Good morning, Ithaca.

The Freedom Party is a block-party style festival set for Saturday, Sept.

19 from 1–4 p.m. at Greater Ithaca Activities Center downtown, highlighting community connection, storytelling, live music + free books, activities for all ages, and free food by Mama Sharon’s Kitchen.

Trumansburg Fair opened yesterday at the fairgrounds, celebrating its 175th year by featuring rides, a demolition derby, a petting zoo, and food vendors.

The fair runs daily until Sunday, Aug. 30.

The New York at Work report, published Aug.

25, showed nominal household income increased 68% over 20 years while rising cost-of-living limited purchasing power to 14.3%, flagging concerns among residents. Researchers used two decades of Empire State Poll data to reveal statewide trends—highlighting challenges for working New Yorkers.

IC students are taking advantage of warm weather to explore local hiking trails, lakes, and parks.

Visit Ithaca (the official tourism agency) encourages new students to check out scenic spots like Stewart Park and Taughannock Falls before colder weather returns.

Ithaca College's Computer Science Department now offers a new artificial intelligence major starting in Fall 2026 that encourages students to explore how to build AI and understand its social impact (a blend of tech and humanities).

Calle Schueler became Hillel at IC’s new executive director in July and will build campus community by hosting coffee chats on Wednesday and Thursday mornings, planning interfaith events, and organizing a welcome back ShaBBQ Shabbat dinner on Aug.

28.

ILR Dean Alexander Colvin will deliver the inaugural McKersie Labor Day Lecture at 1:30 p.m. in 105 Ives Hall on Friday, Sep.

4. The lecture will include reflections on Bob McKersie's legacy and conclude with a reception.

Wyatt Tamamoto, a Cornell Class of 2029 contributor, shares literary quotes to help students shift from summer to the academic grind, drawing on works from Orson Scott Card, Fredrik Backman, and Cornelia Funke (his Arts and Culture column offers reminders that faith and creative thinking can ease student challenges).

Seven Cornell research teams have received CAT grants to partner with biotech companies on early-stage life science projects.

The projects, totaling over $1.2 million, began July 1 and tackle challenges from spinal disc repair to frost protection & antibiotic reduction.

Cornell’s Bowers Undergraduate Research Experience gives 60 undergraduates a 10-week paid chance to work with faculty + graduate students on real-world projects in Ithaca this summer.

The program also offers weekly seminars to help students explore research careers.

Cornell researchers found that enhanced weathering, the practice of spreading crushed basalt on farmland for CO2 removal, is less effective than many estimates.

The study showed that limited water flow and chemical reactions in soils reduce basalt's carbon capture capacity.

Steamy Dumpling opened this summer on Restaurant Row at 107 North Aurora Street and offers hand-folded dumplings, noodle dishes, and hot and cold appetizers with Shanghai flavors + various options for food lovers.