Good morning, Ithaca.

The 43rd annual Apple Harvest Festival began on Friday in Ithaca Commons — with apple treats, pies, and crafts lining Cayuga and Geneva Streets — and will run through today and Sunday.

Local farms and vendors provide fresh cider, an apple pie contest, and live music to celebrate fall in Ithaca.

The South Asian Student Association reestablished in Spring is returning to campus to offer a safe space and teach students about South Asian culture at Ithaca College.

Senior Ashan Anthonisz Chandrasena, with co-leaders Leena Asim and Pranat Shah, is planning events like Diwali celebrations, Holi festivals and outdoor trips — efforts designed to help students adjust and share their heritage.

CSI volunteers collected larval bug samples along Six Mile Creek at 600 Road in Slaterville this August to check water quality and record creek features.

Their work will help local officials decide if the creek’s water can serve as a future drinking source—an effort that builds on years of community science.

Researchers at ILR School’s Climate Jobs Institute said on Sept.

25 that New York can still meet its climate goals while making jobs fairer and wages fair. The report recommends actions like boosting solar power and battery storage—steps needed to keep progress on track despite delays in offshore wind projects.

A major local labor union—the Building & Construction Trades Council—endorsed Legislator Mike Sigler for re-election in District 8 covering most of Lansing.

Sigler, who has served Tompkins County for 15 years, will run in the election on Nov. 4 as early voting begins Oct. 25.

Lansing town officials considered a year-long construction moratorium while rewriting zoning codes and delayed their vote to October 15.

Some residents oppose the proposal over environmental risks from the planned Terawulf AI data center on Cayuga Lake—while business groups support it for its job potential.

John Dennis dropped out of the Tompkins County Legislature race because his wife is ill and he endorsed Deborah Dawson for her strong service in District 10.

He asked voters to support Dawson on or before November 4 as the county faces budget issues—raising hopes for better leadership.

The Tompkins County Legislature will hold a public forum on the 2026 budget on September 30 at 5:30 p.m. at 121 East Court Street in Ithaca—community members may attend in person or remotely to share up to three minutes of comment.

Centralus Health now offers non-invasive individualized prostate cancer treatment using robotic surgery and high-definition imaging at Arnot and Cayuga facilities—health experts advise men over 45 to get screened for early detection.

A study led by psychology professor Anthony Ong found that strong social ties from family, friends, and community make people age more slowly by lowering signs of inflammation—measured by epigenetic clocks GrimAge and DunedinPACE.

This research shows that the support built over time can help keep the body younger.

Tompkins County Whole Health is asking for help finding a Swiss Mountain Dog that bit a hiker on September 20 along the Edwards Lake Cliffs Preserve Loop on Teeter Road in Lansing; officials plan to monitor the dog for 10 days to rule out rabies and avoid unnecessary treatment (call 6072746688 for tips).

Triphammer Marketplace, a long-serving retail spot in Tompkins County, was sold on Sept.

19 for $11.98 million from the Thaler family to local owners Spencer and Kristen Kopko. The couple plans modest upgrades and community events—focusing on preserving the center's 60-year legacy and supporting local businesses.

Cornell Field Hockey opened the new Marsha Dodson Field with a 2-0 win over Yale last Friday, marking its first 5-0 start since 2009.

The team will play Vermont tomorrow at noon at the new facility.

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.

Kathleen Edwards Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — Hangar Theatre — Tickets required — Experience the soulful sounds of Kathleen Edwards as she performs tracks from her latest album Total Freedom.

Modest Mouse Concert

7-9 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Ticket prices vary — Catch Modest Mouse as they deliver their signature sound live after a successful tour with Pixies and Cat Power.