The Catch Up

Schools and education reporter Claire Greenberger joins editor Emily Sachar to talk about some major changes coming to Red Hook High School. The district just approved a slate of new courses for the 2026-27 school year that's getting people excited, including a three-course Race Car Program, an In-House Welding Pathway, AP Cybersecurity, and a new IB Literature and Performance option. These progra...

On this episode of The Catch Up, host Emily Sachar sits down with all three Democratic candidates competing in the January 27th primary for Rhinebeck Village Board of Trustees. Incumbent Eleanor Pupko reflects on her first term and what she hopes to accomplish next, while challengers Mimi Joh-Carnella and Jennifer Neufeld explain what's driving them to run and their priorities for the village. The...

Welcome to the first episode of 'The Catch Up' for 2026! The main focus of this episode is the recent tensions in Rhinebeck between the town board and the Chamber of Commerce over a proposed 3% occupancy tax on short-term stays. Rhinebeck reporter Eloise Goldsmith provides give the background on the letters exchanged, the key figures involved, and the interpersonal conflicts between supervisor Eli...

In this special year-end episode, Walter and Emily reflect on the top three news stories of 2025, including the contentious takeover of the Red Hook Boat Club and the political dynamics in Red Hook and Rhinebeck. They announce, the first annual newsmaker of the Year, highlighting key figures that shaped the community's headlines. Produced by Emily Sachar, Walter Mullin, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennif...

Emily explores why more Red Hook High School students are choosing the International Baccalaureate program over traditional AP classes. Guest reporter Claire Greenberger brings perspectives from students and teachers on how IB's approach to learning shapes critical thinking and prepares students for college. They go over the program's origins, its educational philosophy, and what makes it differen...

he Catch Up welcomes beat reporter Eloise Goldsmith for a close look at Rhinebeck's winter season. Alongside publisher Walter Mullen and editor Emily Sacker, Eloise reports on new parking laws and the debate over holiday symbol placement in the village. Local governance meets community tradition in these intertwined seasonal stories. Produced by Emily Sachar, Walter Mullin, Matty Rosenberg, and Je...

Walter and Emily explore the Wonderland of Lights at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds with Tammy Peters, founder of North Pole Productions. Peters discusses the behind-the-scenes work that brings this holiday light show to life, from its origins to the challenges of installation and this year's new features. Produced by Emily Sachar, Walter Mullin, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud at the Radio...

Reporter Claire Greenburger, who is producing a special series on AI in Red Hook and Rhinebeck schools, joins The Catch Up from The Daily Catch to discuss how AI tools like ChatGPT and Khanmigo are making their way into classrooms, what parents and educators think about it, and how the two districts are handling these new technologies differently. The episode also covers Thanksgiving food pantry e...

Daily Catch publisher Walter Mullen and editor Emily Sachar dive into the ongoing controversy surrounding the Boat Club. They discuss the planning board's review of new local laws, the implications of a Court’s decision from August, and the environmental impacts under scrutiny. They also share a personal dining experience at Edgewood Restaurant and highlight the importance of their current fundrai...

Democrats flip Dutchess County Legislature for first time since 2008, Kara Gerry defeats incumbent judge creating all-female bench, and Dan Aymar-Blair wins comptroller race. Produced by Emily Sachar, Walter Mullin, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud at the Radio Free Rhinecilff studio

In this episode of The Catch Up, hosts Walter Mullen and Emily Sachar dive into the upcoming election. The discussion covers the county judge race, highlighting candidates Jessica Segal and Edward McLoughlin (also known as "Ned" McLoughlin), and delves into their backgrounds and campaign issues, including the notable involvement in the Nikki Addimando case. The episode also explores the comptrolle...

Walter and Emily discuss details about a new Metro North train route between New York City and Albany, also stopping in Rhinecliff and Hudson. They share insights and updates on this development, including political pushes and fare caps. This episode also covers education stories with guest reporter Claire Greenburger, from free dual enrollment programs for Red Hook students to a new 'WIN' time in...

In this episode of 'The Catch Up' from The Daily Catch, hosts Walter Mullen and Emily Sachar take you behind the scenes of the Center for Performing Arts' production of 'Sweeney Todd.' Special guest Peter Risafi, the director of the show, shares his journey, the complexities of staging such a dark and intense musical, and the unique challenges faced while casting and building the set. They also di...

