The Daily Catch Red Hook: 5 Major Stories Shaping The Hudson Valley In 2025
The Daily Catch Red Hook has solidified its role as an indispensable source of local, non-partisan journalism, providing residents of Red Hook and Rhinebeck with deep, consistent coverage of their communities. As of late December 2025, the non-profit digital newspaper continues to break significant stories, covering everything from heated local elections to critical community development projects, all while maintaining a focus on the personalities and activities that define the Hudson Valley region.
Founded by veteran journalist Emily Sachar, The Daily Catch has become a model for sustainable local news, offering a crucial platform for transparency and accountability in local governance and community affairs. Its commitment to in-depth reporting has made it a central hub for understanding the complex issues facing the upstate New York towns it serves.
The Founder: Emily Sachar’s Journey to The Daily Catch
The success and editorial integrity of The Daily Catch are directly linked to its founder, Editor-in-Chief, and CEO, Emily Sachar. Sachar is an award-winning journalist with a long and distinguished career as a reporter, editor, and editorial director.
She established The Daily Catch in 2021, amidst the social and economic disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, recognizing the urgent need for reliable local news coverage in the Hudson Valley.
Under her leadership, the publication, initially known as The Red Hook Daily Catch, was structured as a federal 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. This model ensures its non-partisan stance and dedication to public service journalism.
In a significant move to strengthen its reach and resources, The Daily Catch announced a merger with the Hudson Valley Pilot, a strategy designed to sustain and expand its smart, local reporting.
- Name: Emily Sachar
- Role: Founder, Editor-in-Chief, and CEO of The Daily Catch
- Founded: The Red Hook Daily Catch in 2021
- Location: Red Hook and Rhinebeck, New York (Hudson Valley)
- Status: Non-profit, non-partisan online newspaper (501(c)(3))
- Career Highlights: Veteran journalist, reporter, editor, and editorial director.
The Most Impactful Local Stories of 2025
The Daily Catch’s reporting in 2025 has been characterized by a sharp focus on local politics, land use, and community infrastructure. These stories not only inform the residents but also drive public debate and civic action across Red Hook and Rhinebeck.
1. The Red Hook Boat Club Eminent Domain Controversy
One of the most contentious issues dominating the local news cycle in 2025 has been the ongoing saga of the Red Hook Boat Club. The controversy centers on the Town Board's proposal to seize the property via eminent domain.
The Daily Catch has provided extensive coverage of the Town Board meetings and the public reaction, detailing the legal and community implications of modifying the Town zoning code for parks, boat clubs, docks, ramps, and marinas. This issue was a major factor influencing voter decisions during the 2025 elections.
2. The 2025 Local Election Results
The November 2025 elections saw significant victories for Democratic candidates Ken Migliorelli and Kristina Dousharm. Running on the independent "Homegrown Red Hook" banner as well, their easy defeat of Republican opposition underscored the community's focus on local issues like the Boat Club controversy.
The newspaper’s comprehensive "Election 2025" coverage provided in-depth profiles and analysis, ensuring voters were fully informed on the candidates and their stances on critical town matters.
3. New Community Development and Infrastructure Projects
The Daily Catch has closely tracked several key community projects that will reshape the town's landscape. One major development is the plan for a new overnight homeless shelter, which is expected to replace the existing facility at St. Christopher's Church in Red Hook.
Additionally, the newspaper highlighted Red Hook’s ambitious new park project at Camp Rising Sun. This initiative includes plans for new trails, a picnic spot, and a wildlife viewing platform, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing public green spaces.
Other vital infrastructure topics covered in the "Village of Red Hook Board Meeting Summary" include discussions on parking and holiday-related community plans.
The Daily Catch’s Dedication to Social and Educational Coverage
Beyond politics and infrastructure, The Daily Catch ensures a broad topical authority by covering the social and educational fabric of the Red Hook and Rhinebeck communities, reflecting the diverse interests of its readership.
4. Educational Excellence at Red Hook High School
The newspaper has provided positive coverage on the academic advancements within the local school district. Notably, Red Hook High School has seen a significant shift, with students increasingly enrolling in the full International Baccalaureate (IB) program. This move challenges students across a wide array of subjects and signals a rising standard of educational commitment in the community.
5. Shifting Demographics in Local Religious Leadership
A fascinating social story covered by The Daily Catch explored the changing face of religious leadership in the area. The article detailed why women now hold six of the eight pulpits in Red Hook, a demographic shift that defies historical male dominance in the area’s religious institutions.
The publication also honors community members, such as the December 2025 obituary for Sharon Alison Kost, a beloved social worker. This personal, compassionate reporting helps maintain the deep connection between the newspaper and its readership.
The Future of Non-Profit Journalism in the Hudson Valley
The model pioneered by Emily Sachar and The Daily Catch—a non-profit, reader-supported, digital-first newspaper—is seen as a blueprint for sustaining local news in the modern era. By focusing on hyper-local, high-impact stories, The Daily Catch serves as a vital check on local government and a powerful voice for community members.
The paper's ongoing coverage of entities like the Historic Red Hook at The Elmendorph Inn, the Red Hook Chamber of Commerce, and local business developments (such as new restaurants like Brigitte) ensures that the economic and cultural life of the region remains transparent and accessible to all residents.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, The Daily Catch Red Hook remains a shining example of how dedicated, community-focused journalism can not only survive but thrive, keeping the residents of Red Hook and Rhinebeck informed, engaged, and empowered.
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