Good morning, Poughkeepsie.

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino invites women & supporters to join a free networking event Thursday, July 30 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Locust Grove in Poughkeepsie; registration is required due to limited space.

Stewart's Shops launched its mini rubber duck collectible for $6.99, available now in select stores and online.

The duck is dressed in its signature Partner uniform (a crowd favorite) and is made for collectors and fans.

On July 1, Central Hudson raised its electric rate by roughly 3% & its gas rate by about 7%, increasing average monthly bills by approximately $6.25 for electric and $11.27 for gas as part of its three-year plan to improve service and system resilience.

New York education officials announced a phased change to high school graduation requirements by eliminating Regents exams and introducing a competency-based diploma that measures skills and readiness.

The new framework will roll out in phases starting with ninth graders in Fall 2026 and fully in Fall 2029 in local schools.

Hudson Valley homeowners are urged to remove invasive plants now to protect native trees and ecosystems.

The list includes Japanese knotweed, tree-of-heaven, garlic mustard, multiflora rose, Japanese barberry, and Oriental bittersweet (all known to damage natural habitats) and experts suggest contacting Cornell Cooperative Extension for proper removal techniques.

Today, a federal mint facility near West Point houses over 54 million troy ounces of gold valued at more than $183 billion and produces American Eagle, commemorative bullion, and collectible quarters & remains a key part of the nation’s precious metals system since its origins in 1938.

Today at the Port of Albany, the USS Marinette docked for the REV250 celebration and then sailed south on the Hudson while marine units kept nearby boats at a safe distance + hundreds of onlookers watched the rare event.

The Dutchess County Board of Elections picked six finalists in its ‘I Voted’ Sticker Design Contest and asks the public to vote online until Sept.

7. They reviewed 55 youth entries — impressive — and will use the winning design on stickers at polling locations during the General Election.

Deputies (DiGiovanni and Stroka) on the Dutchess Rail Trail rescued an injured barred owl that will receive care from a licensed rehabilitation specialist for 72 hours before being transferred to Green Chimneys Farm.

Circus Vazquez

7-10 p.m. — Poughkeepsie Galleria — Ticket prices vary — Experience the thrills and excitement of Circus Vazquez live in Poughkeepsie.

Green Day Tribute Release Show

3-9 p.m. — Reason & Ruckus — Donations encouraged — Experience an exciting tribute to Green Day while supporting local animal shelters.

Circus Vazquez

7-10 p.m. — Poughkeepsie Galleria — Tickets required — Experience the excitement of Circus Vazquez live with thrilling performances and family fun.