Good morning, Ithaca.

Ithaca Teachers Association members ratified a three-year contract with the City School District on Dec.15 that brings 7% salary raises and a new step & lane compensation system; the agreement also lengthens the school day and boosts parental leave and now awaits a Board vote in January.

Cornell AAP received a $500,000 gift from Teiger Foundation to support the Teiger Mentor in the Arts program for the next five years — the program will bring internationally recognized faculty artists, including Spring 2026 mentor Mary Mattingly, to guide art students.

Cornell ended 2025 on a high note as its men's lacrosse team won its first national title in 48 years and Michael I.

Kotlikoff was inaugurated as the 15th president on Oct. 24. A $100 million gift expanded Duffield Hall + boosted research and community programs.

Cornell chemists led by associate professor Robert DiStasio have introduced a new method called Semi-Local Density Fingerprints (SLDFs) that predicts molecular properties 100 times more accurately than current techniques.

Their work, published on Dec. 17, shows promise for advancing machine learning models.

Cornell research shows that soil microbes boost molecular diversity when breaking down dead plants for about 32 days — then it falls, a trend that may help improve carbon storage.

The study, published Dec. 10 in Nature Communications, received support from several grants.

Ithaca’s TCAT system still struggles with accessibility for riders with disabilities after service cuts and overcrowding, affecting students and seniors; local advocates urge officials to improve routes and services immediately (through contact with the ITCTC and city leaders).

Tompkins County Whole Health offers holiday mental health support with crisis care, counseling, and substance use resources.

Residents can visit walk-in services at 201 E. Green Street in Ithaca + book clinical appointments at 55 Brown Rd in Northeast Ithaca.

Cornell AgriTech researchers introduced a new microwave vacuum drying process that preserves nutrients and yields crispy beet snacks.

Their study, published on Dec. 5, may help Ithaca's local growers offer a healthier alternative to traditional drying methods.

Gov Hochul announced an agreement on Dec.

17 that passes the Medical Aid in Dying Act to help terminally ill New Yorkers choose medical aid in dying (with strict safeguards in place). The bill will be signed in January and takes effect six months later.

A holiday treat guide highlights Cortland’s Frosted bakery plus Hollenbeck’s Cider Mill and CP Foods Specialty Market as spots for seasonal sweets, while Ithaca’s Bakery plus Dolce Delight and Mama Said Hand Pies offer festive treats for locals this season.

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.

Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks at Cornell Big Red Men's Hockey

7-8:30 p.m. — Lynah Rink — Tickets starting at $15 — Catch an exciting NCAA hockey matchup as the Nanooks take on the Big Red in Ithaca.