Good morning, Poughkeepsie.

Visitors to Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park now park free on weekends in the Scenic Hudson solar canopy lot on Parker Avenue and at Pulaski Park near the Poughkeepsie entrance—the main lot on Parker Avenue is closed for construction.

The Ulster County Italian American Foundation will host an Italian Festival in Downtown Kingston on Sunday, October 12—featuring live music, food vendors, and local artisans that celebrate Italian heritage in the Hudson Valley.

This event will offer a day of cultural experiences and community gathering for locals and visitors alike.

Hudson Valley schools lead New York’s list of districts with the highest teacher salaries where some educators earn over $150K—Hudson Valley Post compiled the list with help from the Empire Center.

Five local districts rank in the top 10, showing the area’s competitive pay scale for teachers.

Governor Hochul extended her emergency order today—allowing local pharmacies to administer the updated Covid vaccine as federal delays persist—and said the renewals will occur every 30 days until lawmakers pass a permanent solution.

A group backing the widening of Route 17 remains confident the highway from Monroe to Monticello will be expanded even though state officials said the review will take several more months+ Daniel Ortega from 17-Forward-86 said careful planning is needed to improve safety for the region.

An audit by the State Comptroller’s Office found that Port Ewen Fire District officials did not manage funds properly over a review period from January 1, 2023 until April 26 that extended back to 2019—problems included missing records, bad budgets, and overlooked investment options. District officials agreed with the findings and said they planned to fix these issues soon.

A white-tailed deer tested positive for rabies in Columbia County and health officials have urged Poughkeepsie residents and hunters to avoid handling wild animals and keep pets up to date on vaccinations — the warning comes as many plan to hunt this season.

Army football finished strong with a 31-13 win over UAB on Saturday at Prospective Stadium—junior Cale Hellums scored three second-half touchdowns to help the team break a two-game losing streak.

The Black Knights improved to a 2–3 record and will face Charlotte at home on October 11.

Vassar men’s basketball will play an exhibition game at Marist on Nov.

12 before hosting the Hochberg Family Tip-Off tournament on Nov. 14-15 at Vassar—opening the tournament with a game against SUNY Geneseo in Town of Poughkeepsie.

The Poughkeepsie Journal football player of the week poll is online for Oct.

2 to 4 with five candidates—Joshua Bodrick, Elijah Epps, Logan Lawrence, David Powlis, and Ryan Rancourt—and readers can vote as often as they like until 11 p.m. on Oct. 12. Coaches are asked to submit game reports and nominate one player from their team by Sunday afternoon.

Vassar College women's basketball competes in the NCAA Division III Liberty League with key players on the court.

Former SUNY Cortland assistant coach Carly Assimon has been named head coach—her appointment brings fresh leadership to the team.

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.