The Local Edition

As Pennsylvania prepares for its 2025 primary elections, growing attention is being paid to the 1.4 million voters who will once again be left out of the process: independents and third-party registrants barred from voting due to the state's closed primary system.

Pennsylvania remains one of just ten states with closed primaries—meaning only registered Democrats and Republicans may vote in their respective party’s nominating contests. This system has long drawn criticism from voter advocates and reform-minded legislators who argue it disenfranchises a growing portion of the electorate and contributes to political polarization.

Ahead of Spotlight PA’s virtual event on Tuesday evening exploring the issue, government reporter Kate Huangpu offered insight into why efforts to open primaries have repeatedly stalled in Harrisburg and what reform could mean for the state’s political landscape.

"A lot of people are surprised to learn just how restrictive our system is," Huangpu said. "Independent and third-party voters—who pay taxes and care about their communities—can’t weigh in on which candidates make it to the general election. In many races, especially local ones, the primary is the real contest."

Advocates argue that open primaries could bring more moderate voices into the electoral process, potentially curbing partisan extremism. Huangpu notes this is especially significant in races like the Democratic mayoral primary in Pittsburgh, where the outcome all but determines the general election result due to the city's partisan makeup.

Legislative reform, however, has proven elusive. Bills proposing open primaries have been introduced for over a decade, and although versions have passed the State Senate in 2019 and the House in 2024, none have made it to the governor’s desk.

Polling shows broad public support for reform—upwards of 73%, according to recent surveys—but political inertia persists. Huangpu points to a lack of leadership will rather than partisan resistance. "This is the system that put current leaders in power," she explained. "There’s not a lot of incentive to change that."

Beyond politics, there are logistical considerations. County election officials have raised concerns about the strain that changing ballot systems, training staff, and managing expanded voter lists might place on their resources. However, Huangpu says most election directors she’s spoken with are open to the change if given sufficient preparation time. “Their job is to make elections work. They just want clarity and time to implement it well.”

The Spotlight PA event, moderated by Huangpu, features perspectives from State Rep. Jared Solomon, a Mercer County election director, and a representative from the advocacy group Ballot PA. The forum aims to unpack not only what an open primary system would look like in practice, but also what lessons can be drawn from the 40 other states that already allow some form of open primary voting.

"There's a workaround for now—voters can change their party affiliation ahead of the primary and switch back after—but that’s a workaround, not a solution,” Huangpu said. “At its heart, this is about what kind of democracy we want in Pennsylvania.”

The virtual forum takes place Tuesday, May 6, at 6 p.m. on Zoom. Registration information is available at spotlightpa.org/events.

As the May 7, 2025, deadline for REAL ID enforcement approaches, Sullivan County residents are urged to ensure they have the necessary identification to comply with federal requirements. Starting on this date, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or an acceptable alternative will be required for domestic air travel and access to certain federal facilities.

In an interview with Russell Reeves, Sullivan County Clerk, he emphasized the importance of understanding these new requirements:

Understanding REAL ID and Enhanced Licenses

A REAL ID is a federally compliant driver's license or identification card that features a star in the top right corner. In New York State, residents also have the option of obtaining an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), which includes a U.S. flag emblem. The EDL not only meets REAL ID standards but also allows for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries.

Application Process and Required Documentation

To obtain a REAL ID or Enhanced License in New York, residents must apply in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. The application process requires specific documentation:

Reeves noted the importance of accurate documentation:

Appointment Scheduling and DMV Accessibility

Due to the high demand leading up to the deadline, the Sullivan County DMV has implemented an appointment system to manage the influx of applicants. Residents can schedule appointments through the Sullivan County DMV website. Additionally, the county has established four mobile DMV locations in Liberty, Jeffersonville, and Bloomingburg to accommodate residents.

Reeves emphasized the necessity of appointments:

Post-Deadline Considerations

While the enforcement of the REAL ID requirement begins on May 7, residents who do not plan to fly domestically or access federal facilities immediately may still apply for a REAL ID or Enhanced License after the deadline. However, without compliant identification, individuals may face travel disruptions or be denied entry to certain federal buildings.

For more information on obtaining a REAL ID or Enhanced License, including required documents and appointment scheduling, residents can visit the New York State DMV website at dmv.ny.gov.

As the deadline approaches, Sullivan County officials encourage residents to act promptly to ensure compliance and avoid potential inconveniences.

The UFO Museum will kick off the spring season by celebrating May the Fourth Weekend, a celebration of Star Wars where its fans can gather and celebrate together. 

But with the summer season approaching the venue has other events in mind for fans interested in the unknown. 

The museum offers a comprehensive history of the devoted researchers who studied the phenomenon of UFOs, especially around the period of the 1980s. 

Radio Catskill’s (J.) Miguel Santiago Colón spoke to Lance Hallowell, the Director of Museum Operations & Special Events, who starts by sharing how the museum got its start. 

President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping executive order directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to cease all federal funding for NPR and PBS, citing what he calls "radical left bias" in their coverage. The order, which faces legal challenges, raises significant concerns about the future of public broadcasting in America—especially among local stations like Radio Catskill.

In a special edition of The Local Edition, Radio Catskill Board President Sally Stuart joined the program to discuss how the order could impact stations like Radio Catskill.

"We've been expecting an order that would threaten funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting," said Stuart. "This is coming in a slightly different way than we anticipated. But it is the same effort, which is to defund community radio and television that serves the public interest."

Stuart emphasized the practical impact of the executive order, especially a provision that would limit how local stations can use CPB funds. "Buried in the executive order is a statement that any CPB funds that go to radio stations would require them not to use it for purchasing programming, for licensing fees to NPR."

