Daily
Ithaca
Wednesday, August 20th, 2025
Good morning, Ithaca. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 20th of August.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Ahmed Abed, 44, was sentenced Tuesday by Judge Scott Miller to 25 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder at an apartment on South Plain Street in Ithaca—four children present during the attack asked for the maximum sentence. The Ithaca Voice
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Cornell launched the PRO-LIVESTOCK program this summer to support local livestock farmers by sharing science-based advice and hosting live demonstrations at farms in New York—experts like Adam Murray and Jessica Waltemyer are guiding producers on cattle, goat, and sheep operations. The program, funded by New York state, aims to boost profitability and strengthen Cornell’s teaching and research in agriculture. Cornell Chronicle
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Tompkins County schools are preparing for the new school year with a ban on smartphones and updated attendance rules while launching major capital projects to improve classrooms and sports facilities—New Roots Charter School is set to add middle school classes with enrollment growing quickly. Parents and staff are working together to adjust to these changes before classes begin on Sept. 4. Tompkins Weekly
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Cornell Atkinson gave grants to six projects led by Cornell and The Nature Conservancy—groups that study ways to protect nature and fight climate change in areas from New York City to the Balkans. The funding will support work on urban trees, dam upgrades, solar sites on former mines and water protection to guide future policy. Cornell Chronicle
- ➤ Cornell University researchers developed an affordable urban building energy model in Ithaca that mapped over 5,000 buildings’ energy use on a standard laptop— the tool simulates upgrades like weatherization, electric heat pumps and rooftop solar panels to guide investments for a carbon-neutral future; Ithaca and Tompkins County are already using the model to prioritize retrofits for achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. Ithaca.com
- ➤ Cornell Lab of Ornithology and its eBird program reached 2 billion bird sightings and 3 million sound recordings, with the 2 billionth sighting recorded by Alfonso Auerbach in Honduras on June 2—data now used by scientists and birders worldwide to help protect birds. The milestone shows the growing impact of global community efforts in bird conservation. Cornell Chronicle
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Tompkins County legislators approved moving some offices to Lansing after buying the Dutch Mill Road building for $1.2 million—this move will serve as temporary space until the new Center of Government is built by the end of 2028. A later vote will decide which departments move while the Board of Elections will remain in Ithaca. Tompkins Weekly
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ COVID-19 cases are rising across the United States due to a new variant called Stratus that was first seen in Southeast Asia—health officials note the variant causes similar symptoms with some patients reporting hoarseness. In New York, tests show a 5.4% positivity rate compared to over 11% in other regions, and vaccines continue to protect well against severe illness. Ithaca Journal
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Ithaca High School named Kari Burke as athletic director and Shane Taylor as assistant athletic director. Burke, who led health services and wellness, and Taylor, a longtime coach and alum, assume their roles as the fall sports season begins — replacing Samantha Little, who is now an elementary school principal. Tompkins Weekly
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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.
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Rose Ellen / Sam Lupowitz / Mandy Goldman
7 p.m. — The Downstairs — $5 — Enjoy a night of local music talent at a cozy Ithaca venue.
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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.
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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.
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AIDS Ride for Life
6 AM — Cass Park — Registration Required — Celebrate community spirit while cycling through beautiful routes to support a great cause.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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X Ambassadors Concert
8:00-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Ticket prices vary — Experience the electrifying sounds of X Ambassadors on their North American tour.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
What you resist, persists.
~ Carl Jung
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