The Local Edition

When incarcerated women give birth, that’s often the last time they see their baby until prison visiting day. After a few days in the hospital, usually while handcuffed to the bed, the moms lose their baby to a relative or to foster care. But in eight prisons across the United States, including Westchester County’s own Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, there’s an alternative. Prison nursery programs allow moms and babies to stay together. At Bedford, that means mothers accepted into the program spend their child’s first eighteen months with them. 

Hour Children operates the residential nursery at Bedford and their website says the service is, “providing infants born during their mother’s incarceration with critical bonding time with their mother. During the day, while mothers are attending school, mandated programs, or working, the infants are cared for in the Child Development Center, which is staffed by Hour Children employees and women who are incarcerated at the facility.”

The 2025 United States Prison Nursery report explains:

“Prison nurseries are arguably beneficial for three key reasons: promoting mother-baby attachment, reducing recidivism rates among mothers, and enhancing parenting skills. Developmental science emphasizes the importance of the period between zero to two years for critical infant attachment formation and the stability provided by consistent caregiver interactions.”

Dr. Lorie Goshin helped run a study on attachment styles in preschool-age children that participated in the Bedford nursery program as babies. They had more secure attachment styles than toddlers who had been separated from their mothers due to incarceration. Goshin explains, “ Because of how we're parented from very early on, we develop representations in our mind of our own deservingness of care and how how predictable and caring the world will be.” But even among mothers with insecure attachment, their toddlers didn’t have one, unlike the sample group that was not in the prison nursery program. “ The findings were quite remarkable in that way,” says Goshin. 

Opposition to the program is usually based on whether the mothers retain their parental rights as wards of the state. Also, some people are concerned about putting babies in an environment like a prison. Although, unlike inmates, the children may come and go. Goshin explains that critics think, “If a mother is facing these charges, then she doesn't deserve to continue in her parenting role” but she “fundamentally disagrees” with this idea. She argues “people come into contact with law enforcement and with the criminal justice system for so many different reasons, many of which don't have anything to do with their parenting role, and/or could be resolved with proper support.”

The New York State Attorney General’s Office is reviewing allegations — first reported by the Times Union — that officials in South Blooming Grove intentionally suppressed voter turnout during the village’s October 22 election.

Only 132 voters, or about six percent of those registered, cast ballots in the heavily Orthodox Jewish community. Residents later told state officials they didn’t know an election was happening.

Sen. James Skoufis, who chairs the Senate Investigations and Government Operations Committee, launched a probe after receiving complaints. Investigators found the Village Board moved the election from March 2026 to October 2025 during a special meeting announced with just one hour’s notice. The village also switched its official newspaper to a weekly publication outside the area and stopped posting meeting minutes for months.

Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo spoke with Times Union managing editor Philip Pantuso, who said investigators uncovered further issues: no public notices about the election on the village website or social media, and reports that officials encouraged residents to request absentee ballots and hand them over to village staff.

According to the Times Union, a village official acknowledged in a phone interview that the election was moved to October because local yeshivas — key communication hubs — are closed that month.

The investigation also found the village never filed required state paperwork when extending board terms in 2021, potentially leaving the mayor and two trustees in their seats illegally.

Skoufis has asked Attorney General Letitia James to consider invalidating the election through a quo warranto proceeding. The Attorney General’s Office confirms it is reviewing the matter.

Village attorney Norah Murphy said the election was conducted “in full accordance with all applicable laws.”

An unidentified security guard responded to a threat at Montefiore St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital in Newburgh, New York, on November 13. According to a statement from the city of Newburgh's police department, a man identified as town resident Carlos Ortiz brought a knife into the emergency room. After pulling the fire alarm, Ortiz allegedly attacked the security guard, who fatally shot Ortiz.

Meanwhile, Chamika Hataurusinghe was accompanying her husband to the emergency room that night, for an infection on his finger. However, she ended up needing more urgent treatment. Hataurusinghe said she was ushered by nurses into the lobby as the fire alarm went off. She saw two men fighting in her direction so she stood up to move out of the way. That's when she noticed the pain in her leg.

