Special Reports from The Local Edition
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Patricio Robayo Podcasts
The Reporters Roundtable gathers local reporters from the Hudson Valley/Catskills and North East Pennsylvania to discuss the pressings issues facing the community and to delve further into the latest headlines.
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Ulster County Clerk Sued by Texas AG Over Abortion Ruling, Cites Shield Law
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11:54Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo speaks to Acting Ulster County Clerk Taylor Bruck about a growing legal and political clash between two states with vastly different views on reproductive rights: Texas and New York. At the heart of this national controversy is Bruck’s decision—twice—to reject Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s attempt to enforce a…
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NY FOCUS: Four Months After Guard Strike, Prison Staffing Crisis Persists
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18:24Radio Catskill’s Jason Dole speaks with New York Focus about New York’s deepening prison staffing crisis. Four months after a mass walkout led to over 2,000 firings, the state remains short 4,700 corrections officers and sergeants—forcing lockdowns, cutting programs, and raising safety concerns across the prison system. https://nysfocus.com/2025/07…
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Preventing Hot Car Tragedies: NHTSA’s Laura Dunn Urges Parents to “Stop. Look. Lock.”
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12:23As summer temperatures climb, safety experts are warning families about a persistent and deadly threat: pediatric heatstroke caused by children being left in hot cars. So far in 2025, 15 children have died this way, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo spoke with Laura Dunn, a Hig…
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TIMES UNION: Sullivan County undersheriff says long-running FBI probe is a ‘nothingburger’
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13:56Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo spoke with Times Union Hudson Valley Editor Philip Pantuso about his latest reporting into the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office. The conversation dives into allegations of altered accident reports, bulk ammunition purchases delivered to the department, and conflicting claims over whether there’s been an FBI investig…
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Prisoners’ Brain Trust is Working to Repeal New York's Felony Murder Law and Rethink Incarceration
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9:17In New York state, hundreds of individuals are currently incarcerated for second degree murder, even if they were not at the scene of the crime or had no proven intention to commit the crime. It’s all because of the state’s felony murder law that can carry a maximum sentence of twenty-five to life. Prisoners Brain Trust, a multicultural coalition l…
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Ghost Gun Seizure in Liberty: Two Arrested After Multi-Agency Investigation
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2:34Authorities in Sullivan County say a major cache of illegal weapons, including multiple “ghost guns,” was recovered during a multi-agency investigation that led to the arrest of two Liberty residents. At a press conference Monday, District Attorney Brian Conaty announced felony weapons possession charges against Darrin McCosco, 39, and Kimberly Mur…
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Disability Pride Month: Patrick Cokley on the Impact of Medicaid Cuts
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12:02July is Disability Pride Month—a time to not only celebrate the contributions of disabled individuals, but also to examine the systemic challenges they continue to face. As Congress debates sweeping changes to Medicare under “One Big Beautiful Bill,” advocates are raising the alarm about exactly what these cuts could mean for the people that rely o…
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$15 Million Improvements Coming to Walton’s Dairy Factory, State Says Delaware County Will Benefit
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5:56Governor Hochul announced on June 30th that $75 million will be put into New York's dairy factories. Walton's branch of "Lactalis" is receiving $15 million from that fund. Lactalis, the world's largest dairy company, is giving the money for construction improvements to increase production. In exchange, the state is offering tax incentives through t…
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New York Libraries Highlight What’s at Stake in the Face of Federal Cuts
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12:51The Woodstock Library may have expanded into a bigger building, but they’re facing big cuts as part of the Trump Administration’s broader cuts to public services. The impact of funding for public libraries would not only be a loss for intellectual curiosity, it would be especially devastating for rural communities. Radio Catskill’s Genevieve Hartne…
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Trump, Power & the Rule of Law: Michael Kirk on How the Presidency Is Testing American Democracy
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16:32Is the U.S. president above the law? That’s what Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo wanted to find out when he spoke to Michael Kirk, an award-winning filmmaker and founding producer of FRONTLINE. Kirk’s latest documentary, Trump’s Power & the Rule of Law, explores how the foundational idea that no one is above the law is being tested like never befo…
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Wurtsboro Founders' Day Brings Summer Fun and Family Reunion
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5:57The Wurtsboro Founder’s Day Street Fair was held last Saturday, July 12th on Sullivan Street in Wurtsboro, NY. The annual celebration saw one of its biggest years yet with the 200th Anniversary of the village’s naming by William and Maurice Wurts. The street fair included over 100 vendors and featured live music, face painting, a birds of prey exhi…
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VOTEBEAT: Justice Department Presses Pennsylvania on Voter Roll Management
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7:46Votebeat PA reports that the U.S. Justice Department is asking Pennsylvania how it manages voter rolls. Several other states are also facing new scrutiny as the Trump administration refocuses election-law enforcement. Carter Walker explains that some elections officials and observers are wary because of the larger context in which this effort is oc…
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NY FOCUS: Congress Voted to Gut the Safety Net to Fund Tax Cuts for the Rich. Now What?
