Good morning, Poughkeepsie.

Shoppers at Newburgh Plaza noticed an unusual patch of corn, sunflowers, and sorghum growing on a small traffic island near Kohl’s on Sunday evening—an employee suggested that the plants might have sprouted from bird seed thrown by visitors, creating an unexpected urban harvest in the Hudson Valley.

Regional Food Bank Hudson Valley in Montgomery received a $50,000 grant from the State Assembly on Tuesday to purchase an energy-efficient freezer—this upgrade will help local food banks shop for a wider range of perishable items during pick-ups.

Afghan refugee Ali Sajad Faqirzada, who settled in Ulster County in 2022, was arrested by ICE after his credible fear interview at a USCIS office in Bethpage on Tuesday; his sister said he passed the screening and received a court date in November, and his attorney has filed a habeas corpus petition for his release—while a local church prepares a vigil in support of his family.

Former Yankee star Bernie Williams was interviewed on October 15 at Millbrook Vineyard and Winery by reporter Jeanine Agnolet — he shared his journey from his childhood in Puerto Rico through a 16-year career with four World Series wins and his transition into jazz recording— and explained his current work in music education.

Dutchess County approved $700,000 for a new fire training center in Hyde Park.

The three-story modular facility — built from shipping containers — will offer realistic training for over 2,000 firefighters and is expected to be completed by summer 2026.

The New York State Bridge Authority is working to fix a billing error on the E-ZPass commuter plan—local drivers have been charged extra for unused trips and duplicate fees.

The agency is reviewing customer feedback and promises a quick fix.

Many New Yorkers are receiving their inflation refund checks, but if a check is lost, stolen, or destroyed, residents should call the Personal Income Tax Information Center + 518-457-5181 with a copy of their most recent tax return.

Those who still have their check are urged to cash it right away to avoid further issues.

John Jay-East Fishkill, the sixth seed in the Division I girls tennis tournament, will play against Rye in the quarterfinal on Sunday, Oct.

19 — while Haldane, the eighth seed in the Division II tournament, will take on Byram Hills.

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.

Hudson Valley Speed Dating Event for Ages 20s/30s

7-9 p.m. — Zeus Brewing Company — Ticket required — Experience a fun and efficient way to meet potential matches at this lively speed dating event.

Annual Meeting with Dr. Meg Ronsheim

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. — The Environmental Cooperative at the Vassar Barns — Registration required — Explore biodiversity changes in the Mid-Hudson region with expert insights from Dr. Meg Ronsheim.