Good morning, Ithaca.

On April 1, 2026 at 10:08 a.m., deputies and fire crews responded to a structure fire on Cortland Road in Dryden that engulfed a home, leading to three residents dying and one family member being hospitalized (details are pending) as investigators continue to probe the incident.

The April Startup Cornell podcast features Dan Cane ’98, this year’s Cornell Entrepreneur of the Year who co-founded Blackboard Inc. and Modernizing Medicine; his interview is available online as he is set to be honored at the Entrepreneurship at Cornell Celebration Erza conference on campus April 9-10.

The Cornell NanoScale Science and Technology Facility will improve its research & training programs with a new $9.5 million investment from Duffield Engineering.

Upgrades include new tools and virtual reality training to support semiconductor work in Duffield Hall.

Ithaca College’s School of Business will introduce a new minor worth 16 credits in the sport industry in Fall for students from all majors to study sports business using core courses like Sport Management and Marketing (designed to meet long standing student demand), said associate professor Rachel Madsen.

Ithaca Children’s Garden launched its annual $55,000 Scholarship Fund Campaign on April 1 to support nature-based programs for over 100 local families.

Donations will be doubled until April 30 + community members are invited to invest in expanding children’s access to nature education.

Officials announced on Apr.

2 that Salmon Creek Road between Brooks Hill Road and French Hill Road is closed for repairs due to flood damage — drivers are advised to avoid the area while work continues.

New York Attorney General Letitia James warned New Yorkers on April 2 about AI-powered tax scams using fake calls, emails, and videos + she advised residents to verify suspicious contacts and report scams as Tax Day nears.

Tompkins County Environmental Health seeks public help after a dog bite occurred on March 31 near Cherry Gallery on Cherry Street.

The leashed dog (possibly a French bulldog) will have a 10-day home observation for rabies and those with tips can call (607) 274-6688.

Ithaca officials said that 29-oz bags of Great Value dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets sold at Walmart may have unsafe lead levels; consumers are told to throw the product away or return it if found in their freezers.

Senior catcher James Braxmeier (an Air Force veteran and aspiring speech therapist) joined Ithaca College’s baseball team as a bullpen catcher in December and now coaches little league to share his love for baseball and work with kids.

At Ithaca College, club sports help athletes move to varsity play.

Senior lacrosse goalie Nichole Allan joined the varsity team this season after playing club sports that kept her skills sharp — a change that shows how the program keeps athletes ready for bigger challenges.

Ithaca D.I.Y. Festival

5:30-11:30 p.m. — Ithaca — Free entry — Celebrate the local music scene with performances from vibrant local and college bands.

Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Bailey Hall — Check event page for pricing — Experience the vibrant fusion of cultures through Flamenco in a captivating new production.

Kendall Street Company Concert

7-11:30 p.m. — The Nocturnal Café — $15 adv/$20 dos — Experience an eclectic rock show filled with humor and musical improvisation.

John Butler Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — State Theatre of Ithaca — Ticket prices vary — Experience the rhythmic brilliance of John Butler live as he showcases his latest album PRISM.

One Night With You: Elvis Dinner Show

6-8 p.m. — K-HOUSE Karaoke & Arts Hub — $35 per person — Enjoy an evening of Elvis' classic songs and storytelling paired with a delicious dinner in an intimate setting.

The Steel Wheels Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Hangar Theatre — Ticket details available online — Enjoy an evening of live music by The Steel Wheels.