Good morning, Ithaca.

Downtown Ithaca brings back the Comfort Food Trail, where nineteen local businesses serve comfort dishes until Feb.

1 (visitors can scan QR codes to win gift cards) and invite everyone to try something new.

TST BOCES has finalized a regionalization plan and is now presenting it to local school districts to boost career pathways, dual enrollment, and special education offerings (with regional programming set to start in the 2026–2027 school year).

New York State is awarding millions in grants to boost water quality and climate resiliency across our region.

Steuben County will receive over $800,000 for salt storage and studies, Tioga County $389,000 for creek stabilization, and Tompkins County $10 million for wastewater upgrades at the Ithaca Area facility & infrastructure.

Downtown businesses raised concerns after the city increased on-street parking rates on Jan.

5 and ended free Saturday parking to address a budget shortfall — they call for a parking validation program to ease parking costs. Mayor Cantelmo and the Downtown Ithaca Alliance plan further talks.

Eleven athletes from five sports have been nominated for the Guthrie Athlete of the Week award (Jan.

11 to Jan. 17) from communities including Ithaca, M-E, Horseheads, U-E, Seton CC, Johnson City, Notre Dame, Corning, Watkins Glen, Sidney, and Waverly; public voting remains open until noon on Thursday, Jan. 22.

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.

Princeton Tigers at Cornell Big Red Women's Basketball

5-8 p.m. — Newman Arena — VIP tickets available — Experience college basketball with premium seating and special game day packages.