A 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 …

On 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…

By Patricio Robayo

As 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…

As 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…

The 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…

President 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…

By Patricio Robayo

Ramone 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…

A 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 …

Each 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…

Today 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…

Pope 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…

Radio 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…

In 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…

In her debut book Let Only Red Flowers Bloom: Identity and Belonging in Xi Jinping’s China, NPR journalist Emily Feng offers a deeply human portrait of modern China under the rule of its most powerful leader in decades. She recently spoke with Radio Catskill's Patricio Robayo about the stories behind the headlines and the people whose lives define …

In an effort to reshape how New York’s criminal justice system handles young people who commit serious crimes, two public defenders are making waves with an op-ed recently published in the Albany Times Union. Allison and Barbara, attorneys at the Center for Appellate Litigation (CAL), are calling for reforms rooted in modern neuroscience and human …

Mental health providers are scrambling to prevent mass layoffs and program closures, leaving advocates urging state leaders to step in before it’s too late.By Patricio Robayo

State Police are investigating a police-involved shooting that occurred Thursday afternoon at the Evergreen Housing Complex in Monticello. The incident took place shortly after 3 p.m. on April 10, drawing a heavy law enforcement presence, including State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation units, Sullivan County Sheriff’s deputies, and emergenc…

After an exciting and impactful debut last summer, the Sullivan County Emergency Services Youth Academy is making a triumphant return this July, promising another unforgettable week of discovery, training, and real-world experiences for local teens. Scheduled for July 21-25, 2025, the Academy invites Sullivan County youth ages 14 to 16 to spend fiv…

A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s cuts of more than $11 billion in public health grants on April 3 – but county and state health departments are already feeling the impact. New York State Department of Health has laid off more than 200 of its workers following the Trump administration’s proposed cuts to roll back local …

Ellenville’s Budget Deficit Deepens: Mayor Warns of Tax Hikes, Says ‘No Bailout Coming’ The Village of Ellenville is at a financial crossroads, facing a $450,000 deficit for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. With rising costs and stagnant revenues, local officials are warning that tax increases may be unavoidable—and dissolution of the village itself is b…

Five years ago this March, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo declared a statewide lockdown to prevent the spread of the COVID pandemic. Public schools, restaurants, and non-essential businesses closed down. Hospitals and healthcare workers faced overwhelming numbers of COVID patients and bed shortages. The long-term toll it has left on people’s…

Each year, New York Focus reporters examine how lawmakers will spend over $250 billion in public money as lawmakers negotiate over the state budget. New York’s budget is bigger than those of most countries, and outpaces every other state except California.By Patricio Robayo

Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster Counties will shutter its chemical dependency clinics across four locations, including Monticello and Goshen, due to staffing shortages and shifting healthcare dynamics. The closures, which include outpatient substance use programs, have raised concerns about addiction treatment gaps in Sullivan Co…

On March 20, 2025, Congressman Josh Riley (NY-19) visited Sullivan County to meet with local officials, community organizations, and rural hospitals. During his visit, he spoke with Radio Catskill's Patricio Robayo about two new bipartisan bills aimed at lowering grocery costs and providing relief for family farmers across Upstate New York. Riley h…

We’ve been reporting on Radio Catskill how customers have been impacted by their high NYSEG electricity bills this winter. This past Monday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced that Canada would add a 25% tariff on the electricity they supply to New York, Minnesota, and Michigan but then quickly pivoted – they agreed to delay the surcharges that sa…

The Pennsylvania Department of State said Wednesday that it signed a new $10.6 million contract with Louisiana-based technology company Civix to upgrade the Statewide Uniform Registry of Electors, or SURE, and integrate it with other state-run election systems. The SURE system is a statewide database used by counties to register voters and maintain…

Former prison agency staff and newly released documents describe a patronage network centered on Commissioner Daniel Martuscello III’s family.By Patricio Robayo

A freeze on federal funds has halted crucial programs supporting beginner farmers in Sullivan County, leaving many in financial uncertainty. The $1.5 million in funding, distributed through Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County, was earmarked for mentorship and technical assistance to foster the next generation of local farmers. The cuts…

NPR journalist Zach Mack embarks on a deeply personal journey to understand his father, who has become immersed in conspiracy theories. Their relationship is strained by ideological differences, but instead of continuing endless debates, they make an unusual agreement: they write down 10 of his father’s predictions for 2024 and place a $10,000 bet …

With the looming possibility of major cuts in federal funding, nonprofit organizations are scrambling to justify the services they provide. Such is the case of Action Toward Independence, a nonprofit that offers counseling and special services to people with disabilities in need in the Catskills. Ever since the Trump administration started announci…

