Good morning, Ithaca.

Newfield Food Pantry at the United Methodist Church on Main St. has seen a more than 40% rise in demand over the past six months.

The volunteer-run pantry serves local families on the first and third Wednesday and will offer extended hours in the spring — a change to help meet growing needs.

Pantry CSA Tompkins connects local farms with food pantries to deliver fresh produce to nearly 2,000 residents and support sustainable agriculture, and Healthy Food For All needs to raise $15,000 by early March so farms can purchase seeds for the growing season.

Ithaca’s new Dairy Queen is now open at 407 Elmira Road near Buttermilk Falls, serving burgers, chicken strips, fries and soft-serve ice cream.

Owner Milan Patel designed the shop for families and students and it features a drive-through lane + mobile order pickup daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Dylan Clark, who filmed the viral short “Portrait of God” at Ithaca College, is set to turn the hit into a feature film for Universal Pictures, with Jordan Peele (Get Out) and Sam Raimi (Evil Dead) producing.

The project is in early planning stages.

Members of the Odyssey Choir at Opus Ithaca will host a silent auction fundraiser Saturday, Jan.

31 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Foundation of Light on Turkey Hill Road to fund their Carnegie Hall spring performance — tickets cost $40 with free entry for children under 12.

Cornell University launched Research Matters on Jan.

27 with three episodes that explore how campus research impacts climate change, public safety and mental health — turning complex studies into clear conversations accessible to all.

The Reynolds Foundation has committed an additional $2.1M to expand democracy initiatives at the Brooks School by growing its Reynolds Leadership Scholarships and Center on Global Democracy at Cornell.

The multi-year funding builds on nearly $4M in previous support to foster civic leadership.

Thorsten Joachims is Cornell’s new vice provost for AI strategy, effective Jan.

1, who will coordinate research, education and operations in AI across the university campus — an effort that includes Cornell Tech and Weill Cornell Medicine.

Two special natural areas in Dryden are under review as New York Land & Lakes proposes 19 single-family homes on a 236-acre parcel; Dryden’s planning board will hold public hearings over the next three to six months to decide between housing needs & conserving the habitats.

Legislators in Tompkins County urged the state DEC to require a full environmental review for Cayuga Operating Company’s water permit — a measure to protect Cayuga Lake — needed for TeraWulf’s proposed AI data center in Lansing.

The resolution passed Jan. 20 and the Lansing Planning Board will soon set new conditions.

Finger Lakes ReUse on Elmira Road is planning to add 22 parking spaces and update donation and loading areas.

The Planning and Development Board will review the project tonight at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

Tompkins County's Office for the Aging has introduced an Age Friendly Business Certification program to help local businesses improve accessibility for older adults and all patrons.

Early participants like State of the Art Gallery and Ithaca ReUse have already made changes—organizations can apply by emailing COFA.

Tompkins County urges residents to test homes for radon during Radon Awareness Week (Jan.

26–30) due to high risk levels; test kits are sold at local stores or available free with a Healthy Neighborhoods Program home visit, and residents can call Diana Crouch at (607-274-6702) to schedule a visit.

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.

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.

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.

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.