Radio Chatskill

In a time of national polarization and digital isolation, a grassroots initiative in Sullivan County is providing a welcome space for neighbors to connect face-to-face and engage in meaningful conversations.The Committee for Equity and Justice, part of SALT (Sullivan Allies Leading Together), in partnership with the Ethel B. Crawford Public Library, hosts monthly Community Conversations in Monticello. Facilitated by Judy Balaban, along with Kathy Aberman and Tracy Broyle, these gatherings aim to promote dialogue, listening, and understanding among residents of diverse backgrounds and perspectives.“This September will mark two years of these conversations,” Balaban shared during an interview with WJFF Radio Catskill. “Bringing people together, even with opposing views, can create real human connection.”The conversations are open to the public and structured around monthly themes. The next two sessions — July 10 and August 14 at 6 p.m. — will center on the theme of “Freedom,” exploring how the concept resonates both personally and socially.“Freedom is such a big, relevant topic right now,” Balaban said. “We talk about how it touches us in our lives, our communities, and what it really means to each of us.”The format is intentionally inclusive and reflective, encouraging participants to share their experiences and listen to others without judgment, Balaban said.“We’re not debating — we’re listening,” said Balaban. “People leave the room thinking differently, sometimes even surprising themselves. They take those thoughts home, reflect, and often talk about it with others.”Balaban noted a growing public hunger for this type of in-person connection. “People are craving it. They want to get away from the screens and actually talk to each other,” she said. “And it’s not just about agreeing — it’s about understanding where someone else is coming from.”Past sessions have addressed a range of topics, including a recent discussion on “The First 100 Days,” which brought together individuals from across the political spectrum. “People said afterward that it gave them a new way of seeing something,” she recalled.Balaban emphasized that these conversations also help participants understand themselves better. “When I feel myself reacting strongly to something, I pause and ask — where is this coming from? That’s something I’ve learned from doing this work.”The next Community Conversations are free and open to the public and will take place at the Ethel B. Crawford Public Library in Monticello at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10, and Wednesday, August 14.Participants are encouraged to come as they are, bring an open mind, and be ready to listen and learn.“These gatherings are about building community,” Balaban said. “The same way this station builds community — by giving people a place to share, to listen, and to be heard.”For more information on upcoming Community Conversations, visit the Ethel B. Crawford Public Library or learn more about SALT at sullivanallies.org.

This Saturday, chamber music returns to Grey Towers in Milford with a performance by the award-winning Terra String Quartet. The group will perform works by Haydn, Bartók, and Brahms as part of the Kindred Spirits Arts’ summer season.Two of the quartet’s members—violinists Harriet Langley and Amelia Dietrich—joined us to talk about their upcoming concert, the ensemble’s creative process, and what it takes to bring centuries-old music to life for modern audiences.

More than 100 people are dead after devastating flash floods in central Texas, with more than 160 people reported missing according to officials. Flash floods can become deadly and devastate entire ecosystems - and in New York, heavy rainfall is becoming more common. Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar brings us this report.

Residents across upstate New York could soon see a sharp rise in their utility bills. New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E), both subsidiaries of the multinational utility giant Avangrid, have submitted proposals for rate increases that could raise average monthly bills by more than 30% for some customers.The utilities say the hikes are necessary to address aging infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and financial pressures. But the proposal has sparked a wave of backlash from consumer advocates, elected officials, and even state regulators, who are questioning whether these increases are justified—or even fair.“These companies are requesting increased rates at a time when they're already facing a lot of criticism for the current cost of service,” said Liam Mayo, reporter for The River Reporter, in an interview discussing the developments. “People already saw big spikes in their utility bills this past winter, and now this proposal adds insult to injury.”What’s in the Proposal?Under the one-year proposal covering May 1, 2026 through April 30, 2027, NYSEG customers could see an average electric bill rise from $139 to $172 per month—a 23.7% increase. Some increases, depending on service and customer usage, could reach or exceed 33%.The companies say the increases are unavoidable. In filings submitted to the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC), NYSEG and RG&E cite several drivers for the proposed hikes: long-overdue infrastructure upgrades, compliance with evolving state regulations, and limited access to capital markets due to poor credit metrics.But critics are skeptical.Audit Raises Serious ConcernsA recently released audit commissioned by the PSC found significant management and operational deficiencies within both utilities. The audit, completed in February but made public more recently, found that corporate decision-making at the parent company, Avangrid, has interfered with the operations of NYSEG and RG&E. The report concluded that Avangrid often prioritizes profits and shareholder returns over infrastructure investment and customer needs.A particularly damning line from the audit reads: “Avangrid prioritizes corporate earnings, not the needs of NYSEG and RG&E.”In response, the utilities complained that the audit presented an “overwhelmingly negative tone”—a rebuttal that has done little to reassure skeptical stakeholders.Political PushbackThe proposal has drawn fierce responses from elected officials. Governor Kathy Hochul called on the PSC to carefully scrutinize the request and emphasized that utilities must not profit “off the backs of the ratepayer.”Representative Josh Riley, who represents New York’s 19th Congressional District, condemned the proposal as “a slap in the face,” and vowed to fight it. “We’re talking about a foreign-owned monopoly raking in massive profits while failing over 100 basic operational functions,” Riley said.State Senator Peter Oberacker went further, calling the proposal part of a “pattern of abuse” and saying it’s long past time that the companies be held accountable.What Happens Next?The PSC will now evaluate the rate proposal and determine whether to approve it, reject it, or settle on a modified version. Historically, regulators have often approved smaller increases than those requested. Public hearings and comment opportunities are expected in the coming months.“There’s already an open door for negotiation,” Mayo said. “NYSEG and RG&E have said they’re willing to work on a five-year rate plan to bring more stability. But the real question is: will the compromise favor the utilities or the ratepayers?”A Broader Crisis in Utility Oversight?As Mayo notes, the situation may reflect a broader challenge in New York’s energy landscape. “We’re seeing utilities operating under outdated infrastructure and complicated corporate structures, all while ratepayers are left to foot the bill,” he said.Public comments can be submitted to the PSC through their website at www.dps.ny.gov.

About one in five children in Sullivan County live below the poverty line and do not get enough food to eat to grow and thrive, according to A Single Bite, a nonprofit in Sullivan County preparing and delivering more than 900 nutritious meals per week to local families in need.But food access across New York State could be in even greater dire need. In July, President Trump signed into law his 'Big, Beautiful Bill' which includes significant changes to safety net programs like SNAP and Medicaid and could reduce nutrition funding by more than $180 billion. Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar spoke with A Single Bite’s Executive Director Audrey Garro, and Real Food Logistics Manager, Jennifer Bitetto, about how these federal changes would impact residents locally. Note that Radio Catskill spoke with A Single Bite before the mega-bill became law.

Our resident science guy Joe Johnson brings us some science stories that caught his eye this week: A sneaky bird that lays its eggs in another bird’s nest and lets someone else do the parenting — we're looking at the conniving cowbird. A new interstellar object has entered our solar system, and it’s moving fastAnd beneath our feet, things are shifting. Literally. Joe explains what the tectonic movement in East Africa could mean for the future of the continent.

The Buffalo-based band The FAR Trio have been performing across the Northeast for over five years. Eamon, Drew, and Ethan blend soulful grooves, rock, jazz, and blues into a unique sound that draws inspiration from legends like John Lennon and the Allman Brothers. ’With two albums under their belt, their new single, “Here and Now,” is set to release on July 14th. Band member Drew Azzinarro spoke about their journey, creative process, and what fans can expect from their latest music.

The Catskill Agrarian Alliance is a non-profit organization based in the Catskills focused on increasing food sovereignty in the region by building connections between local farmers as well as to their consumers. Mutual aid serves as a guiding principle, alongside the belief that every person — regardless of income or zip code — has the right to healthy, culturally-relevant and sustainably-produced food. The Alliance oversees three major initiatives: their own agroecological farm Star Route Farm; 607 CSA, a whole-diet CSA made up of local farms in the Northern Catskills; and West Branch Commons, a community land trust that focuses on connecting up-and-coming BIPOC farmers to affordable farming land. Radio Catskill’s Julia Kim spoke with co-executive directors Tianna Kennedy and Francis Yu about the nonprofit's mission of mutual aid and food sovereignty, issues of food insecurity amid federal cuts and the USDA’s historical discrimination against BIPOC farmers.

