Good morning, Poughkeepsie.

WalletHub released a study ranking the best small cities in America and one Upstate New York hometown surprised many by making the top 10—factors like cost, quality of life, and safety helped determine the ranking.

The study compared over 1,300 cities on key measures to find the best places to live.

Hopewell Junction mother Gladys Cristobal used her Peruvian crochet skills to start Laly Handmade, a shop that sells stuffed animals, dresses, and toys made at her home.

She shared her work on TikTok (honoring her childhood traditions) and received praise from customers across the country.

Local officials and environmentalists blasted a federal court ruling that overturns the Save the Hudson Act and now permits Holtec to discharge radioactive water from the decommissioned Indian Point plant into the Hudson River.

They urged the governor to appeal the decision—warning that the release risks public health, the local economy, and recreation.

Dutchess County Comptroller Dan Aymar-Blair reported that an audit of the Learn, Play, Create program found the county paid funds before work began and signed contracts after the service period started.

The report recommended clearer contract language and better payment practices — county officials will review the grant process going forward.

After Zohran Mamdani’s surprise primary win, New Yorkers are leaving the city for more affordable housing in the Hudson Valley (with Westchester sales up 15% compared to last year) as realtors report a growing trend.

Vassar College has named upstate product Carly Assimon as women's basketball head coach weeks before the season opener, replacing Meredith Mesaris who left for Tufts.

Assimon brings experience from her roles at SUNY Cortland, the University of Rochester and Clarkson—where she served as interim head coach—and will begin full team workouts in October.

Seven boys soccer players from Dutchess County schools and Haldane are in the running for the Poughkeepsie Journal Player of the Week for Sept.

22-28, and votes are open until 11 p.m. on Oct. 5—coaches submitted game reports and previous winners include Devin Zerbo and Jake Deluise.

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.

Joe Bob Briggs and Darcy Live — Cult of the Rock Star Night

6-8:30 p.m. — Bardavon — Ticket required — Experience a double feature with Joe Bob Briggs and Darcy the Mail Girl at a legendary theater.

Paint & Sip Night at Crew Restaurant

6:30-9 p.m. — Crew Restaurant & Bar — Ticket required — Unleash your inner artist while enjoying wine and appetizers in a guided painting session.