Welcome to The Catch Up, a podcast from The Daily Catch hosted by publisher Walter Mullen and editor Emily Sacker. In this episode, we begin with breaking news about a fatal accident involving a motorcyclist and a horse crash on State Route 9G in Clinton, examining the investigation and how the community is responding. In our second segment, we explore conservation work with the Winnakee Land Trus...

Welcome to the 25th episode of The Catch Up, the podcast from The Daily Catch. In this installment, publisher Walter Mullen and editor Emily Sachar tackle pressing environmental concerns facing Hudson River communities. The episode centers on a troubling discovery: an oily sheen on the river traced back to toxic coal tar deposits. Environmental reporter Claire Greenburger joins the discussion to u...

The latest episode of The Catch Up podcast from The Daily Catch features publisher Walter Mullen and editor Emily Sachar in conversation with Gary Bassett, Rhinebeck's mayor and Hudson Seven chair. Bassett shares details about the recent Hudson River algae bloom, explaining how it was detected, its effects on local water supplies, and the coordinated response efforts underway. The episode wraps up...

Welcome to The Catch Up - a podcast from The Daily Catch! Join publisher Walter Mullen and editor Emily Sachar as they discuss hot topics from the Red Hook and Rhinebeck community, starting with the town of Red Hook's eminent domain action against the Red Hook Boat Club. Emily interviews longtime resident Cary Kitner, who proposes a novel idea: instead of taking over the boat club, why not have th...

Walter and Emily dive into examine a disturbing incident at the Dutchess County Fair where the Koon family's pig exhibit sparked a confrontation that escalated to an arrest. The hosts also explore ongoing suicide prevention efforts for Hudson River bridges, discussing the complex challenges facing lawmakers and communities as they work to implement protective measures. Produced by Emily Sachar, Wa...

Walter Mullen and Emily Sachar from The Daily Catch are back with another episode of 'The Catch Up,' and this time they're checking out what's happening with 'Annie' at the Rhinebeck Center for the Performing Arts. They chat with the folks making it all happen about putting together this fun production. You'll hear about everything from the creative stuff to the headaches that come with staging a...

Join hosts Walter Mullen and Emily Sachar as they take you behind the scenes of the Dutchess County Fair in this episode of The Catch Up . Featured Stories: Rising Star in Livestock Competition Meet Emily Coon, a Red Hook High School student who claimed the prestigious Master Showman title. Discover her dedication to training across multiple animal species and hear insights from Becky Shell, who w...

Join Walter Mullen, publisher of The Daily Catch, and Emily Sachar, editor of The Daily Catch, as they take you on a unique journey through the historic Dutchess County Fair in this special edition of The Catch Up podcast. Broadcasting directly from the fairgrounds, they dive into the fair's history, its historic attractions, delicious food, and the heartwarming stories of the people who make it a...

In this episode of 'The Catch Up,' Walter Mullen, publisher of The Daily Catch, and Emily Sachar, editor and founder, take a surprising turn as Walter himself becomes part of a news story. A special guest, Linda Hemphill, joins to share her harrowing experience of being trapped in an elevator at Rhinecliff Amtrak Station. They discuss the critical issues surrounding the station's elevator maintena...

Publisher Walter Mullen and editor Emily Sachar begin by reviewing two significant Red Hook sewer infrastructure projects, analyzing their budgets, financing sources, and expected effects on area residents and businesses. They review how properties will connect to the new sewer infrastructure and what this means for future community growth, particularly affordable housing development. They also di...

Daily Catch Publisher Walter Mullen and Editor Emily Sachar explore a major local story centered on Gerson Turcios, a 23-year-old immigrant from Honduras who was taken into custody by ICE agents near his Rhinebeck residence. Reporter Claire Greenberger, who has followed this developing story from the beginning, joins the discussion to examine the circumstances surrounding the arrest, how the commu...

Hosts Walter Mullen and Emily Sachar examine the Red Hook Democratic Caucus do-over, highlighting newcomer Zoe Evans' late entry that nearly shifted the results. They analyze growing civic participation throughout the area, particularly how party affiliations are changing the political landscape. They also tackle a controversial land transaction involving affordable housing development and discuss...