Daily
Ithaca
Thursday, February 19th, 2026
Good morning, Ithaca. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Caroline's 80-year-old fire company president Beth Harrington worked with Cornell grad students to boost emergency communication and tailor a community resource guide after a survey (focusing on power outages) showed residents’ needs. The group held its first volunteer meeting on Feb. 7 at the Slaterville Fire House to prepare for emergencies. Tompkins Weekly
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Ithaca’s Cornell SC Johnson College of Business released a study showing that Amazon, Google + Booking.com use sponsored positions to obscure search results, nudging consumers toward higher-priced selections and boosting profits. The research outlines how altered rankings may lead to improved product matches despite less informative unpaid listings. Cornell Chronicle
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ K-HOUSE reopened in downtown Ithaca on Tuesday at 121 West Martin Luther King Jr. St in the Commons. The new venue features a cafe, live music room, and designated queer space, and plans daily karaoke plus pop-up events for community workshops. The Cornell Daily Sun
- ➤ Starting March 1, 2026, Cornell Botanic Gardens will be led by Ari Novy, Ph.D., who succeeds Christopher Dunn and will manage planning, operations, and public engagement as the gardens serve as a living classroom for Cornell University. Cornell Chronicle
- ➤ Muslim student groups and the Diwan Center for Muslim Life are offering free iftar meals and pre-fast meal boxes during Ramadan and hosting regular prayer sessions on campus. The services began as Ramadan started at sundown Feb. 18 and will continue until March 19 (supporting community connection). The Cornell Daily Sun
- ➤ Wharton Studio Museum now accepts entries for its Quiet on the Set! Film Festival, where Finger Lakes youth (11-18) make a 3-minute silent black-and-white film to be shown June 7 at Cinemapolis. Registration ends March 1 and film submission is due May 15 — prizes will be awarded. Tompkins Weekly
- ➤ The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra will perform Boulangerie 1 on Saturday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m. at Ford Hall at Ithaca College as the final act of its 2025-26 Orchestral Series, and the program honors Nadia Boulanger with works by Thea Musgrave, Aaron Copland and Mozart. 607 News Now
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The IC Chemistry Club appealed its denied $1,410 budget for the annual research symposium during a Feb. 16 Student Governance Council meeting, and the appeal was approved to return to the waitlist for further review. The Ithacan
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A Cornell-led initiative called VersaWater is tackling rural water challenges by deploying containerized, electricity-free treatment systems plus offering community training; it will pilot in Puerto Rico and northeastern areas, backed by a $5 million NSF grant. Cornell Chronicle
- ➤ Local groups filed an Article 78 Petition challenging the Town of Lansing's approval of TeraWulf's proposed AI data center at Cayuga Lake as state legislators seek a three-year pause on new centers over water, power, and climate concerns. Tompkins County officials also urged an environmental review of the site. Tompkins Weekly
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Initiative Foods recalled one lot of Tippy Toes Apple Pear Banana Fruit Puree after tests found elevated patulin levels affecting products sold in local stores. Parents should check labels for best-by 07/17 and code INIA0120 and dispose of the affected items. Ithaca Journal
- ➤ Local health data show that while influenza is trending down, COVID cases and cough reports have ticked up in the region. Reports from Feb. 18 across Tompkins, Tioga, and nearby counties indicate slight fluctuations in case counts with Tioga County notably increasing & data updated weekly. 14850
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ At 7 p.m. tonight at Marcham Hall, Cayuga Heights officials will discuss a proposal for 10 two-story townhouses on East Upland Road — the plan meets a 25-foot height requirement and will include a screening row of trees. 607 News Now
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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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Richard Daria Clarinet Faculty Recital
1 p.m. — Hockett Family Recital Hall — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful performance featuring clarinet, oboe, and bass clarinet by talented faculty members.
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Sheng Wang Stand-Up Comedy
7-10 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Tickets required — Enjoy an evening of laughter with comedian Sheng Wang during his extensive stand-up tour.
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Brown University Bears vs Cornell Big Red Men's Lacrosse
12-1 p.m. — Schoellkopf Field — VIP tickets available — Experience top-tier college lacrosse action with exclusive perks and amenities.
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The Music of Hans Zimmer
8-11 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Cost info not provided — Experience unforgettable iconic scores led by a pirate from Pirates of the Caribbean.
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Raclette for Lunch
12-4 p.m. — South Hill Cider — Cost varies — Enjoy a cheesy alpine tradition paired with refreshing cider at this popular local event.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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