Good morning, Ithaca.

United Airlines will add a third daily flight between Ithaca Tompkins International Airport and Washington Dulles starting in October—funded by a SCASD grant to improve regional air service.

This new option will give business and leisure travelers morning, afternoon and evening choices.

Today through Aug. 20, stargazers in Ithaca have the chance to see a planetary parade where six planets, including Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, and Uranus, will be visible before sunset — viewers may need binoculars or a telescope for a clearer view.

Astronomers noted that the crescent moon on Aug. 19 and 20 will help guide the sighting and that this is the last alignment of its kind this year.

New student move-ins at Cornell beginning Monday and Tuesday and at Ithaca College on Wednesday will increase traffic and parking challenges during the week of August 18—Cornell will close north campus parking lots on Aug.

17 and restrict West Ave while south hill roads see delays as families arrive. Both schools will start classes on Monday, Aug. 25.

Tompkins Cortland Community College and Cornell University signed a transfer agreement that gives students in the Sustainable Farming and Food Systems program a direct pathway to an Ivy League Agricultural Sciences degree—students must earn a minimum 3.0 GPA and complete two semesters plus a summer at the TC3 Farm to qualify.

106 first-year students in the Class of 2029 at Weill Cornell Medicine celebrated their White Coat Ceremony on Aug.

12, marking the start of their medical training—some students, like Jennifer Weiss who volunteered with Bangs Ambulance in Ithaca, carry strong local ties.

Associate Professor Lisa Kaltenegger was awarded the Carl Sagan Medal for excellent public communication in planetary science; the prize will be presented in September in Helsinki to honor her work as founding director of Cornell’s Carl Sagan Institute + her research with NASA and the European Space Agency.

Ithaca Mayor Robert Cantelmo announced the creation of a Charter Commission today — a group tasked with modernizing city government and strengthening democratic accountability.

The commission will begin working in the fall with residents, civic leaders, legal experts and policy practitioners and deliver its recommendations on charter changes and election reforms to council next year.

Cornell’s Center for Life Science Ventures has been nominated for a Prix Galien USA Award in the Best Incubators, Accelerators and Equity category—an honor that highlights its work in turning science into health solutions.

The Galien Foundation will announce winners on Oct. 30 at the American Museum of Natural History and the center now awaits confirmation.

TC3 Foundation has listed three former dorm buildings for sale as demand for student housing fell on the Dryden campus while it retains four halls that serve about 420 students (the buildings were built in 2008) and CBRE Upstate NY is reviewing applications from prospective buyers.

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.

Kajuneji Live at South Hill Cider

6 PM – 12 AM — South Hill Cider — Free entry — Experience the vibrant sounds of Kajuneji with a unique blend of world music and funk every Thursday night.

AIDS Ride for Life

6 AM — Cass Park — Registration Required — Celebrate community spirit while cycling through beautiful routes to support a great cause.

Jazz Mondays with Dave Davies RhythmMakers

5:30-8:30 p.m. — South Hill Cider — $5 suggested donation — Enjoy live jazz with local musicians while sipping on delicious ciders.

Selling Local Foods to St. Lawrence Health

9 a.m.-6 p.m. — Cornell University — Cost info not specified — Connect local farmers and food producers with healthcare providers interested in local produce.

2025 Tompkins County Airport Day & Preparedness Expo

All day — Ithaca Tompkins International Airport — Free entry — Celebrate aviation and community preparedness with fun activities and exhibits.