Good morning, Ithaca.

Holiday pop-ups and craft fairs will run in Cortland and Ithaca this season—Local Fiber’s Holiday Pop-Up Store is at 115 S.

Cayuga Street from November 1st to December 28th, Lifelong’s Holiday Craft & Gift Market and Habitat for Humanity’s Cookie Walk are on December 6th, and new artisan markets are set for December 13th and December 13th–14th at Cornell Cooperative Extension and Lime Hollow Nature Center.

The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra and Cayuga Voice Ensemble will perform Handel’s Messiah at Ithaca College’s Ford Hall on December 6th at 7:30 p.m.—Maestro Guillame Pirard makes his debut with the ensemble—and the performance features regional soloists.

Tompkins County Public Library holds a community listening session today from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the Greater Ithaca Activities Center—attendees will review a draft plan to guide services for 2026 and beyond.

Cornell Engineering’s team led by Elaine Petro is using 3D printing to build low-cost electric rockets that will keep small satellites in low Earth orbit; the project—funded by DARPA and the Air Force—aims to boost telecommunications, GPS, and national security while helping the US stay competitive in the space race.

Cornell master’s student Rebecca Stup—working in Antonio DiTommaso’s lab—explored wildflower strips at two Cornell AES sites to boost biodiversity and control weeds.

The study compared conventionally managed field margins with those seeded with native plants and wildflowers.

Federal cuts to SNAP and Medicaid may soon hit thousands in Tompkins County after new work requirements and eligibility rules are put in place, with over 7,200 residents relying on SNAP for essential food support.

Local officials and community groups are bracing for rising food insecurity and higher health insurance costs—adding more strain to local services.

The federal government canceled local naturalization ceremonies in Tompkins and Broome counties because officials determined these counties did not meet statutory requirements—USCIS said affected residents will have their ceremonies rescheduled through a new administrative process that may require extra travel.

The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County received $68,000 from New York State as announced Tuesday to pay for new security systems at its Willow Avenue facility and its 4-H Acres property on Lower Creek Road—upgrades aimed at keeping the aging buildings safe for community use. The funds came through the Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability, and Technology Program.

Residents gave input on two draft designs for Ulysses' first community park at a Nov.

12 open house held at Town Hall on a 15 acre parcel donated by Marvin and Allison Pritts. Town officials and Cornell Design Connect will finalize one design before year end—then seek board approval to complete the land acquisition—paving the way for future park development.

Designer Cailyn McMahon moved from Brooklyn to Groton in early 2024 with her husband Will to start a sheep farm and craft American-made wool sweaters—she built a flock of 11 sheep including Border Leicesters and Romneys and plans to have her lambs in March.

Ithaca pastry chef Violet Zoner, 21, is competing on the Food Network show Holiday Baking Championship where 12 bakers vie for a $25,000 prize and a magazine feature, and she said her local roots — which began when she started baking at 14 — inspire her pursuit to motivate other young makers.

Trumansburg football returned to 11-man play and finished a 7-4 season that took them to the Section IV Class D final after a 21—13 win over Delhi; they lost 44—28 to Tioga on November 15th.

Coach Chad Doolittle noted the team overcame early setbacks and built strong resilience throughout the season.

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.

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.

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.

Macro Workshop with Anmol Bhandari

11:40 AM - 12:55 PM — Ives Hall — No entry fee — Explore macroeconomic theories and applications with a leading economist in an interactive workshop.

Béla Fleck Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Tickets required — Experience an evening of innovative music featuring Béla Fleck and his talented ensemble.

The Wood Brothers Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Tickets available — Experience the soulful folk sounds of The Wood Brothers in the heart of Ithaca.

A Very Merry Classic Christmas with Jessica Lynn

7:00-8:30 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a festive holiday concert featuring award-winning artist Jessica Lynn.

An Evening with Evan Horne

8-10 p.m. — Kitchen Theatre Company — $20 — Experience the immersive sounds of cinematic-folk artist Evan Horne in an intimate setting.