Good morning, Poughkeepsie.

The murder trial of Jan Michael Deere and Joseph Gonzalez in Poughkeepsie got off to a late start on Wednesday after a juror was delayed, and Detective Dan Horton testified about the March 30, 2024 shooting on Main Street—Deere later confessed to firing the fatal shot in self-defense as evidence showed bullet fragments recovered from Jaquan Fryar.

Yesterday, Vassar College presented findings from nearly three years of research on why some colleges graduate students at higher rates even without deep resources.

The study showed that institutions with strong mental health support and clear strategies, like the Exploring Transfer program (funded by Lumina and ECMC), achieved high graduation outcomes and may serve as models for improving completion rates.

Haldane Central School District paused its diversity, equity, and inclusion policies on April 30 due to concerns over losing nearly $500,000 in federal funds that support special education and free school meals—officials said the board will review the policy and vote on it May 6.

The Committee for Families of War Veterans launched its 2025 College Scholarship Initiative, offering a $5,000 scholarship to dependents of active duty service members, veterans, and Gold Star families from Orange, Ulster, Sullivan, Rockland — and Dutchess Counties.

Applications are open until May 30 to help military students overcome financial barriers to higher education.

New Yorkers must obtain a REAL ID by May 7 as standard licenses will no longer be accepted for domestic air travel—travelers without an approved form of identification may face extra screening or be denied boarding, so DMV appointments are advised.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced today a fiscal 2026 budget that will triple New York's Child Tax Credit to $1,000 for children under four and $500 for children 4 to 16, extending eligibility to families with incomes up to $170,000 and benefiting 1.6 million households.

Weather experts warn that this summer will break heat records and may trigger more headaches and other heat-related illnesses.

Officials urge residents to follow safety tips—especially those with health concerns—to stay safe during the hottest days in July.

The MJN Center in Poughkeepsie launched its Wrestling Hall of Fame on April 28 to honor local wrestling legends and celebrate the venue’s storied past in professional wrestling.

The first inductee was announced on April 30 at 10:30 a.m. on SiriusXM’s Busted Open and the official induction will take place during Awesome Championship Wrestling’s Aftershock on May 17 at 7:30 p.m.

Minisink Valley wrestler P.J.

Duke won the 154-pound final at the U.S. Open on Sunday in Las Vegas after hitting a late takedown that edged Pennsylvania's Melvin Miller by a score of 6 to 5. His win qualified him for the U-20 Pan American Championships in Lima and the World Team Trials in Geneva later this summer — a key boost to his rising profile as a top high school recruit.

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.

Peach Hill 'Run For the Hill of It' 5K

9 AM – 1 PM — Peach Hill Park — Early registration available — Experience scenic trails and stunning views while supporting a local non-profit.