William J. Kemble reports in the Daily Freeman that the Woodstock Library's Drag Story Time and Sparkle Party on June 17 was packed with about 150 children and the same number of adults during 90 minutes of storytelling. The library's board got three complaints about the event beforehand, and held a public forum with the board voting to go ahead with the event. Only three people protested at the event, and only one would give their name. Town resident Tom Jenkins said, “The people who are allowing this have to separate education and the art of the drag queen.... I’m not … anti-anybody but when it comes to grooming our children and putting the sexuality of children on the line with a drag queen, who little kids wouldn’t understand, I don’t get it. It’s entertainment for adults … to see it, appreciate it, and applaud. But a little child is very, very confused, and parents who are bringing their kids here ought to go to a psychiatrist.” Parent Amie Bradon disagreed, saying, “This is good because they can ask any questions they want and as someone who is not gay, trans or has interest in being anything other than a straight, boring mom this is a way to work on acceptance and letting my son know that they can live in a world with differences.” Read more about this story in the Daily Freeman.

There are primary elections for local officials this month, with voting taking from June 17 to June 27. In Greene County there is only one primary election. Republicans in New Baltimore decide between two candidates for Highway Supervisor: Robert P. Van Etten and Alan W. VanWormer. In Columbia County, the Chatham Future party has an uncontested primary in the northern Columbia County town. In New Lebanon, Republicans choose between Peter McCagg and Jeffrey Winestock for Highway Superintendent. And there are also Democrat primary elections in all five city of Hudson wards..

Here is this week's WGXC Congressional Report, tracking the votes, statements, positions, and campaigns of the representatives and candidates for the 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st Congressional seats in New York. Democrat Pat Ryan is representing the 18th Congressional District, Republican Marc Molinaro represents the 19th Congressional District, Democrat Rep. Paul Tonko represents the 20th District, and Republican Elise Stefanik represents the 21st District. Click here to listen to this report.

David Lee reports in The Columbia Paper Rep. Marc Molinaro said conflicting statements about local broadband recently. Molinaro, who represents the 19th Congressional District, said in a press release, “Rural communities can no longer be an afterthought. For too long, rural communities in Columbia County, Greene County, and across Upstate New York have had to deal with significant gaps in internet connectivity and deteriorating infrastructure.” So many people locally lack internet service. But then, June 2 at the Ghent firehouse, Molinaro said, “I want to commend Columbia County and former Congressman Delgado who worked together with Assemblymember Barrett very effectively to move both your planning process forward and investment.... Now we are not in the last mile, but the last hundred feet." The New York State Public Service Commission Broadband Map says Columbia County is 95.9 percent covered. But others say things are not so good. Andrew Ledoux, dean of Student Development at Columbia-Greene Community College said that in a survey conducted last year, 27 percent of students at the college reported that cellular and internet access at home was a barrier for them. Read more about this story in The Upstater.

Mid-Hudson News reports that Rep. Pat Ryan is joining other Democrats in trying to get around the Republican majority in the House of Representatives to force floor votes on an assault weapons ban, universal background checks, and closing the Charleston Loophole. They need to get 218 representatives to sign on, so the Democrats need a few Republicans to join them in an attempt to lessen the gun violence in the United States. Ryan is vice chairman of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, and represents the 18th Congressional District. Ryan said, "We’re not going to wait for Kevin McCarthy, his MAGA extremist allies, who all day long lecture about public safety and crime.... You want to talk about public safety? Let’s stop having our kids gunned down by the same weapons that I carried in combat for 27 months. That’s public safety.” Read more about this story at Mid-Hudson News.

