Good morning, Ithaca.

Cornell University in Ithaca was ranked eighth on Travel + Leisure Magazine’s list of the most beautiful campuses.

The campus is known for its mix of historic architecture and scenic natural lands near Cayuga Lake, as announced Jan. 12.

Cornell researchers partnered with NVIDIA to develop a digital method that captures fabric details like sheen and texture using fast ray optics + wave simulations; the study was presented on Dec.

16 in Hong Kong and may soon improve graphics in movies and games.

Paul Passarelli ’27 created Delibity, a platform designed to streamline club recruitment at Cornell and other universities — it integrates applications, interviews, and onboarding tools to save time for student groups.

He plans to add features like Delibity Assign this semester to further simplify new member education.

International trade expert Scott Lincicome will challenge trade misconceptions in his talk 'What You Think You Know About Trade is Probably Wrong' on Jan.

29 at 5:30 p.m. in Statler Hall room 198 (hosted by Cornell’s Program on Freedom and Free Societies) as a free live-streamed event.

Town board leaders will discuss a proposed $100K recreational donation at 5:30 p.m. today at Town Hall to support improvements at Stewart Park and Cass Park (residents will receive discounted recreation programs if approved).

The Tompkins County Legislature passed a resolution on Jan.6 backing CMC nurses in their union efforts for fair wages, better benefits and safe conditions.

A union election will be held on Jan.14 to file a petition with the National Labor Relations Board as the hospital has not recognized the union.

Governor Hochul announced on Jan.

9 that Groton received $675k to help low and moderate-income homeowners repair their houses. The grant is part of a $68 million CDBG program that funds water and wastewater improvements for safer, secure housing — a move that supports essential home repairs.

Ithaca Conservation Board is accepting nominations for the 23rd annual Richard B.

Fischer Conservation Award, named for the late Cornell professor who helped shape New York’s bottle redemption law; submissions are due by Feb. 28.

The Tompkins County Recycling and Materials Management office will be closed Monday, Jan.

19 while curbside recycling continues at the Recycling and Solid Waste Center — recycling follows the holiday week schedule as the office reopens Tuesday, Jan. 20.

On Jan. 12, CNY Snap and the Cortland County SPCA showcased four adoptable pets + three-year-old Todd, adult Mr. Goodbar, five-month-old Sofia, and one-year-old Nelson are ready to find forever homes.

Families can contact the shelters for more details.

Live Music – The Soul Benders

6-8 p.m. — Hopshire Farm and Brewery — Free entry — Experience powerful blues and rock from the acclaimed Ithaca-based band The Soul Benders.

Sky Stories - The Round Time

7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Cherry Arts — Ticketed event — Experience the world premiere of Round Time, an aerial showcase of old rhythms and new cycles performed by talented female aerialists.

Ithaca Ballet: WinterDance 2026

Evening of contemporary dance — 7 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate 65 years of Ithaca Ballet with an evening of innovative choreography and performances by alumni dancers.