As Congress weighs a budget proposal that could slash $4 billion from the federal Medicaid program, health officials and local leaders are raising alarm about what the cuts would mean for rural communities. At a press conference on Friday, June 26, hosted by Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale, Pennsylvania Department of Health Secretary Dr. Deborah Hogan joined other members of the Shapiro administration to call attention to the far-reaching impacts of the proposed changes.Liam Mayo of The River Reporter was at the press conference, which focused on both the human and systemic consequences of the federal budget bill, which health leaders say threatens to dismantle crucial supports in areas already struggling to meet demand.Hundreds of Thousands Could Lose CoverageAccording to estimates shared by state officials, approximately 300,000 Pennsylvanians could lose Medicaid coverage if the cuts go through. Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys added that another 270,000 residents with individual insurance purchased through the state marketplace, Pennie, could also lose coverage if tax credits included in the American Rescue Plan are allowed to expire.New York is projected to see even greater losses, with 1.5 million residents statewide potentially impacted. In the 19th Congressional District—which includes Sullivan County—an estimated 37,500 people could lose insurance, according to the Fiscal Policy Institute.Rural Hospitals on the BrinkJames Pettinoto, CEO of Wayne Memorial Hospital, described the rural healthcare system as already under duress. While the hospital has made strides to expand services with help from local and state government support, Petinotto warned that any federal cuts would reverse that progress.“The proposed budget cuts would likely force us over time to reduce services and continue to leave the most vulnerable population of patients at greater risk for disastrous health outcomes,” Pettinoto said.He also highlighted the hospital’s maternity unit, which delivers approximately 475 babies a year, many to Medicaid-covered and high-risk patients. Without adequate funding, such essential services could face reductions or even elimination, following a pattern seen in other rural counties. For instance, Susquehanna County lost its obstetric program more than a decade ago.Ripple Effects for All PatientsWhile Medicaid recipients would be the most directly affected, officials emphasized that the impact would not stop there.Mayo reported that rural hospitals serve a disproportionately high number of Medicaid patients, according to health officials at the event. “When funding is pulled, these hospitals lose revenue—but the patients still come. They just come through the emergency room, often uninsured, and the hospitals are forced to absorb the cost,” he said.That uncompensated care further stresses already thin operating margins. To make up the difference, hospitals may raise prices on privately insured patients or cut additional services, creating a cycle that affects everyone, not just those on Medicaid.Garnet Health: Another Example of StrainThe looming budget cuts come amid broader financial troubles for regional healthcare providers. Garnet Health, which serves patients across New York and Pennsylvania, recently announced layoffs of 2,042 employees and the elimination of outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation and diabetes services. Officials there cited both shrinking federal reimbursements and anticipated Medicaid cuts as contributing factors.Unlike Wayne Memorial, which has been trying to expand its footprint, Garnet has been contracting in recent years—part of what its leadership calls a long-term effort to “right-size” the hospital to match shifting regional demographics and medical needs.Interconnected ConsequencesOfficials stressed that the changes being debated in Washington are not just budget line items, but seismic policy shifts that could ripple through the entire healthcare system.“This is not just about Medicaid,” said Commissioner Humphreys. “When one piece of the system breaks, others have to compensate. That raises premiums, reduces access, and increases strain on care providers.”For continued updates and reporting, visit riverreporter.com.

As arts funding faces cutbacks across the country, local organizations in Sullivan County like the The Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre are speaking out about what’s at stake. HPAC is calling on state and regional funders to recognize the vital role the arts play in preserving cultural heritage, boosting tourism, and fostering inclusive community spaces. Radio Catskill’s Genevieve Hartnett sat down with Lourdesa Hunt, Director of Development at HPAC, to talk about the organization’s advocacy efforts, its new restoration of the historic O&W Luzon Station, and why investing in the arts—especially in smaller, diverse spaces—matters now more than ever.

Sure, you can drive from NYC to the Catskills in just a few hours. But as "Doobby," the taxi driver in ⁠Planes, Trains and Automobiles⁠ says, "You don't see nothing on the interstate but interstate."In this story, Kaatscast host Brett Barry walks with ⁠⁠Casey Kelbaugh⁠⁠ on a stretch of the "⁠Long Path⁠," a 358-mile trail from the George Washington Bridge in New York City to the edge of the Adirondack Park.

From cutting-edge space observatories and mysterious radio signals, to The blood-curdling Permian monsters that ruled the Earth before dinosaurs, our resident science guy Joe Johnson takes us on a whirlwind tour through time and space—literally.Life Before the Dinosaurs: Welcome to the PermianLong before dinosaurs roamed the Earth, the Permian Period ruled. Spanning from roughly 299 to 251 million years ago, the Permian marked the end of the Paleozoic era—a time of extreme climates, bizarre beasts, and, ultimately, the largest mass extinction in Earth’s history.The supercontinent Pangea dominated the globe during the Permian. While its coastal areas boasted lakes and swamps teeming with early plant life, the interior was an arid desert. The planet’s atmosphere held about 30% oxygen—higher than today’s 21%—fueled by the oxygen-rich Carboniferous forests that preceded it.Flowering plants had yet to evolve; instead, the landscape was dominated by ferns, horsetails, and early gymnosperms like pine trees and ginkgos. The animal kingdom, meanwhile, was home to creatures that seem plucked from science fiction: dragonflies the size of ducks and apex predators with circular saw-like jaws.Among the dominant land species were the synapsids, a group of four-legged vertebrates that eventually evolved into mammals. The most famous synapsid, Dimetrodon, sported a large sail on its back—possibly used for courtship, cooling, or dominance displays. At around 10 to 12 feet long, it was a ferocious predator equipped with a “mouthful of steak knives.”The Permian’s reign ended with a catastrophic volcanic event in present-day Siberia, releasing massive amounts of carbon dioxide. Scientists believe this caused a global temperature increase of about 10°C and triggered the extinction of 95% of marine life and 70% of land species.A New Eye on the Universe: Vera C. Rubin Observatory Delivers Stunning First ImagesShifting from ancient Earth to the edge of the universe, Johnson discussed the groundbreaking release of the first high-resolution images from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile’s Andes Mountains. Sitting at 9,000 feet above sea level, the observatory houses the world’s most powerful digital camera—3,200 megapixels and the size of a small car—built by the U.S. Department of Energy.Every three days, this technological marvel will scan the entire southern sky, capturing time-lapse images in stunning detail. Scientists hope to use artificial intelligence to analyze changes in space over time, detecting everything from supernovas and variable stars to elusive near-Earth objects.“This telescope will generate more data in a single year than all previous optical astronomy combined,” Johnson said. An estimated five petabytes—5,000 terabytes—of data will be processed annually, with a dedicated facility in Scotland tasked with storage and analysis.Among its ambitious goals, the observatory aims to:Map the solar system (discovering 2,000 previously unknown asteroids in just 10 hours),Detect potential planets like the theorized “Planet Nine,”Understand the formation of the Milky Way,And probe the mystery of dark matter, a term coined in part thanks to the observatory’s namesake, astronomer Vera Rubin. Her work observing the unexpected rotational speeds of galaxies helped establish the presence of unseen mass now known as dark matter.Fast Radio Burst? Try a Spark from a 1960s SatelliteIn a surprise twist, a mysterious radio signal detected on June 13, 2024, turned out not to be a deep-space event—but rather a local one. The Australian Square Kilometer Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) telescope picked up a powerful burst lasting just 30 nanoseconds. At first, astronomers suspected a fast radio burst (FRB), a phenomenon usually traced to distant galaxies or neutron stars.However, the signal's proximity—only 4,500 km from Earth—led to a startling discovery: it came from Relay 2, a long-defunct communications satellite launched in 1964 and inactive since 1967.Scientists now believe the burst may have resulted from either a micrometeoroid collision or a massive electrostatic discharge—a kind of space-based static shock. As Johnson explained, “These old satellites can accumulate charge while passing through the Earth’s magnetic field. Sometimes, it’s enough to spark a burst of radio energy.”This rare occurrence has prompted astronomers to reconsider how often space junk might mimic cosmic phenomena.

It’s been nearly 40 years since Dirty Dancing first hit the big screen—but the music, the moves, and the unforgettable Catskills setting still strike a chord. Now, a group of local artists is bringing the soundtrack to life with a high-energy tribute concert happening Saturday, July 5 at Pelkey’s Tavern in Hankins, New York.The Songs of Dirty Dancing features a full live band performing 18 songs from the iconic film—from the Ronettes to Otis Redding—and comedic hosts Bob Powers and Amanda Melson We sat down with co-creator and guitarist Dave Keener and co-host Bob Powers to talk about how the show came together.

As June draws to a close and the nation looks ahead to Independence Day festivities, the American Red Cross is making an urgent appeal: donate blood, and do it now.The summer season—especially the weeks around the Fourth of July—is one of the most challenging times of year to maintain a healthy blood supply. With regular donors on vacation, schools closed, and many businesses unable to host blood drives, donations drop just as demand spikes due to increased outdoor activity and traumatic injuries.“This time of year falls within what we call the ‘100 Deadly Days of Summer,’” said John Vale, Executive Director of the Red Cross’s Hudson Valley Chapter, in an interview with Radio Catskill. “More people are on the roads, out on boats, camping, and just enjoying life—but that can also lead to accidents and a greater need for blood.”Type O blood is in particularly high demand. Type O-negative is the universal donor used in emergency rooms when a patient’s blood type is unknown, while O-positive can be safely transfused to about 80% of the population. “Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion,” Vale emphasized. “We rely on type O during those critical moments.”To help meet the urgent need, the Hudson Valley Red Cross has launched a new initiative: Banking on Life. The campaign teams up with local financial institutions to sponsor a series of blood drives in July. Participating partners include M&T Bank, Ulster Savings Bank, Hudson Valley Credit Union, and Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union.The first blood drive kicks off Tuesday, July 1, with additional drives scheduled throughout the month. All blood types are welcome, and each appointment helps ensure that hospitals have the lifesaving supply they need.Vale encourages potential donors to make an appointment by visiting redcross.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. “And if you make an appointment, please try to keep it,” he said. “Emergencies happen, but every pint counts.”In addition to urging blood donations, the Red Cross is sharing safety reminders for those heading outdoors or using fireworks during the holiday weekend. Resources, including a first aid app, weather alerts, and emergency tips, are available for free on the Red Cross website and app stores.“Whether it’s taking a first aid course or just being more aware, there are small steps people can take to protect themselves and their loved ones this summer,” Vale said.He closed the conversation with a heartfelt message: “We’re all part of this community. Thank you to everyone who donates, volunteers, or supports our mission. Have a happy and safe Fourth of July.”💉 Want to Help?Schedule a blood donation: redcross.org or 1-800-RED-CROSSDownload the Red Cross Blood Donor AppFind local Banking on Life blood drives by ZIP code🎆 Stay Safe This Summer:Visit redcross.org/summersafety for holiday safety tipsTake a first aid or CPR courseDownload the Red Cross First Aid and Emergency apps

The Gender, Identity, Respect, Dignity and Safety Act, more commonly known as the G.I.R.D.S. Act, is a proposed legislative bill in the New York State Senate that would require all New York prisons and jails to house Trans, Gender Non-Conforming, Non-Binary, and Intersex (TGNCNBI) people in accordance with their gender identity, as well as making sure they get access to gender affirming medical care and personal items.The bill stalled in committee during this year’s legislative session, but advocates say their push is far from over. The Trans Prisoners' Rights Coalition (TPRC) is working to raise awareness and build momentum for the next legislative cycleThe passage of the G.I.R.D.S. Act would be a blanket coverage of protection for trans folks in all New York State prisons and jails.However, according to Mik Kinkead, New York State Attorney and TPRC Representative, and Grace Detrevarah, LGBTQ Liaison and Case Management Assistant at the Osborne Association, it is only one step in fixing a carceral system that invalidates and criminalizes trans identity.Radio Catskill’s Genevieve Hartnett spoke with Kinkead and Detrevarah, about how trans folks are at higher risk of violence in the carceral and criminal justice system and how passing this bill would protect human rights in New York state.

