Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 22nd of April.
Good morning, Poughkeepsie.
💼 Business
A new WalletHub study ranked small cities for starting a business and placed Poughkeepsie at No.304 as the best among New York cities (score of 49.09).
It compared 1,334 cities on business environment, resource access, and costs.
📰 Economy
Gas prices in the Hudson Valley dropped slightly today with Ulster, Dutchess, and Greene counties reporting minor declines.
Experts say these lower rates may be short-lived (Middle East oil supply tensions could drive prices up soon).
🌲 Environment
New York lawmakers are considering the Accelerate Solar for Affordable Power Act, which would expand rooftop + community solar paired with battery storage to save over $1 billion each year and stabilize energy costs during peak hours.
The bill aims to lower bills and reduce grid stress.
🏥 Health
New York health officials issued urgent alerts about medetomidine, a sedative 100 to 200 times stronger than xylazine found in 25 percent of opioid samples.
They warn clinicians and residents that the drug, often mixed with fentanyl and unresponsive to Narcan, may be linked to rising overdose deaths.
Health officials say a highly-mutated COVID variant called Cicada (with 70 to 75 mutations) is spreading in New York and affecting children more than adults.
Testing through wastewater and traveler surveillance shows its symptoms remain similar to past strains.
Ticks have returned to the Hudson Valley, and residents should take precautions as adult ticks are active with nymphs expected in May.
Epidemiologist Alison Kaufman advises using repellents (like DEET or lemon eucalyptus) to help prevent Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis in people and pets.
Local health professionals and first responders are warned about cyclorphine, a new opioid that binds tightly to receptors and may require extra naloxone doses.
Officials urge immediate help for anyone showing overdose signs + careful monitoring to prevent fatal outcomes.
📰 Real Estate
The historic Howland Estate in Beacon will transform into the Mirbeau Inn & Spa in May.
The property will blend its Gothic Revival design with a French-inspired boutique concept and landscaped gardens, and reservations are already open.
Mirbeau Inn and Spa will transform the 20-year-vacant Howland Estate into its most ambitious project, creating a luxury spa in the community.
Construction plans and timeline are expected soon (details to follow).
🎉 Poughkeepsie Events
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Mother’s Day Buffet
11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. — The Grandview — $60.95 — Treat Mom to a gourmet buffet with scenic views of the Hudson River featuring hand-carved meats and gourmet entrées.
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