Good morning, Ithaca.

Retired professor Cory Brown will release his award-winning chapbook My Mother’s Hands on May 15; the collection has 31 prose poems that explore grief and identity and builds on his 33-year teaching career at Ithaca College.

Cornell boosted its voluntary payment to the Ithaca City School District, explained Jennifer Tavares (Community Relations Director) on Feb.

2 during a 607 This Morning broadcast. A committee with officials from both institutions will be created to guide the new support.

Ithaca College Student Governance Council met Feb.

2 to set goals for Black History Month events and hold budget discussions. Cliff-Simon Vital from the Unity Center said celebrations will span February and highlighted a 6 p.m. keynote by civil rights activist Cecil J. Williams (Feb. 11) at Emerson Suites.

Three Cornell students have been named Schwarzman Scholars for the 2026-2027 cohort and will join 150 international peers in a fully-funded, year-long master’s program in global affairs at Schwarzman College at Tsinghua University in Beijing.

Four Cornell faculty members have been awarded DOE Early Career Research Program grants and will each receive at least $875,000 over five years.

They will use the funds to research quantum materials, the Higgs boson, soil science, and rare earth separation as they boost local scientific progress.

On Feb. 2, the Lansing Board of Trustees set up a Commercial Area Advisory Committee to advise on improvements along North Triphammer Road by including officials + community members.

Its first task is to draft a vision statement to guide future development and boost the tax base.

Dryden officials extended the data center and crypto mine moratorium through March to allow more time revising local laws after community concerns over high energy use, water demand and environmental impacts (including climate goals); planning officials say final rules on land use will come soon.

Tompkins County Whole Health released a Community Health Assessment that shows large gaps in mental health, prenatal care, housing, nutrition and chronic disease prevention.

The report sets a five-year plan for community partners in Ithaca to work together on closing these disparities.

Brandon Maguire was named head coach of Ithaca College football on Feb.

3 after serving as offensive coordinator since 2024. He will lead the offense in 2026 while the team searches for a new defensive coordinator.

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.

Richmond Spiders vs. Cornell Big Red Men's Lacrosse

12-2 p.m. — Schoellkopf Field — Ticket prices vary — Experience a thrilling NCAA lacrosse showdown between the Richmond Spiders and Cornell Big Red.