"As soon as I stood up, I realized my left leg got like totally numb. And then I screamed... I was looking at the people and said, 'My leg hurts. My leg hurts.' And no one cared. I thought I'm in shock... And so I was looking behind and I saw the one guy was laying on the floor. Another lady came and she gave me a wheelchair, and she took me inside to the ER.... Then, doctors opened my towel and they said I got a gunshot. And then next day they told me that it has gone inside and they did a surgery and took the bullet out."

Radio Catskill also spoke to Ryan Greenbaum, Executive Assistant District Attorney. He said they can't give any more information unless charges are filed against the security guard. " We've acknowledged that we are conducting the investigation but we we're not in a position at this point to disclose any further details," he said. St. Luke's did not respond to requests for comment and the fire department, who came on scene, referred press requests to the City Manager, who also did not respond. This is an ongoing investigation.

The Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre (HPAC) is rolling out a full day of holiday celebrations on Saturday, December 6, starting with its annual Breakfast with Santa and ending with a free evening concert and donation drive.

From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., families can enjoy a breakfast buffet, holiday crafts, music, and photos with Santa in HPAC’s transformed “winter wonderland” ballroom. Director of Development Lourdesa Hunt says kids may even spot the Grinch. Parents can also arrange for Santa to give their child a pre-wrapped gift, a tradition Hunt says became “magical” during last year’s event.

Breakfast costs $15 for ages 4+ and $5 for ages 3 and under, with food served from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tickets sold out last year, so HPAC encourages families to purchase early at HPACNY.org.

The festivities continue into Holiday in Hurley, the town’s community-wide celebration featuring the annual tree lighting.

At 6 p.m., HPAC hosts “Faith in Christmas,” a free concert by local musician Faith Kelly, blending holiday music and storytelling. The event also serves as a donation drive for the Federation for the Homeless, accepting non-perishable food items and gently used winter clothing.

HPAC has a full month of programming ahead, including family films, charity screenings, comedy night, a sensory-friendly showing of Home Alone, and craft workshops.

More information is available at HPACNY.org.

Certain veterans charged with crimes in Ulster County will now be given special consideration. There is now a "problem-solving court" dedicated specifically to veterans. According to nycourts.gov, "To meet the challenges of such a large system, more than two decades ago, the New York State Unified Court System began to establish problem-solving courts. These courts help judges and court staff to better respond to the needs of litigants and the community." A press release from Nov. 7th announced the addition of an Ulster County Veterans Treatment Court to this program. It's designed to provide special consideration to those that have served, especially those who may be suffering from PTSD-related addiction and/or mental illness.

“The launch of the Veterans Treatment Court reflects the Third Judicial District’s deep commitment to addressing the unique needs of those who have served our country. Through a combination of accountability and compassion, this court will provide veterans, many of whom are battling addiction or mental health challenges, with the support and structure necessary for positive outcomes,” said Judge Christina L. Ryba in the press release. Judge Debra J. Young added, "Veterans Treatment Courts are acutely aware of issues that are unique to military life, and as such are well positioned to offer rehabilitative options to our justice-involved veterans."

Radio Catskill spoke with Joey Drillings, the Chief Assistant Public Defender for the Ulster County Public Defender's Office. He used to work with Sullivan County's veterans court before moving to Ulster. He made it a condition of his contract that if one was established there, he would be able to work with it. " My father was saved by veterans. I wouldn't be here, literally wouldn't be here, if not for the veterans of the United States Army," said Drillings. 

Heating Assistance Still on Hold as Federal Government Reopens

This November marks American Diabetes Month, a time when millions of families gather for the holidays — and also a moment to talk honestly about a condition that affects more people than ever. According to the CDC, 38 million Americans are living with diabetes, and 1 in 3 adults are living with prediabetes. Many don’t even know they have it.

Diabetes brings not only health challenges but also a growing financial burden, with medical costs more than double for those diagnosed. But there’s encouraging news, too: diabetes can be managed — and in some cases prevented — through lifestyle habits, early detection, and good medical guidance.

