The Local Edition

The governor promised to fill the chronically understaffed Board of Parole. Nearly half of her nominations have ended in disaster. Chris Gelardi of New York Focus speaks to Radio Catskill's Jason Dole. 

Year after year, teachers in New York have had to fill in the gap left by their schools’ thin budgets for expenses as essential as classroom supplies.

During the 2019–2020 school year, New York teachers spent an average of $463 on school supplies, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics. Ninety-five percent of them purchased supplies with their own money. Some turned to crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe and Donors Choose to cover the cost of basic items like crayons, pencils, and snacks for their students.

Jason Dole speaks with  Bianca Fortis from New York Focus

In this episode, we highlight the inspiring story of Toni McGibbon, Garnet Health Medical Center’s longest-serving volunteer. For over 26 years, Toni has dedicated her time and energy to helping patients, logging more than 17,000 hours of service. 

From her early days in patient transport to her current role at the registration desk, Toni’s warmth and dedication have touched countless lives. At 72, she shows no signs of slowing down and continues to be a vital part of the hospital community. Tune in to hear more about her incredible journey and the impact she’s had over the years.

The state’s energy regulator has more work than ever — and far fewer employees than it did three decades ago.

Colin Kinniburgh, from NY Focus speaks to Jason Dole. 

Without cuts or an infusion of cash, Pennsylvania’s budget surplus is projected to run dry next fiscal year. But lawmakers aren’t saying much about a solution.

Jason Dole speaks to Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA

More than a million New Yorkers with children are receiving checks in the mail from the state. The payments of up to $330 are a one-time supplement to the state’s child tax credit, passed as part of the state budget negotiated by the legislature and Governor Kathy Hochul this spring.

But one Albany-area Republican senator wants the state to go further and permanently give all new parents a $1,000 “baby bonus.”

Julia Rock from NY FOCUS speaks to Radio Catskill's Jason Dole 

A new 1.1-mile trail has opened up in South Fallsburg, where visitors can wind around the partially collapsed Fallsburg Tunnel and take a scenic stop overlooking the Neversink River on a moderately hilly, unpaved path. It's part of an ongoing project to transform stretches of abandoned railroad tracks throughout Sullivan County into the 50-mile-long, multiuse Sullivan O&W Trail that will connect communities throughout Sullivan and beyond.

Heather Jacksy, the director of Sullivan County's planning department, spoke to Radio Catskill about the rail trail's history, the new South Fallsburg segment, and her hopes that the rail trail may bring to the community a public place to exercise, a new pathway for travel, and even an economic boost.

For trail maps, a calendar of upcoming events, and additional information about the Sullivan O&W Rail Trail, visit sullivanoandw.com 

New York's rollout of the adult-use recreational cannabis market has encountered numerous obstacles. While the first dispensaries licensed under the general application period are now opening, previous rounds aimed at equity applicants were marred by legal disputes and significant delays.

Philip Pantuso of the Times Union recently discussed these challenges with Jason Dole on The Local Edition. 

This year’s state budget addresses some gaps that leaders in rural areas say make it hard to attract and keep people in their communities.