More than 2,000 New York State correction officers have been terminated in the wake of an unprecedented wildcat strike that paralyzed the state’s prison system for weeks. Governor Kathy Hochul announced that her administration is “ready to move on” as the state scrambles to hire new officers to fill the vacancies left by those who walked off the jo…

Brush fires broke out in Suffolk County, Long Island over the weekend on Saturday, burning over 400 acres and closing several highways. Citing dry conditions and high winds, Governor Kathy Hochul issued a state of emergency and burn ban for Long Island, New York, and parts of the lower Hudson Valley, including Ulster County – a week before the annu…

4th Annual Sullivan County Youth Poetry Festival, a celebration of creativity, self-expression, and the power of words! The festival, set to take place on March 29th, brings together young poets from across the county to share their voices, explore their artistry, and connect with a community that values storytelling through poetry. \Kevin Graham, …

Nearly 400 residents attended a heated public hearing on March 4 regarding proposed zoning changes in the Town of Fallsburg. The amendments, aimed at aligning local laws with federal regulations, particularly RLUIPA, have sparked concerns over increased development, environmental impact, and water supply issues. While town officials argue the chang…

Ryan Kost and Willow Higgins, who recently published an in-depth investigation into Conviction Integrity Units (CIUs) in New York at NY FOCUS . Their reporting uncovered troubling findings about how these units, meant to correct wrongful convictions, often fail the people they were created to help. This story is a collaboration between New York Foc…

Sullivan County Legislator Amanda Ward, who represents District 8, shares the story of her late father, Roland "The Gator" Ward, and his lasting contributions to the county. From his early days with the Fallsburg Police Department to his rise as a lieutenant in the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office, Roland Ward made a significant impact on the commu…

The social services commissioner says New York wants to join other states adopting more secure cards, but lacks funds for the upgrade.By Patricio Robayo

A tentative deal has been reached between New York State and the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA) to end the ongoing prison strike that has disrupted nearly 30 facilities across the state, including Woodbourne Correctional Facility in Sullivan County. The agreement, formalized in a Consent Award, fol…

The New York state prison system is teetering on disaster as guards have staged an unsanctioned wildcat strike at almost all of its 42 facilities. Governor Kathy Hochul has deployed the National Guard and, on Wednesday, obtained a court order mandating that corrections officers return to work. While striking officers have been mostly mum to the pre…

New York State correctional officers remain on strike, as Gov. Kathy Hochul has ordered state troopers and the National Guard to intervene. Meanwhile, inside Woodbourne Correctional Facility, inmate Atiq Weston, serving 15 years for manslaughter and robbery, shared his perspective with Radio Catskill. Weston claims some officers are overly aggressi…

The ongoing strike by correctional officers across New York State has now entered a new phase. Workers are still picketing outside facilities, including the Woodbourne Correctional Facility in Sullivan County, demanding safer working conditions, better staffing, and an end to excessive overtime. Meanwhile, the state is taking new steps to end the p…

By Patricio Robayo

PepsiCo has announced the closure of its manufacturing facility in the Village of Liberty, where it produces the popular PopCorners snack. The plant, formerly known as Ideal Snacks, has been a staple in the community since the late 1990s before PepsiCo acquired the brand around 2018. The closure will result in the loss of approximately 300 jobs, si…

Correctional officers and staff near Woodbourne Correctional Facility have launched a strike, citing hazardous working conditions, excessive mandatory overtime, and a lack of action from state officials. The strike, which has spread to over 25 jails, highlights growing concerns over staff safety, including exposure to unknown chemicals and a rise i…

On The Local Edition, Radio Catskill discussed a River Reporter article detailing allegations against the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office. The article includes claims from two former officers accusing Sheriff Mike Schiff and Undersheriff Eric Chaboty of ordering a falsified accident report and fostering a hostile work environment. Additionally, th…

A growing number of NYSEG customers in Sullivan County and beyond are reporting massive spikes in their electric bills this winter, with some seeing increases of several hundred dollars. Rock Hill resident Tom O’Donohue saw his January bill jump to $834—nearly triple his highest previous bill. Shocked by the surge, he created a Facebook group where…

The governor’s latest budget pitch would send an additional $290 million to the state’s public transit agencies, invest more in a new student-teacher stipend, and more.By Patricio Robayo

All Things Liberty Winter Festival, happening on February 22, 2025, from 10 AM to 2 PM at Liberty High School Gym. It’s a day of fun for families with sled riding, carnival games, craft vendors, karaoke, and more. But this year, there’s something extra special: the Liberty Faculty Association is hosting a book giveaway for Liberty Elementary studen…