Good morning, Ithaca.

Cornell United Way launched its 104th campaign on Sept 25 and raised $115,300 as of Oct 1—supporting nearly 60 local agencies that offer job training, housing aid and legal help.

Ronnise Way, who manages the Opportunity Boutique on N. Tioga St., said the support helped her start a new life after fleeing domestic abuse.

Veteran-owned Kirkey's Cutting and Game Processing in Groton grew from a small tarp shed to a new facility while processing deer, bears, and buffalo for loyal hunters.

The family business now works long hours with help from young relatives — proving its commitment to local service.

Ithaca startup Seen Nutrition is a finalist in the Grow-NY contest and will compete at the Grow-NY Summit in Canandaigua on Nov.

12 and 13 for a $1 million prize—its new calcium chew positions the company to expand its product line and hire additional staff after moving into Langmuir Labs. The firm focuses on addressing calcium supplement gaps with a product designed for everyday use.

Ithaca College students in comedy clubs work together to write sketches, practice improv, and perform stand-up to build community on and off campus.

Local events like the Finger Lakes Comedy Festival—with headliner Nikki MacCallum on Sept. 27—highlight the vibrant comedy scene that connects residents through shared creativity.

The Ulysses Historical Society is marking its 50th anniversary by promoting 50 donated artifacts that show Trumansburg’s rich history—volunteers share stories about each item throughout the year and highlight plans for future events.

The Center for Teaching Innovation released two series of case studies that show Cornell faculty using new assessment methods from the Creative Teaching Awards plus the Provost’s Working Group on Innovation in Assessment.

The studies give practical blueprints for reducing student stress and improving learning across courses.

High school students in Tompkins County now advise local government on climate and environmental policies.

Ace Dufresne and Hannah Emmelhainz share fresh views at meetings as councils work on proposals such as a moratorium on spreading biosolids on farms.

MyCoast New York app now lets residents share flood photos and ground truth data as sea levels rise and storms intensify, helping forecasters and emergency managers plan timely responses.

In Ithaca, local officials and community groups are learning how the tool improves flood warnings and guides mitigation plans.

The City Manager delivered the proposed 2026 budget on October 3, which features a 3.5% property tax levy increase—below the 4.2% cap—and outlines new revenue measures, staffing adjustments, and cost-saving steps.

Common Council will hold public hearings today and in the coming weeks, with a final budget vote scheduled for November 5.

NYSEG is asking state regulators for a 39.4% hike in natural gas fees and a 35% hike in electricity fees—public comments remain open until October 24 and if approved the hikes will go into effect on May 1.

State lawmakers sent a joint letter to Gov. Hochul to block the increases and investigate NYSEG’s finances and Smart Meters—meetings were held in Binghamton on October 6 and in Ithaca on October 7.

The Newfield town board will present its 2026 preliminary budget on Oct.

9 at the Masonic Temple while officials say rising costs like an 18% jump in healthcare have not forced taxes above the state cap — renovations to town hall are ongoing with federal funds and short-term financing set aside to support the work. The United Methodist Church women’s group will host its annual Fall Festival on Oct. 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to raise funds for local nonprofits.

Candidates for the Tompkins County Legislature met at the Public Library on Sept.

29 to discuss proposals on affordable housing, living wages, and economic growth+ they focused on raising revenue without higher property taxes and on boosting job training programs ahead of the Nov. 4 election.

Cornell’s Schoellkopf Field—home to football, lacrosse, and sprint football—will add handrails to help fans use the stairs, as announced by Athletics Director Dr. Nicki Moore at the Tompkins County Football Luncheon on Sept.

25. Construction will begin this coming spring.

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.

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.

Dizgo Live Performance

8-11 p.m. — Deep Dive — $14 ADV / $20 DOS — Experience Dizgo’s cosmic sound with a blend of jamtronica, funk, and psychedelic rock.

August Moon Spa's 20th Anniversary

Join us for an evening of community, connection, and celebration at August Moon Spa and La Tourelle. Enjoy live music, light fare and drinks.

Community Line Dance Lesson

7-9 p.m. — Foundation of Light — Free entry — Get ready to groove with a fun line dancing lesson for all ages in Ithaca.