On June 14 Republican Marc Molinaro voted with 19 other Republicans and all Democrats to table a motion, "Censuring and condemning Adam Schiff, Representative of California’s 30th Congressional District." Molinaro voted with local Democrats Paul Tonko and Pat Ryan to table the motion, effectively killing a bill backed by the Republican leadership. Republican Elise Stefanik, who represents Rensselaer County and the rest of the 21st Congressional District, voted against tabling the motion that condemned Schiff “for conduct that misleads the American people in a way that is not befitting an elected Member of the House of Representatives.” The Hill reported that part of the motion said Schiff could be fined $16 million if the Ethics Committee finds that he “lied, made misrepresentations, and abused sensitive information.” Schiff is a prominent Democrat who is often interviewed on cable news shows. Last week a far-right group of representatives broke with Republican leadership to halt all proceedings in the House of Representatives. This week, 20 more moderate Republicans, including Molinaro, are breaking from leadership on this vote.

Nick Reisman reports at New York State of Politics that Rep. Paul Tonko unveiled proposed legislation last week that would expand Medicaid coverage for medication-assisted treatment for addiction. The Democrat, who represents Albany County and the 20th Congressional District, says he has bipartisan backing for the bill, as members of both party want to combat the rise in overdose deaths in the wake of the COVID pandemic. Currently, about 87 percent of people with an opioid use disorder do not receive medication-assisted treatment and studies have shown treatment for addiction can reduce the risk of overdose death. Tonko said, “Addressing the disease of addiction must include a compassionate response bolstered by the pillars of prevention, treatment, and recovery.... For years, I’ve pushed hard to ensure that individuals living with addiction have access to the treatments they need." Read more about this story at New York State of Politics.

Kevin Frey reports for New York State of Politics that Republicans running for Congress in next year's elections in New York will be talking about the mayor of New York City busing migrants into other towns and cities in New York. They will not be mentioning the Republican governors of Florida and Texas, who are using planes and buses to move migrants around the country for political reasons. “New York City is transporting a crisis to counties all across the state of New York,” said Rep. Marc Molinaro in an interview on June 15. Molinaro, who represents the 19th Congressional District, also already has a bill that would stop Gov. Kathy Hochul from sheltering migrants on state university campuses. New York Democrats are saying their concern is not politics. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, running for reelection next year, said, “My concern is that there is a humanitarian crisis with families, with children who are suffering deeply.” Read more about this story at New York State of Politics.

Today's audio daily news update.

Jammel Cutler reports for Columbia-Greene Media that former WGXC programmer Alan Skerrett, who died in January, will be honored at this year's Juneteenth celebration in Hudson on June 17. Tanya Jackson, the Juneteenth lead organizer, said, "He was the director of the Mental Health Association for years. He spread the importance of the NAACP when we had an active chapter. He had a radio show for years. He left a hole in the heart of the community when he passed. We will have a memorial display of artifacts from history and a moment of remembrance for him as well.” Skerrett was the head of the local chapter of the NAACP. Juneteenth is a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. The Juneteenth celebration in Hudson includes a street party, exhibitions, and performances, and is sponsored by Hudson/Catskill Housing Coalition. Jackson said, “We have a kids zone, and we have games and activities for adults. We have local vendors to provide food and other goods and services. We have local talent performing; we also have the Resistance Revival Chorus coming in sponsored by PS21. They’re a chorus of women and non-binary folks that are New York City-based. They will be performing a selection of songs that are rooted in the tradition of resistance.” Fourth Ward Councilmember Malachi Walker said, “Juneteenth celebration is very necessary, especially in Hudson.... I think we got sidetracked with a lot of the negative aspects of what’s going on in our city. We forget to pay continual homage to our great African-American leaders, people- and families who, as far back as I can remember, made a huge impact on Hudson with a lot of history. Starting with my mother, Ida Cross, and Pops Edward Cross being my hero. People like the Hugheses, Mosleys, Walthours, Mackeys, Robertses and Carr families. There’s so many to think of. Thinking of the late great Toni Cross and late great Stanley Keith who’s done so much for our community, but we’re happy to be able to celebrate such a joyous occasion in our city.” Read more about this story in HudsonValley360.com.

