Category: Government

The Hill Country Observer covers local leaders, elections and elected officials, town and city councils bodies including libraries, schools, planning and other town boards, and all kinds of conversations and decisions that matter to our communities.

  • A big gap to fill – Food systems face a test as major SNAP cuts begin

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    Local food systems are facing rising pressure since the federal administration and Republican legislators have withdrawn or held up Millions in federal funding, in the Republican budget bill in July and changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in the fall and in the future. read more

    A big gap to fill – Food systems face a test as major SNAP cuts begin
  • Issue:

    Which way New York? 

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    Democratic and Republican analysts consider the consequences as U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik declares her candidacy for Governor. — By Maury Thompson read more

    Which way New York? 
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    Election reshapes local governments in Mass., N.Y.

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    Voters in the Nov. 4 general election chose new mayors to lead the cities of Hudson and Glens Falls while re-electing incumbent mayors and turning over city council seats in North Adams and Saratoga Springs. read more

    Election reshapes local governments in Mass., N.Y.
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    Health center fills a rural gap

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    Salem Family Health works to make services more accessible to people in southern Washington County. — By Maury Thompson read more

    Health center fills a rural gap
  • Issue:

    Elections 2025

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    Mayor’s races lead local contests in N.Y., Mass. By FRED DALEY Editor Mayoral races in Hudson, Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls and North Adams are headlining a host of local contests as voters cast ballots in the Nov. 4 general election across New York and in the cities of Massachusetts. Voters in Columbia County will be read more

    Elections 2025
  • Issue:

    Talking tariffs

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    Local businesses try to find safe passage through fast-changing trade wars   John Carr, owner of Adirondack Pub & Brewery in Lake George, is closely watching the effects of new U.S. tariffs, as he relies on imported malt and barley to produce his lagers and ales. Joan K. Lentini photo   By MAURY THOMPSONContributing writer read more

    Talking tariffs
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    Losing a place that challenged minds

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    As Simon’s Rock leaves the Berkshires, town debates future of campus   Students cross a bridge as they head toward the library and classroom buildings on the wooded campus of Bard College at Simon’s Rock in Great Barrington, Mass. Scott Langley photo   By KATE ABBOTTContributing writer GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. On a cold, clear day read more

    Losing a place that challenged minds
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    Housing that’s not just for the wealthy?

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    In the Berkshires, a new land trust aims to protect affordability Lillian Zavatsky, left, and Elizabeth Smith are among those involved in organizing a new Northern Berkshire Community Land Trust. Zavatsky, the group’s president, says it aims to help keep housing affordable. Joan K. Lentini photo   By KATE ABBOTTContributing writer NORTH ADAMS, Mass. Victorian read more

    Housing that’s not just for the wealthy?
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    Taxing times in Vermont

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    Election results add to pressure for school funding changes   By MAURY THOMPSONContributing writer   The debate over school funding in Vermont is gaining new urgency after an election that wiped out Democratic supermajorities in both houses of the Legislature. Even as the Democratic presidential ticket was carrying the state by more than 30 percentage read more

    Taxing times in Vermont
  • Issue:

    Election 2024 Results

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    Push for ranked-choice ballots gains traction nationally, locally Here are the results of the Nov. 5 election for federal and state offices across the region. Winning candidates are in boldface type if the outcome is not in dispute. Incumbents are marked with an asterisk (*). Uncontested races are not shown.Statewide results for the presidential race read more

    Election 2024 Results