The Local Edition

Pope Francis, who died Monday at 88, is being remembered for his compassion and unwavering support for the marginalized. His legacy continues to inspire millions around the globe.

Radio Catskill's Patricio Robayo spoke with Rev. Dr. Ivan Kaszczak of Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church in Kerhonkson NY, who reflected on the loss — calling it "like a death in the family" — and shared hopes for a future pope who continues Francis’ mission of mercy.

Radio Catskill's Patricio Robayo sat down with Naomi Scott and Krystal Grow of the electrifying punk rock duo Basic Bitches. They’re here to talk about the world premiere of their brand-new music video “There’s No Crying In Baseball,” happening this Sunday, April 20th at The 108 Main in Narrowsburg.

We’ll dive into the idea behind the video, the grant that helped make it possible, and the joy (and chaos) of filming with local talent at Memory Lane in Port Jervis. Plus, they tease some of the new songs they’ve been cooking up over the winter.

Join us for a behind-the-scenes chat about creativity, community, and why you should never cry in baseball—but you can scream at a punk show.

In a round of good news for hikers, the Open Space Institute recently protected thirty-one hundred acres in the Catskills, one of the largest parcels of privately-owned contiguous forestland remaining within the area. 

The project will safeguard clean water for more than 15 million people in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, and will also protect wildlife habitat. 

The acquisition was made in late February and will also open the space for more recreational activities. 

Radio Catskill’s (J.) Miguel Santiago Colón spoke to Open Space Institute’s  Northeast Senior Land Project Manager Tom Gravel about the organization’s mission and its projects and this is what he said. 

In her debut book Let Only Red Flowers Bloom: Identity and Belonging in Xi Jinping’s China, NPR journalist Emily Feng offers a deeply human portrait of modern China under the rule of its most powerful leader in decades. She recently spoke with Radio Catskill's Patricio Robayo about the stories behind the headlines and the people whose lives define the struggle for identity in a tightly controlled society.

The book’s title, Feng explained, is drawn from a 1950s slogan by Mao Zedong: “Let a hundred flowers bloom,” a phrase initially used to encourage diverse thinking, but quickly weaponized to suppress dissent. “A source in China told me, ‘Now, only red flowers are allowed to bloom,’” Feng said. “That phrase stuck with me—it perfectly encapsulates the shift in China today.”

Feng’s reporting journey began in China in 2015, just as the government began cracking down on civil society. “The space for free thought and expression has narrowed sharply,” she said, describing tense encounters at airports and increasing state scrutiny. After being barred from reentering the mainland in 2020, she continued reporting from Taiwan, using that distance to reimagine how stories about China can be told.

The book moves beyond borders, following individuals across Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the Chinese diaspora in the U.S., capturing the emotional and political weight of belonging—and exclusion. “I chose subjects who reflect not just gender or ethnic identity, but political values and visions for China,” said Feng. “There’s no single ‘Chinese’ identity.”

Despite personal heartbreak—being cut off from the country she covered for years—Feng holds space for complexity. “It’s like missing an ex who treated you badly,” she said. “I still love the culture, the language, the people.”

Feng hopes her book will challenge Western assumptions. “China isn’t a monolith,” she said. “Policies that target all Chinese people—like proposed U.S. visa bans—miss the diversity and nuance of 1.3 billion lives.”

As foreign media access to China shrinks, Feng warns that our understanding grows “flatter, more shallow.” But through the voices in her book, she insists, “We can still tell meaningful stories. And stories are how we understand each other.”

 In an effort to reshape how New York’s criminal justice system handles young people who commit serious crimes, two public defenders are making waves with an op-ed recently published in the Albany Times Union. Allison and Barbara, attorneys at the Center for Appellate Litigation (CAL), are calling for reforms rooted in modern neuroscience and human dignity.

Their work centers on the Youth and Emerging Adult Resentencing (YEARS) Project, a legal initiative aimed at reducing decades-long prison sentences imposed on people who were teenagers or in their early twenties at the time of their crimes. Their focus: redemption over retribution.

