Good morning, Ithaca.

A coalition of labor unions and community organizations will host a May Day rally in Ithaca Commons on Friday, May 1, with marches starting from Ithaca High School (3:40 p.m.) and Cornell’s Ho Plaza (4 p.m.) before meeting at Bernie Milton Pavilion for the rally and then moving to Washington Park at 5:30 p.m.

ReUse MegaCenter will move from Tripphammer Mall to the Cayuga Shopping Center this summer, and it will change operating hours effective May 1 to offer extended shopping times while pausing donations Tuesday through Thursday & hosting regular sale events at both locations.

KensaGroup, a Cornell-founded firm, marks 25 years today bringing lab inventions to market by turning an early setback with anti-fouling paint into successful industry partnerships & startup launches, including advances in sustainable catalyst technology.

Marie Gilbert, a 67-year-old Newfield baker, creates vibrant macarons sold weekly at the Ithaca Farmers Market and will have a permanent booth at Steamboat Landing on Sundays.

She prepares extra batches for events, including Taste of the Finger Lakes on June 9 (proceeds help food insecurity).

The 1,000th show of 'All Things Equal' aired this morning on WHCU+ co-hosts Susan Riley and Kate Supron recalled its history and announced the program will rebrand as 'All Things Local' beginning May 5.

Mediocre Melodies held their #OpenToWork concert on April 17 at Kennedy Hall’s Call Auditorium, featuring intentionally off-key a cappella and skits to raise funds for Challenge Contract Staffing (all proceeds came from ticket sales and auctions).

The event delivered both laughs and community support.

Tim Downs (senior vice president and CFO since 2021) will leave Ithaca College on June 15 to become CFO at the Institute for Advanced Study.

Marc Israel will serve as CFO while the college launches a national search for a new chief financial officer.

Beckie Robertson ’82, a venture capital leader in biotechnology, received the Cornell Duffield Engineering Distinguished Alumni Award on April 23 at Upson Hall.

She was honored for her career achievements and service to Cornell and, with her husband, endowed the Shuler Scholars Clinical Immersion Program for biomedical engineering students.

Dr. John Martinis, the 2025 Physics Nobel Laureate, reflected on his scientific achievements and offered advice to future researchers in a wide-ranging interview with The Sun + the conversation was led by reporters Ashley Kim '28 and Lauren Hsu '28.

Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability and EDF announced a $1.24M grant package for 12 research projects that will study electric vehicle battery recycling, urban air quality, and ocean protection.

The awards, supported by the David and Patricia Atkinson Foundation, will fund research led by Cornell and EDF scientists.

Cornell installed new rooftop heat recovery systems on Olin Hall, Duffield Hall, and the Biotechnology Building as part of its Energy Conservation Initiative (saving nearly $2.3 million a year and 9,000 metric tons of carbon) while students track the system's performance in the campus living lab.

Cayuga Medical Center (affiliated with Centralus Health) was named one of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals by Newsweek for 2026 based on quality metrics, patient surveys, and professional recommendations.

August, a playful 12 week old lab terrier mix, is available for foster to adopt through Pawz and Purrz Rescue; she is receiving spay surgery, vaccinations and training while enjoying playtime with kids and dogs outdoors (and on the couch) and is expected to grow into a medium large dog.

Today at 4 p.m., Ithaca College women’s lacrosse team hosts Clarkson in the Liberty League Championships at Higgins Stadium (Clarkson senior Sydney Nakas led her team to an 18-16 win earlier this season); the winner will move on to the semifinals Friday.

Cornell beat Harvard 11 to 9 in a rainy, 40 degree game that honored seniors during a special ceremony.

The win gives the team the right to host the Ivy League tournament next weekend and they will play a rematch against Harvard at 4 p.m. on May 1.

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.

Leading with Intention Workshop by Amber Alpizar

1:30-4:30 p.m. — Tompkins County Public Library — Registration required — Equip yourself with tools to lead with compassion and accountability amidst uncertainty.