Good morning, Ithaca.

On April 21, the DEC awarded $196,908 to The Center for Community Transportation (Ithaca Carshare, Bikeshare, and BikeWalk Tompkins) to fund a study with Cornell Cooperative Extension that will examine the public health benefits of micro-mobility and multimodal transit in our community.

Ithaca College’s Park Productions hosted its 10th annual short film festival at Cinemopolis on Apr.

15, showing 15 films from around the world with 10 winning awards. The student-run event aimed to strengthen the local arts scene.

The Old Greeny Fringe Fest runs from April 27 to May 3 along the waterfront and downtown corridor, featuring 60 performances + a parade and a kickoff event at the Farmers Market while the Common Council approved a resolution protecting the legendary Cayuga Lake cryptid Old Greeny.

Cayuga Heights Elementary suffered water damage on April 1 when heavy rains flooded 13,000 sqft of its lower level while students were on break — the school district approved up to $1.5 million in emergency funds to cover repairs.

The facility will begin remediation soon.

Cornell University's BirdCast uses radar to track the massive spring migration by offering live maps on its dashboard.

The system recorded up to 500 million birds on peak nights (April 23) and helps residents see migration trends across local counties.

With a $25M gift from David A.

Duffield, Cornell is launching an Engineering Education Research Institute to help study how engineers learn. Led by Professor Alexandra Coso Strong, the institute will start a grant program and speaker series in fall 2026 — promising new ways to improve teaching.

Black Student Empowerment received the Perkins Prize for Interracial and Intercultural Peace and Harmony on April 20 at Willard Straight Hall — the office was honored with a $5,000 award for creating support spaces that build unity among students.

The Finger Lakes Land Trust celebrates 20 years of Ithaca’s Emerald Necklace, a greenbelt linking over 50,000 acres around Cayuga Lake.

FLLT Executive Director Andy Zepp will hike the full 78-mile Finger Lakes Trail to mark the anniversary and support ongoing conservation efforts.

Ithaca secured a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant at an April 23 press conference to support housing, new business development, and street rehabilitation.

Mayor Rob Cantelmo said the funding will help build hundreds of new housing units and upgrade businesses (plans driven by state programs).

According to Zumper, Ithaca's median rental prices for apartments in March stayed near last month's levels, with a typical listing at $2,000 + one-bedroom units at $1,600 while two-bedroom prices dropped slightly.

The figures show that Ithaca rentals remain below state medians but are slightly above national averages.

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.

Eileen Ivers & The Brigideens

8-10:30 p.m. — Hangar Theatre — Ticket required — Experience the fiery sounds of Grammy-winning Eileen Ivers and her all-female band, The Brigideens.