“We work with people who committed serious offenses as kids,” said Barbara, who co-founded the project in 2020. “Many were sentenced to 30, 40, even 50 years without anyone fully understanding their circumstances or the science of adolescent brain development.”

That science — now widely accepted — shows that the human brain, particularly the areas controlling decision-making and impulse, continues developing well into a person’s mid-twenties. For Allison and Barbara, this is more than an academic point — it’s a call to action.

“Our justice system has been slow to catch up with what science already knows: young people are inherently more capable of growth and change,” said Allison.

In their Times Union piece, the attorneys spotlight one client, Archie Price, who was 16 when he was incarcerated and is now unrecognizably changed. The op-ed details his transformation from a scared, angry teenager to a man who served as a hospice aide in prison and who now mentors younger inmates. Price’s story is emblematic of many YEARS clients, whose lives were shaped by violence, poverty, and trauma long before they entered the courtroom.

The project’s approach is both legal and human. Mitigation specialists interview family members, dig through school and child services records, and present a full picture of the person beyond the crime. “It’s not about justifying what happened,” said Allison. “It’s about understanding it—and recognizing that people change.”

That message is gaining traction. Second Look legislation, which would allow courts to revisit lengthy sentences after a set number of years, has been introduced in Albany. Although not yet law, similar measures have been passed in 12 other states and the District of Columbia

If enacted in New York, it could affect more than 2,200 individuals who were under 25 at the time of their offense.

“We’re not saying don’t punish,” said Barbara. “Even our clients say they needed to be held accountable. But what about after 20 or 30 years, when they’ve changed, matured, and are no longer a threat? Keeping them locked up serves no public safety purpose.”

The advocates also reject the notion that their work is a burden on an already strained system. “We do the heavy lifting,” said Allison. “We bring complete reports to the court, backed by evidence and testimony. And many corrections officers agree — they’ve told us, ‘This person doesn’t need to be here anymore.’”

The YEARS Project has already secured releases for some clients. One now works as a mentor; another was able to hold his newborn grandchild — something he never thought possible.

For Allison and Barbara, it’s proof that their model works — and that society as a whole stands to benefit when second chances are not just a dream, but a reality.

“We want our system to reflect our values,” said Allison. “Belief in growth. Belief in redemption. And belief in a justice system that’s not frozen in time, but evolving alongside our understanding of what it means to be human.”

Mental health providers are scrambling to prevent mass layoffs and program closures, leaving advocates urging state leaders to step in before it’s too late.

 State Police are investigating a police-involved shooting that occurred Thursday afternoon at the Evergreen Housing Complex in Monticello.

The incident took place shortly after 3 p.m. on April 10, drawing a heavy law enforcement presence, including State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation units, Sullivan County Sheriff’s deputies, and emergency medical services. According to police radio traffic, one individual sustained a gunshot wound to the chest and was transported to the hospital with serious injuries. Authorities confirmed no officers were injured during the encounter.

By late afternoon, investigators had cordoned off the complex’s center courtyard with crime scene tape and were canvassing the area with a K-9 unit. Only residents were permitted to enter the premises during the investigation.

State Police spokesperson Jennifer Alvarez stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public and that additional details would be released as they become available.

The motive for the shooting has not yet been disclosed.

This was the second officer-involved shooting in upstate New York that day. Earlier, a separate incident in Malta resulted in one fatality after a confrontation with police.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is confirmed.

After an exciting and impactful debut last summer, the Sullivan County Emergency Services Youth Academy is making a triumphant return this July, promising another unforgettable week of discovery, training, and real-world experiences for local teens.

Scheduled for July 21-25, 2025, the Academy invites Sullivan County youth ages 14 to 16 to spend five action-packed days learning about the critical work of our region’s emergency responders. Hosted at the Emergency Operations Center in Swan Lake, near the County Airport, this free program offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the life-saving tools and techniques used by firefighters, EMTs, police officers, and other first responders.

