Good morning, Poughkeepsie.

United for the Troops, a nonprofit founded by Jim and Patty Rathschmidt, will ship 1,000 care package boxes over the next two months to support servicemembers overseas—packing takes place at the former Putnam Motors building on Gleneida Avenue in front of the Putnam County Courthouse. The organization has already sent 35,000 boxes since it started.

NY State Police Sgt. Nigel Barnett was killed in a motorcycle crash on Sept.

16 on the Taconic State Parkway in East Fishkill — a 19-year veteran who served as station commander and lived in Poughkeepsie — as local leaders paid tribute to his service.

Assemblymember Didi Barrett and Speaker Carl Heastie visited Dutchess Community College on Tuesday to tour its student support programs—highlighting the DCC CARES initiative that helps students with food, housing, and childcare challenges.

The visit emphasized efforts to ease educational barriers for local students.

New York State now requires private employers to give pregnant mothers 20 hours of paid leave each year—time set aside for prenatal appointments and care that does not extend to spouses or partners.

This benefit is part of several new measures passed this year.

A new law in New York now requires private employers to give pregnant women 20 hours of paid leave per year for prenatal care—this benefit applies only to the pregnant employee and not to a partner.

New York State now requires all private employers to provide pregnant employees at least 20 hours of paid leave per year for prenatal care — this benefit does not extend to spouses or support persons, and it is one of several new changes aimed at enhancing worker rights.

The law adds to other updates this year, including a minimum wage raise and new rules for restaurant reservations.

The City of Poughkeepsie along with residents Gladys Lyles and Lisa Cummings filed a federal lawsuit against Dutchess County and County Executive Sue Serino over the plan to place an emergency homeless shelter at 26 Oakley Street—accusing the county of racial segregation.

The suit follows a county shift from a family shelter to one for single homeless adults, which city officials say could burden the neighborhood.

The FDA warns that cookware sold in New York may leak lead into food—putting children and pregnant women at risk.

The agency added three products to its warning list after tests showed they could cause food contamination.

Fall Home & Lifestyle Show 2025

Sept 19-21 — Poughkeepsie Galleria — Check for entry fees — Explore the latest trends in home furnishings and gardening at this international exhibition.

Paint & Sip Night at Crew Restaurant and Bar

6:30-9 p.m. — Crew Restaurant & Bar — Ticketed event — Create art with friends while sipping on delicious wine and enjoying appetizers.

Dutchess County Classic

8:30 AM – 12:30 PM — Dutchess Community College — Registration fees apply — Celebrate the beauty of the Hudson Valley with races for all ages at the 47th Annual Mid-Hudson Road Runners Club event.

An Evening With David Sedaris

8-9:30 p.m. — Bardavon — Ticketed event — Enjoy an evening of wit and humor from America’s beloved humor writer and storyteller.

Hudson Valley Speed Dating for Singles in Their 40s and 50s

7-9 p.m. — Zeus Brewing Company — Check website for ticket cost — Find your spark in a relaxed and friendly speed dating atmosphere.

MET Live in HD: La Sonnambula

1-4 p.m. — Bardavon — Cost info not provided — Experience the enchanting music of 'La Sonnambula' broadcasted live from the Metropolitan Opera.