She continued, "In our case, for example, the funding from CPB represents 25% of our budget. So, influencing how we could spend those monies could limit what we can do for the community and the services that we can provide."

While NPR itself receives only a small percentage of its funding from the federal government, the indirect support through local stations is far more significant. Stuart explained that this indirect funding is crucial. 

"Congress decided that funding for CPB should be granted two years in advance to protect journalism and community service from the winds of politics and give greater certainty."

She added that federal support enables Radio Catskill to provide vital services, including local news and emergency alerts. "There are people in remote areas of Alaska that wouldn’t know the weather without it. We are a source of emergency information—when it's a public health situation, when it's a weather situation, when it's other kinds of situations."

"People need to have access to this kind of information that's in the now. Newspapers and other sources are great, but they aren’t as immediate as we are with local broadcasting."

Looking ahead, Stuart called on listeners to take action. "Our community relies on us and they support us, and that's essential. And we all have to do a little more to help make up for these changes."

She encouraged community members to contact their representatives through platforms like ProtectYourPublicMedia.org. "Congresspeople respond to telephone calls. It is a little tiresome to be on hold and all of that, but your call is logged and it is taken into consideration."

Radio Catskill has also launched a listener survey to gauge the local response to the potential loss of NPR and federal support. "We have all sorts of local programming that folks rely on too. It’s not just NPR—they rely on us for all sorts of local programming which enrich our lives and connect us. What if you lost 25% of that? We need it."

"Our community relies on us," Stuart concluded. "And we’re going to keep doing everything we can to be here for them."

Ramone E. Wilson has been appointed as the first full-time Executive Director of the Sullivan County Human Rights Commission. A native of Newark, New Jersey, Wilson brings a wide range of experience in community advocacy, housing rights, and the arts — including a career in music where he toured with world-famous artists like Wyclef Jean, Mary J. Blige, and Toni Braxton.

Speaking with Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo, Wilson shared how his upbringing in a diverse city like Newark shaped his passion for human rights work. "Growing up, I learned to appreciate people from all walks of life," he said. "It taught me respect, acceptance, and the value of community."

Wilson outlined his early priorities for the Commission: rebuilding public trust, expanding education about residents' rights, addressing housing discrimination, and taking a proactive approach to consumer affairs. He emphasized that mediation will be a cornerstone of his work, aiming to resolve conflicts before they escalate.

“Most issues arise from misunderstanding, not malice,” Wilson explained. “By sitting down and talking, we can often find solutions before it has to go further.”

Wilson also acknowledged the national debate around diversity, equity, and inclusion but said he remains committed to ensuring Sullivan County remains a welcoming place for everyone.

Residents can reach Wilson at the Sullivan County Government Center in Monticello, by phone at 845-807-0189, or via email at [email protected].

"I’m here to listen, to support, and to build real connections across the county," he said.

A new round of proposed tariffs from former President Donald Trump’s economic team could soon hit the shelves—and small businesses—in Sullivan County.

If implemented, the sweeping tariffs would increase the cost of many imported goods that local businesses rely on, including green coffee beans, alcohol ingredients, and car parts. While designed to promote domestic manufacturing, the policy has sparked concern among local entrepreneurs who say they’re being caught in the crossfire of global trade policy.

Charles Wilkin, co-owner of 2 Queens Coffee in Narrowsburg, warned that price increases are on the horizon for customers.

Wilkin said the price of Brazilian coffee—once one of the most affordable sources—has already quadrupled over the last six months due to global supply issues. With tariffs looming, he fears further volatility.

Currently, U.S. imports of coffee are subject to a 10% global tariff. Under the proposed changes, that rate could increase dramatically for specific countries—such as Indonesia, Vietnam, and Brazil—which are major suppliers of coffee and distilling ingredients.

That’s particularly concerning for Brian Facquet, founder of Do Good Spirits in Roscoe. His small-batch distillery sources ingredients from a range of international and domestic suppliers.

Still, Facquet sees a potential silver lining—if local support holds strong.

While the National Coffee Association has submitted a request to exempt coffee from the proposed tariffs, no final decision has been announced. The Trump team’s plan, informally referred to as the “Liberation Day” tariffs, was initially paused for 90 days. That extension has now expired.

Business owners across the region are now in a holding pattern, unsure of when—or how deeply—the new pricing pressures will hit.

For now, Sullivan County businesses like 2 Queens Coffee and Do Good Spirits are urging customers to support them through the uncertainty—and to consider the cost of every cup or bottle as more than just a price tag.

Each April, Sullivan County opens a brief but meaningful window for landowners who wish to include their property in one of the county’s Agricultural Districts. It’s a crucial time for local farmers, as joining a district can bring tax relief and protections designed to preserve farmland and support agriculture. With over 160,000 acres already enrolled, the county's farmland protection efforts continue to grow.

To better understand what these districts are and why they matter, Radio Catskill’s Jason Dole and Rosie Starr sat down with Melinda Meddaugh, Agriculture & Food Systems Senior Issue Leader at Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County, who helps guide residents through this process every year.

Today is Earth Day. Many of us are thinking about how we can do our part to protect the planet, not just globally—but right here in our own backyards. 

Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo spoke to Dr. Himanee Gupta, Associate Professor of Historical Studies at Empire State University and a passionate advocate for community sustainability.

Professor Gupta brings a wealth of experience, not just from the classroom but from the soil—she runs a small farm herself. 

She teaches a course that dives deep into the practices that build stronger, healthier communities, from supporting local farmers markets and growing your own food, to composting, preserving heirloom crops, and honoring Indigenous wisdom.

Patricio explores how these grassroots efforts aren’t just good for the environment—they’re essential for food security, community resilience, and reconnecting with the cycles of nature.