Good morning, Ithaca.

Ithaca College has launched its first Latin Ensemble—led by juniors Miguel Lopez, Martina Brinkley Flores and Victor Chicas Caceros—that meets on Wednesdays from 7—8 p.m. and Saturdays from 6—7 p.m. in Instrumental Rehearsal Room 4306 to explore Latin music styles such as salsa, bachata and cumbia in an inclusive space.

Cherry Arts has launched its fall season with events for Ithaca, including Joe Crookston’s concert today at 7:30 PM at Cherry Artspace—he will perform with special guest Rev Ezra while a gift matching campaign runs until September 15 and family-focused shows are scheduled for later in the month.

Two Ithaca-area residents, Jennifer Kidder and Heidi Lovette, won the History Center’s three-day treasure hunt and received $10,000 in jewels when they claimed the prize early Tuesday morning — their win was part of an event that had over 1,000 participants and raised more than $25,000 for local history preservation. The center will award a commemorative coin to all who finish the hunt by the end of this month and plans to make the event annual with some changes to its structure.

Enrollment at Ithaca College's School of Humanities and Sciences dropped from 1,620 to 1,111 between the 2022-23 and 2024-25 academic years—this decline reflects a national trend of fewer humanities degrees and changes in program pathways.

Cornell NanoScale Science and Technology Facility faces a funding gap after its five-year $7.5 million NSF-supported grant ended in September and officials have not yet received plans for future support.

Without renewed funds the facility will have to raise user fees or cut services—putting research and local startup growth at risk.

Ithaca College changed its meal exchange program for Fall 2025, causing confusion among students and staff as some cafes switch to retail-only menus and Towers Eatery will soon replace its late-night exchange with a new service at Towers Concourse Market—moves aimed at reducing crowding. The changes have left many users unsure about what food options are now available on campus.

Tompkins County and nearby counties are under drought watch from Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Department of Environmental Conservation due to low rainfall and low groundwater.

Local officials stress that residents, especially well owners, should conserve water (by fixing leaks and taking shorter showers) as dry conditions persist.

Ithaca Mayor Robert Cantelmo, state Sen. Lea Webb and local officials met on Sept.

4 at Bernie Milton Pavilion to oppose proposed EPA funding cuts that they say will harm public health and cleanup work. Officials warned the cuts will lead to more toxic spills and flood risks in the Southern Tier—urging Congress to act fast—if the reductions go through.

TeraWulf Inc. signed an 80-year lease to change the closed Cayuga Power Plant into a data center with a nearby solar farm and battery system—plans that will support new tech and need approval from town and state officials.

Local leaders and environmental groups fear the project may use too much power and affect the local environment.

Local advocates are urging state lawmakers to raise the $50 Personal Needs Allowance for Medicaid nursing home residents — a figure set since 1988 and low by today’s needs.

They are circulating a petition to add annual inflation adjustments in the upcoming budget cycle.

Holt Architects and Fischer Associates presented early design drafts for the Center of Government building in Tompkins County which show exterior features and floor layouts and signal planning steps that will continue as the project moves forward.

Tompkins County administrator presented a recommended 2026 budget totaling $240M and a 4.5% tax levy increase that will raise property taxes by $37 on a median-priced home.

The budget—after cuts, capital projects, and preserved key programs—is under review, with a public forum set for September 30 and final approval expected on November 4.

Cornell researchers found that oxybutynin—a drug usually used for bladder problems—helps muscle cells use sugar for fuel in lab tests, which may lead to new treatments for childhood mitochondrial diseases.

Testing at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is ongoing as researchers prepare for clinical trials.

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.

Jazz Mondays with Dave Davies RhythmMakers

5:30-8:30 p.m. — South Hill Cider — $5 suggested donation — Enjoy live jazz and uplifting vibes while sipping on local cider.

Celtic Thunder: An Evening of Music

7:30-9 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Ticket information not specified — Experience the greatest songs of Celtic Thunder with a heartfelt reunion.

Apple Harvest Festival

Sep 26-28 — Downtown Ithaca Alliance Office — Free entry — Celebrate the fall with locally grown apples, crafts, food, and entertainment at this beloved community festival.

The Front Bottoms Live

7-10 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Ticketed event — Celebrate a decade of music with The Front Bottoms alongside Sincere Engineer.

Dart Brothers Live Concert

7-11 p.m. — Bike Bar — No cover charge — Experience the unique fusion of original rock and alt-country by Ithaca's own Dart Brothers.

Dancing on The Patio

8-10 p.m. — South Hill Cider — $5 - $10 donation suggested — Dance on the patio to DJ Evermix while enjoying cider and food.

Sammy - Strides for a Cure

11 AM – 3 PM — Stewart Park — Registration closed — Run, walk, and gather to raise awareness for a cure to Alzheimer's Disease regardless of the weather.