Daily
Ithaca
Friday, October 31st, 2025
Good morning, Ithaca. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 31st of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Local Wegmans stores are hosting the 32nd annual Check Out Hunger Campaign to help fight food insecurity by letting shoppers donate up to $5 at checkout—every dollar provides three meals for local families through the Food Bank of the Southern Tier. Rising living costs have increased hunger risks, and the campaign will run through November 29 in Ithaca and nearby areas. 607 News Now
- ➤ Protagonist Books & Coffee (opened in September on West Main Street) has enjoyed steady business in Dryden, offering baked goods, drinks, and locally roasted coffee from Copper Horse Coffee. The store is open Wednesday through Sunday and has become a favorite spot for reading and studying. 607 News Now
- ➤ This Halloween, families in Ithaca and Cortland will enjoy local events such as the GIAC Halloween Spooktacular at 301 W. Court St. from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m., a trunk-or-treat with a hayride at Cortland Country Music Park from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., live music at Rose Hall from 6:00 p.m., and a dance party for adults at Liquid State Brewing from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.—all offering safe fun—while options suit different age groups. 607 News Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ IC, Do You Copy? launched as a limited-series podcast hosted by Tamar Wachi that recaps Stranger Things Season 1 and previews Season 5 with juniors Ava Suffredini and Julia Hargreaves from The Ithacan. They discussed key moments and predictions—boosting support for student journalism at Ithaca. The Ithacan
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Lorin D. Warnick will end his time as dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine on June 30 — Provost Kavita Bala has begun a search for his replacement — after serving since 2016. He led the college through COVID-19 challenges — raising funds and support — which helped run research and training programs. Cornell Chronicle
- ➤ Cornell Atkinson announced its 2025 Postdoctoral Fellows—early career scholars working with Cornell and partner mentors—to improve food security, protect seaweed farms, map New York wetlands, and develop clean energy and water solutions. They hold three-year appointments and will work with local, national and international partners to turn research into practical action. Cornell Chronicle
- ➤ Cornell faculty and graduate students will attend an event on Nov. 12 in Kaufman Auditorium to discuss how to set clear generative AI guidelines and promote academic integrity in coursework. The keynote and panel will offer practical tips for creating assignments and designing assessments that strengthen student accountability—addressing concerns that have grown since late 2022. Cornell Chronicle
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Hakes C&D Disposal, Inc. in Campbell has proposed to expand its landfill by adding 43.3 acres to its 78.9-acre disposal area and 21 acres to its 22-acre soil borrow area. The project is under public review with virtual hearings scheduled for November 13 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.—residents must register by November 12 to submit their feedback. WENY
- ➤ Harmful algal blooms have been seen on Cayuga Lake with 280 reports as of Oct. 30—up from 127 last year—according to the Community Science Institute. Samples show that dangerous toxin levels led to a 20-day closure of Taughannock Falls State Park’s swimming area. The Ithaca Voice
- ➤ A new RNA insecticide called Calantha was shown by Cornell AgriTech researchers to kill Colorado potato beetle larvae when used early in spring while sparing beneficial insects & New York allows only two annual treatments to prevent resistance. The study published Oct 22 indicates that the sprayable pesticide may be adapted to target other pests in the future. Cornell Chronicle
- ➤ Cornell received three grants from the Bezos Earth Fund to use AI in fighting climate change, with projects led by Cornell Engineering, the Lab of Ornithology, and the College of Arts and Sciences. The funding will support work on turning parked electric vehicles into energy storage and developing tools for real-time forest monitoring and wildlife genomics — steps aimed at addressing environmental challenges. Cornell Chronicle
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ SNAP benefits will be suspended on Nov 1—marking their first-ever stoppage due to the federal shutdown—and food pantries in the Southern Tier are bracing for increased demand from more residents in need. Local officials call for bipartisan action to reopen the government and secure emergency funds—to help families access food during the crisis. WSKG
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Ithaca College opened a new track on Oct. 25 dedicated to donors Michael and Tracy Egan + the Track and Field team can now host home meets and the facility is open for public use. The Ithacan
- ➤ Ithaca and Corning girls soccer teams shared the Section IV Class AAA title as Little Red won a penalty shootout 5 to 4 to advance to the state tournament. A wind advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. today to 5 a.m. Saturday with gusty winds possibly causing power outages. WENY
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Princeton vs. Cornell Football Match
1:00–11:59 p.m. — Schoellkopf Field — Tickets start at $62 — Experience an exciting college football showdown with the Princeton Tigers facing off against the Cornell Big Red.
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Shadows Dance Troupe Fall Step Performance
7:30-10:30 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Ticket prices vary — Witness the artistry of Cornell University's largest dance collective showcasing their fall semester performances.
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The Crane Wives Live Concert
8:00-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Tickets available — Experience the energetic sounds of The Crane Wives as they fuse indie folk with rock and roll.
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Today Is The Day Concert
7-11:30 p.m. — Angry Mom Records — Check ticketing for details — Today is The Day returns to Ithaca for an electrifying night of music.
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Blackberry Smoke Concert
8-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Tickets required — Experience the soulful sounds of Blackberry Smoke honoring Georgia’s musical legacy.
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New York Voices Performance
7 p.m. — Ford Hall — Free entry — Experience the internationally acclaimed jazz vocal group New York Voices as part of the Chamber Music Series.
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Trombone Shorty Concert
7-9 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Ticket prices vary — Experience the electrifying sounds of Trombone Shorty, a New Orleans legend in the jazz scene.
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AG, Food and Environmental Systems In-Service
9 a.m.-6 p.m. — Cornell University — Check Official Website for entry fees — Engage with experts on sustainable agricultural practices and innovative food systems.
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Absolute Queen - A Tribute to Queen
8-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Tickets available online — Rock out to the legendary hits of Queen with Almost Queen.
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Pink Talking Fish Live Performance
7-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Tickets available — Experience a unique fusion of Pink Floyd, Talking Heads, and Phish in one unforgettable concert.
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Amazing Finger Lakes Property with Versatility
A truly unique and remarkable property just minutes from Ithaca, offering the perfect blend of contemporary living, country serenity, and versatile space. This impressive eight-year-old home is privately sited on 4.04 acres and complemented by three exceptional outbuildings, each adding tremendous flexibility for work, hobbies, or storage.
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