All Episodes
Displaying 1 - 30 of 270 in total
A Second Chance: Legal Advocates Push to Reshape Sentencing for New York’s Youth
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 rec...
NY FOCUS: Trump’s Federal Cuts Push New York Mental Health Programs to Brink of Collapse
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.
Troopers Investigate Officer-Involved Shooting in Monticello
State Police are investigating a police-involved shooting that occurred Thursday afternoon at the Evergreen Housing Complex in Monticello.The incident took place shor...
Sullivan County Youth Academy Back for 2025
After an exciting and impactful debut last summer, the Sullivan County Emergency Services Youth Academy is making a triumphant return this July, promising another unfo...
NY Health Department Eliminates Over 200 Employees and Fellows Amid Federal Funding Cuts
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 departmen...
Ellenville’s Budget Deficit Deepens: Mayor Warns of Tax Hikes, Says ‘No Bailout Coming’
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 defi...
Five Years Later: New Yorkers with Long COVID Juggle Illness and Doubt
Five years ago this March, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo declared a statewide lockdown to prevent the spread of the COVID pandemic. Public schools, restaurants...
How the New York State Budget Is Made
Each year, New York Focus reporters examine how lawmakers will spend over $250 billion in public money as lawmakers negotiate over the state budget. New York’s budget ...
Sullivan County Responds to Catholic Charities Closures
Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster Counties will shutter its chemical dependency clinics across four locations, including Monticello and Goshen, due to...
Congressman Josh Riley Pushes to Lower Egg Prices and Support Family Farmers
On March 20, 2025, Congressman Josh Riley (NY-19) visited Sullivan County to meet with local officials, community organizations, and rural hospitals. During his visit,...
What’s Behind the NYSEG Bill Hikes?
We’ve been reporting on Radio Catskill how customers have been impacted by their high NYSEG electricity bills this winter. This past Monday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford ...
SPOTLIGHT PA: Pennsylvania Signs New Contract to Upgrade SURE Voter Registration System
The Pennsylvania Department of State said Wednesday that it signed a new $10.6 million contract with Louisiana-based technology company Civix to upgrade the Statewide ...
NY FOCUS: New York’s Prison System Is in Crisis. We Investigated Its Ruling Family
Former prison agency staff and newly released documents describe a patronage network centered on Commissioner Daniel Martuscello III’s family.
Federal Funding Freeze Threatens Sullivan County’s New Generation of Farmers
A freeze on federal funds has halted crucial programs supporting beginner farmers in Sullivan County, leaving many in financial uncertainty. The $1.5 million in fundin...
The $10,000 Bet: A Journalist’s Yearlong Gamble to Reconnect with His Conspiracy-Theorist Father
NPR journalist Zach Mack embarks on a deeply personal journey to understand his father, who has become immersed in conspiracy theories. Their relationship is strained ...
Action Toward Independence Warns of Service Losses if Federal Aid is Slashed
With the looming possibility of major cuts in federal funding, nonprofit organizations are scrambling to justify the services they provide. Such is the case of Action ...
2,000 Officers Terminated as NY Prison Strike Exposes ‘Hell on Earth’ Conditions
More than 2,000 New York State correction officers have been terminated in the wake of an unprecedented wildcat strike that paralyzed the state’s prison system for wee...
Burn Ban Begins March 16: Are We Ready for Wildfire Season?
Brush fires broke out in Suffolk County, Long Island over the weekend on Saturday, burning over 400 acres and closing several highways.Citing dry conditions and high w...
4th Annual Sullivan County Youth Poetry Festival
4th Annual Sullivan County Youth Poetry Festival, a celebration of creativity, self-expression, and the power of words! The festival, set to take place on March 29th, ...
Fallsburg Zoning Debate Draws Hundreds, Sparks Controversy
Nearly 400 residents attended a heated public hearing on March 4 regarding proposed zoning changes in the Town of Fallsburg. The amendments, aimed at aligning local la...
NY FOCUS: DAs Promised to Help Wrongfully Convicted New Yorkers. In Many Cases, They Made Things Worse
Ryan Kost and Willow Higgins, who recently published an in-depth investigation into Conviction Integrity Units (CIUs) in New York at NY FOCUS .Their reporting uncovere...
Amanda Ward: Honoring Her Father and Celebrating Black History Month
Sullivan County Legislator Amanda Ward, who represents District 8, shares the story of her late father, Roland "The Gator" Ward, and his lasting contributions to the c...
NY FOCUS: Lawmakers Press State on Lagging Efforts to Stanch Food Stamp Theft
The social services commissioner says New York wants to join other states adopting more secure cards, but lacks funds for the upgrade.
Tentative Deal Reached to End Prison Strike as Chemical Exposure Concerns Grow at Woodbourne Correctional
A tentative deal has been reached between New York State and the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA) to end the ongoing p...
NY FOCUS: The Biggest Issue Behind the New York Prison Guard Strike
The New York state prison system is teetering on disaster as guards have staged an unsanctioned wildcat strike at almost all of its 42 facilities. Governor Kathy Hochu...
Inside Woodbourne Correctional: Inmate Speaks Out Amid Officer Strike
New York State correctional officers remain on strike, as Gov. Kathy Hochul has ordered state troopers and the National Guard to intervene.Meanwhile, inside Woodbourne...
Correctional Officers’ Protest Escalates as State Implements New Measures
The ongoing strike by correctional officers across New York State has now entered a new phase. Workers are still picketing outside facilities, including the Woodbourne...
PepsiCo to Close Liberty Plant
PepsiCo has announced the closure of its manufacturing facility in the Village of Liberty, where it produces the popular PopCorners snack. The plant, formerly known as...
Correctional Officers Strike Over Unsafe Conditions
Correctional officers and staff near Woodbourne Correctional Facility have launched a strike, citing hazardous working conditions, excessive mandatory overtime, and a ...