The Local Edition

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.

By Patricio Robayo

As millions prepare to celebrate Father’s Day this Sunday, mental health professionals are calling attention to a lesser-known reality facing thousands of new fathers: paternal postpartum depression.

Often overshadowed by maternal mental health discussions, paternal postpartum depression affects approximately 1 in 10 new dads, according to Postpartum Support International (PSI). When a partner is also experiencing postpartum depression, that figure increases to a staggering 1 in 2.

“This is not just a women’s issue. This is a public mental health issue,” said Dr. Dan Singley, a psychologist specializing in men’s mental health and director of The Center for Men’s Excellence. “And too many dads are suffering in silence.”

Warning Signs Often Missed

During a recent interview with Radio Catskill, Dr. Singley explained that male depression—particularly after the birth of a child—often goes undetected. While traditional symptoms like sadness and lethargy can appear, many men experience less obvious signs: irritability, anger, isolation, excessive work, substance abuse, or even compulsive behaviors like gambling or video gaming.

“Men tend to somaticize,” Dr. Singley noted, referring to the phenomenon where emotional pain manifests as physical symptoms. “Chest tightness, headaches, digestive issues—these can be signs of unspoken emotional distress.”

Unlike mothers, who are routinely screened for postpartum depression, fathers rarely receive formal mental health evaluations during pediatric visits or postnatal check-ups.

Social Norms and Silence

Experts say one of the biggest barriers to treatment is cultural. The prevailing stereotype of fathers as stoic providers often prevents them from seeking help—or even recognizing their own symptoms.

“As men, we’re taught to protect, provide, and sacrifice,” Dr. Singley told me. “But no one tells us that sometimes we’ll need others to protect and support us. That’s where the stigma lies.”

The stigma extends beyond the doctor’s office. On social media, memes that mock male vulnerability often circulate widely—messages like “Deal with it, no one cares”—which reinforce silence and shame around men's mental health.

“I’ve heard from dads who feel they have no right to feel overwhelmed because their partner is the one physically recovering from childbirth,” said Singley. “But this isn’t a competition of who has it worse. It’s about identifying when someone needs help.”

Shared Struggles at Home

One of the more sobering statistics: when a mother is experiencing postpartum depression, the likelihood that her partner is also struggling jumps to 50%.

“That doesn’t mean one causes the other,” Dr. Singley clarified. “It speaks to how deeply interconnected co-parents are. When one is struggling, the other often is too.”

The positive side of that equation? Recovery can be contagious. “When one partner starts to heal, the other often follows. Mental health lifts the whole household.”

Resources and Support

To raise awareness, PSI marks the day after Father’s Day—June 16 this year—as International Father’s Mental Health Day. The goal is to shatter the stigma and connect dads with accessible resources. No diagnosis is required to seek help.

PSI offers a range of free services, including a helpline (1-800-944-4773), text support, and weekly online groups tailored specifically for dads. Their website, postpartum.net, also features a dedicated section for fathers, including tools to find therapists trained in paternal mental health.

“Sometimes just logging into a group and listening is enough to start the journey,” Dr. Singley said. “You don’t even have to speak. You just have to show up.”

A Message for Dads

Dr. Singley  says to any new father reading this: you're not alone. You’re not weak. And you’re not broken. You’re going through one of life’s biggest transitions, and it’s okay to struggle. What matters is what you do next.

If you know a dad who seems off—withdrawn, short-tempered, distant—Dr. Singley offers this simple advice: “Ask him how he’s doing. Then ask again.”

In the days surrounding Father’s Day, amid the celebrations and cards, it’s worth remembering that being a strong father doesn’t mean carrying the weight in silence. Sometimes, it means having the courage to say, “I need help.”

In this "Meet the Candidates" episode, Patricio sits down with Tim Dymond, a longtime Sullivan County resident and recently retired senior investigator with the New York State Police. With more than 20 years of law enforcement experience—including service with both the NYPD and State Police—Dymond discusses why he's running for Sullivan County Sheriff.

He outlines a detailed platform focused on modernization, community engagement, and tackling urgent local issues like the opioid epidemic. Dymond also addresses bail reform, transparency in law enforcement, and his vision for building a more connected and accountable sheriff’s office. This candid conversation offers voters a clear look at the values and plans behind Dymond’s campaign.

A video that’s been making the rounds on Facebook has sparked controversy and political tension in Sullivan County just weeks before the Republican primary for sheriff. The video alleges an improper relationship involving a Sullivan County undersheriff, a former deputy, and an inmate—and suggests a cover-up.

The footage, posted in the group Behind the Scenes of Sullivan County Politics, compiles surveillance clips and recorded video calls, painting a picture of alleged misconduct inside the Sheriff’s Office. 

In speaking with Radio Catskill, Schiff called the video "completely unfounded" and politically motivated. "This outrageous claim is being made without any evidence whatsoever," he said.

Schiff’s campaign said in a Facebook post that the video was “obtained without authorization and is pieced together, out of context,” noting that the District Attorney’s Office had already reviewed the matter and determined it had no merit.

According to Schiff, the video omits key facts. In one clip, the undersheriff is seen handing a bottle of DayQuil to a former deputy in his truck—something Schiff says happened during the height of the pandemic when the woman, a longtime family friend, wasn’t feeling well. In another part, she’s seen on a video call with an inmate, but Schiff says she was no longer employed by the department at that time.

The campaign's statement also criticized challenger Tim Dymond, accusing him of trying to sway voters with what Schiff described as a "wild conspiracy theory."

The former deputy, Schiff said, had come forward on her own, reporting that she had developed feelings for an inmate. She resigned shortly after. An internal review found no evidence of contraband or sexual misconduct, Schiff added.

Dymond has publicly called for an investigation, but Schiff insists the DA’s office already looked into the matter. No charges have been filed, and there’s been no indication of a formal investigation.

The New Paltz Pride Coalition co-hosted a special documentary honoring singer-songwriter Janis Ian’s life at the Rosendale Theatre on June 11 as part of their lineup of Pride Month events. The documentary, Janis Ian: Breaking Silence, is named after her 1993 album where she publicly came out as a lesbian.

New Paltz Pride Coalition is a haven for the LGBTQIA community in New Paltz currently working to create a dedicated center for folks to gather at. Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar spoke with Eve Papp, Co-Founder and Board President of the New Paltz Pride Coalition, about what they have lined up for June and why creating safe spaces is more important than ever.