Good morning, Poughkeepsie.

Edward Hibberd Johnson—a friend of Thomas Edison—devised a safe way to light his Christmas tree with 80 small bulbs in red, white, and blue in 1882 in New York; his idea spread nationwide and changed holiday traditions.

Beacon-based composer, singer and playwright Heather Christian was named a MacArthur Fellow in 2025 as she receives an $800,000 grant to focus on creative projects without needing extra work — a change built on her rich background from classical training to gospel roots.

Edward Hibberd Johnson (a friend of Thomas Edison) invented electric Christmas lights in 1882 by stringing 80 small bulbs on his tree in New York.

His safe innovation replaced dangerous candles and quickly sparked a tradition that brightened holiday celebrations nationwide.

Three New Yorkers won $1 million each from Powerball tickets sold at stores — including one in the Hudson Valley — after matching five numbers in Wednesday's drawing, and the jackpot, which no one won at $1.27 billion, is expected to climb to $1.50 billion on Saturday.

Congressman Pat Ryan released a survey of nearly 1,000 Hudson Valley residents showing 77% received notice of higher insurance bills and that many saw their costs double.

He plans to take these results to Washington while Congressman Michael Lawler signed a petition for a vote on premium tax credit extensions.

Flu cases jumped 80 percent across New York after Thanksgiving as several Hudson Valley counties reported steep increases, with hospitalizations rising 75 percent in the week ended Dec.

6 + health officials urge residents to get vaccinated and keep good hygiene.

More than 30 restaurants in the mid-Hudson Valley will offer holiday dining options on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Options include special menus and flexible reservations in Dutchess+Ulster+Orange+Sullivan counties; check with venues directly to secure a spot.

Kayla Valenti returned to Seward after playing at Storm King School (she had missed a season due to an ACL injury).

The guard, averaging 19.2 points per game, is eager to reconnect with teammates and lead the Spartans this season.

Coach Mark Bianco has driven a 5-1 start with a full-court press after winning the Bill Green Holiday Tournament in Bronxville, and the Pioneers will play Brewster on Friday.

Highland grad Aden Wiser earned NCAA Div.

III Football All-American honors on Dec. 18 as a senior linebacker for SUNY Cortland, finishing the season with 38 tackles and seven sacks. He was named by the Associated Press and the American Football Coaches Association.

MET Live in HD: Andrea Chenier

1-3 p.m. — Bardavon — Ticket prices vary — Experience the majestic opera performance of Andrea Chenier broadcast live from the Metropolitan Opera.

New Year’s Celebration at Noon

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum — $12-$18 — Celebrate 2026 with music, crafts, science demos, and a lively countdown to noon.