To help us understand what living with diabetes really looks like, we spoke with Dr. Scott T. Hines, an endocrinologist with Crystal Run Healthcare and part of Optum Health. In our conversation, Dr. Hines breaks down the different types of diabetes, explains why early screening matters, and offers practical steps people can take — especially during the tempting holiday season — to stay healthy.

Type 1 vs. Type 2: What’s the Difference?

Dr. Hines began by explaining the essential role of insulin, the hormone that moves glucose out of the bloodstream and into the body’s cells for energy.
 Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas cannot produce insulin at all. While often diagnosed in childhood, adults can develop it too — and treatment requires insulin injections.

Type 2 diabetes, however, accounts for 90–95% of cases. In this form, the body does make insulin, but not enough to overcome insulin resistance — a condition where the body’s cells don’t respond properly to insulin. Genetics play a role, but lifestyle factors such as weight, diet, and activity level strongly influence risk.

Warning Signs — and Why Many People Miss Them

A striking point Dr. Hines made: by the time noticeable symptoms appear, diabetes is often already advanced. These symptoms include:

To catch diabetes earlier, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening every 1–3 years for adults ages 35–70 who are overweight or obese. Early testing can help prevent complications long before symptoms develop.

Who’s Most at Risk?

Family history matters — but differently depending on the type:

But genetics are only part of the equation. “Fat cells produce hormones that counteract insulin,” Dr. Hines explained. “With weight loss, exercise, and healthier eating, you reduce those hormones — allowing your body’s natural insulin to work more effectively.”

Lifestyle Changes That Make a Difference

The first line of defense for both diabetes and prediabetes is lifestyle change. But Dr. Hines stresses realistic, long-lasting habits — not extreme or restrictive diets.

His core advice:

For people with prediabetes, these steps can sometimes reverse the condition entirely — or at least prevent progression to full diabetes.

Staying Healthy Through the Holidays

Thanksgiving and the winter holidays can be especially tough for people trying to manage blood sugar. Dr. Hines encourages people not to fear enjoying special foods — as long as they keep portion sizes in check.

“If you want a slice of pumpkin pie, have it,” he said. “Just don’t have a quarter of the pie.”
 And remember: it’s one day. What matters most is getting back to healthy routines afterward.

Understanding Medication Options — Including Insulin and Ozempic

Medication is often part of diabetes management, especially when lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough.

Today, treatment plans vary widely based on a patient’s:

Dr. Hines noted that insulin carries a lot of stigma, often due to stories from decades ago when it was used only in very advanced cases. Today, insulin may be introduced much earlier — sometimes temporarily — to bring blood sugar under control.

He also addressed the growing interest in medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Zepbound, which belong to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists. While originally developed for diabetes, some versions are FDA-approved for weight loss as well.

“These medications help people lose significant weight and improve heart health,” Dr. Hines said. For some patients, weight loss medications can even prevent the onset of chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.

When Does Dialysis Become Necessary?

Dialysis is a treatment for end-stage kidney failure — a complication linked to many years of poorly controlled diabetes. Dr. Hines emphasized that patients who manage their blood sugar well dramatically reduce their risk of ever needing dialysis or a kidney transplant.

A Final Message: It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint

Dr. Hines closed with a message of reassurance:

“Diabetes is not your fault. It’s a complex condition influenced by genetics and lifestyle. What matters most is taking small, sustainable steps — and working with your healthcare provider on a long-term plan.”

Sullivan County's Human Rights Commission will be hosting a Round Table on Human Rights at SUNY Sullivan on December 3rd from 11 AM - 2 PM. Guided by the principle of Civil and Human Rights: Different Roots, Same Purpose, the roundtable will be a way for the community to connect with the newly appointed board and voice their concerns on major issues, including housing and workforce discrimination. Radio Catskill's Genevieve Hartnett spoke with Ramone Wilson, Executive Director of Human Rights and Consumer Affairs about his first year in his new role and what he is looking forward to with the event and a new year.