This week brought dangerously high temperatures to New York following weeks of heavy rainfall—conditions that are creating new challenges for farmers already grappling with major federal budget cuts under the Trump administration.Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar spoke with local farmers about how this season’s weather is affecting their work and how climate change and shifting federal policies are reshaping agriculture in the region.

The Western Sullivan Public Library (WSPL) is kicking off a vibrant, creative summer with its 2025 Summer Reading Program, Color Our World, inviting readers of all ages to explore art, storytelling, and community through a colorful array of free public events.The program begins Tuesday, July 1, with a festive launch at the Delaware Youth Center in Callicoon featuring Mr. Wonka’s Wonder Show by children’s performer David Engel. It’s just the start of a six-week series that blends reading with hands-on creativity—from mime and music to zines and murals.“The theme ‘Color Our World’ comes from the Collaborative Summer Library Program, a national initiative,” said Calison Stratton of WSPL in an interview on Radio Catskill. “Each library brings it to life in their own way, and for us, that means six weeks of programming with a different artistic focus each week—visual art, 3D art, music, writing, and more—for kids, teens, and adults.”Art, Expression, and Events for All AgesAmong the highlights is a visit from mime and storyteller Robert Rivest on July 10 at WSPL’s Callicoon branch. His interactive performance emphasizes self-expression and emotional literacy through theater and improv.The season will also feature a Community Art Party—a collaborative celebration of creativity—with live music from local artists (including Stratton herself and Barryville Area Arts Association’s Nick Rose), wildflower pressing with the National Park Service, and a community mural project under the theme Color Our County.For teens, the lineup includes a podcasting group, a Dungeons & Dragons campaign, songwriting and poetry workshops (including one with Sullivan County Poet Laureate Kevin Scott Graham), zine-making, nature photography, and book clubs.“This is the age when people are figuring out who they are and how they relate to the world,” said Stratton. “The library can be a place where they not only discover creative outlets, but also community and connection.”Reading Incentives, Prize Wheels, and MoreWSPL is also motivating participation with a range of incentives. Kids can pick up a reading tracker (in 15-minute reading increments) and earn prizes from the library’s reward baskets. Adults get their own “reading game board,” and both age groups can earn points by attending programs.Top readers will be rewarded with gift bags, commemorative t-shirts, and other prizes. Some events will also feature a spinning prize wheel for added excitement.How to Get InvolvedAll programs are free and open to the public. Families can find a full schedule and sign up for updates at wsplonline.org. Stratton also launched a new youth newsletter to keep families informed of weekly offerings.For questions or to sign up directly, parents can email her at [email protected] Wants Community FeedbackIn addition to the summer festivities, WSPL is currently conducting a community survey as part of its long-term strategic planning. “Every five years, we ask the public to tell us what’s working and what we can improve,” Stratton explained.Surveys are available on the library website, at all WSPL branches (Callicoon, Jeffersonville, and Narrowsburg), local post offices, and shops across the region.“Our library is about more than books,” said Stratton. “It’s a space for growth, creativity, and belonging—and we want to know how we can better serve our community in the years ahead.”Radio Note: When she’s not “coloring our world,” Callison Stratton can be heard hosting Liberation Station on Saturday nights at 7:00 p.m. on Radio Catskill.

In the Town of Highland, a years-long debate over the proposed Camp Fimfo resort-style campground is approaching a critical juncture. The local planning board is now reviewing a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) that could determine the future of the $40 million redevelopment project.River Reporter journalist Liam Mayo, who has followed the project since its inception, joined Radio Catskill to break down the latest developments and what’s at stake for the local community.From Rustic to ResortThe Camp Fimfo proposal would dramatically transform the existing Kittatinny Campground in Barryville—historically a traditional tenting site on the Delaware River—into a modern “glamping” destination under national developer Northgate Resorts.“They’re proposing to invest over $40 million into structural upgrades and rebranding the campground under their Camp Fimfo chain,” Mayo explained. “That includes updating sewer systems but also changing the fundamental character of the site—from rustic camping to high-end cabins and stationary RVs.”That shift has raised concerns among residents who fear the scale and style of the project could overwhelm the quiet rural character of Highland.Concerns Over Safety, Services, and TaxesAs part of the environmental review process, developers submitted a nearly 400-page FEIS responding to a wide range of concerns from community members, government agencies, and environmental advocates. The planning board is now reviewing the document in sections during a series of public workshop meetings.At the heart of community opposition are concerns about environmental risks, emergency preparedness, and local infrastructure. “People are worried that the increased number of visitors will strain local emergency services,” said Mayo. In response, the project team has offered a $25,000 annual payment to support local EMS operations and agreed not to pursue a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement, which had previously stirred controversy.Highland EMS is pushing for more—requesting a 3% annual increase in support, structured staff training, and a detailed emergency management plan.Projected Visitors Under ScrutinyAnother unresolved issue is how the number of future visitors has been calculated. The planning board flagged inconsistencies in the developer’s estimates, suggesting that the comparison to past campground usage patterns may not reflect the reality of a luxury “glamping” site.“The board raised concerns that just because there are fewer campsites now doesn’t mean there will be fewer visitors,” Mayo said. “The use patterns are likely to change, and they want a clearer picture of the actual impact on traffic, services, and land use.”What’s Next?The planning board has not set a strict timeline for completing its review, but officials say the process will likely conclude within a few months. While no final decision has been made, Mayo believes the board is trending toward a conditional approval—one that would require developers to adhere to all mitigation measures outlined in the FEIS.“Everything from noise and traffic to septic systems and land use would be covered,” he said. “If approved, this document becomes a legally binding agreement outlining how those impacts must be managed.”A Test Case for the Future of Camping?Beyond Highland, the Camp Fimfo proposal may serve as a bellwether for the broader region. As interest in high-comfort outdoor accommodations grows, communities up and down the Delaware River are watching to see whether this type of development proves sustainable—or disruptive.“This could mark a shift in what camping means in the Upper Delaware,” Mayo said. “If successful, it might change not just the local economy, but the identity of the area.”The FEIS is publicly available on the Town of Highland website. Planning board workshops continue this week, with the next session scheduled for Wednesday.For updates on this story and other regional news, follow The River Reporter.

Editorial Note: The results discussed in this article are unofficial as of June 25, 2025.Polls have closed and ballots have been counted in New York’s June 24 primary. From hotly contested races in Sullivan County to historic shifts in Woodstock, voters across the Hudson Valley made their voices heard. Radio Catskill’s Tim Bruno spoke with Jesse King, Hudson Valley Bureau Chief for WAMC and host of 51%, to break down the results and explore what they might signal for the November general election.SULLIVAN COUNTY — Republican Primary for SheriffOne of the most bitter races in the region took place in Sullivan County, where incumbent Sheriff Michael Schiff held onto his party line, earning 59% of the vote over challenger Tim Dymond (41%).“This was probably the loudest race in Sullivan County last night,” said Jesse King. “Dymond basically ran a smear campaign that echoed allegations the FBI is investigating the Sheriff’s Office for corruption and misconduct. Schiff has denied all of that.”The race also featured personal accusations and lurid claims, including an alleged love triangle involving staff at the jail. Despite the drama, voters appear to have stuck with Schiff, who has been in office for about 20 years. With no Democrat running, this primary likely decided the next term.WOODSTOCK — Democratic Primary for Town SupervisorIn Ulster County’s Woodstock, Councilmember Anula Courtis came out ahead in a three-way race with 61% of the vote, defeating journalist David Wallis (27%) and environmental advocate Erin Moran (12%), who had the backing of outgoing Supervisor Bill McKenna.“This was a race with some local drama,” King said. “McKenna challenged Wallis’s petition signatures, saying they included non-residents. The Board of Elections let him stay on the ballot by just two or three signatures.”But the central issue in Woodstock wasn’t paperwork—it was the long-standing illegal Shady dump, which despite lawsuits and court orders, has yet to be cleaned up. Courtis, King noted, pushed for a “total reset,” aiming to work with state officials and open dialogue with the property owner.“She had a very community-focused campaign,” King added. “That probably played a role in her win.”Courtis is now the heavy favorite for November, with no Republican opponent. If elected, she will appoint someone with an environmental background to complete her term on the Town Board. Meanwhile, the Democratic primary for two open board seats saw Laurie Osmond and Lily Korolkoff narrowly edge out Marcel Nagele — setting up the possibility of an all-women town government for the first time in Woodstock’s history.NEW PALTZ — Democratic Primary for Town SupervisorIn New Paltz, Village Mayor Tim Rogers defeated incumbent Amanda Gotto, earning 54% of the vote to her 46%.“Rogers is pushing to merge the town and village governments,” said King. “He believes the original reasons for having them separate no longer apply, and this consolidation could save money and increase efficiency.”Though the idea of a merger hasn’t yet been voted on, Rogers’ win could help move that plan forward.MIDDLETOWN — Democratic Primary for MayorIn Orange County’s Middletown, Mayor Joseph DeStefano cruised to victory with 77% of the vote over Joel Sierra (22%), a county legislator and former firefighter.“This was another bitter race,” King said. “Sierra accused DeStefano of lying and corruption, and DeStefano hit back, criticizing Sierra for missing legislative meetings — which Sierra said was due to a work-related injury.”With no Republican in the race, DeStefano is likely headed toward his fifth consecutive term, and seventh overall as Middletown’s mayor.STATEWIDE — NYC Mayoral Primary ShockwavesOutside the Hudson Valley, all eyes turned to New York City, where Zoran Momani, a self-described Democratic Socialist, shocked political observers by beating Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic mayoral primary with 43.5% of first-choice votes.“This was framed as a battle between younger, more progressive Democrats and the party’s establishment wing,” said King. “Momani’s grassroots, hyper-local campaign style clearly resonated. He was everywhere—on podcasts, local shows, walking the streets. Cuomo, by contrast, was largely interview-averse.”While ranked-choice tabulation is still pending, Cuomo has already conceded.

