Thursday, October 2nd, 2025
Good morning, Ithaca. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 2nd of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Littletree Orchards helped bring the Ithaca Apple Harvest Festival to life and is preparing for the event—local farms see the festival as key to their future. The Ithacan
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Carpenter Efrain Sub Tzi died in a workplace accident at the Aurora Apartments job site managed by DiMarco Constructors on July 21—his death spurred an OSHA inspection—and local building trade unions demonstrated to demand safer hiring practices and better working conditions. Ithaca.com
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Rob Montana was appointed as the new vice president of the Tompkins Chamber on September 30 and brings 25 years of community experience to the role. He will start on October 27 and will oversee the Employer Resource Network and manage the Live and Work in Ithaca initiative — he was chosen from 100 applicants. 607 News Now
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations in Ithaca is celebrating its 80th anniversary this fall after opening in November 1945. Its founding helped ease labor-management conflicts in New York and shaped union, business, government, and non-profit work—lessons that still guide its education today. Cornell Chronicle
- ➤ The Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology will host its 8th Biennial Symposium at Cornell University in Ithaca from Oct. 13–14 where leading scientists will present their latest work in cell and molecular biology—students and postdocs will have the chance to learn from global experts. Cornell Chronicle
- ➤ The Action Research Collaborative at Cornell is partnering with a New York state agency to strengthen early childhood care and education across the state with a focus on the childcare workforce. They will review projects funded by a $1.7 million grant — including scholarships, apprenticeship programs and tele-mental health benefits — to guide future improvements. Cornell Chronicle
- ➤ At Cornell, faculty are using generative AI—such as for creating patient case studies and study guides—while also returning to pen-and-paper tests and one-on-one interviews to protect real learning today. They say the new methods offer promise and challenges as they work to balance technology with academic integrity. Cornell Chronicle
- ➤ Provost Kavita Bala has set up a faculty-led committee to study how Cornell will shape its future by asking for ideas from teachers, staff, students, and alumni + experts; the group will meet over the fall and continue into spring to focus on undergraduate, graduate, research, and community issues. Cornell Chronicle
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A forum for Tompkins County Legislature candidates in Ithaca focused on affordability challenges—candidates discussed raising the minimum wage, freezing property assessments until 2028, and boosting local tax revenue while urging Cornell to share its tax burden. Seventeen candidates from 15 races participated as they prepared for the Nov. 4 election. The Ithaca Voice
- ➤ Tompkins County has launched its Amplify grant to offer up to $5,500 for projects by local nonprofits, small businesses, or grassroots initiatives that address inequities in areas like racial and food justice. Applicants must submit their proposals by October 15—proposals will be reviewed for significant community impact. Tompkins Weekly
- ➤ Tompkins County finalized a four-year agreement with the Correction Officers Association that takes effect on January 1, 2026 and runs through 2029. The contract—approved on September 16, 2025—will boost pay for new officers starting at more than $60,700 and for experienced officers to over $82,400 to improve recruitment and retention. 14850
- ➤ At the Tompkins County budget meeting on Sept. 25, officials reviewed spending for social services, Whole Health, the library, community college, and transit—making tough choices on staffing, contract costs, and upcoming federal requirements. Legislators and county leaders discussed using AI for eligibility checks and the need for extra transit funding to prevent service cuts. Tompkins Weekly
- ➤ The Ithaca Planning & Development Board ruled on Sept. 23 that the proposed Jewish center on Cornell's West Campus will have no major environmental harm—its preliminary approval may come later this month. The board will meet on Oct. 28 to review the project further. 607 News Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Today the Ithaca College men's soccer team is revamping its strategy under new coach Gabe Kuhn as senior goalkeeper Bryson Shaull has kept opponents to one goal in seven games and earned six clean sheets—helping the Bombers rise to a No. 19 national ranking. The team plans to chase a Liberty League title and a return to the NCAA tournament after a long absence. The Ithacan
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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.
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Calya Lea
7 p.m. — The Downstairs — $10/pwyc — Experience a cozy evening with live music in a vibrant venue.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Cornell Big Red Football vs Bucknell Bison
12-3 AM — Schoellkopf Field — Tickets available — Watch Cornell take on Bucknell in an exciting college football matchup.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.
~ James Clear
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