Good morning, Poughkeepsie.

Chick-fil-A is expanding in New York with new restaurants in the Hudson Valley, including a coming soon site in Wallkill/Middletown and ongoing construction in Kingston (600+ jobs and food bank donations are planned).

Expansion continues through 2029.

The Hudson Valley Flower Festival is at Kelder's Farm in Kerhonkson until Sept.

7 offering sunflower and wildflower picking, photo ops, a petting zoo, mini-golf, and more, while families can also stop by the farm bakery and tap room for treats.

New York lawmakers are proposing to ban student-facing AI tools in classes from pre-K to eighth grade—only allowing teachers to use AI for planning and administrative tasks; the law would take effect July 1 if passed.

New West Point cadets wrapped up Beast Barracks training on Monday with a 12-mile road march from Lake Frederick to the academy.

They will join the Acceptance Day Parade (Sat., Aug. 15) as part of their 47-month cadet journey.

Black bears in the Hudson Valley are beginning hyperphagia, a period of heavy eating to build fat for winter, which may bring them closer to homes as they search for food.

Residents are advised to secure trash and pet food to reduce unwanted encounters.