The Orange County Correctional Facility has a longstanding contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain immigrants in the state while officers are actively conducting raids on local communities and putting people, including children, into detainment. In New York activists have been campaigning on the legislative level to end state and local collaboration with ICE through the Dignity Not Detention ACT that would end all immigrant detention contracts state, county and municipal entities currently have with ICE and bar them from entering into new contracts.Recently, The River Reporter reported on an ICE raid at Elegante Restaurant and Pizzeria in Honesdale, during which ICE agents arrested and detained three of the establishment’s employeesThis raid followed the detainment of a mother and her three children, including a third-grader and two high school students, back in April at a dairy farm in Jefferson County and their subsequent transfer to a detention facility in Texas.President Trump deployed the California National Guard to Los Angeles last Sunday to crack down on demonstrators, as protests also erupted in other cities such as Chicago and New York City against the ongoing ICE raids.Radio Catskill’s Julia Kim spoke with Tania Mattos, executive director of the non-profit UnLocal, which provides legal representation, community education and other services to undocumented immigrants in New York, on what the Dignity Not Detention Act is and aims to address. Kim also spoke to Samah Sisay, staff attorney at the Center for Constitutional Rights in New York City who specializes in fighting discriminatory immigration policies, on Orange County Correctional Facility in particular fits into this conversation. Here’s Tania Mattos…

The LGBTQ+ community’s access to gender-affirming care is only becoming more precarious with the political precedent currently being set by president Trump. In January, Trump signed an executive order calling for governmental agencies to ensure that medical institutions receiving any federal research or education grants “end the chemical and surgical mutilation” of people under 19. The order has not been officially implemented, with multiple lawsuits having been filed against the Trump administration to block enforcement, but many healthcare providers in both New York and Pennsylvania have already scaled back their gender-affirming care services as a preemptive measure. As a result, the LGBTQ+ community is witnessing an influx in what could be referred to as “trans migration,” in which trans people are having to travel greater distances — other cities, counties and even entirely new states to access life-saving healthcare.To explore this increasingly important issue of trans migration, Radio Catskill’s Julia Kim spoke with Corinne Goodwin, Executive Director of the Eastern PA Trans Equity Project, and Charlie Solidum, Director of Programs and Services at the Hudson Valley LGBTQ+ Center.

Our resident science guy Joe Johnson brings us th Science Roundup: Universal Anti-Venom Breakthrough, Hidden Antarctic Rivers, and Methane-Farming Sea SpidersBy [Your Name] Published: June 25, 2025From snakebite survival to the secrets beneath Antarctic ice, scientists are pushing the boundaries of our understanding of nature — and perhaps even saving lives along the way. Here’s a look at three of the most fascinating science stories making headlines this month.Could One Man’s Blood Hold the Key to a Universal Anti-Venom?A remarkable study in the June 12 issue of Cell explores a major development in the decades-long search for a universal anti-venom — and it all starts with a man who voluntarily injected himself with snake venom hundreds of times.Around 100,000 people worldwide die each year from venomous snakebites, with another 300,000 suffering permanent injuries. Traditional anti-venoms are species-specific, made by injecting small amounts of venom into animals (often horses) and harvesting the antibodies. This means that each type of venom — from cobras to taipans — requires its own tailored anti-venom, a major limitation in regions with diverse snake populations.Enter Tim Friede, a self-taught herpetologist and former truck mechanic, who spent decades immunizing himself against snake venom. Friede reportedly survived over 200 snakebites — including two near-fatal bites from a king cobra — and became what researchers dubbed a “hyperimmune human donor.”Scientists studying Friede’s blood identified two broadly neutralizing antibodies capable of targeting neurotoxins common to a group of deadly snakes called elapids. By combining these antibodies with a new drug under development, researchers created an anti-venom cocktail that allowed mice to survive lethal doses of venom from 19 elapid species.While still in early stages, this approach could revolutionize treatment in regions with limited medical access and diverse venomous species. Experts caution against anyone attempting Friede’s methods at home — but agree his unusual path may save thousands of lives.A River Beneath the Ice: Antarctic Discoveries Rewrite the MapA team of New Zealand scientists drilling through 1,500 feet of Antarctic ice expected to find bedrock. Instead, they discovered a vast subglacial river — and signs of life in one of the most remote places on Earth.Reported in Nature Geoscience on May 12, the research focused on the West Antarctic Ice Sheet and the Ross Ice Shelf — a region considered a critical “cork” holding back massive glacial flows. Drilling into the Camb Ice Stream, researchers used 175°F water to bore a narrow hole through the ice, uncovering a channel nearly 100 meters high and 200 meters wide, flowing slowly beneath the glacier.The river system showed complex layering, with freshwater and saltwater moving in different directions and sudden surges likely triggered by the draining of hidden subglacial lakes. Sediment cores revealed an active ecosystem — and even more surprisingly, tiny crustacean-like creatures resembling lobsters.This hidden world is reshaping how scientists understand ice dynamics and sea-level rise. As global warming accelerates glacial melting, insights like this are essential for refining climate models and predicting the future of coastal regions.Meet the Sea Spiders Farming Bacteria at Methane SeepsIn the deep, dark ocean where sunlight never penetrates, strange creatures thrive — and scientists just uncovered three new species of sea spiders doing something never seen before.As detailed in the June 16 issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers studying methane seeps off the U.S. West Coast and in the Aleutian Trench discovered these tiny, half-inch sea spiders living in ecosystems powered not by sunlight, but by methane. These seeps, fueled by decaying organic matter, release methane gas into the water, which special bacteria then use to produce energy through a process called chemosynthesis.What’s groundbreaking is how these sea spiders feed: they “farm” the methane-consuming bacteria on their exoskeletons, scraping off the microbes with specialized mouthparts and legs. Each methane seep was found to host its own unique spider species — suggesting rapid adaptation and specialization in these extreme environments.To confirm the spiders’ diet, researchers cultivated them in methane-rich seawater enriched with carbon-13 (a traceable isotope). The carbon-13 showed up in the spiders’ tissues, confirming they were indeed consuming the bacteria they cultivated on their bodies.While the study is a window into life in one of the Earth’s most alien environments, it also hints at broader implications. Since methane is a potent greenhouse gas, understanding — and perhaps one day harnessing — these microbes could have environmental benefits.From anti-venom breakthroughs to icy rivers and methane-farming sea spiders, this season’s science stories reveal just how much we still have

