Good morning, Ithaca.

Mental health care workers at Family and Children's Services of Ithaca voted to unionize Tuesday evening, and the 30+ member union will now begin negotiating a labor contract with management.

Support came from union authorization cards collected in the weeks before the vote.

Ithaca College students are running the Old Greeny Fringe Fest in downtown Ithaca from April 27 to May 3, showing over 60 free and ticketed independent art performances.

The event celebrates the local Old Greeny legend (a historic myth) and unites the community.

Gas prices in New York reached an average of $4.10 per gallon on Monday, up from $4.00 last week, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, and traders expect another 20 to 30 cents increase as demand grows and global tensions affect supply — a notable jump from earlier months.

Cornell’s Daniel Ralph and Darrell Schlom were elected to the National Academy of Sciences, as announced April 28; they join 120 honorees for outstanding research and become one of 76 Cornell members recognized by the private academy+ a milestone for local science.

Malak Abuhashim spoke at a Cornell Alumni Activist Panel on Wednesday at 6 p.m. in room 132 at Goldwin Smith Hall, where she shared her experiences as a Palestinian American activist; the event, hosted by Students for Justice in Palestine, featured a moderated panel and Q&A session.

Newfield Central School District has proposed a $28.2 million school budget for 2026-27 and will save money by eliminating five unfilled positions, Superintendent Jesse Harper said.

Voters will choose on May 19 as the district works to keep the tax increase at 2.9 percent — supporting fiscal stability.

Statler Hall’s Establishment restaurant runs as part of a seven-hour Hotel School lab course where students cook, manage, and serve; reservations open at 10 a.m. and fill by 10:30 a.m. Guests enjoy a unique dining experience (which teaches practical management skills on campus).

Seniors in the Humanities Scholars Program will present interdisciplinary research at an all-day conference on May 1 at the A.D.

White House in Ithaca. Their projects span humanities, science, technology, business and law (highlighting cross-disciplinary inquiry).

Ithaca College Student Governance Council hosted candidate presentations on April 27 for Fall 2026 council, and campaigning continues through today with voting on IC Engage from 9 a.m. April 29 to 4:59 p.m.

Doctoral student Justin Scholten discovered a new species of pink baneberry in Summer Hill State Forest near Ithaca after two years of fieldwork and genetic testing — his findings, published March 23, mark New York's first newly identified flowering plant in nearly a decade.

Ithaca College student-athletes are preparing for the Liberty League Championship Tournament as competitions in baseball, golf, softball, lacrosse, rowing, tennis, and track begin on May 1 at college venues.

Teams hope to build on strong spring season momentum to challenge top conference rivals.

Seton CC and Corning each placed three players on Section 4's all-state boys basketball teams for the 2025-26 season.

Allan Eagles and Nolyn Proudfoot led their teams with first- and third-team selections, as announced by state sports writers.

Ithaca College women’s lacrosse advanced in playoffs after defeating Clarkson 18—5 Tuesday with senior Leigh Naturale scoring four goals.

They will face Union in the Liberty League semifinals Friday in Schenectady.

Cornell’s men’s lacrosse team is set to host No.10 Harvard at Schoellkopf Field on Saturday at noon, with the contest serving as senior night for 13 graduating players and a chance to secure an NCAA berth and an Ivy League tournament spot (a big matchup for postseason hopes).

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.