Daily
Ithaca
Saturday, February 21st, 2026
Good morning, Ithaca. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 21st of February.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Cornell faculty, staff, students and local residents celebrated Toni Morrison's 95th birthday on Feb. 19 by unveiling a historical marker at 513 N. Albany St. to honor her time in Ithaca during graduate school, with the event featuring a celebration at GIAC. Cornell Chronicle
- ➤ Cornell students perform live at Bailey Hall today as trumpeter Paul Merrill joins them for a full rendition of Sketches of Spain, mixing jazz with classical music. Admission is free. 607 News Now
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Craig Wiggers becomes the associate dean of finance and administration at ILR School, effective Feb. 16, after serving as interim for six months when L. Rebecca Hann took on a new interim role in budget planning; he was formerly the senior director for administration at Cornell University Library. Cornell Chronicle
- ➤ Federal data from Feb. 20 shows that Ithaca College graduates earned a median of $51,468 four years after graduation, while Cornell University graduates earned $90,531. The new FAFSA earnings tool lets local students compare median earnings with high school wages—offering clarity on postsecondary value. Ithaca Journal
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Finger Lakes Land Trust partners with the Town of Geneva to add 74 acres to the Kashong Conservation Area in Geneva, featuring a gorge, waterfalls and 5,500 ft of Kashong Creek frontage. The project is 85% funded by a state grant (FLLT seeks $75K with matching funds from Geneva). 607 News Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Dryden officials banned data centers and cryptocurrency mines as the town updated its zoning code on Feb. 19 — a measure driven by local concerns over energy use and environmental impact. The Ithaca Voice
- ➤ Next Sunday, March 1, revised SNAP guidelines take effect across New York, requiring able individuals aged 18 to 64 without children under 14 to work, train or volunteer for 80 hours a month (a change that raises concerns for some families, according to Cornell expert Roger Figueroa). WENY
- ➤ TCAT will launch eRide Ithaca, a program offering electric rides in West Hill, West End, and the Flats this spring. Information sessions are set on Feb. 25 (12 p.m. to 1 p.m.) and March 4 (6 p.m. to 7 p.m.), with community meeting on March 17 (11 a.m. to noon). 607 News Now
- ➤ New York Attorney General Letitia James has directed $1.1 million to Cornell’s Soil Health Program in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences for climate-smart farming practices (the funds stem from a settlement with JBS USA) and will boost soil testing, mobile demos and research across the state. Cornell Chronicle
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Three former Big Red athletes medaled in Milan after the U.S. Women’s Hockey Team won a 2 – 1 overtime victory on Feb. 19; Rory Guilday earned gold while Kristin O’Neil and Brianne Jenner won silver. 607 News Now
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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
What looks like talent is often careful preparation.
~ Ryan Holiday
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