Good morning, Poughkeepsie.

An Orange County jury declared a mistrial after a week of deliberations in the trial of Megan McDonald’s ex-boyfriend (charged with her 2003 murder in Wallkill) and prosecutors plan to retry him soon (he remains behind bars).

Michael Ramirez, 28, pled guilty in Dutchess County Court to a felony for possessing a sharpened metal piece hidden in his sweatshirt sleeve during a random pat frisk at Fishkill Correctional Facility on May 5, 2024—District Attorney Anthony Parisi stated that this conviction reinforces a clear message against weapons in correctional facilities.

Howard J. Nugent, a 52-year-old taxi driver in Dutchess County, was accused of selling cocaine from his home on Van Wagner Road and in his taxi after undercover agents purchased the drug in several Poughkeepsie areas, and he fled police—striking a vehicle and a light pole during the chase.

New York State Police are investigating the disappearance of 16‐year‐old Evelyn R.

Xol Caal, who was last seen on March 18 at 10 p.m. leaving her Fishkill home on Hopewell Avenue after packing her personal belongings and wearing a white t-shirt, black pants, and a gold necklace with heart‐shaped pendants.

Congressman Pat Ryan criticized a $1 billion food bank funding cut expected to remove two million meals from local supplies and invited USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to visit the Regional Food Bank in Montgomery next Monday—hoping she sees the harm firsthand.

Rollins called the cuts 'fake news' on Fox News, while Ryan said they hurt 170,000 residents who depend on food banks each month.

New York residents must apply for a REAL ID by May 7 to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities—current driver's licenses will remain valid for driving, voting, and most other identification needs.

NY Congressman Josh Riley launched an investigation into utility companies’ pricing practices after residents complained about rising bills in his district—he requested detailed billing data from NYSEG and asked locals to submit feedback to help guide potential actions to ease family expenses.

The Dutchess County Volunteer Firefighters Association met at New Hamburg Fire Department early this week to learn about preserving accident evidence from Detective Kurt Twaddell.

He explained that technology such as electronic recorders and laser scanners played a key role in maintaining evidence + urging first responders to follow strict protocols+ to support future investigations.

Met Live In HD - Le Nozze di Figaro

1:00-2:30 PM — Ulster Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices may vary — Experience Mozart's timeless comedy in a live transmission from the Metropolitan Opera.

Almost Queen Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Bardavon — Ticketed event — Experience the magic and iconic music of Queen through the tribute band Almost Queen.

Mama Mingle Baby Expo

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Gold's Gym — Free entry — Explore prenatal and postnatal resources while your kids enjoy fun activities.

The Australian Pink Floyd Show

2-10:30 PM — MJN Convention Center — Ticket prices may vary — Celebrate Pink Floyd's anniversaries with a spectacular tribute show.

Mother's Day Brunch Buffet

9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. — Shadows on the Hudson — $52.95 per person — Shower Mom with love and enjoy a delightful brunch buffet filled with a variety of delicious options.

Leonid and Friends Live Performance

7:30-9 p.m. — Bardavon — Ticket prices vary — Experience the sound of Chicago and more with the incredible 11-piece band Leonid & Friends.