Good morning, Poughkeepsie.

An addition to the spending bill that ended the longest government shutdown changes hemp rules by banning most hemp-derived THC products — including Delta-8 and THCA.

The ban will take effect next November and could hurt thousands of small businesses in New York.

Price Chopper and Market 32 are hosting Double Exchange Day on Sunday, Nov.

16 to offer customers double the cash value for their pennies in exchange for gift cards—shoppers must trade in at least 50 cents and the match is capped at $100 in pennies. The promotion follows the US Mint’s cessation of penny production on Nov. 12 as retailers deal with dwindling coin supplies.

Firearms season for bear and deer in New York's Southern Zone, which covers parts of the Hudson Valley, will begin tomorrow, Nov.

15 and run through Dec. 7, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said—hunters must follow state rules such as wearing fluorescent gear and reporting deer harvests promptly.

Dutchess County is seeking a brownfield designation for the 20-acre former Schatz factory in Poughkeepsie—aiming to secure state funds for redeveloping the site into a mixed-use area with up to 250 homes, retail spaces, and community green space—while rezoning and approval processes are underway. Local officials say the project will boost housing options and preserve the site’s historic ties.

United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region received a $10,000 grant from MVP Health Care to support its Ride United initiative, which gives at least 100 residents rides to health care, school and work + helps remove transportation barriers.

Launched in 2021, the program has already assisted over 1,000 people and will continue expanding its services in the region.

Local Section 9 football expert Rich Arnott provided his championship picks for this weekend’s games after a season of tough summer sessions and key wins.

He predicted Monroe-Woodbury to beat Middletown in Class AA, Minisink to edge Cornwall in Class A, Port Jervis to overcome Saugerties in Class B, Chester to prevail over Dover in Class C, and Sullivan West to win the 8-Man clash—each matchup promising a competitive showdown.

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.

Paint & Sip at Vino

6:30-9 p.m. — Crew Restaurant & Bar — Ticketed event — Unleash creativity with guided painting and delicious drinks in a fun atmosphere.

Thanksgiving Feast at Shadows on the Hudson

11:30 AM – 6:00 PM — Shadows on the Hudson — Pricing not specified — Celebrate Thanksgiving with a bountiful meal prepared by the talented chefs.

Pet Photos with Santa

4-7 p.m. — Poughkeepsie Galleria — Reservations recommended — Capture magical moments with Santa and your beloved pets.