, he hopes it will raise awareness among tourists about the impact of littering. Baltimore aims to make the harbor clean enough for swimming by 2020.