The Local Edition

The 13th annual Big Eddy Film Festival, hosted by the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, kicks off this weekend! The festival offers a diverse selection of films, ranging from documentaries to dramas, local productions to international films, and short films to full-length features. There’s something for everyone’s taste.

Radio Catskill's Patricio Robayo spoke with Ariel Shanberg, the Executive Director of the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, about what attendees can expect at this year's festival.

Radio Catskills delves into the rich and often overlooked history of Latino communities in the Catskills. Professor Brett Maney and Associate Professor Christina Perez Jimenez explore how Spanish and Latin American settlers established vibrant recreational cultures with resorts and hotels in the late 19th century.

Discover the cultural connections between the Latino Catskills, known as Las Villas, and the Jewish Borscht Belt, where music, food, and community gatherings created a shared sense of identity.

In conversation with Patricio Robayo, Maney and Jimenez discuss the profound impact and unique contributions of Latino artists, writers, and diverse nationalities to the region, challenging conventional narratives of Latino experiences in America.

Hundreds of Child Victims Act cases have been filed against New York schools, some over accused serial offenders that could leave districts with tens of millions of dollars in liability.

Democratic lawmakers are accusing Pennsylvania’s auditor general of releasing a misleading report that unfairly criticizes the Shapiro administration for a lack of oversight.

These critics include Republican Tim DeFoor’s main general election opponent, state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D., Philadelphia). DeFoor has defended his office’s work, noting the audit started with the support of the state Department of Human Services.

“I'm a bit perplexed by the response,” he told Spotlight PA.

At issue are pharmacy benefit managers, drug middlemen who regulators say inflate prices to boost their own profits.

Radio Catskill's Patricio Robayo speaks to Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA 

As the state’s plans to get New Yorkers out of their cars stall, Governor Hochul is championing a highway expansion in the Hudson Valley

Radio Catskll's Jason Dole speaks to NY Focus Reporter Sam Mellins  

Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15 to October 15, honors the culture, history, and contributions of Latino and Hispanic Americans in the United States.

As part of Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, an event will be held in Kingston, NY. The "Latinos in Local Politics" roundtable discussion will take place on **Thursday, October 17th** at **Kingston City Hall** from 6 to 8 PM. 

This event is not only a recognition of the growing influence of Latinos in regional politics but also an opportunity to engage with local leaders across the political spectrum.

Moderating the discussion is **Mariel Fiori**, the Managing Editor of *La Voz* magazine, which has been a key voice in the Latino community in the Hudson Valley. Mariel is an advocate for Latino representation, known for her journalistic contributions and community engagement efforts. 

Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo spoke to Mariel and asked why celebrating and recognizing Hispanic Heritage is important.

Last weekend marked the official start of fall, but it’s still warm enough to take a walk in the park without a jacket.

The Sullivan County Parks & Recreation Department recently rolled out a survey for residents to offer any comments on the current park system. This effort is part of an initiative to expand and improve on the county parks and their recreation areas.

Radio Catskill’s Nia Watson met with Assistant Recreation Director Fiona Feltman to learn more. 

Despite a bump following Joe Biden’s exit from the presidential race, Democrats in Pennsylvania are entering the home stretch of the 2024 election with their weakest voter registration advantage compared with Republicans in recent decades.

The party’s raw registration numbers began to rise after Biden dropped out in late July, and that trend is continuing. But simultaneously, the number of Republicans has increased even more quickly.

In other words, Democrats’ overall share of voters is still declining, and recent increases haven’t made up for losses over the past four years.

An Ulster County resident who was recently diagnosed with Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) has died, Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Monday. This marks the first case of EEE in New York since 2015, and the state's Department of Health is urging residents to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, which transmit the virus.

In response to the death, State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald declared EEE an “imminent threat to public health,” enabling local health departments to access additional state resources. These include mosquito spraying and other preventive measures to control the spread of the disease.

"I extend my sincere condolences to the patient’s family and loved ones. This is the first human case of EEE in New York since 2015, and the Ulster County Health Department is working closely with New York State and other partners to monitor the situation and keep the public informed of any additional cases. I urge Ulster County residents to take all precautions to avoid mosquito bites, including by using repellent, wearing long sleeves and long pants, and avoiding outdoor activity at dawn and dusk," said Ulster County
County Executive Jen Metzger.

Eastern equine encephalitis is a rare but serious viral infection that causes inflammation of the brain. The Department of Health is advising New Yorkers to limit outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours and to use insect repellent to minimize the risk of infection.

Governor Hochul's announcement underscores the state's commitment to curbing the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses. The last known case of EEE in the state occurred nearly a decade ago, but the recent resurgence is raising concerns about the threat mosquitoes pose during warmer months.

Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and report areas of standing water where mosquitoes breed to their local health departments. The state's Department of Health will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as necessary.

Radio Catskill's Jason Dole speaks to Times Union reporter Lana Bellamy

Pennsylvania Supreme Court restores date requirement for mail ballots, voiding lower-court ruling

The decision, focusing on the court’s jurisdiction rather than the case’s merits, could cause thousands of mail ballots to be rejected in November’s election. Votebeat's Carter Walker speaks to Radio Catskill's Jason Dole.