Sullivan County’s Department of Public Health has issued an advisory after a confirmed case of measles was reported in neighboring Orange County.

With measles being one of the most contagious viral diseases, local health officials are urging vigilance to prevent potential spread within our community—especially with summer camps and public gatherings on the horizon.

Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo Dr. Jessie Moore, Sullivan County’s Public Health Director, about what this advisory means, how the county is responding, and what steps residents should take to stay protected.

A federal civil rights lawsuit involving allegations of religious discrimination in the Town of Forestburgh has escalated into a national legal flashpoint, with both the U.S. Department of Justice and the New York State Attorney General backing the Hasidic Orthodox Jewish developers behind a long-stalled housing project.

The developers allege that Forestburgh officials deliberately revised zoning laws to prevent their planned community from moving forward. The 2,600-unit project, originally envisioned as a golf resort called Lost Lake, has changed hands over the years. The latest owners purchased it for over $13 million and say they have encountered systemic resistance rooted in religious bias.

“This is a version of a fight we’ve seen across the Hudson Valley and the Catskills,” said Philip Pantuso, Managing Editor of the Times Union’s Hudson Valley bureau, in an interview with Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo. “But what’s different here is the depth of evidence pointing to discriminatory intent.”

That evidence includes internal emails exchanged by town officials and residents. In one message cited by federal prosecutors, the chairman of the planning board wrote, “Please don’t be scared about the Hasidic threat ― we’re energized and have the cash to fight and make their lives miserable.” Another email warned of Hasidic families “taking over like locusts” and destroying Forestburgh “as we know and love it today.”

Earlier this year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan filed a 21-page statement of interest in federal court supporting the developers’ civil rights claims. State Attorney General Letitia James followed with a strongly worded letter praising the Justice Department’s action.

“Your engagement in this matter sends a powerful message that no individual or community is above the law — and no community is beyond its protection,” James wrote to the acting U.S. attorney.

James’ office had previously warned Forestburgh officials that the town’s zoning code may violate anti-discrimination laws, particularly for requiring five-acre minimum lots for places of worship and excessive lot-line setbacks—restrictions the plaintiffs argue were designed to keep Hasidic Jews out.

In response, Forestburgh’s legal counsel, Jafid Afzali, defended the zoning laws, saying they apply equally to religious and secular uses such as daycares and libraries. He also argued that the cited emails dated back to 2015—well before the current developers acquired the property—and that they don’t represent official town policy.

“These communications have been taken out of context and do not reflect the actions or official position of the Town Board,” Afzali wrote, adding that the town has worked to ensure compliance with constitutional and statutory land-use laws.

Still, critics of the town’s actions say the pattern resembles other legal battles, including a 2019 case in Chester, Orange County, where the state and federal governments intervened to stop what they deemed discriminatory housing policies aimed at blocking Hasidic migration.

The Forestburgh case remains in federal court, with the developers seeking damages and a halt to what they describe as unconstitutional zoning barriers. In the meantime, development on the site remains frozen.

“There have been other disputes on this land before the Hasidic community got involved,” Robayo noted during his conversation with Pantuso. “But what’s surfaced in the emails is something entirely different—it goes beyond environmental or aesthetic concerns and reveals deeper issues.”

A resolution may still be months away, but the involvement of the top state and federal law enforcement agencies signals that Forestburgh’s zoning practices will remain under intense scrutiny.

“This case exemplifies the critical need for robust enforcement of the Fair Housing Act,” James said, “and the protection of all communities from discriminatory governmental conduct.”

On this World Ovarian Cancer Day, hope is on the horizon for the estimated 300,000 women diagnosed globally each year with one of the most lethal forms of cancer. A groundbreaking new international effort is being launched today that aims to transform how ovarian cancer is detected and treated—by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence.

The initiative is spearheaded by the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA), based in the United States, in partnership with research organizations from Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Backed by a $1 million grant and an additional $1 million in AI compute credits from Microsoft’s AI for Health Lab, the new Global Ovarian Cancer Coalition intends to accelerate research breakthroughs that have long lagged behind those for other cancers like breast or skin.

Radio Catskill's Patricio Robayo spoke with Audra Moran, President and CEO of the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, to learn more about this international effort and how AI may change the future of ovarian cancer care.

“There is no mammogram for ovarian cancer,” said Moran. “That’s been the holy grail—developing a reliable early detection test. Right now, by the time symptoms appear, the cancer has often already spread.”

But AI, Moran believes, can help rewrite that narrative.

One promising example comes from Memorial Sloan Kettering, where a researcher funded by OCRA is using nanotechnology and AI to scan blood for molecular markers that may indicate ovarian cancer years before symptoms arise. “This kind of innovation could shift detection forward by five years,” Moran said, offering a potential lifeline to countless women.

The lack of early detection is only one of the challenges. Ovarian cancer is a heterogeneous disease—many different types fall under the same label, and most originate not in the ovaries, but in the fallopian tubes. By the time the disease is diagnosed, it is often in advanced stages, contributing to a 50 percent survival rate—a figure Moran calls “unacceptable.”

That stark reality is what inspired this global coalition. “We don’t care where a cure comes from,” said Moran. “We just want to find it.”

AI’s role will not only be in detection but also in treatment optimization, potentially tailoring therapies to each patient’s genetic profile. The coalition also aims to address systemic hurdles in global research—like the sharing of data across borders—and create a collaborative environment that supersedes national and institutional competition.

For patients, families, and advocates wondering how to help, Moran encourages visiting OCRA’s website, where individuals can take a free genetic risk assessment, access peer mentorship, and learn about advocacy efforts. “If a test is developed,” Moran noted, “we’ll need to ensure it gets covered by insurance and Medicare.”

The launch today marks a turning point, not only in strategy but in optimism. Moran, reflecting on her own experience with rapidly evolving AI tools like ChatGPT, believes the same acceleration can—and must—apply to life-saving medical technology.

“Just a year ago, I would’ve said it could take 10 years to see this kind of change,” she said. “Now, I believe we can do it much faster.”

For Moran and so many others—including families affected by ovarian cancer, like this reporter’s own—this initiative represents more than innovation. It represents a promise that the future can be different.

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:

• Proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or valid passport
• Proof of Social Security number
• Two proofs of New York State residency, like utility bills or bank statements
• Legal documents for any name changes, such as marriage certificates or court orders.

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."