Created and coordinated by the Sullivan County Division of Public Safety, in partnership with local emergency service agencies, the Academy is more than just a summer activity—it’s an immersive, educational journey designed to spark interest in public service, build leadership skills, and foster a deeper understanding of community safety. Teens will get up close and personal with emergency equipment including drones, tactical vehicles, helicopters, ambulances, and even bomb disposal robots. They’ll learn essential techniques in search and rescue, 911 dispatch operations, and K-9 unit deployments—and will leave the week with certifications in CPR and first aid.

“Our first Academy was an outstanding and exciting success, introducing local teens to the huge array of methods and equipment our firefighters, EMTs, and police officers utilize,” said Public Safety Commissioner Scott Schulte. “We’ve upped our game for this year, and the invitation is out for teens to spend a week with us that they will never, ever forget!”

The program runs daily Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and lunch is provided. The only requirement is a commitment to attending each day in full—no prior experience is necessary.

For parents and guardians looking to help their teens explore meaningful career paths, build confidence, and learn valuable life-saving skills, the Emergency Services Youth Academy is an unmatched opportunity. Space is limited, so early interest is encouraged.

Radio Catskill's Patricio Robayo spoke to Dan Hust, Communications Director for Sullivan County, about what to expect at this year’s Academy.

A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s cuts of more than $11 billion in public health grants on April 3 – but county and state health departments are already feeling the impact.

New York State Department of Health has laid off more than 200 of its workers following the Trump administration’s proposed cuts to roll back local health department funding. Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar reports.

Ellenville’s Budget Deficit Deepens: Mayor Warns of Tax Hikes, Says ‘No Bailout Coming’

 The Village of Ellenville is at a financial crossroads, facing a $450,000 deficit for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. With rising costs and stagnant revenues, local officials are warning that tax increases may be unavoidable—and dissolution of the village itself is being openly discussed.

“This budget is bare bones,” said Mayor Evan Trent at the March 24 Board of Trustees meeting. “We’ve cut what we can, but the reality is, the cost of everything—insurance, fuel, wages—is going up.”

Reporter Chris Rowley spoke to the issue in an appearance on the Local Edition, helping unpack the village’s grim financial landscape.

Deficits, Dissolution, and Difficult Decisions

The village’s fiscal distress is not just about this year. Mayor Trent warned the board that the long-term picture remains troubling, and that Ellenville may need to raise its tax take by as much as 20% over the next few years to stay solvent.

Rowley highlighted a more existential issue: whether Ellenville should remain a village at all.

That idea—once fringe—is gaining traction. The town has a healthy fund balance and could, in theory, absorb the village. But concerns over local control, services like policing, and political resistance could complicate the process.

If the village dissolved, the Ellenville Police Department might be replaced by Ulster County Sheriff’s deputies—a move the sheriff’s office may be reluctant to take on given its own budget constraints.

Infrastructure & Legacy Costs

Despite austerity measures, some investments continue. The village recently completed renovations to the Berme Road Park ball courts—a $100,000 project. But a larger issue looms: Ellenville must contribute 5% toward the long-delayed Clinton Avenue Bridge repair, a $130,000 price tag that would require dipping into reserves that no longer exist.

Is There a Lifeline?

There is one possible route out of crisis: the New York State Financial Restructuring Board, which helps municipalities restructure debt and access low-interest loans and grants. But Ellenville must stabilize its books before it can apply.

“There is a way forward,” said Rowley, “but it won’t be easy.”

What Happens Next?

A follow-up public meeting is scheduled for Monday, where trustees are expected to discuss the potential for dissolution, additional cuts, and the long-term financial outlook. With fewer than 4,000 residents and the loss of industry and commercial tax base, Ellenville’s future may depend on tough decisions being made in the coming weeks.

The Big Question: If Ellenville Dissolves, Does the Name Disappear?

In a lighter moment during the interview, host Patricio Robayo asked whether the village’s name would vanish if the municipality dissolved.