Benny Nezaj, WPTZ-TV (South Burlington, VT) Journalist Profile

Articles

Strand Center for the Arts unveils new exhibition showcasing female artists

6 days ago | mynbc5.com | Benny Nezaj

HAPPENING AT THIS HOUR, THE STRAND CENTER FOR THE ARTS IN PLATTSBURGH IS HOSTING THE OPENING RECEPTION FOR A NEW EXHIBITION... DISPLAYING ARTWORK EXCLUSIVELY CREATED BY WOMEN. NBC5'S BENNY NEZAJ SPOKE WITH US ARTISTS AND ORGANIZERS OF THE GALLERY AND TELLS US THEIR MESSAGE TONIGHT.
North Country Assemblyman Billy Jones secures $300,000 for Battlefield Memorial Gateway Project

6 days ago | mynbc5.com | Benny Nezaj

A project to develop a veterans park in the North Country has received a big gift thanks to a local leader. North Country Assemblyman Billy Jones recently secured $300,000 from the state of New York for the Battlefield Memorial Gateway Project in the town of Plattsburgh. The project, is currently in Phase 2 of the construction process, which will be the Remembrance Plaza to commemorate veterans.
Fewer Canadian visitors crossing the border: Rouses Point businesses feel the impact

1 week ago | mynbc5.com | Benny Nezaj

Northern New York continues to see a drop in the number of Canadian visitors crossing the border each week, and local businesses are starting to feel the economic pinch. According to the North Country Chamber of Commerce, the decline is being directly attributed to ongoing tariffs and rhetoric from the Trump administration, which have strained cross-border relations. Business owners in border communities are already noticing the difference.
A Paws-itive Presence: Therapy dog 'Blu' brings comfort and community to CV-TEC

1 week ago | mynbc5.com | Benny Nezaj

In the busy halls of CV-TEC in Plattsburgh, students are getting a little extra help in the classroom—and it comes with four legs, a wagging tail, and a heart full of love. Blu, a three-year-old Australian Shepherd and certified therapy dog, visits the campus twice a week, providing emotional support and calm to students balancing hands-on career training and the everyday pressures of school life.
NY-21 Rep. Elise Stefanik reportedly eyeing run for governor of New York

1 week ago | mynbc5.com | Michael Cusanelli |Benny Nezaj

New York congresswoman Elise Stefanik could be exploring a bid for governor. Stefanik, who represents New York's 21st congressional district, could be a major curveball for current Gov. Kathy Hochul in the 2026 midterm elections as her term expires next year. The potential move comes after President Donald Trump withdrew Stefanik's nomination to be the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, citing worries about the small margin Republicans held in Congress.
Clinton Community College formalizes relocation to SUNY Plattsburgh campus

1 week ago | mynbc5.com | Benny Nezaj

In a landmark move for higher education in Northern New York, Clinton Community College will soon share a campus with SUNY Plattsburgh. The long-anticipated relocation became official on Tuesday, as both institutions formalized the agreement that will see Clinton Community College leave its lakefront home before the start of the Fall 2025 semester.
SUNY Chancellor worries about chilling effect after Plattsburgh student set for deportation

1 week ago | mynbc5.com | Benny Nezaj

ANSWER. IN MOTPELIER JAMES MALONEY NBC 5 NEWS SCHOOL LEADERS AT SUNY PLATTSBURGH ARE RAISING CONCERNS ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HAVING THEIR VISAS REVOKED. IT COMES as AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AT the school IS SET TO BE DEPORTED. SUNY OFFICIALS SAY THE STUDENT'S VISA was REVOKED BY THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION. The students identity has not been released. NEARLY 18-THOUSAND INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS FROM 180 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES ARE A PART OF THE SUNY SYSTEM.
Crisis intervention training underway for Northern New York police officers

2 weeks ago | mynbc5.com | Benny Nezaj

Eighteen police officers from various North Country law enforcement agencies are currently undergoing essential Crisis Intervention Team training at the Saranac Lake Police Department. The week-long course is designed to equip first responders with the tools to effectively communicate and connect with individuals in crisis.
NY-21 Democrat Blake Gendebien holds town hall in Plattsburgh

2 weeks ago | mynbc5.com | Benny Nezaj

Although there is no upcoming special election in Northern New York, Democrat Blake Gendebien took the opportunity to meet with voters during a town hall event in Plattsburgh on Tuesday evening. The town hall, held at the Strand Theatre, saw a large crowd gather to hear from Gendebien, who was initially selected to run for the open House seat in New York’s 21st Congressional District. The seat was expected to become vacant if Republican Rep.
Northern New York communities, businesses see decline in Canadian visitors amid tariffs

2 weeks ago | mynbc5.com | Benny Nezaj

Northern New York is already feeling the effects of President Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on all Canadian imports, with a noticeable drop in Canadian visitors this season. As local businesses and tourism operators struggle to adapt, they face an uncertain future. Andy Fisher, the general manager of North Country Golf Club in Champlain, New York, has been closely monitoring the decline.