Daily
Ithaca
Saturday, September 20th, 2025
Good morning, Ithaca. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 20th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The redesigned IthacaTrails.org now offers detailed information on 75 trails in Tompkins County — the mobile-friendly website uses smart filtering and real-time updates to help locals plan outdoor adventures. Tompkins Weekly
- ➤ The Downtown Ithaca Alliance needs volunteers for Apple Fest, which will run from September 26th to 28th. CEO Nan Rohrer said volunteers may sign up online—choosing times that suit them best. 607 News Now
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Sacred Root Kava Lounge and Tea Bar rebranded to The Nocturnal Café—its change coming after a New York State Department of Health regulation banned kava sales on September 19. The Ithacan
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Barbara Adams has spent over 50 years writing for the Ithaca Times and teaching at Ithaca College while promoting local arts and theater. She helped found Ithaca City of Asylum—supporting writers and artists in our community. Ithaca.com
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Nine postdoctoral scholars got Cornell's Postdoc Achievement Awards during National Postdoc Appreciation Week from Sept. 15-19—recognizing their work in community engagement, leadership and mentoring—and they were chosen by faculty, staff and students from a strong pool of nominees. Cornell Chronicle
- ➤ Jesse Eisenberg spoke at Ithaca College’s Park Distinguished Visitor Series on September 15—drawing a large crowd in Ford Hall—and shared career advice on film and media; ticket issues forced some students to watch online. The Ithacan
- ➤ Students from Cornell, USFQ, and soon National University of Singapore are joining the Brooks Global Policy Exchange—a 15-week course that pairs in-person seminars with online teamwork to study policy challenges. The program uses a Collaborative Hybrid International Learning model—mixing classroom work with field visits—and will expand these cross-cultural ties in spring. Cornell Chronicle
- ➤ Dozens of Ithaca teachers and supporters marched from Ithaca High to district offices on Thursday—handing in a long petition that calls for better pay, health insurance, and leave policies as contract talks have been delayed. Union leaders said the teachers, whose contract expired last school year, expect negotiations to resume on Oct. 9. The Ithaca Voice
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Local guides list many scenic spots for seeing fall colors in Ithaca and Cortland. The guide highlights parks, quiet trails, and roads like the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway—each offering safe walks and beautiful views during October. 607 News Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Charles Heath III retired from the Ithaca Fire Department after a 35.5-year career and was honored for his leadership and mentorship—he joined in March 1990 following his father's footsteps. His retirement became official at 7 a.m. Friday—marking the end of a significant era in local service. 607 News Now
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Ithaca archers will start hunting whitetails on October 1 under a Harvest Moon — a bright full moon on October 6 that may help trigger deer mating behaviors. Experts say the rut will peak in early to mid-November as changing light affects the deer’s hormones. Ithaca Journal
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Today Cornell begins its football season at UAlbany at 7 p.m. with juniors Garrett Bass-Sulpizio and Devin Page in a quarterback competition + coach Dan Swanstrom said the make-it-take-it system will decide who starts. 607 News Now
- ➤ Ithaca College field hockey team beat the SUNY Brockport Golden Eagles 9-0 on Sept. 17 as substitutes scored six goals to help the team win the match — today they will play the SUNY New Paltz Hawks at Higgins stadium at 1 p.m. The Ithacan
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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.
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Notorious Stringbusters Concert
5:30-8:30 p.m. — South Hill Cider — Free entry — Experience the earth quakin', hip brakin' sounds of the Notorious Stringbusters in a vibrant community setting.
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Blues Traveler Concert
8:00 – 9:30 PM — State Theatre of Ithaca — Tickets from $75 — Enjoy a night with the iconic Blues Traveler, famous for their high-energy performances.
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
Everyone you admire started as a version of themselves that they didn't admire.
~ James Clear
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