Radio Chatskill

Few places have shaped American music and culture quite like New York’s Greenwich Village.

From the folk revival of the 1950s to the punk explosion of the 1970s, “the Village” has been home to legends, outsiders, and game-changers. In his new book Talkin’ Greenwich Village, veteran Rolling Stone journalist David Browne dives deep into the stories behind the scene—chronicling the rise of artists like Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and the Lovin’ Spoonful, and honoring the lesser-known figures who helped build the Village’s creative legacy. 

We spoke with Browne about the music, the mayhem, and the myth of this one-of-a-kind neighborhood. 

According to the New York State Department of Health, more than six million New Yorkers rely on Medicaid — but that coverage is now in jeopardy. President Trump’s recently signed so-called "Big Beautiful Bill" includes sweeping Medicaid cuts, and lawmakers warn that as many as 1.5 million New Yorkers could lose access to care when the law takes effect.

For rural hospitals, the consequences could be especially dire. Healthcare providers already dealing with limited staff, tight budgets, and aging healthcare systems say these cuts will only deepen the crisis in underserved areas.

Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar spoke with Steven Kelley, President and CEO of Ellenville Regional Hospital in Ulster County, about how this new law could threaten the future of rural healthcare in the Catskills and beyond.

Village Apothecary, an independent pharmacy located in Woodstock, recently announced that they might have to stop filling prescriptions that have led to profit losses of upwards of $130,000. And they are not the only local pharmacy having to make this choice. 

Local pharmacies, not only throughout the Hudson Valley but also across the country, are cutting prescriptions or even closing their doors. They have named pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) — the “middlemen” of the pharmaceutical industry in charge of processing prescriptions and setting prices between insurance companies and pharmacies — as the major source of profit losses. 

Radio Catskill’s Julia Kim had the chance to speak with Dr. Neal Smoller, a long-time pharmacist and owner of Village Apothecary, and Dr. Gene Burns of Riverside Remedies in Callicoon about the economic challenges they’re facing, the issues that PBMs raise for independent pharmacies and the growth of pharmacy deserts across the nation and its impact on local, especially more rural, communities in the Hudson Valley. 

Here’s Smoller...

This weekend, the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance (DVAA) and Scranton Fringe are teaming up to present “A Taste of Fringe,” a three-day celebration of bold, immersive, and subversive theater in honor of World Fringe Day. The mini-festival takes place at the historic Tusten Theatre in Narrowsburg from Friday, July 12 through Sunday, July 14.

Fringe festivals are known for amplifying underrepresented voices and pushing the boundaries of performance art. That ethos is at the heart of this collaboration between DVAA and Scranton Fringe, a Pennsylvania-based arts organization that has made a name for itself championing experimental and inclusive work.

“We felt that the energy of Fringe would be really well-served in our community,” said Ariel Shanberg, executive director of DVAA. “We have a rich tradition of supporting independent voices here, and this is a way to bring in something new and exciting.”

The weekend features three unique one-hour performances, each staged twice to allow for maximum flexibility—and repeat viewing. Among the featured works:

• “A Taste Of Fringe: Pissi Ruins Judy Garland at Carnegie Hall” – a drag cabaret parody by Pissi Ruins, who mixes reverence for the late icon with irreverent humor and powerhouse vocals.
• “A Taste Of Fringe: Girl Walks Into a Movie Theater” – a deeply personal solo show written and performed by Mandy Pennington, using multimedia and cinematic nostalgia to explore coming of age as the child of teen parents.
• “A Taste Of Fringe: When Hailey Met Sally” – a queer retelling of the classic romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally, written and performed by Amanda Melhuish and Cat Montesi, DVAA’s new performing arts manager.

“These are seasoned, accomplished performers,” said Shanberg. “The shows will touch your heart, fill the theater with laughter, and remind us just how vital the arts are—especially in times like this.”

Connor O’Brien, founding producer of Scranton Fringe, said the festival model is intentionally broad and accessible. “Fringe can be experimental and avant-garde, but it can also be family-friendly. It’s about letting artists decide what they want to put forward—and giving them a platform when others won’t.”

For first-timers who may be unsure if Fringe is for them, O’Brien offers reassurance: “The shows are short—about an hour each—so it’s a great low-risk way to try something new. See one you’re excited about, then take a chance on something unexpected. Nine times out of ten, you’ll be glad you did.”

Performances will be held at the Tusten Theatre, 210 Bridge Street, Narrowsburg. Tickets are available for individual performances or as a three-show VIP pass, with the flexibility to mix, match, or share tickets.

For full schedule and ticket information, visit: delawarevalleyartsalliance.org

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 Concerns

A 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 Pushback

The 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 fast
• And beneath our feet, things are shifting. Literally. Joe explains what the tectonic movement in East Africa could mean for the future of the continent.