Andrea Macko reports in Porcupine Soup that a documentary film will premiere later this month on PBS telling the story of Casa Susanna, an retreat for transgender women and cross-dressing men in the 1960s in Jewett in Greene County. The 150-acre resort was a rare place for transgender individuals to go in the 1960s without fear of being incarcerated or institutionalized. “Casa Susanna is an amazing story,” said French director Sébastien Lifshitz. While transgendered individuals faced all sorts of opposition at the time, the story says, "It was reportedly not uncommon for Susanna and guests to get dressed up and go into Hunter without creating much of a stir." Casa Susanna closed in the 1970s like many Catskills resorts and boarding houses. The film "Casa Susanna" had its world premiere at the 2022 Venice International Film Festival and premieres on PBS channels on June 27. Read more about this story in Porcupine Soup.

Nick Reisman reports in New York State of Politics that the attorney general's office on June 15 announced an election protection hotline ahead of the primary election June 17 through June 27 in New York for any problems at polling locations. Anyone can call (866) 390-2992 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. June 17 through June 27 to report voting irregularities. New York Attorney General Letitia James said, “The right to vote is paramount to the integrity of our democracy.... Our election protection hotline is a key resource available to all New Yorkers throughout our great state to provide helpful guidance and address concerns. Whether they are voting by mail, stopping by an early voting site, or casting their ballot in-person at the polls, my office will ensure that New Yorkers can securely and effectively participate in our electoral process.” New York has set up an election hotline to report voting problems for eeach election since 2012. Read more about this story in New York State of Politics.

Today's daily news audio update.

Click above to download or play the "Better Weather." Produced by Joe Demanso of the Catskill Makers Syndicate.

Jammel Cutler reports for Columbia-Greene Media that Sara Thorne, of North Carolina, was indicted June 14 for allegedly stealing more than $17,000 from the Chatham Rescue Squad. Thorne worked for the squad for 20 years, and worked remotely as business manager since 2015 with an annual salary of more than $100,000. Thorne was charged with two counts of third-degree grand larceny, a class D felony; three counts of petty larceny, a class A misdemeanor; and two counts of first-degree falsifying business records, a class E felony. Columbia County District Attorney Paul Czajka said, “Comptroller DiNapoli and his skilled and diligent team of investigators and auditors have uncovered several criminal schemes in Columbia County over the last several years. This is only the latest.” Attorney Mark J. Sacco of Albany, representing Thorne, said, "There is nothing that I saw in the evidence that suggests she is guilty of any crime.” Read more about this story at HudsonValley360.com.

Maria M. Silva reports for the Times Union that the Woodstock Public Library met June 15 and voted unanimously to hold a drag story time event, after three complaints sought to cancel the event. The library posted on social media, “There will be NO CHANGE IN PLANS regarding Saturday’s Drag Story Hour & Sparkle Party!!!.... We thank everyone in the community who voiced their support of this decision, and we hope to see you for the fun part this Saturday.” The library followed its policy for complaints, with the programming committee reviewing the requests to cancel the program before making a recommendation to the 11-member board, which voted. More than a dozen people spoke up in support of the event at the board meeting, with only one against, saying that he didn’t think gay pride is “for children.” Maria M. Silva reports for the Times Union.

Kevin Frey reports for New York State of Politics that Republicans running for Congress in next year's elections in New York will be talking about the mayor of New York City busing migrants into other towns and cities in New York. They will not be mentioning the Republican governors of Florida and Texas, who are using planes and buses to move migrants around the country for political reasons. “New York City is transporting a crisis to counties all across the state of New York,” said Rep. Marc Molinaro in an interview on June 15. Molinaro, who represents the 19th Congressional District, also already has a bill that would stop Gov. Kathy Hochul from sheltering migrants on state university campuses. New York Democrats are saying their concern is not politics. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, running for reelection next year, said, “My concern is that there is a humanitarian crisis with families, with children who are suffering deeply.” Read more about this story at New York State of Politics.

Today's audio daily news update.

