Good morning, Ithaca.

New York State has provided $1.3 million to the Greater Ithaca Activities Center on Court St. to support plans for a new community center as part of a $100 million program that also funded $7.5 million for Elmira’s Ernie Davis Community Center.

Southport hosts its annual Holiday Parade and Lighting of Christmas Land today at 4 p.m.—the parade starts at Personius Rd. and Pennsylvania Ave in Pine City, goes to Cedar St., and ends at the Fire Department where Santa lights Christmas Land.

Students in the Art of Translation class built a papier-mâché tree with paper leaves bearing different translations of the Italian poem Soldati — now on display at the Office of International Student and Scholar Services where international students can add their own.

The project was promoted with a table demonstration on Nov. 14 and relocated on Dec. 3.

Cornell researchers have developed a new computational method that shows electrons in misfit materials mostly stay in their original layers rather than crossing over, challenging previous assumptions about energy band shifts.

Their work may help design better superconductors and electronic devices.

Dr. Terence Finley visited Corning Community College’s Spencer Hill campus on Dec.

5 ahead of his start as president on Jan. 2, 2026 (a return home as a SUNY alumnus) to meet with students, educators, and community members.

On Dec. 5, 2025, hosts Christopher Meadows and Nolan Sheehan closed out their semester at Deja View by examining controversial American figures seen in films The Social Network, Oppenheimer and The Wolf of Wall Street; the event supported a donation drive for The Ithacan's student journalists.

Patrick Harris from Tompkins County's Emergency Communications Center was named 2025 Dispatcher of the Year by APCO Atlantic Chapter during a November fall conference in Mystic, CT.

This marks the third time the center received the honor in four years & highlights his dedicated service.

Cornell researchers led an international study that injected psilocybin into mouse neurons then added a modified rabies virus to map brain circuits that weaken feedback loops linked to depression — the findings, published on Dec.

5, offer insight for future treatment development.

Ithaca College men's Basketball team fell 104 to 95 in overtime to Rochester on Dec.

2 at Ben Light Gymnasium. Rochester shot a perfect 4 of 4 from the field and 6 of 6 from the line to secure their sixth win while the Bombers showed strong first half offense.

The Ithaca College women’s basketball team lost 80-70 to University of Rochester on Dec.

2 in their season home opener at Ben Light Gymnasium. The loss dropped the Bombers to 2-4 while the Yellowjackets improved to 4-3 and extended a four-game win streak.

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.

New Year's Eve Dance Party

8:30 p.m. — Foundation of Light — Check event page for ticket details — Celebrate the new year with a night of games, raffles, and festive fun.