Good morning, Ithaca.

Women of Cacao Summit concluded from Sept.

17-20 at 92 Hillview Road in Danby, uniting over 10,000 local + global participants to explore chocolate’s health benefits, history and local artisan culture.

The Apple Harvest Festival returns downtown Ithaca from Friday, Sept.

25 through Sunday, Sept. 27 with apple-themed activities, live music and a student showcase — the event also offers vendors, a petting zoo and an annual pie-eating contest at Ithaca Commons.

Ithaca’s 18th annual Porch Fest took over Fall Creek and Northside neighborhoods on Sunday — over 170 performers filled porches, lawns, and parks with local music in a free, community-led event built on local vision.

Assistant professor Michael Lewis died peacefully Sept.

19, Ithaca College said. A gathering to honor his life will take place at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 24 at Muller Chapel (with counseling available for those needing support).

TEEN DAY Ithaca’s On-Purpose Teen Initiative received a $10,000 grant from Lead4Change to grow youth passion projects like building a playhouse and designing a prom dress.

The program will expand later to offer longer cycles and higher microgrants to local teens.

Ithaca public schools face a standstill over a cell phone ban (mandated under Governor Hochul) as frequent rule violations raise discipline cases and leave the board divided on updating policy several weeks into the school year.

Congressman Josh Riley’s Combating Illicit Xylazine Act passed in the House last week in Washington, aiming to crack down on xylazine’s dangerous use in fentanyl mixes + the bill now moves to the Senate, where lawmakers will decide on DEA tracking and maintaining veterinary access.

The city began repairing the 200 block S Cayuga St (West side) on Monday, Sept.

21 to improve pedestrian infrastructure. It will complete the sidewalk work by Thursday, Sept. 24.

Ithaca Fire Department promoted Rob Shepherd to Deputy Chief on Sept.

20 after he served as Fire Marshal; Fire Chief Mike Moody said his new role will boost fire prevention and emergency management in Ithaca.

Cornell researchers developed a portable diagnostic test to detect Ebola and Lassa from a small blood sample.

The test uses a camera and software to deliver results in under five seconds to help health workers act faster in areas with limited lab resources.

INHS celebrates 50 years by continuing to offer affordable housing and homebuyer education as it submits grant proposals for a 56-unit senior housing and a 50-unit Polaris apartment project, while serving thousands with tenant support and property management across the region — a tribute to its evolution since 1976.

Ithaca College men’s soccer team beat SUNY Oswego 5-2 on Sept.

20 at Carp Wood Field by rallying with a strong second half to improve their record to 7-0-1 + they will host SUNY Cortland at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23 at Butterfield Stadium.

On Sept. 19, the Bombers set a program record with 769 yards total offense and a 76 to 6 win over Hilbert College at Butterfield Stadium.

Eighty-four players saw action and sophomore quarterback Gavin Bickford made his debut as the team prepares to host St. Lawrence University on Sept. 26.