Thursday, September 18th, 2025
Good morning, Ithaca. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of September.
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Scott Emr, a professor emeritus at the College of Arts and Sciences, won the World Laureate Association Prize—one of the highest-funded scientific awards—sharing the honor with Wesley Sundquist for their discovery of the ESCRT pathway that explains cell protein transport and virus infection processes. This breakthrough research may help lead to future treatments for diseases such as cancer and Parkinson’s. Cornell Chronicle
- ➤ The Tompkins County Public Library is hosting a series called “The Constitution: Rights to Know” that will offer four monthly discussions on the Bill of Rights, voting, citizenship and immigration with the first session scheduled for today — immigration law expert Stephen Yale-Loehr will guide the talk and answer public questions about constitutional rights. WSKG
- ➤ Teachers in the Ithaca City School District are rallying today at 4:00 p.m. at the Ithaca High School Welcome Center to push for a fair contract after a close 5—4 board vote extended executive contracts until 2029, leaving them to work under an expired agreement with frozen salaries. 14850
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A study published on Sept. 17 in the Journal of Applied Ecology found that songbirds migrate offshore in fewer, concentrated nights—especially in the fall—than over land. The research may help wind energy managers pause turbines during peak migration times to reduce bird collisions. Cornell Chronicle
- ➤ The city introduced its updated Climate Action Plan on Wednesday before Common Council—this plan offers new recommendations for housing, labor, public health, equity, power reliability and emergency preparedness based on public surveys and feedback. Officials said they will release an official draft in October or November and seek council approval before Dec 31 to secure a $100,000 grant. The Ithaca Voice
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On September 3, Acting U.S. Attorney John Sarcone III met with Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff, vice president and general counsel Donica Thomas Varner, and associate vice president of public safety David Honan to affirm support for the university’s duty to keep its campus free from harassment and discrimination. Cornell officials also confirmed their commitment to free expression and campus safety—while related talks to restore federal funding stalled following a federal judge’s decision. 607 News Now
- ➤ Legislators voted 10-1 last night to move Tompkins County’s Code Blue shelter from Commercial Avenue to Cherry Street because the current site is not ready for winter—this means the shelter will operate from a new location until the issue is fixed. Ithaca Mayor Robert Cantelmo said the change forces the city to rethink its spending and plans—county and city must work together on upcoming decisions. 607 News Now
- ➤ Tompkins County Legislator Mike Sigler (55) earned an IBEW Local 241 endorsement for re-election in District 8 today (supporting his record of protecting local jobs and labor initiatives). He has also received endorsements from local public safety groups as early voting begins on Oct. 25 for the Nov. 4 election. Tompkins Weekly
- ➤ Trumansburg officials are replacing a broken water valve at the intersection of Camp and Elm Streets — nearby residents may see reduced water pressure while Camp Street is closed to all traffic and drivers are urged to use alternate routes. 607 News Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ After a quiet summer, COVID is rising again in our region as state hospitalizations climb from 30 to 34 and Tompkins County rates increased from 21 to 27 per 100,000 (local data show similar trends in neighboring counties). Health officials plan to complete wastewater testing upgrades this summer and urge all residents to exercise caution. 14850
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ On September 17th, host Johnny Lisi interviewed Athletic Director Aaron Bouyea to discuss the future of Ithaca College athletics. He detailed planned changes that will influence sports programs on campus—listeners can expect more information in upcoming episodes. The Ithacan
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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.
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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.
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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 and uplifting vibes while sipping on local cider.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Behavioral Economics Workshop with Canishk Naik
11:40 AM - 12:55 PM — Sage Hall - Johnson Graduate School of Management — Check official website for fees — Explore the intersection of psychology and economics with expert insights.
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
Have strong opinions, weakly held.
~ Marc Andreessen
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