Good morning, Ithaca.

Cornell University freshman Joselyn Guadalupe Garcia died on Sept 19 after being found unresponsive in her dorm early in the morning when first responders began CPR at 6 a.m.—officials are investigating her suspected underage drinking as a growing memorial outside her room honors her memory.

Musicians of varied styles performed on small stages in Fall Creek on Sunday for the annual Porchfest celebration, drawing thousands who danced and enjoyed the music.

Local artists showcased chalk art and culinary creations — adding a creative flair to the festive day.

Cornell Department of Music ensembles will host Homecoming concerts from Oct.

2 to Oct. 5 with events held across campus. The schedule features the Cornell Glee Club and Chorus performing on Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. in Bailey Hall, a historical keyboard recital by Matthew Bengtson and John Haines-Eitzen on Oct. 2 at Barnes Hall, a second keyboard series on Oct. 3 at Robinson Lecture Hall, and a Cornell Symphony and Chamber Orchestra performance on Oct. 5—offering a week of diverse music.

Ithaca City School District received a $617,770 federal grant to review school meals — the project supports FDA lab tests for contaminants before and after reducing ultra-processed foods — and it will run for two years.

A shared kitchen in Ganedago Hall at Cornell reopened after it was closed for three days following an incident on September 6 when two student hunters skinned and processed a bear; police found the animal was legally taken—no charges were filed.

A section of College Ave near 325 College Ave will be closed intermittently on Wednesday September 24 from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m.—the east sidewalk will also be closed, and drivers should expect minor delays.

Following last week's vote by the Tompkins County Legislature to open the Code Blue shelter on Cherry St., Mayor Robert Cantelmo said the city has no backup plan and is scrambling to explore alternate options—officials are pivoting to secure shelter continuity.

Cornell University Police Department will host a free Car Seat Safety Check event on Wednesday morning, Sept 24 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Thursday afternoon, Sept 25 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Barton Hall headquarters on 117 Statler Drive—certified technicians will help families check that child car seats are properly connected and sized for their children.

On September 17, Women Swimmin’ for Hospicare hosted a luncheon to thank community and corporate supporters—after its August 9 event at the Ithaca Yacht Club where 372 swimmers and 140 volunteers raised $679,622 from 7,320 donations.

The organization will host next year’s event on August 8 with registration opening in May.

Cornell researchers and New York State Parks have partnered for 25 years to improve public golf courses with sustainable practices.

This week—at the Ryder Cup on the Black Course at Bethpage State Park—experts will team with superintendents to maintain quality play and protect the environment.

Cornell lost its season opener to Albany 13-10 on Saturday—while Ithaca College won 65-3 against Hilbert and SUNY Cortland defeated Hartwick 59-9.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Calya Lea

7 p.m. — The Downstairs — $10/pwyc — Experience a cozy evening with live music in a vibrant venue.

Jazz Mondays with Dave Davies RhythmMakers

5:30-8:30 p.m. — South Hill Cider — $5 suggested donation — Experience live jazz with local favorites while enjoying cider and food.