Dangerously hot and humid conditions will continue through Wednesday. "Feels-like" temps will reach over 100° in several areas in the region. Extreme heat and humidity can be more than just uncomfortable—they can be life-threatening.Tim Bruno spoke to Dr. Maria Ranin-Lay, a primary care provider with Crystal Run Healthcare, about how this kind of weather affects our health, what symptoms to watch out for, and how to stay safe.“It can be very dangerous, especially for vulnerable populations,” Dr. Ranin-Lay said. “Children, infants, the elderly, and people with chronic conditions like heart disease, asthma, and COPD are most at risk—as are those working outdoors.”Know the Warning SignsDr. Ranin-Lay urges residents to watch for signs of heat exhaustion, including:Excessive sweatingNauseaDizzinessHeadacheRapid heartbeatIf not addressed, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition marked by confusion, dry and hot skin, and body temperatures reaching 104°F or higher.“Heat stroke is a medical emergency. If you see someone with these symptoms, call 911 immediately,” she stressed.Why the “Feels Like” Temperature MattersWhile the air temperature might read in the 90s, it’s the heat index—a measure that combines temperature with humidity—that truly reflects how the body experiences heat.“If it’s 90 degrees but the humidity is high, it could feel like 104 or 105,” Dr. Ranin-Lay explained. “That makes it even harder for the body to cool itself, since sweat can’t evaporate properly in humid conditions.”Adapting to the New NormalWith extreme heat events becoming more frequent due to climate change, Dr. Ranin-Lay says we need to treat heat like any other natural hazard—similar to how we prepare for snowstorms or hurricanes.“We need to relearn heat awareness,” she said. “That includes understanding the heat index, dew point, and UV levels, and changing our habits accordingly.”Her tips include:Scheduling outdoor activity for early morning or eveningWearing light, breathable clothing (avoid polyester, choose cotton)Staying hydrated—at least 1–2 liters of water daily, with added electrolytes if possibleUsing fans, ice packs, and creating cooler indoor spaces with reflective window coveringsNo AC? Know Where to GoNot everyone has access to air conditioning, but Dr. Ranin-Lay emphasized that every community should have a designated cooling center.“Especially for marginalized communities, it’s critical to know where your local cooling center is—before the heatwave starts.”Residents can contact their county’s Office of Emergency Services or check online for cooling center locations. Additionally, the United Way’s 211 helpline is available 24/7 to connect people to nearby shelters, cooling centers, and other health services.Check on NeighborsDr. Ranin-Lay also urged everyone to check in on elderly neighbors and those who live alone.“If someone seems confused or dizzy—or if your neighbor suddenly doesn’t recognize you—that could be heat stroke. Don’t hesitate. Call 911.”One Last ReminderHer parting advice? Don’t underestimate your hydration needs.“People say, ‘I drink a lot of water,’ but do you know how much? Track it. Bring a bottle, measure it, and drink regularly—even if you’re not thirsty yet.”And perhaps most practically: “Every morning, I ask Alexa what the temperature is so I can plan accordingly. We need to build that kind of awareness into our daily routine.”Heat Safety Resources Cooling Centers: Check with your county’s Office of Emergency Services (Orange, Ulster, Sullivan, and others)United Way 2-1-1 Helpline: Dial 211 or visit 211.org for shelter, transportation, and emergency health assistanceStay Informed: Sign up for local heat alerts via NY Alert at alert.ny.gov

As New York’s legislative session comes to a close, the fight against PFAS contamination—those toxic “forever chemicals” linked to serious health risks—is far from over. Despite early leadership in regulating PFAS in drinking water and consumer products, the state continues to grapple with widespread pollution from over 1,200 industrial sites, contaminated landfills, firefighting foam, and everyday items. With federal standards delayed and the health and economic costs in New York estimated in the billions, advocates say the need for bold state action has never been more urgent.Kate Donovan, Director of Northeast Environmental Health at the Natural Resources Defense Council, addressed what happened this session in Albany, where New York stands in the national fight against PFAS, and what’s at stake for communities still living with the consequences.

Garnet Health announced a restructuring plan on June 17 that will lay off 42 employees. Garnet also said it will end Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation Services at Garnet Health Medical Center and Outpatient Diabetes Services at Garnet Health Medical Center and Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills, due to what the hospital says is “ due to consistent underutilization.” Additionally, Garnet Health Medical Center’s Trauma Program will transition from a Level II Trauma Center to a Level III Trauma Center designation “to better reflect current utilization, a more sustainable model, and our community’s needs.”As Garnet Health restructures its services in The Catskills, New York lawmakers have passed a bill aimed at giving communities more say when hospitals plan to shut down or eliminate critical services like maternity care, mental health units, or emergency rooms.Advocates say the lack of transparency and community input in hospital closures has left many New Yorkers—especially in communities of color and rural areas—without reliable access to care. Now, all eyes are on Governor Kathy Hochul, who has the final say.Tim Bruno spoke with Lois Uttley with Community Voices for Health System Accountability about what the Local Input for Community Healthcare Act would change—and why supporters are pushing the governor to sign it into law.

Howe Caverns is one of New York’s most popular natural attractions—but beneath its winding passageways lies a lesser-known, tragic past. In the latest episode of Kaatscast, Brett Barry speaks with historian and author Dana Cudmore about his new book The Cave Electrician’s Widow, revealing the haunting story of a deadly 1930 accident, the courtroom drama that followed, and the enduring mystique of "Cave Country."

Legendary singer-songwriter Terre Roche—of the iconic trio The Roches—is coming to The Muse in Rosendale for a special anniversary concert with special guests Lisa and Lori Brigantino. Jason Dole spoke with Terre about her new album, revisiting her early work with sister Maggie, and what audiences can expect from this one-of-a-kind musical celebration.

Radio Catskill volunteer David Dann is an artist, writer, and designer whose work defies easy categorization—just like his newest exhibit, The Clock, on view at the Narrowsburg Union as part of this year's Deep Water Literary Festival. A multimedia installation that explores time, transformation, and human reckoning, The Clock merges sculpture, storytelling, and symbolism in a deeply personal and universal meditation on the passage of time. Culture Reporter Valerie Mansi spoke with David Dann about the inspiration behind the piece and his unconventional artistic journey.

Hundreds of people gathered in the parking lot by the Read it Again bookstore in Monticello on June 14 as part of nationwide demonstrations called the ‘No Kings’ protests. The Sullivan County rally was part of more than 2,000 events across the country pushing back on what organizers describe as the Trump administration’s “escalating abuses of power.”Radio Catskill's Kimberly Izar was at the local No Kings protest in Monticello and has this report.

On Saturday, June 21st, the hamlet of Smallwood, NY, will host Smallwood Porchfest 2025, a day-long celebration of community and Catskills musical heritage. Set around the shores of Mountain Lake, the event transforms porches, lawns, and driveways into intimate stages featuring more than 10 local musicians.Myrna Marcarian from the Smallwood Civic Association and musician Cliff Westfall spoke about the walkable event, that’s as much about place and people as it is about performance.

High-speed internet may be coming to your home or small business soon if you live in Sullivan County.On Thursday, Sullivan County kicked off a $30 million broadband project under New York State’s ConnectALL program to bring high-speed internet to homes and businesses. For decades, the county's mountainous terrain in the Catskills has hindered broadband expansion.Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar was at the kickoff in Bethel, New York and brings us this report.

Sullivan County has shown some progress in the fight against the opioid epidemic. Overdose death rates have shown a gradual decline in recent years, but health officials and local residents say now is not the time to dial back.Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar attended Sullivan County’s Substance Use Task Force meeting at the Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre. The task force is a county-led effort to coordinate substance use prevention and treatment strategies. She brings us this report.A listener’s note that this story discusses addiction and substance abuse.

As federal immigration enforcement actions escalate across the country, rural communities in the Catskills and Northeast Pennsylvania are feeling the ripple effects—prompting fear among immigrant families, disruption to daily life, and calls for organized resistance.Juana Cortes-De Torres, Immigration Legal Rights Project Director at Rural & Migrant Ministry, says there's a growing anxiety felt by mixed-status families and an urgent need for legal education and community preparedness.“We’re seeing national outrage, and that outrage stems from the randomness of the administration’s current immigration enforcement policies,” Cortes-De Torres said. “Our work goes into training mode when that happens.”That training takes the form of “Know Your Rights” presentations in Spanish and other immigrant languages, covering everything from what to do when ICE agents come to your door, to understanding constitutional protections under the Fourth and Fifth Amendments.Fear at Home, Disruption at SchoolFor many families, the fear is deeply personal. With many households including both undocumented adults and U.S.-born children, the stakes are high.“They’re nervous, they’re worried,” Cortes-De Torres said. “Kids go to school wondering if their parents will still be there when they come home.”That fear, she explained, has real consequences—not just emotionally, but educationally and economically. “It’s a tremendous impact on children’s mental health. And it creates a chilling effect. People are afraid to go shopping. They’re afraid to go to the laundromat. They’re afraid to live.”Local school districts are also taking notice. Some have issued policies guiding educators on how to respond if immigration enforcement agents enter school grounds—reaffirming schools as safe spaces for students.Local Incidents, National PatternsRecent ICE raids in the region have heightened the sense of urgency. Just two weeks ago, three individuals were detained at a pizzeria in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, while 20 to 30 community members gathered outside to document and peacefully protest.Such incidents, Cortes-De Torres said, point to inconsistencies in federal enforcement. “We were told they’re targeting people with criminal records. But that’s not what we’re seeing. People being picked up have remedies in immigration court, but ICE takes them anyway.”She emphasized the importance of recording these incidents, calling it both an act of witness and a potential legal tool. “If you see a raid, record it. It’s evidence. It’s history.”Community Response and Legal ToolsRural & Migrant Ministry is now preparing to launch a new toolkit, dubbed the “Menu of Hope,” designed to give allies and immigrant families step-by-step guidance on how to prepare for possible enforcement action—from gathering documentation to establishing child custody plans using official state forms like New York’s OCFS-4909.Communities are also encouraged to develop Rapid Response Teams—local groups trained to respond to raids, support families, and coordinate with legal aid organizations. For those without a local team, groups like the New York Immigration Coalition and Immigrant ARC can provide assistance.Cortes-De Torres also highlighted state-level efforts, including the “New York for All Act,” which would prohibit local law enforcement from sharing information with federal immigration authorities unless legally required.“We’re on the Side of Justice”After more than three decades of legal advocacy, Cortes-De Torres remains undeterred by what she sees as arbitrary and harmful policies.“I’ve helped poor people my whole career—immigrant or not—and what keeps me going is that I believe in the law,” she said. “History shows us what a coalition of people who believe in justice can do. I’m never going to lose that hope.”For families and allies alike, her advice is clear: be informed, be organized, and don’t lose faith.“Preparation is key. We must protect each other. Their rights are our rights.”More information at ruralmigrantministry.org.

