Good morning, Ithaca.

Residents of Tompkins and Cortland counties earning $69,000 or less in 2025 can book free IRS-certified tax preparation appointments beginning Tuesday, Feb.

3 at the Tompkins County Public Library Digital Lab. Appointments are set for select days until April 14 (reservations required by calling 211).

Downtown Ithaca Alliance CEO Nan Rohrer said two local businesses, including Feel Goods and K-House, will move closer to the Commons and open before the end of February — adding new shopping options downtown.

Ithaca College will stop filling vacant faculty positions in 2026, the provost explained, as staff levels will be adjusted through attrition and merging departments.

The college is also preparing for evaluation visits by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education at the end of March (aiming to uphold standards).

Cornell hosts three distinguished visiting journalists this spring under its Distinguished Visiting Journalist program, with Bret Stephens speaking March 6 at Rhodes-Rawling Auditorium, Zolan Kanno-Youngs speaking March 17 at Hollis Auditorium, and Keri Blakinger presenting on campus from April 20 to May 1.

Cornell leaders will follow new guidelines set by a faculty task force to decide when the university should use its official voice on issues that affect its core academic mission & values.

The policy guides decisions on when to speak collectively to protect teaching, research, and community engagement.

At Ithaca College, the new Dirty Soda Club met for the first time Jan.

28 at IC Square, where over 100 students sampled unique drinks. The club will meet every other Wednesday from 6-7 p.m. and host a Valentine’s Day paint and sip on Feb. 11 (with Her Campus).

On Feb. 4, health officials sought information after a small white dog allegedly bit a person near Fairview Apartment Complex (522 Dryden Road) because they want to confirm the dog’s rabies vaccination status to decide on treatment.

Ithaca College athletes are balancing football and track after the 2025 Cortaca victory Nov.

15 — six players trained for track and field over a 20-day period with coordinated support from coaches. The dual-sport schedule sharpens their skills for upcoming competitions.

Over the weekend, Cornell women’s hockey split its games, beating Dartmouth on Friday and losing to Harvard on Saturday.

The team will play RPI at 5 p.m. Friday at Lynah Rink and face Union at 3 p.m. Saturday, with free entry for children 12 & under.

The Ithaca College men’s wrestling team has turned their season around after a flu outbreak sidelined key starters.

After a 0-4 start, the Bombers are 7-6 and look ahead to a February 7 meet at Ben Light Gymnasium as they chase a national championship.

Ithaca College swim and dive teams build strong culture as they chase records this season.

The women's team claimed a record seventh Liberty League title while the men seek their first championship—their final meet is at noon Feb. 7 at RIT and championships start Feb. 18 on South Hill.

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.

Richard Daria Clarinet Faculty Recital

1 p.m. — Hockett Family Recital Hall — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful performance featuring clarinet, oboe, and bass clarinet by talented faculty members.