Good morning, Ithaca.

Family Reading Partnership has served Ithaca families at The Shops at Ithaca Mall for 30 years with free books and play space but must now raise $100,000 by May 31 to replace its outdated heating and cooling system and keep its doors open.

Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Michael Abels will visit campus March 6-7 for the Arts Unplugged series at Cornell, featuring a panel discussion, film screening, and wind symphony concert; all events are free and open to the public.

Downtown Ithaca's 28th Chili Cook-Off takes place on Saturday, March 7 (12 to 4 p.m.) at the Commons, where visitors can taste chili from regional chefs while competitors vie for awards in categories such as Best Meat, Best Vegetarian, Best Chili-Inspired and People’s Choice.

Nearly 700 alumni from the Class of 1966 contributed almost $1 million over two decades to fund community, wellness + arts programming at West Campus House System, offering students lasting connections and transformative experiences.

High school seniors from TST-BOCES experienced hands-on nanofabrication at Cornell's NanoScale Science and Technology Facility on Jan.

13 through the ATLAS program. The two-week course provided real-world lab training in semiconductor manufacturing and may spark future tech careers.

Researchers from Cornell and the University of Edinburgh studied how microbes extract metals from a meteorite on the International Space Station, with findings published Jan.

30 showing fungi extracted more palladium than bacteria in microgravity.

Cornell raised $4M to fund Phase 2 of its field hockey complex — adding a team clubhouse and indoor training facility — and expects to complete the project in summer 2027 after Phase 1 built an artificial turf field, dugouts and a press box.

David Muller of Cornell’s Duffield College was elected to the National Academy of Engineering on Feb.

10 for his work developing the highest resolution electron microscope in the world (his innovations expanded atomic imaging). He will be inducted during the academy’s annual meeting in October.

Cornell’s AMST 2001 course, taught by Corey Earle ’07, fills Uris Hall Monday evenings with 441 students exploring the university’s long history and evolution.

The course explains how Cornell became a pioneer in education (coeducational and inclusive) and builds a strong community spirit.

Yesterday, the city closed the downhill lane on the 900 block of E State St between Water St and Valley Rd from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for tree removal (detours on Giles St or Cornell St to Mitchell St were recommended) with flaggers directing traffic.

On Wednesday, the City of Ithaca said the downhill lane of the 900 block of East State Street was closed 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for tree removal on the east hill, and flaggers allowed traffic — drivers were advised to take Giles or Cornell to Mitchell Street.

Healthcare professionals in Tompkins County can register for a free two-day online training in suicide prevention on Mar.

10 and Mar. 11 that awards continuing education credits — the session is sponsored by The Sophie Fund and run by The Wellness Institute to provide guidance on proven intervention techniques.

Ithaca College football hired offensive coordinator Brandon Maguire as its new head coach on Feb.

3 (he was 34) after Michael Toerper left for Cornell; he aims to lead the Bombers to a Liberty League title and national recognition while retaining much of the staff.

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.

Sheng Wang Stand-Up Comedy

7-10 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Tickets required — Enjoy an evening of laughter with comedian Sheng Wang during his extensive stand-up tour.

Brown University Bears vs Cornell Big Red Men's Lacrosse

12-1 p.m. — Schoellkopf Field — VIP tickets available — Experience top-tier college lacrosse action with exclusive perks and amenities.