This week, our resident science guy Joe Johnson dives into a trio of surprising and thought-provoking discoveries—from an ancient agricultural marvel buried beneath Michigan forests to the latest in space exploration, and even the mystery behind wrinkly fingers after a swim. LiDAR Uncovers Massive Indigenous Agricultural Site in MichiganA new study published in the Journal of Science on June 5 has dramatically altered what researchers thought they knew about Indigenous farming in the Upper Midwest. Using advanced LiDAR technology, scientists mapped the terrain of the “60 Islands” area in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula—a site long known to be inhabited by the ancestors of the Menominee Nation.What the team uncovered was astonishing: an extensive network of raised garden beds spanning 95 hectares—the equivalent of roughly 230 acres. The discovery points to a sophisticated and large-scale farming system that operated between 1000 and 1600 AD.“These aren’t just remnants of subsistence gardening,” Johnson said. “This was a sustained agricultural operation.”Researchers confirmed that the gardens were used to cultivate maize, beans, and squash—known as the “Three Sisters” in Indigenous agricultural tradition—as well as melons and sunflowers. Evidence shows that the Menominee enriched their soils with compost and wetland materials, demonstrating advanced environmental management techniques.The study challenges long-held misconceptions that Indigenous people in this region were primarily hunter-gatherers. It also raises questions about the social organization and trade networks that may have supported such a large farming endeavor.Notably, the village site where the farmers lived has yet to be discovered.NASA’s Dragonfly Mission Takes Flight Toward TitanIn space exploration news, NASA’s upcoming Dragonfly mission has cleared a key development hurdle. The nuclear-powered rotorcraft is designed to fly across Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, and explore its surface and atmosphere.Titan stands out among celestial bodies. It's about half the diameter of Earth but has just one-seventh of Earth’s gravity and a dense atmosphere, composed largely of nitrogen and methane. Surface temperatures are so cold that methane exists in solid, liquid, and gas forms—creating a weather cycle not unlike Earth’s water cycle, but with natural gas.“Dragonfly will explore a world where rivers, lakes, and even rain are made of methane,” Johnson said. “It’s unlike anything we’ve seen before.”The mission builds on data gathered by the Cassini-Huygens probe in 2005, which offered the first images of Titan’s surface and revealed strong evidence of subsurface oceans—potentially composed of water.Because Titan may resemble early Earth, scientists are hopeful that the mission could offer insights into the chemical building blocks of life.“There’s even speculation that hydrothermal activity could support microbial life,” Johnson noted. “If there’s heat, water, and the right chemistry—it’s not out of the question.”Why Our Fingers Wrinkle in Water: A New Look at an Old MysteryA study published in the Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials sheds light on a phenomenon familiar to anyone who’s taken a long bath: pruney fingers. But contrary to popular belief, the wrinkling isn’t caused by skin swelling—it’s the result of vasoconstriction, or the narrowing of blood vessels.Known formally as Water-Induced Finger Wrinkling (WIFW), the phenomenon occurs when water alters the salt balance in the skin’s outer layers, signaling the brain to constrict blood vessels. This pulls the skin inward, forming wrinkles—particularly on fingertips and toes.“What’s fascinating,” Johnson said, “is that this response is neurologically controlled. People with damage to the median nerve don’t wrinkle in water.”The wrinkles, it turns out, are not random. In tests where subjects submerged their hands in warm water on consecutive days, the same wrinkling pattern appeared each time—suggesting consistent vascular structures beneath the skin.Why do we wrinkle at all? Evolution may have the answer. The wrinkles improve grip in wet conditions, likely helping our ancestors—and us—better grasp slippery surfaces.

As food insecurity increases across the Hudson Valley, federal food assistance programs that serve as a lifeline for families are being slashed—leaving local food banks scrambling to fill the widening gap.According to new data from Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap report, more than 355,000 people in the region lack consistent access to nutritious food. In Sullivan County, the crisis is especially dire: 14% of residents—and one in five children—are food insecure, the highest rate in the Hudson Valley.“It’s a crisis, and the numbers are going in the wrong direction,” said Tom Nardacci, CEO of the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, in a live interview. “Post-COVID, we thought the need would go down. It hasn’t. In fact, it’s ticking back up.”The rise in need comes just as the federal government implements significant cuts to cornerstone nutrition programs, including the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Those reductions are already being felt in real terms.“Our food bank alone is losing 200 tractor trailers of food—about 7 million pounds, or 8 million meals,” said Nardacci. “We’ve already had 27 truckloads canceled this year. That means fewer fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, and proteins available for local families.”What’s Driving the Crisis?Food insecurity is often misunderstood, Nardacci explained. It doesn’t necessarily mean someone goes without food entirely—it means they don’t have reliable access to enough healthy, affordable food on a regular basis.“These are mostly working people—single moms, older adults, folks juggling two jobs,” he said. “They’re coming to food pantries once or twice a month to fill in the gaps.”In Sullivan County, the factors behind the high rate of food insecurity include persistent poverty, high unemployment, and geographic “food deserts” where affordable groceries are hard to come by. Inflation and the rising cost of housing and healthcare have only worsened the burden.Cuts with Real ConsequencesTEFAP, a USDA program, supplies food banks with large-scale shipments of produce, meat, and dairy sourced from U.S. farms and producers. During the pandemic, funding was boosted to meet skyrocketing need. Now, much of that has been clawed back.“We used to get 400 truckloads of USDA food. Now, we’re getting half that,” Nardacci said. “That’s food that was going to every county in our region.”SNAP, meanwhile, is still on the chopping block. If proposed federal budget cuts go through, Nardacci says the impact would be devastating.“SNAP is proven to work. It keeps people out of food pantries. Cutting it would push even more people to rely on us—and we simply can’t meet that level of demand.”Straining to Fill the GapTo adapt, the Regional Food Bank has invested in new infrastructure, including a recently opened distribution center in Orange County, and is ramping up partnerships with local farms and grocery stores. They're rescuing food that might otherwise go to waste and expanding school-based pantry programs and senior deliveries.Still, the math doesn’t add up.“These efforts might help us make up 2 million pounds of food,” Nardacci said. “But we’re losing 7 million. We can’t close that gap without policy change.”The food bank serves over 400 partner agencies across the region—most of them small, volunteer-run pantries and soup kitchens. Many are already stretched thin and bracing for shortages.“There’s a lot of fear and anxiety,” said Nardacci. “These agencies are on the front lines, and they’re asking, ‘What are we going to do if more cuts come?’”How You Can HelpNardacci urged residents to get informed and get involved.“Support your local pantry. Make a donation, drop off food, or volunteer your time. And reach out to your representatives in Washington. Let them know these programs matter.”For anyone silently struggling with hunger, his message was simple: “You’re not alone, and we’re here to help. The system is challenged, but it’s not going away.”More information can be found at regionalfoodbank.net.“Hunger is nonpartisan,” said Nardacci. “And right now, our neighbors need us more than ever.”

Congressman Rob Bresnahan, six months into his first term representing Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District, has carved out a reputation as a business-first lawmaker—an approach that’s winning some local support while drawing sharp criticism from environmental groups and voters concerned about healthcare and party-line voting.In a recent interview with The River Reporter's Liam Mayo described Bresnahan’s tenure so far as defined by “a strong business through line,” noting the congressman’s deep roots in private industry as the former head of a third-generation electrical contracting company. That business-minded perspective has informed much of his legislative agenda, including controversial support for expanding fracking in the Northern Pennsylvania (NIPA) region.Fracking Push Draws Ire from EnvironmentalistsOne of Bresnahan’s most polarizing moves came during a visit with Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, where the congressman framed fracking as a critical opportunity for economic development in the region. He specifically touted its potential to power energy-hungry industries like AI server centers and to spur growth more broadly in the local economy.Environmental groups, however, have forcefully pushed back, echoing national criticisms that new fossil fuel development is unnecessary and environmentally hazardous. Critics argue that Bresnahan’s justification for fracking places business interests over environmental stewardship in a region where natural resource preservation has long been a key issue.Storm Recovery Advocacy Amid Federal UncertaintyBresnahan has also made headlines for his hands-on response to severe weather events in places like Honesdale and Scranton. He was on the ground just days after stormwater caused serious damage in Honesdale, and he has actively advocated for federal funding to aid in recovery.Of particular note was his effort to protect a FEMA grant program from proposed Trump-era budget cuts. Mayo reports that Scranton had been awaiting $2.5 million from the program, and Bresnahan authored letters and introduced legislation aimed at safeguarding those funds. While it remains unclear how effective these efforts have been in securing results, Bresnahan’s early responsiveness has been visible and vocal, according to Mayo.Healthcare Stance Sparks Voter BacklashDespite that local advocacy, Mayo says Bresnahan is facing criticism from constituents over his voting record on healthcare. He initially signaled support for Medicaid but later voted for a sweeping spending bill—referred to by some as the “big beautiful bill”—that included cuts to the program. Letters to the editor in The River Reporter have called him out for what many see as a betrayal of earlier promises.In a statement defending his vote, Bresnahan claimed the changes would “secure Medicaid for those who truly need it” by tightening eligibility and requiring work for able-bodied recipients. But analysis from the Congressional Budget Office, cited by New York Focus, suggests the changes could result in 8.6 million Americans losing coverage by 2034.Veterans Legislation Sees Bipartisan ProgressMayo says Bresnahan’s most significant legislative success to date has been a bill aimed at streamlining the Veterans Affairs claims process. The bill passed the House and is now in the Senate. It would require the VA to contract with a federally funded research group to recommend simplified and more accessible forms for veterans and their families—potentially addressing a long-standing barrier to benefits access.A Political Vacuum and a 2026 BattlegroundThe political landscape in PA-8 was shaken last week by the announcement from former Congressman Matt Cartwright that he will not seek re-election in 2026. Cartwright cited the stress of the job and a desire to make space for new voices as key reasons for his decision.With Bresnahan having narrowly won the district in 2024—garnering just 50.94% of the vote—Mayo says Democrats may view the district as a key battleground in their efforts to retake the House. Cartwright described a “deep bench” of Democratic talent in Northeastern Pennsylvania, signaling a competitive primary and general election ahead.Looking toward 2026, Mayo says the defining issue may be who controls the narrative around Bresnahan’s record: whether voters see him as a pro-business pragmatist fighting for local jobs, or as a party-line politician undermining environmental protections and public healthcare.

