Good morning, Ithaca.

Olin Library will host a reopening celebration on Aug.

27 from noon to 2 p.m. where university librarian Elaine L. Westbrooks will give a welcome speech at 12:15 p.m. — visitors can tour the new Anthropology Collaboratory and Library Map Collection and see the repurposed call board displaying raffle numbers as part of the completed renovations.

Cornell research found that after George Floyd's murder VCs increased funding for Black-owned startups by 43%—but the surge quickly faded, suggesting that the boost may have been tokenism rather than a long-term commitment.

Ahmed Abed, 44, pleaded guilty to the killing of his wife on November 11 while their four children were present and was sentenced to life in prison by Tompkins County Court Judge Scott A.

Miller on August 19—marking the maximum sentence allowed under New York law.

The Ithaca is Books festival will take place Sept.

11—14 with author talks, a book fair on Commons, and children’s events happening around the city. Festival founder Lisa Swayze said the event will highlight independent bookstores and community programming.

Students began moving in for Cornell on August 18 alongside early Ithaca College arrivals, with some students continuing to move in until August 23, which will double traffic.

Local streets such as Route 13, East Green Street, and South Meadow Street are expected to be very congested so residents may consider walking or biking during rush hours.

The Purpose Science and Innovation Exchange at the College of Human Ecology has received a $3 million grant from the John Templeton Foundation to launch the National Youth Purpose Survey—an effort that will study how 2,000 youth ages 15–25 find purpose; the survey will launch in early 2026 and its results will help guide future research and policies.

In fiscal year 2025, Cornell received $878 million from nearly 40,000 alumni and student donors, with $675 million dedicated to the Ithaca campus and over 5,700 first-time gifts setting a record.

Despite federal funding cuts that paused vital research, the university launched a Provost’s Research Resiliency Fund that collected $1.8 million to support 22 researchers—ensuring key projects continue.

Ithaca College will cut costs by eliminating the Vice President for Marketing Communications position later this month—an announcement made by President La Jerne Cornish on August 18.

The Marketing Communications team will report to Senior VP and CFO Tim Downs starting in September.

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.

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.

X Ambassadors Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — State Theatre of Ithaca — Tickets from $58 — Experience an electrifying evening with X Ambassadors at this iconic venue.