Radio Chatskill

Fallon Gong, a religious movement born in China in the early 1990s, today has its headquarters at a 400-acre estate in the woods of Orange County, near Middletown. And, according to new reporting in New York Magazine, Middletown is experiencing a slow-motion annexation by the sect.

Through its various arms, it has acquired over $18 million in real estate in the town of 30,000 residents — not counting the many more properties its adherents and their companies have purchased in recent years.

Much of Falun Gong’s business operates silently, though it's probably best known for the popular Shen Yun Chinese dance troupe that has toured all over the world (The New York Times recently reported on some of its young performers describing a culture of untreated injuries and emotional manipulation).

Two other well-known mouthpieces of the movement are The Epoch Times newspaper and its television affiliate, New Tang Dynasty, or NTD, notorious trumpets of right-wing disinformation. Both outlets made news in June when the Epoch CFO was indicted for allegedly running a $67 million money-laundering scheme and the media conglomerate’s founder subsequently resigned.

Investigative Journalist WIll Bredderman reported on Falun Gong and Middletown in New York Magazine in his article "The Little Town Being Taken Over by Falun Gong." Radio Catskill's Tim Bruno spoke to him about the group and how it insinuated itself into the community.

Amy Ray and Emily Saliers have been offering life lessons to their fervent fans for nearly four decades and right now, they’re kind of having a moment. 

Since the release of Greta Gerwig's blockbuster "Barbie" movie last summer, in which the queer duo's classic hit "Closer to Fine" was prominently featured , to today, when they are the center of Alexandria Bombach's  documentary "Indigo Girls: It's Only Life After All," streaming on Netflix, The Indigo Girls are more than fine. 

They’re teaming up with Melissa Etheridge for a summer tour which stops at Bethel Woods tomorrow night. 

Tim Bruno spoke to Amy Ray about the duo's resurgence and endurance. 

On Saturday, August 24, comedian and self described social justice warrior, Kristina Wong will
present her work-in-progress entitled, "Kristina Wong: #FoodBankInfluencer" at Catskill Art Space to benefit A Single Bite. 

A Single Bite is the Sullivan County nonprofit that provides free meals to local children and their families, teaches young people to care about the food they eat and where it comes from, while collaborating with schools, pantries, food banks, community organizations, and partner agencies to provide access to healthy, locally grown food.

Tim Bruno spoke to Audrey Garro of A Single Bite, Sally Wright of Catskill Art Space, and Kristina Wong abotu the event.

“The String Queens”, a trio of musicians that translate pop hits into their own language using violin, viola, and cello. These classically trained virtuosos have performed their diverse lineup of popular and classical songs on national stages like the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall.

They'll be appearing at Harmony in The Woods in Hawley on Sunday, August 18. 

Tim Bruno spoke to Kendall Isadore from the group about their unique sound and their mission to inspire, uplift, and speak to the souls of listeners.

Nina Burleigh is a journalist, best-selling author, documentary producer, and publisher of a substack on politics called American Freakshow.

Her debut novel, Zero Visibility Possible, is based on the true story of the 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas.

It’s the 55th Anniversary of The Woodstock Music and Art Fair this weekend. 

To see the epic performances at Woodstock, attendees endured crowds, rain, minimal food and water—and lots of mud.

Jason Dole took a deep dive into the mud of Woodstock in this report.

When legislative Republicans urged Congress to reject Pennsylvania’s electoral votes for Joe Biden in 2020, they didn’t cite voter fraud or illegal activity. Instead, they pointed to something seemingly innocuous: guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of State.

As we approach what’s expected to be another contentious presidential election, we spoke to Carter Walker of Votebeat PA about what you need to know about how Pennsylvania’s Department of State tries to clarify the rules for counties in this crucial swing state. 

This story made possible through Votebeat’s collaboration with Spotlight PA and its Elections 101 series, protecting you against election misinformation and empowering you to make informed decisions.

Situated in Livingston Manor, NY, The Catskills Project is a 90-acre carbon-neutral community in the Catskills region made up of 25 homes designed to be sustainable and environmentally friendly. 

The project was founded by Greg Hale and Peter Malik, who both previously worked for the National Resource Defense Council and wanted to bring eco-friendly, carbon-neutral living to the East Coast. Three of the 25 lots are currently occupied.

Reporter Marin Scotten spoke to Hale about his vision for a sustainable, creative and connected community.

When legislative Republicans urged Congress to reject Pennsylvania’s electoral votes for Joe Biden in 2020, they didn’t cite voter fraud or illegal activity. Instead, they pointed to something seemingly innocuous: guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of State.

As we approach what’s expected to be another contentious presidential election, we spoke to Carter Walker of Votebeat PA about what you need to know about how Pennsylvania’s Department of State tries to clarify the rules for counties in this crucial swing state. 

Carter Walker is a Reporter with Votebeat Pennsylvania and this story made possible through Votebeat’s collaboration with Spotlight PA and its Elections 101 series, protecting you against election misinformation and empowering you to make informed decisions.

The Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program is hosting a Streamside Mindfulness Meditation program this week next to the Esopus Creek in Mt. Tremper, NY.

The meditation will be led by senior monks and an abbot of the Zen Mountain Monastery who will teach introductory mindfulness meditation followed by discussion. The program is designed for anyone who would like to feel a closer connection to the waters and land of the Catskill Mountains

We spoke to Tim Koch, Stream Education Leader, Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program, Cornell Cooperative Extension -Ulster County, about the program.