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18:52New York is staring down billions in lost federal funding for Medicaid and food assistance over the next decadeBy Patricio Robayo
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New Air Quality Monitoring System Propels Environmental Justice in Hudson Valley
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8:39The public now has access to crucial data about air quality around Hudson Valley. Bard College has partnered with an environmental justice group, “JustAir,” to install sensors and publish the data in real time. Before this initiative, only government agencies could view the data without a formal request and it was being measured from farther away. …
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Restoring Nature: Carolyn Summers Cultivates Biodiversity at Sullivan County’s Flying Trillium
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10:49Radio Catskill's Jaime Case explores the intersection of biodiversity, conservation, and native plants with environmentalist and landscape designer Carolyn Summers. In this conversation, Summers shares insights from her ambitious 20-year project, Flying Trillium, located on a 100-acre property in Sullivan County. The project serves as both a living…
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Catskills Local Places 11th at Nathan's Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest
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3:40Camille O'Brien represented the Catskills this Independence Day on Coney Island for a great American tradition, Nathan's annual hot dog eating contest. O'Brien ate six and a half weiners in just ten minutes, placing eleventh out of thirteen women. At the weigh-in on July 3rd, O'Brien was feeling starstruck, surrounded by the biggest names in profes…
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Camille O’Brien of Jeffersonville Heads to Coney Island for Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest
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9:31Jeffersonville’s Camille O’Brien is heading to Brooklyn this July 4 to compete in one of America’s most iconic eating competitions — the Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island. “I can’t even believe it,” said O’Brien. “I actually signed a contract yesterday with Major League Eating, so technically I’m a professional ea…
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Delaware and Hudson Canal Interpretive Center Offers a Window Into Sullivan County’s Past
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6:57The story of Sullivan County’s growth and transformation begins along the banks of the Delaware and Hudson Canal. In a recent conversation with Radio Catskill, Fiona Feltman, Assistant Parks Director for Sullivan County, spoke with Patricio Robayo about the D&H Canal Interpretive Center in Summitville. The center highlights the history of the canal…
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NY FOCUS: How Hotels, Once a Last Resort, Became New York’s Default Answer to Homelessness
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15:18Statewide spending on hotels has more than tripled in recent years. The shift away from shelters has prevented families from accessing services like child care and help finding housing. Read more here: https://nysfocus.com/2025/06/24/new-york-homelessness-hotelsBy Patricio Robayo
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A Journey Through Burnout, Mental Health, and Career Change with Kevin Green
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9:19For Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, Radio Catskill's Patricio Robayo speaks with keynote speaker and entrepreneur Kevin Green. From Division 1 athletics to fine dining and an appearance on the Food Network’s Chopped, Green’s journey is one of resilience and reinvention. He shares his personal story of facing burnout, divorce, and career shifts…
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Patricia Grayhall And Her New Book “A Place For Us”
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10:02Author Patricia Grayhall joins Radio Catskill’s Jamie Case to discuss her new book, A Place for Us, an autofictional account of her search for a country where she could legally live with her British partner—years before the United States extended immigration rights to same-sex couples. At the heart of her story is a message to queer youth: “Love wi…
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SPOTLIGHT PA: Trump Admin Tells Pa., Other States To Shift Broadband Focus To Cheaper Options Like Elon Musk's Starlink
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15:06Sweeping changes are coming to a massive program that aims to bring high-speed internet to everyone in the U.S., after the Trump administration rejected one of the initiative’s key policy goals. The new rules for the $42.5 billion program change the way states will evaluate competing proposals, which areas are eligible for funding, and how long sta…
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The Push for Solar Energy Leaves the Catskills Conflicted
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10:20The solar power industry is increasing its presence in the Catskills. This rise is accompanied by debates over land use and accusations of predatory marketing tactics. Pennsylvania, specifically, is in the midst of a heated legal battle. First lies the question of where to put large solar farms. The vast open spaces suited for them are commonly far…
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NYC Mayoral Primary Upset Sends Ripples Through New York State Politics
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14:19In a stunning political shift, Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani’s decisive victory in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary has not only toppled former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s attempted comeback but also stirred speculation about the future of Democratic politics across New York State. Speaking with Jason Dole on Radio Catskill’s Local Edition, D…
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Millions of Butterflies, New Paltz Free Food Fridge
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11:56What do a half-eaten batch of brownies and a grassroots movement have in common? In this episode, Mariabella Todaro, founder and CEO of “Millions of Butterflies,” shares how one spontaneous moment sparked a community-powered effort to fight hunger in Ulster County. Relying on the heart of a town that shows up, Todaro discusses accomplishments and e…
