Good morning, Poughkeepsie.

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino celebrated the 10th anniversary of the ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative at Bardavon 1869 Opera House during the county’s annual sensory-friendly performance of The Nutcracker - a program that highlights ongoing efforts to make local events more inclusive for people of all abilities.

The 115-year-old Maybrook Bikeway Bridge over the East Branch of the Croton River in Putnam County is now open for trail users on the nine-mile Empire State Trail from Brewster to Pawling.

Officials used federal, state and local funds — including $3.75 million — to complete its repairs.

Edna and Dave Hildebrandt, life members of the Wiccopee Fire Company, were killed Saturday, Dec.

20 — in an automobile crash on Route 55 at Page Park Drive in Poughkeepsie, with funeral details to be announced.

A recent study by The Action Network names Poughkeepsie as New York’s top city for a Hallmark movie setting—citing its historic streets, active small businesses and steady December snowfall—and it ranks third nationwide.

New York state is enforcing a deer hunting pause in the Southern Zone from Dec.

17 to Dec. 25, 2025 and violators face fines until hunting resumes on Dec. 26 under Holiday Hunt rules.

Kingston Mayor Steve Noble vetoed a council resolution passed last Wednesday to maintain rent stabilization protections, citing errors in vacancy data & council members plan to override his decision with a two-thirds vote in the coming days.

Workers will see a wage increase on January 1, 2026, with pay rising to $16 in most areas and $17 in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County.

Employers must prepare as inflation-based adjustments will follow annually starting in 2027.

A new flu strain is challenging vaccine effectiveness and has driven an 83% jump in cases statewide with 113,718 tests confirmed.

Health officials urge residents to get a flu shot to lower the risk of serious illness (CDC data).

Millbrook's boys' basketball team is led by freshman point guard Kellen Knittel who averages 16 points per game on a 3-1 start this season—Coach Brian Laffin praises his maturity and steady play gained from playing with older teammates last year.

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.