Daily
Ithaca
Wednesday, January 21st, 2026
Good morning, Ithaca. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 21st of January.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Internationally acclaimed soprano Martha Guth and pianist Graham Johnson will perform at Barnes Hall on two nights hosted by the Cornell Department of Music — on Jan. 29 at 6:30 p.m. Johnson leads Salon Solèy with student performances and on Jan. 30 at 7:30 p.m. they present All About Eve. Cornell Chronicle
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Data from the U.S. Department of Education shows Cornell received over $3 billion in foreign funds in 2025, ranking second among 527 institutions. Qatar provided the highest support, granting $2.29 billion, while India, Switzerland, and Hong Kong each contributed over $75 million (boosting global research ties). The Cornell Daily Sun
- ➤ Ithaca City School District has activated cold weather bus procedures through the end of February to allow extra stops at key locations and let students waiting at their homes remain indoors until they see the bus — a response to frigid overnight temps. 607 News Now
- ➤ A study warns that falling enrollment and rising costs may force school consolidations in the future, though at a Jan. 13 meeting the district said no closures are planned (potential annual savings range from $1.6 to $6.5 million). The Ithaca Voice
- ➤ Newfield Central School District tested 78 water outlets in December in district schools and found lead in six locations near or above required thresholds. The district will flush lines for 12 hours and begin regular aerator replacements every three months while planning to retest water sources in unused classrooms. Ithaca.com
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A Cornell study showed that floating solar panels could protect birds without reducing energy gains by identifying more than 16,000 potential water sites in the Northeast. Researchers will soon begin field studies to guide sustainable energy and conservation decisions in our area (a new approach to avoiding wildlife conflicts). Cornell Chronicle
- ➤ Researchers from Cornell and the University of Granada developed a breakthrough model that predicts the source of environmental DNA in Cayuga Lake near campus (published Jan. 20). Their new tool gives conservationists a faster way to track species. Cornell Chronicle
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Cornell researchers found that low vitamin B12 may hinder muscle energy production and lower muscle mass. The study, published Jan. 19 (Journal of Nutrition), suggests improved screening could lead to personalized nutrition approaches in our community. Cornell Chronicle
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Dryden native Taylor Van Fleet—inducted into the NY State High School Girls Soccer Hall of Fame last fall—was named head coach of Le Moyne College women’s soccer on Jan. 8 by Phil Brown; she previously served as an assistant coach at Binghamton University. Tompkins Weekly
- ➤ Ithaca High School boys hockey seniors led a strong season start with a 7-1 record after wins against state teams. The team, led by senior trio Aidan Swarthout, Ansel Cosgrove and Leland Walker, is aiming to secure another sectional title and return to state semifinals soon. Tompkins Weekly
- ➤ Cornell women's hockey lost 5-1 to Penn State at Lynah Rink Tuesday night. Coach Derraugh said the team will work on scoring consistency ahead of games at Princeton on Jan. 23 at 6 p.m. and against Quinnipiac on Jan. 24 at 3 p.m., with both games streamed on ESPN+. The Cornell Daily Sun
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Live Music – The Soul Benders
6-8 p.m. — Hopshire Farm and Brewery — Free entry — Experience powerful blues and rock from the acclaimed Ithaca-based band The Soul Benders.
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Sky Stories - The Round Time
7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Cherry Arts — Ticketed event — Experience the world premiere of Round Time, an aerial showcase of old rhythms and new cycles performed by talented female aerialists.
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Ithaca Ballet: WinterDance 2026
Evening of contemporary dance — 7 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate 65 years of Ithaca Ballet with an evening of innovative choreography and performances by alumni dancers.
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Princeton Tigers at Cornell Big Red Women's Basketball
5-8 p.m. — Newman Arena — VIP tickets available — Experience college basketball with premium seating and special game day packages.
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Mutts Gone Nuts
7-10 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Ticketed event — Experience a hilarious dog variety show that’s sure to entertain all ages.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast.
~ Navy SEAL saying
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