Good morning, Poughkeepsie.

Metro-North has added five extra Leaf Peeper trains to carry weekend visitors from Grand Central to Beacon and Poughkeepsie—service runs through November 5th.

The trains give local and out-of-town travelers a scenic ride during peak fall foliage.

The Regional Food Bank Hudson Valley will distribute 115,000 Thanksgiving meals in Orange, Dutchess, Ulster, Sullivan and Rockland counties starting at 10 a.m. on November 22 to serve more than 25,000 residents, with local partners and about 800 volunteers operating six pickup sites and several senior meal locations — a coordinated effort to address rising hunger amid federal budget cuts.

The Regional Food Bank in Montgomery announced its largest Thanksgiving meal drive and will offer about 350,000 meals across 23 counties this holiday.

It is asking local volunteers to work at its new 50,000 square foot center — a move to fight hunger in the region — as officials stress the need to support food programs.

The long-standing Rent-A-Center store on Main Street closed its doors permanently with no reason given for the shutdown.

Customers now must travel to rent-to-own services in nearby areas — including Kingston, Catskill, Hudson and Danbury.

Today, the NYSDEC updated its campaign to curb the spotted lanternfly by asking residents to stomp the insect in areas like Dutchess, Nassau, New York City, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester—while those in other counties should report sightings by following specific steps to help reduce future infestations.

Patrick Therrien, a Hudson Valley man from Cortlandt Manor, waited nearly a full year to claim his $1M Mega Millions win from a Peekskill Stop and Shop—he received $651,000 after withholdings.

Experts said his cautious strategy helped him plan his finances and maintain his privacy.

Dutchess County announced a new scaled-down plan for the Youth Opportunity Union — a facility planned to be 19,000 square feet and cost $26.1 million without the promised pool — that will offer safe spaces and enrichment programs.

Construction may begin in 2027 if the county earns the New York Bricks Grant, and the center is expected to open by the end of 2028.

Governor Hochul signed new housing legislation today—providing property tax breaks for affordable homes and incentives to redevelop vacant houses—and strengthening protections for renters.

The laws aim to help first-time buyers and working families better afford homeownership.

Governor Hochul announced Metro-North Railroad will extend service north from Manhattan to Albany-Rensselaer Station beginning in spring 2026, adding stops at Rhinecliff and Hudson — an expansion meant to fill gaps caused by suspended Amtrak trains.

The service will offer one daily round trip with fares at around $40 one way.

State officials in New York and other Northeast states warned that SNAP benefits may be delayed if the shutdown continues past Nov.

1 — low-income families could lose access to food assistance. Officials also reported that nearly 7 million people risk losing WIC benefits — state agencies are preparing for further delays if federal funds are not released promptly.

SUNY Ulster won the Mid-Hudson Conference men’s soccer championship on Tuesday night when Pat Fornelos and Nick Thomaz connected for a late 84th-minute goal that gave the Senators a 1—0 win over SUNY Westchester.

The team will host a quarterfinal playoff match on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Rondout Valley High School.

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.