Good morning, Ithaca.

Rev: Ithaca’s Prototyping Hardware Accelerator will hold Demo Day tomorrow from 6-8 p.m. where 23 project teams will showcase prototypes such as a plastic recycling device and an AI cocktail generator—program participants refined ideas with Cornell experts to pivot designs for real-world use.

GreenStar Food Co-op’s workers and management signed their first collective bargaining agreement at the Cascadilla Street location on July 15—improving wages, benefits, and annual raises after months of talks.

The three-year contract raises the entry wage from $17.63 to $19.25, adds a 401(k) match and better time-off, and comes after successful union votes at all Ithaca locations.

SUNY Chancellor John B.

King Jr. visited TC3 Farm at Tompkins Cortland Community College to promote the SUNY Reconnect program that will offer free tuition for adults seeking an associate’s degree. TC3’s sustainable farming and food system program — one of 12 eligible courses — will use online and hybrid classes with dedicated support to help local adult learners.

Shaoyi Jiang, a Cornell professor known for his work with zwitterionic materials, was honored with a special issue of Langmuir published July 29 that recognized his innovative research in biointerfaces and safer drug delivery systems—his breakthrough has shaped advances in vaccine design and medical devices.

Over the past weekend, hundreds of citizen scientists gathered at the Ithaca Ecovillage for a BioBlitz organized by the Paleontological Research Institute to record 2,946 observations across 1,211 species (including insects and native plants).

The event spanned the Eastern Finger Lakes region and provided a snapshot of local biodiversity (data that will guide future environmental studies).

The Danby Town Board approved a conservation easement with landowner Andi Gladstone to protect roughly 20 acres on Comfort Road from development and to keep its rural charm + the Ulysses Town Board will later vote on a 15-acre land donation that must be used for recreation.

The Tompkins County Board of Elections announced the winners of its 2025 voting sticker contests as nearly 1,300 votes picked Sevy Stiglitz’s 'Future Voter' design featuring a dog with a hat and the flag and Olivia Casselberry’s 'I Voted' design showing a dog in the grass.

The 'I Voted' stickers will go to general election voters in November while 'Future Voter' stickers will be given to young people at the polls — both winners will receive copies of their designs and a proclamation from the Legislature later this year.

The NSF and Intel invested $20 million over five years to launch a Cornell-led AI Materials Institute on July 29.

Directed by Eun-Ah Kim, the institute will use AI to speed up the creation of new materials for clean energy and better electronics—supporting research and education efforts.

14850 Dining is reviewing happy hour deals at bars and restaurants around Ithaca to show early birds the best food and drink specials.

Bookies Sports Bar offers weekday deals from 4-7 p.m.—while others like Ithaca Ale House and BoatYard Grill have their own discounts on cocktails, beers, and snacks.

Ithaca Metal Fest

7-11:30 p.m. — Stone Bend Farm — $16.88 — Rock out with a night of metal featuring local bands and noise sets.

Jazz Mondays with Dave Davies RhythmMakers

5:30-8:30 p.m. — South Hill Cider — $5 suggested donation — Enjoy live jazz and cider from talented local musicians every Monday evening.

Mosaic Foundation Performance at South Hill Cider

5:30-8:30 p.m. — South Hill Cider — $10 cover at the door — Experience internationally influenced reggae with diverse sounds and uplifting messages.

The Evergreen Social Vintage Market

12-4 p.m. — South Hill Cider — Check for any entry fee — Explore a vibrant market filled with vintage clothing, delicious cider, live music, and unique finds.

Mondays with MAQ at South Hill Cider

5:30-8:30 p.m. — South Hill Cider — $5 suggested donation — Enjoy live jazz with the talented MAQ ensemble while sipping heirloom cider.

Richie Stearns and Friends Concert

5:30-8:30 p.m. — South Hill Cider — $5-$10 suggested donation — Enjoy eclectic banjo music and local vibes in a beautiful cider setting.

Rose Ellen / Sam Lupowitz / Mandy Goldman

7 p.m. — The Downstairs — $5 — Enjoy a night of local music talent at a cozy Ithaca venue.

Sit! Stay! Read!

3-4 p.m. — Tompkins County Public Library — Free event — Experience a delightful literary gathering featuring reading activities with a community focus.