Good morning, Ithaca.

Raya (a playful shepherd-Elkhound mix) is making progress with crate and house training as she looks for her forever home today; the puppy loves running outdoors and thrives with kids, cats, and dogs.

On March 27, Cornell first-year AAP students led the 125-year Dragon Day parade through central campus, building a 'Veiled' dragon from recycled red wood and fireproof coating.

Guests walked beneath the structure (a new feature) during a post-parade celebration on the Arts Quad with the Big Red Marching Band.

AAA reports that Ithaca gas prices have reached $4 a gallon today, up eight cents since March 30, as diesel now costs $5.91 and New York's average is $4.07 amid high crude oil rates.

A new open-source app called Sandpiper from the National Tutoring Observatory will launch on April 9 to help researchers analyze transcripts using AI to study tutoring techniques.

It was co-developed with FreshCognate and partners from MIT and Carnegie Mellon.

Nobel Laureate John Martinis will present his quantum mechanics research as part of the Cornell Undergraduate Research Board lecture series at Klarman Hall on Wednesday.

Attendees can join a moderated question and answer session afterward as the event connects undergraduates with leading scientists.

The ILR School is hosting Union Days for the Cornell community throughout April, featuring a book talk on labor law, a film screening on farmworker health and a keynote on union organizing at campus venues; all events are free+open to the public.

Researchers at Cornell and KAIST developed WatchHand, a smartwatch tool that uses AI-powered micro sonar to track hand movements — it was tested on 40 people and will be shown at the ACM CHI conference starting April 13 in Barcelona.

Researchers at Cornell AgriTech have revived an old electroantennogram device to detect scent molecules that attract and repel crop pests.

The team will test new lures in apple orchards to trap pest populations plus develop targeted solutions for growers.

Tompkins County launched a new curbside composting pilot on April 1 in Ithaca, picking up food scraps from Northside on Wednesdays and Southside on Thursdays.

The one-year pilot, funded by a $150,000 grant (with a $50,000 county match), aims to reduce landfill waste as 160 homes are enrolled.

A Cornell study in Tompkins County found that warming temperatures have led tree swallows to nest up to two weeks earlier than in the 1970s, but early spring cold snaps stunt nestling growth and survival.

Researchers say resilient parents may boost chicks’ chances amid variable spring weather.

New York has expanded its child tax credit so more families can receive cash refunds.

Eligible residents filing a state return for tax year 2025 can claim up to $1,000 per child under age 4 + up to $330 per child ages 4–16, with higher amounts available next year.

TCAT will launch eRide Ithaca this spring to offer flat-rate, on-demand rides in electric vehicles focused on areas with limited bus service (West Hill, the West End, and the Flats).

The service lets riders book through an app or by phone and aims to improve transit access and equity.

Adults over 21 can now legally grow up to three mature and three immature cannabis plants in New York; Office of Cannabis Management rules require secure, odor-reducing setups plus licensed nurseries will soon begin offering seeds.

Cornell Baseball won two out of three contests before Easter, beating Dartmouth 8-1 Friday to open its three-game series and splitting a Saturday doubleheader with a 4-2 win and a 15-0 shutout.

Ithaca College lost games at Falcon Park against RIT — its game with Hamilton College tomorrow was canceled.

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.