Daily
Ithaca
Friday, November 7th, 2025
Good morning, Ithaca. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 7th of November.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Entrepreneurs shared insights and competed in a pitch contest at Eclectic Convergence 2025 at Cornell Tech on Oct. 31 in New York City—Persista Bio won a $5,000 prize for its biotech treatment for Type 1 diabetes while Ithaca Hummus founder Chris Kirby stressed the need to build a product that consumers love. Cornell Chronicle
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Daniel Gwirtzman, an associate professor in Theatre and Dance Performance, premiered his film Framing Ménerbes on November 2 at Cinemapolis in Ithaca—set in Ménerbes, France, the film uses dance to show local beauty and the idea that everyone can enjoy movement. The Ithacan
- ➤ Ithaca College Performing Arts Collective is a new student-run group that gives all students a chance to try musical theater — it was started in Spring 2025 to fill a gap in performance opportunities. The group held an early show on November 6 — and will perform its musical comedy, 'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,' on November 8 and 9 in Hill Center room 104. The Ithacan
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Ithaca City School District and Ithaca Teachers Association reached a tentative three-year contract after eight months of talks—teachers will get yearly raises, longer paid leave, and maintained health care, with the agreement awaiting ratification by the union and school board. 14850
- ➤ Ithaca College’s Department of Chemistry increased scholarships for new students after it received a $4.6 million gift for the Bill and Donna Bergmark Scholarship fund—named for the late professor and his wife. The donation—one of the largest in about four years—will let the department offer more awards and stronger support for incoming students. The Ithacan
- ➤ Cornell University announced three fully funded Thought Summits for 2026 to explore how AI and data science can help in humanitarian response, environmental justice, and veterinary innovation. The events will run from May 11 to 15 at Warren Hall 401, from May 18 to 20 at the Computing and Information Science Building, and from June 9 to 11 at the College of Veterinary Medicine—faculty may apply for future summits starting in March. Cornell Chronicle
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The City of Ithaca is inviting residents to join volunteer boards and commissions to help shape city policies, with applications open until November 19th via the OpenGov platform. Mayor Cantelmo and the Common Council will review submissions and appoint volunteers at a meeting on December 3rd—this role offers community members a chance to share ideas and guide important decisions in the city—. City of Ithaca
- ➤ Recipients of SNAP benefits can now ride TCAT buses for free by showing their EBT card on any route with no questions asked until SNAP benefits are fully restored—Assistant GM Tiffany Walker said the measure helps households access grocery stores and food pantries. The change is part of a government effort to support low-income residents in Ithaca. 607 News Now
- ➤ Ithaca Area Economic Development named Kurt Foreman as its new president after a national search; he led Delaware Prosperity Partnership since 2018 and will start in January—he plans to drive local growth and create quality jobs. The Ithaca Voice
- ➤ Ithaca fire chief Rob Covert has taken a state job as deputy state fire administrator with the New York State Fire Commission — a role he assumed after leading local fire services and overseeing the June opening of the all-electric East Hill fire station. Deputy Chief Michael Moody is now acting as fire chief — ensuring a smooth transition in leadership. 607 News Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Tapomayukh 'Tapo' Bhattacharjee, an assistant professor of computer science, has received up to $2.4M to develop a robot system that will prepare meals, feed users, and clear tables for people with severe mobility limitations—this project is part of a five-year ARPA-H contract designed to improve independence and safety for people with disabilities. Cornell Chronicle
- ➤ A study from Cornell’s Jacobs Center finds that TB patients show lingering metabolic scars after treatment and that better nutrition may improve their recovery. Researchers plan to test if a balanced diet or targeted nutrition leads to better outcomes—this could prompt changes in TB care protocols. Cornell Chronicle
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ After the women’s soccer team won the Liberty League Championship Tournament and advanced to the NCAA semifinals in 2024, sophomore goalkeeper Katrina Varnum emerged as the new starter by earning league recognition on Nov 3 and posting a .889 save percentage—with nine clean sheets that boosted the defense. Coach Mindy Quigg said Varnum’s clear communication and strong game awareness helped the back line work better as the team aimed for more wins. The Ithacan
- ➤ At yesterday's Section 4 boys cross country meet, Corning ended Ithaca's two-year run by capturing the Class A title while Lansing's Trent Thibault won his third consecutive Class C race. Other team champions from Vestal, Chenango Valley, and Delhi/South Kortright will compete at the NYSPHSAA championships on Nov. 15 at Queensbury High School — advancing to the statewide meet. Ithaca Journal
- ➤ The Ithaca College women’s basketball team will play its season opener against Division I Colgate today—its first DI game since 2012—after receiving a guarantee from Colgate, and head coach Dan Raymond said the move offers a true test of the team’s skills. The team had a scrimmage with Cornell on Oct. 24 and will face tougher road games later this season. The Ithacan
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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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Jazz Social at the Regent Lounge
5:00-6:30 p.m. — The Statler Hotel at Cornell University — Free entry — Experience delightful performances from award-winning jazz ensembles in a charming lounge atmosphere.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
~ Henry Ford
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