Bethel Woods Center for the Arts will turn up the volume for its Horizon Happy Hour on June 11, showcasing a lineup that celebrates rock and roll across generations. Writer, musician, and longtime local rocker Mike Edison and his band Rocket Train Deluxe will be joined by fellow teaching artist and singer-songwriter Kali Seastrand, as well as the Rock Camp Ambassadors—student musicians from Bethel Woods’ youth rock program.Mike Edison and Peter Negroponte—known for his work with the band Guerilla Toss and currently artist-in-residence at Bethel Woods--appeared on Radio Chatskill to discuss helping young artists find their sound and their voice, just steps away from the original Woodstock stage.

Residents and businesses in the Town of Bethel are invited to explore practical, local solutions for a more sustainable future at the Environmental Open House Forum, scheduled for Saturday, June 15 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Duggan School Gym.Organized by Sustainable Bethel, the forum aims to provide attendees with information and resources to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy costs, and protect local water quality. According to a town greenhouse gas emissions inventory conducted in partnership with the Hudson Valley Regional Council, residential buildings and vehicles account for 77% of Bethel’s total emissions. In response, the forum will spotlight ways residents can improve heating and cooling systems, transition to electric and hybrid vehicles, and explore options like community solar to reduce energy use.Water quality—consistently identified as a top concern among residents—will also be a major focus. While literature from partners including the Department of Health, Riverkeeper, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation will be available, organizers plan a more in-depth forum on water issues later this year.Attendees will have the chance to speak directly with representatives from:NYSEG, offering advice on home energy audits and improvementsLocal wastewater management companies, providing guidance on septic tank maintenanceCommunity solar providers, discussing renewable energy optionsA landscape architect, with tips on native plantings and reducing chemical fertilizer useCounty officials, sharing composting information and updates on infrastructure, including the new airport terminalBethel Woods Center for the Arts, presenting on their ongoing sustainability efforts rooted in the legacy of the 1960sIn addition, organizers will showcase a newly acquired battery-powered lawnmower and other energy-efficient equipment, purchased with recent grant funding, to demonstrate alternatives to gas-powered tools.Jeffrey Allison, Chair of Sustainable Bethel, said the forum is designed to make sustainability more accessible to everyday residents.More information is available at the Sustainable Bethel page on the Town of Bethel’s website: https://townofbethelny.us/sustainable-bethel Residents may also contact Sustainable Bethel by email at [email protected] or by calling (845) 583-4350 Ext. 102.

The future of the Delaware Valley Job Corps Center in Callicoon — and dozens of similar training centers nationwide — remains uncertain, but a federal court ruling has temporarily halted efforts to shut them down.On Wednesday, a U.S. District Court judge in New York City granted a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration from proceeding with its plan to suspend operations at contractor-operated Job Corps centers across the country. That includes the Delaware Valley Job Corps in Sullivan County.The decision follows a lawsuit filed by the National Job Corps Association against the U.S. Department of Labor, arguing that only Congress has the authority to dismantle the long-running workforce training program for low-income youth.A Sudden Closure OrderJennifer Cha, of Adams and Associates, which operates the Callicoon-based center, told Radio Catskill the center received a “termination for convenience” notice from the Department of Labor on May 29. The order directed them to immediately stop all student training, begin sending students home, and shutter the facility by June 30.“We were told to immediately start sending students home and provide a list of any students that would not be gone within a week,” said Cha. “It was not a pause — it was a closure.”The sudden shutdown would have affected 177 students and 101 staff members, many of whom were left reeling from the uncertainty. The center is one of the largest employers in Sullivan County.Vulnerable Students Caught in the MiddleAmong the most at-risk students are those without stable housing. Nationally, about 20% of Job Corps students are unhoused or aging out of foster care. Cha confirmed that while some students were able to return home, others had no safe place to go.“We do not send any students away without them having a home of record to go to,” she said, noting that several housing-insecure students remained on site. “Luckily, we were granted the restraining order and did not have to proceed with full closure.”Training Resumes — For NowThe June 4 ruling allowed the center to resume operations, restart training, and begin welcoming students back. As of this week, about 100 students are back at the Delaware Valley campus, continuing their pursuit of high school diplomas, trade certifications, and internship experiences.“For many, they were just about to complete their program — earn a diploma, a certification, or finish an internship,” Cha explained. “Everything halted. But this ruling allowed us to restart and help students continue building the future they’ve been dreaming of.”More Than a SchoolEstablished under President Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty, Job Corps offers free residential career training for low-income individuals aged 16 to 24. At the Delaware Valley center, students train in eight different trades, work toward high school diplomas or GEDs, and receive life skills training — from budgeting to reading a lease.“The program is 24/7 — academic, technical, and independent living skills are all taught in a supportive environment,” said Cha. “It prepares young people not just to work, but to live independently.”Staff and Community on EdgeWhile no staff layoffs have occurred yet, Cha acknowledged that the initial closure order caused deep anxiety.“There’s been no employment impact so far, but definitely emotional impact — fear and concern for the students, and for their own futures,” she said.The court’s temporary ruling has brought some relief, but uncertainty looms ahead of a scheduled injunction hearing on June 17.“It’s a moment to breathe,” Cha said. “But we’re cautiously optimistic.”A Call to ActionCha urged community members to support the program by contacting their congressional representatives.“This program is critical in rural communities like Sullivan County. Not every student goes to college — we need skilled tradespeople,” she said. “When these students graduate, they become contributing members of society. Their tax dollars go on to support future students.”She also expressed gratitude to local residents and leaders: “Sullivan County has been so supportive. And now, with everything happening, we just ask people to raise their voices and let our leaders know Job Corps matters.”A court hearing on the future of Job Corps centers nationwide, including the Delaware Valley location, is scheduled for June 17.

The Deep Water Literary Festival returns to Narrowsburg in just two weeks, and this year’s lineup promises timely conversations. Among the highlights is a panel titled Ordinary Rebels, which explores the quiet courage behind everyday acts of resistance.The conversation brings together three acclaimed writers—Suzanne Cope, Rebecca Donner, and Peter Pomerantsev—for a powerful exploration of what it means to stand up to authoritarianism not through grand, heroic gestures, but in the small choices that can spark lasting change.Bethel-based author and journalist Suzanne Cope joined us in the studio for a preview of the panel and its themes. Cope’s book Women of War uncovers the untold stories of Italian women partisans during World War II—civilians who smuggled weapons across mountains, hid explosives under their coats, and organized behind the scenes to fight fascism.“These women weren’t seen as threats,” Cope said. “They were underestimated—and that was their power.”The panel’s central question—when does an ordinary citizen become a rebel?—resonates strongly in today’s political landscape, as concerns over rising authoritarianism grow both in the U.S. and globally. Cope says resistance doesn’t always begin with confrontation—it can start with sharing information, reading up, talking to neighbors. “It’s often a small choice that anyone can make,” she said. “And one person supporting another becomes a network, and then a movement.”That sentiment echoes throughout Cope’s research. During WWII, resistance efforts often relied on countless unseen supporters. “One person on the front lines might’ve needed 15 people behind the scenes—cooking, hiding, feeding, organizing. It was collective power,” she explained.The Ordinary Rebels panel aims to highlight those unsung heroes—then and now. Alongside Cope will be Rebecca Donner, whose book All the Frequent Troubles of Our Days tells the story of Mildred Harnack, an American student who ran Berlin’s largest underground resistance cell. “She was a teacher. I’m a teacher. And I appreciate how she anchored everything in political education,” Cope noted.Peter Pomerantsev, known for his work on propaganda and disinformation, rounds out the panel. Together, the trio brings personal, historical, and global perspectives to the theme of resistance through story.Cope hopes that audiences walk away from the discussion feeling empowered, not overwhelmed.“Everyone has something to bring to the table,” she said. “Even if it’s just talking to a friend or doing some reading. That’s how change begins.”The Ordinary Rebels panel takes place Friday, June 21 at 4:30 p.m. at the Tusten Theatre as part of the Deep Water Literary Festival. For more details and the full festival lineup, visit deepwaterfestival.com.Radio Catskill is a media partner of the Deep Water Literary Festival. Learn more about Suzanne Cope’s work at suzannecope.com.

On June 4, the U.S. District Court for New York’s Southern District temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s effort to suspend Job Corps centers. That would have included seven centers across New York State, including the Delaware Valley Job Corps Center in Callicoon, N.Y.Last week, the U.S. Labor Department announced it would pause operations at 99 Job Corps centers by the end of June as part of Trump’s efforts to shrink the federal workforce. A U.S. district judge has since issued a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against any efforts to eliminate the Job Corps program without Congressional authorization. Radio Catskill's Kimberly Izar has more.