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NY FOCUS: State Legislative Leaders Pass Last-Minute Prison Oversight Package
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18:49The bill package will now head to Governor Kathy Hochul’s desk, and she could either sign, veto, or scale it back through amendments to the legislation. Amid one of the most chaotic years for New York’s prison system in recent memory, the state legislature passed a limited omnibus prison reform bill Thursday night, hours before one of its chambers …
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SUNY Sullivan is "Investing in the Future" with Tuition Free SUNY Community College Program
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8:40This fall, the State of New York is launching SUNY Reconnect, a tuition free program for all SUNY Community Colleges for adult learners with no prior degree between the ages of 25-55. As the cost of higher education increases exponentially year after year, New York state is taking steps towards making the pursuit of an education more accessible and…
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Sullivan County Honors the Watson Family in Juneteenth Celebration
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4:12Today, on Juneteenth, we celebrate the generations of Black Americans whose contributions have shaped our country’s history. In New York’s Catskills region, community leaders and public officials took the day to recognize important Black leaders in our community. Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar was at the Sullivan County’s legislative meeting on Jun…
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Health Alert: Measles Cases Resurge Locally as Summer Travel Begins
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8:45With four confirmed cases of measles recently reported in neighboring Orange County and over 1,000 cases nationwide this year, local health officials are urging residents to take action to prevent a wider outbreak. Dr. Jodi Galaydick, an infectious disease specialist and epidemiologist with Garnet Health Doctors, emphasized the highly contagious na…
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Recognizing the Signs: New Alzheimer’s Data Prompts Urgent Awareness Push
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9:59As June marks Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, the Alzheimer’s Association is amplifying efforts to educate the public on the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease, with new data revealing that over 7 million Americans are currently living with the disease—a number projected to double by 2060. Speaking with Radio Catskill, Dr. Carl V. Hill…
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Middletown Passes ‘Good Cause Eviction’ Law, Joins Upstate NY Renter Protection Push
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9:55The City of Middletown became the latest upstate city to adopt a local 'Good Cause Eviction' law, which protects tenants against eviction without justifiable cause and from predatory rent increases. Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar spoke with For the Many's Brahvan Ranga and Vanessa Cid just hours before the Middletown Common Council adopted the legi…
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The Hidden Mental Health Crisis Facing New Dads
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16:36By Patricio Robayo As millions prepare to celebrate Father’s Day this Sunday, mental health professionals are calling attention to a lesser-known reality facing thousands of new fathers: paternal postpartum depression. Often overshadowed by maternal mental health discussions, paternal postpartum depression affects approximately 1 in 10 new dads, ac…
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Meet the Candidates: Tim Dymond Shares Vision to Modernize Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office
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17:30In this "Meet the Candidates" episode, Patricio sits down with Tim Dymond, a longtime Sullivan County resident and recently retired senior investigator with the New York State Police. With more than 20 years of law enforcement experience—including service with both the NYPD and State Police—Dymond discusses why he's running for Sullivan County Sher…
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Meet the Candidates: Sheriff Mike Schiff Talks Tech, Public Safety & Re-Election Campaign
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42:55In this "Meet the Candidates" interview, we sit down with Sullivan County Sheriff Mike Schiff as he seeks re-election. Sheriff Schiff reflects on his extensive tenure since 2006, outlining the key initiatives he's led to improve public safety, such as implementing drone technology, launching a dedicated emergency services unit, and enhancing youth …
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Schiff Responds to Viral Video Allegations in Heated Sullivan County Sheriff’s Race
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5:46A video that’s been making the rounds on Facebook has sparked controversy and political tension in Sullivan County just weeks before the Republican primary for sheriff. The video alleges an improper relationship involving a Sullivan County undersheriff, a former deputy, and an inmate—and suggests a cover-up. The footage, posted in the group Behind …
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New Paltz Pride Hosts Janis Ian Documentary for Pride Month
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11:40The New Paltz Pride Coalition co-hosted a special documentary honoring singer-songwriter Janis Ian’s life at the Rosendale Theatre on June 11 as part of their lineup of Pride Month events. The documentary, Janis Ian: Breaking Silence, is named after her 1993 album where she publicly came out as a lesbian. New Paltz Pride Coalition is a haven for th…
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‘When change may seem impossible”: Forestburgh Playhouse aims to celebrate LGBTQ+ expression in second annual Drag Me to the Catskills
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13:47The Forestburgh Playhouse in the Sullivan Catskills is hosting its second Drag Me to the Catskills, a weekend-long series of events from June 13 to 15, focused on celebrating drag performance. Featuring a renowned cast of drag queens, who have been critical to the modern drag movement and drag’s rise in pop culture through shows like RuPaul’s Drag …
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Catskill Mountainkeeper Urges Action to Ban Toxic Sludge Before Session Ends
