Daily
Ithaca
Thursday, January 29th, 2026
Good morning, Ithaca. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 29th of January.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Thanks to strong community, Cornell, and national support, the Paleontological Research Institution reached a $4 million funding goal last month and paid off its mortgage, keeping the museum of the Earth open through June 2026 (it will also host Darwin Days in February with panels and workshops). The Cornell Daily Sun
- ➤ The History Center will open The Power of Water: A Dam Good Exhibit on Feb. 6 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 110 North Tioga Street, showcasing displays on water’s impact on local mills, dams, and culture (designed by Cindy Kjellander-Cantu). Ithaca.com
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Cornell University increased its voluntary contribution to the Ithaca City School District from $650,000 to $700,000 and plans to reach nearly $874,000 by 2030 — 31, a move that comes amid local debates over school funding. 14850
- ➤ Ithaca City School District and Ithaca Teachers Association ratified a three-year bargaining agreement to raise teacher wages, parental leave, and planning time; 86% (415 ITA members) approved it, and it runs from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2028 with extended school days in the 2026 to 2027 school year. WENY
- ➤ Researchers from Cornell and partner universities are testing an underwater 3D-printing method in a lab to produce strong concrete structures (using seafloor sediment) for maritime construction. The interdisciplinary team will race to print an arch as part of a DARPA challenge demonstration in March. Cornell Chronicle
- ➤ Hammerstone Carpentry School is seeking new nonprofit board members with backgrounds in HR, law, or fundraising. Interested local candidates should email the school to learn more about joining the team. 607 News Now
- ➤ Ithaca College students balance new semester preparations and performance auditions as they submit self-tape videos for roles in the School of Music, Theatre and Dance — a process that gives them challenging creative opportunities this spring. The Ithacan
- ➤ Cornell appointed Prof. Thorsten Joachims as its first vice provost for artificial intelligence strategy effective Jan. 1 — he will lead the expansion of the Cornell AI Initiative to coordinate AI research and classroom use. The Cornell Daily Sun
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Cortland Police Department and Tompkins County Sheriff's Office warn residents of a text scam that claims a speed camera caught them and demands an instant payment through a fake link. Officials advise deleting the message and not sharing personal details. WENY
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Cayuga United CWA grew to over 300 members when 23 nurses from Cayuga Cancer Center and 14 from Cayuga Health Surgicare joined after most nurses at Cayuga Medical Center unionized. Hospital leaders said they will work with the union on a fair contract that supports patient care. 607 News Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Johnny Lisi hosted a sports podcast on January 28, 2026+ interviewing Brad Romano, a first-year sports analyst who reviewed Ithaca College athletics highlights from winter break. The Ithacan
- ➤ Senior Grace Murray tied the Ithaca College record vault score with a 9.800 at a meet against SUNY Brockport on Jan. 10; she will debut a new half twist move in early February to boost her start value to 10. The Ithacan
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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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Richmond Spiders vs. Cornell Big Red Men's Lacrosse
12-2 p.m. — Schoellkopf Field — Ticket prices vary — Experience a thrilling NCAA lacrosse showdown between the Richmond Spiders and Cornell Big Red.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.
~ George Bernard Shaw
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