The Local Edition

Sweeping 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 states have to award the grants. The announcement in early June upended months of planning and left Pennsylvania officials scrambling as they race to meet a newly accelerated timeline for getting the money out.

The changes likely will result in fewer Pennsylvanians in remote and rural areas being connected to the internet via fiber optic cables, widely considered the gold standard for speed and reliability. The program originally prioritized fiber projects, but under the new rules, states must select winners based on the lowest cost. The change will make applications from wireless and satellite internet providers, including Elon Musk’s Starlink, more competitive.

The 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 farm lands. Hundreds of thousands of acres have been converted from farmland for solar development. However, this number is somewhat misleading, says Solar United Neighbors. Monica Carey, the nonprofit’s Pennsylvania Program Director, explains that the soil grade is important to account for. While the land may technically be categorized as farmland, Carey says the soil grade is so low it often was unusable for agriculture. In fact, sometimes solar’s presence can make the soil more tenable in the future.

There’s also been accusations of unethical sales practices by big solar companies. Carey says they’ll often promise free solar installation and then jack up monthly payments to hundreds of dollars. Patrons say the contracts are deceptive and the marketing is invasive. Door-to-door sales are a common practice from companies looking to get buyers on the hook. Carey and the Pennsylvania Program Associate, Rachel Pecharka, spoke with Radio Catskill about the region’s complex relationship with solar power.

In New York and Delaware, community solar is in place, which means residents can access benefits from the electricity demonstrated by solar farms. In Pennsylvania, that issue is currently being debated. Listen for more.

In 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, David Lombardo of The Capitol Pressroom described the outcome as “a surprise,” particularly since Cuomo was widely expected to lead after the first round of ranked-choice voting. Instead, Mamdani emerged ahead, propelled by a broad anti-Cuomo coalition and a populist message that resonated beyond typical ideological divides.

Lombardo says Mamdani’s communication skills and message discipline, calling him a “once-in-a-generation communicator” whose appeal crossed from Democratic Socialists to centrists concerned about affordability and quality of life in the city. His victory is not necessarily an embrace of socialism, Lombardo noted, but rather a demand for change and authenticity in leadership.

This upset has caught the attention of state leaders, including Governor Kathy Hochul and Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado. Delgado, who is eyeing a 2026 gubernatorial run, may see Mamdani’s success as a signal that a populist message can thrive—even against better-funded opponents.

The primary also spotlighted the power of grassroots campaigning. While Cuomo leaned heavily on media spending, Mamdani's ground game and direct voter engagement made a critical difference. Young voters turned out in unexpectedly high numbers, with the 18–48 demographic becoming a major factor in the outcome.

Looking ahead, Lombardo said the key question is how Governor Hochul responds. Will she double down on centrist policies, or pivot to address the rising energy on the party’s left flank? Her strategy for the 2026 election cycle may hinge on how seriously she takes Mamdani’s win as a broader political signal.

As Lombardo says, “The party has to decide if it wants to harness this energy—or ignore it at its peril.”

What 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 everyday realities of leading an organization built by the community, for the community.

The New Paltz Free Food Fridge isn’t just a volunteer opportunity. It’s a lifeline. For Todaro, their mission goes beyond meals. It’s about helping neighbors not just survive, but thrive.

The 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 closed out its lawmaking for the year.

The bill is the legislature’s response to the state prison agency’s mounting scandals. In December, body-worn cameras captured corrections officers taking turns beating a handcuffed incarcerated man named Robert Brooks, who died hours later. The killing sparked nationwide outcry and served as a backdrop for months of tumultuous events that followed, including a three-week corrections officers strike, another alleged killing at the hands of prison guards, and two contentious legislative hearings.

This 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 affordable.

Radio Catskill’s Genevieve Hartnett spoke with Dr. David Potash, President of SUNY Sullivan about investing in New York’s future with education and preparing for the impact of cuts from the Department of Education at the federal level.

Today, 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 June 19, where the legislature honored the Watson family’s public service contributions to the region. She brings us this report.

With 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 nature of the virus during a recent interview with Radio Catskill. "Measles is airborne," Dr. Galaydick explained. "It can linger in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves."

Recognizing the Symptoms

Measles often begins with high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A telltale rash typically follows three to five days after initial symptoms, starting on the face and spreading downward.

Dr. Galaydick warned that individuals are contagious from four days before the rash appears to four days after. "It’s extremely infectious—if 10 unvaccinated people are exposed, nine will likely get sick."

Do Not Walk In—Call First

Residents who suspect they have measles are urged not to visit clinics or hospitals without calling first. “We ask people to call ahead to prevent exposing vulnerable individuals—babies, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems,” said Dr. Galaydick. Healthcare providers will advise on safe next steps.

Vaccination Remains the Best Defense

The two-dose measles vaccine, given first between 12-15 months and again at ages 4-6, is up to 97% effective. Amid rising vaccine hesitancy, Dr. Galaydick stressed that the measles vaccine is safe and has no link to autism—a myth long debunked by scientific research.

“We’ve had three measles-related deaths in the U.S. this year alone,” she noted. “These were preventable.”

Travel and Community Awareness

With summer travel approaching, parents are advised to speak with their pediatricians. In some cases, an early dose may be appropriate for infants as young as six months traveling to higher-risk areas.

Dr. Galaydick concluded with a call to action: “Promote vaccination, fight misinformation, and know the symptoms. Community awareness is key to preventing a broader outbreak.”

For more information, residents should contact their healthcare provider or the local health department.

As 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, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at the Alzheimer’s Association, emphasized the pressing need for early detection. “Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death among those 65 and older,” Dr. Hill noted. “Early recognition can lead to timely interventions, support, and potentially access to new treatments that slow cognitive decline.”

For families like mine, the signs often go unnoticed. Dr. Hill pointed out that loved ones are usually the first to observe subtle changes—difficulty managing finances, losing track of dates, or making poor decisions that deviate from lifelong patterns.

“Normal aging might include occasionally misplacing items or forgetting appointments,” said Dr. Hill. “But Alzheimer’s can manifest as repeated memory loss, confusion with time, or challenges in completing familiar tasks.”

One major concern is the disparity in diagnoses and care. Black Americans are nearly twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s or other dementias, yet often go undiagnosed. According to Dr. Hill, socioeconomic factors and higher incidences of conditions like diabetes and heart disease are likely contributors.

To combat these challenges, the Alzheimer’s Association and the Ad Council have launched a new wave of public service announcements under the “Some Things Come with Age” campaign. These ads spotlight meaningful family moments and gently educate viewers on signs that shouldn’t be ignored.

Dr. Hill encouraged families to visit 10signs.org for resources and guidance. “It’s never too early to speak with a doctor,” he said, underscoring the importance of acting before the disease progresses beyond the early stages, when treatments are most effective.

For more support, the Alzheimer’s Association provides a 24/7 helpline at 1-800-272-3900.

The 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 legislation on June 17. For the Many is a statewide grassroots advocacy nonprofit that has been organizing Hudson Valley tenants to strengthen renter and homeowner protections.

They dive into what the local law means for Orange County residents – and their continued fight to build tenant power in the region.