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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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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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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11:56
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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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Women’s Health Month: Dr. Caroline DeFilippo on Prioritizing Wellness and Preventive Care
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12:52May is National Women’s Health Month, a time dedicated to encouraging women and girls to prioritize their health through regular checkups, preventive screenings, mental wellness, and healthy lifestyle choices. To help raise awareness, Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo spoke with Dr. Caroline DeFilippo, Medical Director of Primary Care at Optum Medic…
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Vaccine Education at Risk: Dr. Besser Talks Public Health Cuts with Radio Catskill
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11:25As preventable diseases like measles make a resurgence across the U.S., the importance of routine vaccinations and a strong public health system has never been clearer. Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo spoke with Dr. Richard Besser, President and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and former acting CDC Director, about why vaccine education i…
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After the Flood: Mayor Derek Williams Talks Recovery and Resilience
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7:04On May 8, a flash flood struck the Borough of Honesdale after a large underground pipe carrying the Fourth Street Creek suddenly gave way. The resulting surge of water damaged homes, flooded streets, and left the community reeling. Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo spoke with Honesdale Mayor Derek Williams about the emergency response, the impact on…
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Dr. Jessie Moore Urges Vigilance After Measles Advisory Issued in Sullivan County
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12:37Sullivan County’s Department of Public Health has issued an advisory after a confirmed case of measles was reported in neighboring Orange County. With measles being one of the most contagious viral diseases, local health officials are urging vigilance to prevent potential spread within our community—especially with summer camps and public gathering…
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Federal and State Officials Support Hasidic Developers in Forestburgh Zoning Battle
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5:41A federal civil rights lawsuit involving allegations of religious discrimination in the Town of Forestburgh has escalated into a national legal flashpoint, with both the U.S. Department of Justice and the New York State Attorney General backing the Hasidic Orthodox Jewish developers behind a long-stalled housing project. The developers allege that …
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On World Ovarian Cancer Day, AI and a Global Coalition Offer New Hope in the Fight Against Ovarian Cancer
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10:29On this World Ovarian Cancer Day, hope is on the horizon for the estimated 300,000 women diagnosed globally each year with one of the most lethal forms of cancer. A groundbreaking new international effort is being launched today that aims to transform how ovarian cancer is detected and treated—by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence. The…
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NY FOCUS: Medicaid Cutbacks Could Trigger Healthcare Crisis for Millions in New York
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7:13By Patricio Robayo
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Debate Over Closed Primaries Heats Up as Spotlight PA Hosts Open Primaries Forum
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8:08As Pennsylvania prepares for its 2025 primary elections, growing attention is being paid to the 1.4 million voters who will once again be left out of the process: independents and third-party registrants barred from voting due to the state's closed primary system. Pennsylvania remains one of just ten states with closed primaries—meaning only regist…
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Sullivan County Prepares for REAL ID Deadline: What Residents Need to Know
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6:41As the May 7, 2025, deadline for REAL ID enforcement approaches, Sullivan County residents are urged to ensure they have the necessary identification to comply with federal requirements. Starting on this date, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or an acceptable alternative will be required for domestic air travel and access to certain federal fac…
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UFO Museum Celebrates Star Wars Weekend, Prepares for Summer of the Unknown
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14:05The UFO Museum will kick off the spring season by celebrating May the Fourth Weekend, a celebration of Star Wars where its fans can gather and celebrate together. But with the summer season approaching the venue has other events in mind for fans interested in the unknown. The museum offers a comprehensive history of the devoted researchers who stud…
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Radio Catskill Responds to Trump Executive Order to Defund Public Media
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6:24President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping executive order directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to cease all federal funding for NPR and PBS, citing what he calls "radical left bias" in their coverage. The order, which faces legal challenges, raises significant concerns about the future of public broadcasting in America—especia…
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Last-resort ballots are increasingly being rejected for technical errors in Pennsylvania. Why?
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10:52By Patricio Robayo
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Ramone E. Wilson Appointed Executive Director of Sullivan County Human Rights Commission
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14:53Ramone E. Wilson has been appointed as the first full-time Executive Director of the Sullivan County Human Rights Commission. A native of Newark, New Jersey, Wilson brings a wide range of experience in community advocacy, housing rights, and the arts — including a career in music where he toured with world-famous artists like Wyclef Jean, Mary J. B…
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Tariffs Threaten Local Brews, Beans, and Bottles in Sullivan County
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8:59A new round of proposed tariffs from former President Donald Trump’s economic team could soon hit the shelves—and small businesses—in Sullivan County. If implemented, the sweeping tariffs would increase the cost of many imported goods that local businesses rely on, including green coffee beans, alcohol ingredients, and car parts. While designed to …
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Sullivan County Opens Annual Window for Farmland Enrollment in Agricultural Districts
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13:04Each April, Sullivan County opens a brief but meaningful window for landowners who wish to include their property in one of the county’s Agricultural Districts. It’s a crucial time for local farmers, as joining a district can bring tax relief and protections designed to preserve farmland and support agriculture. With over 160,000 acres already enro…
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Sowing Sustainability: Professor Champions Local Food and Wisdom This Earth Day
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15:28Today is Earth Day. Many of us are thinking about how we can do our part to protect the planet, not just globally—but right here in our own backyards. Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo spoke to Dr. Himanee Gupta, Associate Professor of Historical Studies at Empire State University and a passionate advocate for community sustainability. Professor Gup…
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Pope Francis Mourned Worldwide; Local Church Shares Tribute
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2:31Pope Francis, who died Monday at 88, is being remembered for his compassion and unwavering support for the marginalized. His legacy continues to inspire millions around the globe. Radio Catskill's Patricio Robayo spoke with Rev. Dr. Ivan Kaszczak of Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church in Kerhonkson NY, who reflected on the loss — calling it "lik…
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Behind the Screams: Basic Bitches Premiere New Music Video and Talk Punk, Port Jervis, and Creative Chaos
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19:59Radio Catskill's Patricio Robayo sat down with Naomi Scott and Krystal Grow of the electrifying punk rock duo Basic Bitches. They’re here to talk about the world premiere of their brand-new music video “There’s No Crying In Baseball,” happening this Sunday, April 20th at The 108 Main in Narrowsburg. We’ll dive into the idea behind the video, the gr…
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Open Space Institute Protects 3,100 Acres in Catskills for Conservation and Public Use
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14:52In a round of good news for hikers, the Open Space Institute recently protected thirty-one hundred acres in the Catskills, one of the largest parcels of privately-owned contiguous forestland remaining within the area. The project will safeguard clean water for more than 15 million people in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, and will also prot…
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