Good morning, Ithaca.

Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services has received a $178,000 grant from New York’s Access to Home program to upgrade homes for people with disabilities, and Tioga Opportunities received $150,000 to support accessibility improvements — funding officials say will help residents stay safely in their homes.

Mix Kitchen & Bar served its final customers on January 18 and will reopen soon as Modern Ohana in Ithaca to offer tropical flavors and Asian fusion cuisine while keeping its cheesy hash brown casserole.

The restaurant is set to open in early to mid-February.

Daniel Cane, co-founder of Blackboard and Modernizing Medicine, was named Cornell Entrepreneur of the Year and will be honored on campus at the Entrepreneurship at Cornell Celebration Erza conference on April 9-10 (event details announced by Cornell).

Ithaca was ranked sixth nationwide on SMU DataArts’ Arts Vibrancy Index for 2025, highlighting strong local support and creative collaboration among arts groups like Cinemapolis.

Local arts leaders credited ongoing partnerships and equitable access for driving the sustained vibrancy.

A local Indigenous book club hosted by the Gayogo̱hó:nǫˀ Learning Project met Jan.

18 at Buffalo Street Books to discuss Kent Nerburn's The Girl Who Sang to the Buffalo. The group aimed to center Indigenous voices and foster coexistence (promoting community understanding).

Researchers led by Morten H.

Christiansen challenged the longstanding view that language is built using complex hierarchical grammar instead of simpler chunks. The study was published in Nature Human Behaviour on Jan. 21.

Experts at Dovi Motors advise EV owners to check their battery monthly, inspect brakes and tires every 5000 to 10000 miles, and follow smart charging practices to keep vehicles safe and efficient.

The expert tips help local drivers protect their investment + extend battery life in extreme weather.

Cornell’s College of Architecture, Art and Planning has announced spring 2026 events featuring art exhibitions, guest lectures, and new option studios that will travel outside Ithaca.

Mary Mattingly will lead a public art talk on April 9 and Jeffrey Gibson will speak on March 24.

Rebecca Hann was named vice president for budget and planning at Cornell, effective Jan.

16 – her appointment was approved on Jan. 12 by the Cornell Board of Trustees after serving as interim since June 1, 2025. She will manage budgeting across Ithaca, Cornell Tech and Cornell AgriTech campuses.

Cayuga Medical Center nurses voted to unionize today as 82 percent backed CWA representation to bargain for improved working conditions + quality patient care.

They will begin contract negotiations that aim to address concerns in staff support and care delivery.

Flu cases are falling steadily today while COVID numbers drop in many local counties but still stay a bit above state averages.

Local wastewater tests at the treatment plant show a slight rise approaching winter (snow is on its way).

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.

Mutts Gone Nuts

7-10 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Ticketed event — Experience a hilarious dog variety show that’s sure to entertain all ages.