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9:46Before the New York State Senate and Assembly leave for summer recess, Catskill Mountainkeeper is pushing for a statewide ban on toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in farm fertilizers. An environmental advocacy group in Sullivan County, Catskill Mountainkeeper is sounding the alarm about the use of biosolids in fertilizers to grow food. They are calling for…
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Albany lawmakers face crunch time as session draws to a close
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13:10As the clock runs out on this year’s legislative session in Albany, lawmakers are trying to wrap up key bills and settle budget concerns before heading home for the summer. The State Assembly will stay in Albany through June 17, while the Senate is set to finish by June 12. To help explain what’s at stake and what it means for local communities, Ra…
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People for People Fund, Celebrate 40 Years
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13:55The People for People Fund is a non-profit dedicated to providing interim financial assistance to residents of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster counties who find themselves facing sudden financial emergencies. Whether it's covering the cost of essential textbooks, managing a hefty medical bill, or paying for an urgent car repair. Radio Catskill’s Patri…
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NY FOCUS: As Albany Debates Plastics Crackdown, Industry Pushes Softer Alternative
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17:41As Albany Debates Plastics Crackdown, Industry Pushes Softer Alternative The chemical industry is pushing to replace a sweeping plastics bill with a more business-friendly alternative.By Patricio Robayo
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Biden’s Diagnosis Brings Prostate Cancer Into Focus—Expert Shares What Every Man Should Know
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10:53In the wake of former President Joe Biden's announcement that he has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones , the conversation around prostate health has gained renewed urgency. To shed light on this critical issue, Radio Catskill's Patricio Robayo spoke with Dr. Sheldon L. Axelrod, a urologist …
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Ulster County Expands Emergency Services Role with New State Certification
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12:30Ulster County’s Department of Emergency Services is poised to take a larger role in supporting emergency medical operations across the region. This expansion comes after the county was granted a Municipal Ambulance Service Operating Certificate of Need by the New York State Department of Health. The certification allows Ulster County to extend cont…
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Shadowland Stages Celebrates 40 Years with Broadway Classic
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12:12Shadowland Stages in Ellenville is celebrating a major milestone—its 40th anniversary season. They’re kicking it off with a production of Herb Gardner’s classic Broadway comedy I’m Not Rappaport, starring Tony Award-winner Judd Hirsch and directed by Tony nominee Neil Pepe. To learn more about the play and the legacy of the theater, Radio Catskill’…
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Ulster County’s “I Voted” Sticker Contest Empowers Young Artists Through Democracy
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14:40In Ulster County, students are being invited to leave their mark on local democracy—literally. The “I Voted” Sticker Design Contest is now open to young artists between the ages of 9 and 18. The winning design will be printed on the official stickers handed out at polling sites across the county during the November 4th General Election. Originally …
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Ulster County Halts Landfill Plan Amid Public Outcry and Environmental Concerns
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14:40A controversial proposal to establish a landfill in Ulster County has been placed on indefinite hold following sustained public opposition and mounting environmental concerns. The Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency (UCRRA) announced the decision last week, halting its search for a site after residents in Wawarsing—where one location had been un…
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Recognizing the Warning Signs: Stroke Prevention Starts with Awareness
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12:41Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States suffers a stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More than 795,000 people experience a stroke each year, and it remains one of the leading causes of death and the top cause of serious long-term disability—especially among adults over 65. But there is hope: 80 percent…
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County Leaders Warn House Budget Bill Could Devastate NY’s Healthcare System
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2:55County leaders across New York State came together on May 21st to address the devastating toll the proposed House budget reconciliation bill could have on New Yorkers. Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar has this report.By Kimberly Izar
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Borscht Belt Project Expands in 2025 with New Markers, Events
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12:29The legacy of the Borscht Belt continues to thrive across the Catskills. This summer and fall, the Borscht Belt Historical Marker Project—co-founded by photographers Marisa Scheinfeld and Isaac Jeffreys—returns with six new historical markers and an expanded lineup of immersive cultural events. Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo spoke with Scheinfeld…
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A Closer Look at Proposed Sullivan County Housing Shelter with District 5 Legislator Cat Scott
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11:46Sullivan County legislators are scrambling for a new location to build a gateway housing shelter in the county. Last week, the legislature voted against scheduling a public hearing to operate a gateway housing center on Pittaluga Road in Thompson, N.Y. This follows months after heated debate between opponents and advocates for the shelter. District…
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