Gun owners across the country are being urged to take a moment this week to evaluate how—and how well—they're securing their firearms. It’s all part of Gun Storage Check Week, a national initiative organized by Project ChildSafe and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the firearm industry’s largest trade association.The aim is simple but urgent: “Make sure it’s secure.”For Timmy Oh, CEO of Vera Safety, the message is deeply personal—and practical. Speaking with Radio Catskill, Oh explained that many gun owners keep firearms in easily accessible but unsecured places like nightstands or atop refrigerators. The idea is to be ready in case of an emergency, but Oh warns that this can have dangerous consequences.“Children can find these spots. Intruders can too,” Oh said. “That’s why we’re helping gun owners understand that real security means some form of authentication—like a lock, key, keypad, or biometric sensor.”Oh’s company, Vera Safety, started in Upstate New York when he was just 17 years old. Drawing inspiration from his uncle, a longtime officer in the LAPD, Oh saw a major gap in the market: gun owners wanted fast access and secure storage, but existing solutions rarely offered both.So he designed one.Vera Safety’s flagship product bridges the gap between a holster and a safe. “The handle is visible. You can grab it, and your thumb hits a biometric sensor. It unlocks in 0.2 seconds,” Oh explained. “You can mount it to your nightstand or even inside your car.”The company has since gained national attention and support from gun owners, stores, and major industry groups.While Gun Storage Check Week is voluntary and emphasizes peer-to-peer education, the conversation around gun safety inevitably intersects with politics. Oh recognizes that some states, like New York and California, have pushed storage requirements through legislation. But he says change is often more effective when it comes from within the community.“When something becomes a mandate, people might reject it just because it’s from the government,” Oh said. “But if it’s coming from trusted sources—like the NSSF or fellow gun owners—it’s more likely to be accepted and followed.”Research shows fewer than half of gun owners consistently store their firearms securely. Oh believes that’s a fixable problem—if people have the right tools and information.“Hiding a gun is not the same as securing it,” he said. “We’re encouraging people to find a solution that works for them. Whether that’s a free cable lock or a biometric safe, there are options.”Gun Storage Check Week continues through the weekend, with a clear call to action: evaluate your storage practices, and make sure it’s secure.Learn more at ProjectChildSafe.org or through participating local firearm safety initiatives.

As Medicare Fraud Prevention Week unfolds from June 2 through June 6, advocates across the country are sounding the alarm on a growing and costly threat: Medicare fraud. The issue impacts not only the federal healthcare system, but also millions of seniors, their caregivers, and families.In New York, the effort is led by the New York StateWide Senior Action Council, which administers the state’s Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program. At the helm is Executive Director Maria Alvarez, who has made it her mission to educate and empower older adults to recognize, report, and stop Medicare fraud before it causes harm.A $60 Billion ProblemMedicare fraud is estimated to cost the federal program $60 billion annually, according to the Council. But the damage goes beyond dollars—it includes stolen medical identities, stress for families, and even compromised health outcomes.Scams can range from billing for services never provided to sending unnecessary medical equipment—such as braces or testing kits—often ordered without a patient’s knowledge or consent.Know the Signs: Prevent, Detect, ReportAlvarez emphasizes a three-part strategy to fight fraud:Prevent: Read your Medicare statements carefully.Detect: Watch for unfamiliar providers or services you didn’t receive.Report: If something looks wrong, contact the Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-800-333-4374 or visit www.nysenior.org.During this week, the SMP is offering special outreach programs and encouraging participation from caregivers, families, healthcare providers, and community members.How to Get InvolvedBeneficiaries can track their services using free My Health Care Trackers, available from the StateWide Council. Caregivers are urged to help their loved ones register at Medicare.gov, avoid giving out Medicare numbers by phone, and watch for unusual shipments or bills.Healthcare professionals are being asked to educate patients on scam awareness, and community members can help by staying alert to unusual behavior—such as seniors buying large amounts of gift cards, a common scam tactic.The SMP also offers group presentations and can partner with community organizations for educational events.A Year-Round EffortWhile the focus is heightened during Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, Alvarez reminds the public that the threat is ongoing—and so is the support.For more information or to request assistance, call the New York Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-800-333-4374 or visit www.nysenior.org.

This week, a powerful gathering of voices is taking place in the Catskills. The Outrage: A Queer Writers’ Residency has returned to NACL for its second year, offering a week-long creative haven for LGBTQ+ playwrights, screenwriters, and storytellers.Founded by playwright and Yulan resident C. Julian Jimenez, The Outrage was born from a need to create space where queer writers can write, share, and grow—without having to justify or explain their queerness. It's not just a residency—it's a refuge.This Saturday night, the public is invited to hear the results: excerpts from new works in progress, shared by a dynamic group of writers.Julian Jimenez and CQ Quintana discuss the residency’s purpose and the urgent need to uplift queer voices in today’s America.

This Sunday, the hills of Kerhonkson will come alive with the sound of twangy guitars and the shuffle of boots on the dance floor. "Kerhonky Tonkin’ in the Field" is an afternoon of live honky tonk, barbecue, and dancing under the stars.Among the performers is Andrea Maddox, frontwoman of Andrea Maddox and the Hey Y’alls, a six-piece Americana band based in the Hudson Valley. With roots in Tennessee , Andrea brings a modern spin to classic country with songs full of heart, wit, and danceable melodies.

Lani Sciandra, also known as DJ Catsilk — a longtime community DJ— and Mark Partridge, who performs as Ambient Barn, are bringing immersive synth-driven soundscapes to life at the FirstFriday Of Funk event at New Memories in Parksville, NY. Together, they help host Foundation of Funk, a popular monthly dance party that celebrates diverse music, art, and community connection between the Delaware and Hudson Rivers. They discuss their inspirations, the multi-room dance experience they’re curating for June 6th, and how their unique blend of music, visual art, and community engagement is energizing the regional scene.

By Kimberly Izar, Radio Catskill | June 4, 2025Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger is speaking out after Ulster was named in a controversial list published last week by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which categorized nearly 400 cities and counties as so-called “Sanctuary Jurisdictions Defying Federal Immigration Law.” The list included neighboring Orange and Sullivan counties and drew immediate backlash from officials across the country—prompting DHS to quietly remove the page from its website.In an interview with Radio Catskill, Metzger called the list arbitrary and misleading, emphasizing that Ulster County is not in violation of federal law and is committed to both constitutional rights and the rule of law.“There is no clear definition of what a ‘sanctuary jurisdiction’ even is,” Metzger said. “But the idea behind these designations—going back to the Trump administration—is that certain communities are committed to protecting the rights of all residents, regardless of immigration status. And those rights are guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution.”Ulster County, Metzger explained, operates under an executive order issued in 2019 by her predecessor, now-Congressman Pat Ryan. That order prohibits county employees from collecting or sharing information about a resident’s immigration status unless required by law, and it requires federal immigration officials to present a judicial warrant before taking action on county property.“That executive order remains in place, and it is consistent with federal law and constitutional protections,” she said. “We are not obstructing law enforcement—we are ensuring due process.”Metzger pointed out that the DHS list stemmed from an April executive order by former President Donald Trump, recently reintroduced by his administration. The order directs the U.S. Attorney General to pursue legal action against state and local officials who “obstruct criminal law” or restrict law enforcement activity under the banner of civil rights or diversity initiatives. However, Metzger said the order is vague and potentially dangerous.“It doesn't define what a sanctuary jurisdiction is or how it supposedly violates federal law,” she said. “We’ve received no letters from the federal government—only a letter in December from a private organization aligned with the Trump agenda. It’s unclear how this list was compiled or what legal basis it rests on.”She also flagged language in the executive order calling for military and national security assets to be transferred to local law enforcement—a move she described as unconstitutional.“Military forces are not supposed to be used for domestic policing. This is not consistent with the Constitution,” she said. “We’ll have to see what comes of that, but it's deeply concerning.”Metzger said Ulster County residents should be assured that the county is operating within the bounds of the law and remains committed to protecting individual rights.“There is no basis for Ulster County to be on that list,” she said. “We are in full compliance with federal law. And we strongly believe in protecting the constitutional rights of everyone in our community.”While the DHS has since removed the list from its website, Metzger says the lack of transparency and legal clarity raises broader concerns about how such policies may be enforced in the future.“We’re going to stay vigilant,” she said. “And we will continue to stand by the Constitution.”This interview originally aired on Radio Catskill. For more local news and interviews, visit WJFFRadio.org.

In the latest episode of Kaatscast, producer Brett Barry sits down with Don Dales, the visionary behind one of the most unique literary transformations in upstate New York. What began as a single bookstore in the struggling village of Hobart has grown into the renowned Hobart Book Village — a cultural destination boasting seven bookstores, the Book Village Inn & Bar, and beloved annual events. Dales shares the inspiring story of how determination, creativity, and a passion for books turned resistance into revival, making Hobart a must-visit haven for bibliophiles in the heart of Delaware County.

The Sullivan O&W Rail Trail, a multi-use trail system built along the historic Ontario & Western Railroad corridor, is at the center of a regional initiative to connect communities, promote healthy lifestyles, and boost economic development through tourism.Shannon Cilento, Director of Community Development & Communications at Sullivan 180, and Heather Jacksy, Sullivan County’s Director of Planning are members of the Sullivan O&W Rail Trail Alliance, a coalition leading the charge on trail development across the county.They discuss the current status of the project, including a major infrastructure component—the Neversink Crossing bridge in Fallsburg—as well as details about the upcoming ROAM multi-day trail hike, and how the trail vision connects with broader planning efforts like the Sullivan County Bike & Pedestrian Master Plan.

Last July, Sullivan County unveiled its first solid waste management plan in more than 30 years – a 10-year plan for how the county will manage its garbage. It includes expanding composting efforts and exploring a waste to energy facility.Now, the chatter around trash is heating up. The county’s contract with Seneca Meadows, New York state’s biggest landfill, is up at the end of 2025, and the future of Sullivan County’s trash is uncertain.So what’s really happening with your trash? Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar paid a visit to the Monticello transfer station to find out.