H. Rose Schneider reports in the Times Union that officials with the state Department of Environmental Conservation say that the infestation of spongy moth caterpillars is better this year. The caterpillars with red and blue spots, over-sized heads, and long hairs that can irritate the skin were everywhere in 2021 and 2022. The outbreak began in the Finger Lakes in 2020 and peaked statewide in 2021, the DEC says. Last year it was mostly confined to the Hudson and Champlain valleys, and this year was mostly in the lower Hudson Valley. Timothy McCabe, entomology curator at the State Museum, says the spongy moth caterpillars have a cyclical nature. McCabe said, “What happens is you get an outbreak in an area seldom more than a year.” The invasive species arrived in Massachusetts from Europe in 1869. Now they have spread as far west as Minnesota and as far south as North Carolina., according to the U.S. Forest Service. Read more about this story in the Times Union.

Nick Reisman reports at New York State of Politics that Rep. Paul Tonko unveiled proposed legislation last week that would expand Medicaid coverage for medication-assisted treatment for addiction. The Democrat, who represents Albany County and the 20th Congressional District, says he has bipartisan backing for the bill, as members of both party want to combat the rise in overdose deaths in the wake of the COVID pandemic. Currently, about 87 percent of people with an opioid use disorder do not receive medication-assisted treatment and studies have shown treatment for addiction can reduce the risk of overdose death. Tonko said, “Addressing the disease of addiction must include a compassionate response bolstered by the pillars of prevention, treatment, and recovery.... For years, I’ve pushed hard to ensure that individuals living with addiction have access to the treatments they need." Read more about this story at New York State of Politics.

Heather Bellow reports in The Berkshire Eagle that state Department of Transportation workers began overhauling the dam between Karner Brook and Smiley's Pond in Egremont this week. The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife and other agencies are working with the DOT to make it easier for wildlife to move between the two bodies of water in western Massachusetts. One local resident wearing a “Turtle Man” t-shirt, Ari Zorn, could not be happier about the work to create ramps for the turtles and other critters to get move from the brook to the pond. For years Zorn has been calling state and local officials, pestering them about the dead animals at the intersection of Route 23 and Mount Washington Road. Zorn also started a nonprofit, Friends of Smiley’s Pond, to raise awareness of the problem, and to promote the 33 endangered species including plants and rare birds there. Zorn is happy about the local progress saying, “I fight for things that don’t have a voice.” Read more about this story in The Berkshire Eagle.

Andrea Macko reports in Porcupine Soup that as schools let out this week, the Zoom Flume water park in East Durham has opened the new 316-foot Rip Van Racer water slide on June 14. Co-owner Glenn Aragona said, “It’s a great ride and we are so happy about it." The water park was built in 1981 by Aragona's parents, Frank and Claire Aragona. The park first opens to the public this season on Saturday, June 17 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Read more about this story in Porcupine Soup.

Today's daily news audio update.

Click above to download or play the "Better Weather." Produced by Joe Demanso of the Catskill Makers Syndicate.

Rachel Silberstein reports in the Times Union that there is going to be one fewer location locally to have a baby as Samaritan Hospital in Troy is expected to close its maternity unit within six months. That eliminates the only birthing facility in Rensselaer County. In 2019 Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson ended birthing services at the only birthing facility in Columbia County. Greene County also does not have a birthing facility. There have been reproductive and birthing services at the Samaritan Hospital's Burdett Birth Center since 2011, when it was formed out of a merger between the maternity units of Samaritan Hospital and St. Mary's/Seton Health. So the shrinking of birthing services locally has been going on for years. A spokesperson for St. Peter's Health Partners, which now owns Samaritan, said pressures from the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the ending of birthing services. Last year 881 babies were born at Samaritan Hospital, and 320 were born this year through May. Birthing facilities remain open in Dutchess and Albany counties. Rensselaer Public Health Director Mary Fran Wachunas on June 14 said, “This is a major concern in terms of health services if Samaritan’s maternity ward is closed.... So many residents in Troy and even surrounding communities in Albany County rely on bus transport or cabs or ride-sharing to access medical services. Those residents will face real difficulty in accessing services.” Read more about this story in the Times Union.