Good morning, Ithaca.

Goodwill of the Finger Lakes will open its first Ithaca store on Friday at 9am at the former Ollie's Bargain Outlet — the first 100 shoppers will receive a $10 gift card.

The store will sell new and donated merchandise and will operate Monday through Saturday from 9am to 8pm and on Sundays from 10am to 6pm.

The Ithaca College Student Governance Council met April 21 to hear from IT leaders David Weil and Casey Kendall on upcoming tech updates (including a new student portal, printer plans for Gardens Apartment, and cell service upgrades with Verizon).

Members also learned that Fall 2025 club budget requests are due April 27 and the interest form for SGC seats closes April 23 (with the final Spring meeting set for April 30).

Rebecca “Becky” Quinn Morgan ’60 and her husband donated $2 million to endow a Director’s Innovation Fund at the Bronfenbrenner Center in the College of Human Ecology to support early research projects that work with local communities—helping drive new studies and outreach.

Center director Tony Burrow said the center will use the funds to expand research, training and outreach programs—ensuring it stays a leader in community engagement.

Ithaca College president La Jerne Cornish co-signed 'A Call for Constructive Engagement' with over 150 colleges on April 22 to oppose government interference in higher education — the statement condemns federal overreach and remains open for more signatures.

Researchers at the Center for Research on Programmable Plant Systems solved a century-old puzzle by showing that changes in water pressure send signals that help plants respond to stress.

Their study—published April 23rd—paves the way for reporter plants that could warn farmers when plants need water and is supported by a five-year NSF grant.

Over 200 college presidents, including Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff and Ithaca College President La Jerne Terry Cornish, signed a letter published Tuesday by the American Association of Colleges and Universities that supports constructive government oversight but rejects undue intrusion in campus operations— the letter criticizes what it calls unprecedented government outreach.

TCAT workers represented by UAW Local 2300 ratified a new contract with 88% approval late Tuesday after months of negotiations—if the board votes today at 4 p.m. at 737 Willow Avenue, the new agreement will take effect as workers have been operating under an expired contract since January 1.

The Ithaca College baseball team scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth on Tuesday to beat Cortland 7-6 and extend its winning streak to three, while the Cornell softball team will play a doubleheader today at 4:30 p.m.—both teams adding to a busy college sports schedule.

Marty Stuart Live

8:00-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Ticket prices vary — Experience the sounds of Country Music Hall of Famer Marty Stuart as he showcases his latest album.

Mark Normand Comedy Show

7-8:30 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Prices from $68 — Enjoy a night of laughs with comedian Mark Normand at a premier local venue.

HSC Workshop Series: Collecting Data Effectively

10 AM – 1 PM — Tompkins County Public Library — $70 — Equip yourself with tools for effective data collection and impactful decision-making.

The Dead South Concert

5-7 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Ticket prices range from $46 to $78 — Experience a night of folk and bluegrass with The Dead South at a historic venue.

17th Annual Spring Writes Literary Festival

May 7-11 & May 15-22 — Community Arts Partnership — Free entry — Celebrate local literary talent with 40 diverse events from readings to workshops.

Australian Pink Floyd Show

8:00 – 9:30 PM — State Theatre of Ithaca — Ticket prices range from $64 to $387 — Experience the ultimate tribute to Pink Floyd with an unforgettable live performance.

Little Feat Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — State Theatre of Ithaca — Last-minute tickets available — Enjoy an evening of classic rock with Little Feat.

Garden Fair and Plant Sale

1-7 p.m. — Ithaca Farmers Market — Free entry — Explore a variety of plants at this annual sale operated by Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins.