Daily
Ithaca
Wednesday, February 25th, 2026
Good morning, Ithaca. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 25th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Tompkins Cortland Community College is joining a statewide AI partnership with Binghamton University to offer a free AI career prep course for students. In Dryden, the Historical Society will open a new exhibit Saturday, Feb. 28 at 14 North St., and town and board meetings are scheduled. Tompkins Weekly
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Tricia Hersey challenged Cornell students and community members to rethink productivity and burnout during the MLK Commemorative Lecture on Feb. 9 at Sage Chapel. Hersey, founder of The Nap Ministry, framed rest as a human right and an act of resistance — disrupting grind culture at this annual event. Cornell Chronicle
- ➤ Award winning glass artist Paul 'Bead' Spencer has opened his home studio in Newfield where he crafts prayer beads and glass paintings and offers classes costing $50 for two hours. The artist (72) plans to partner with local groups to share his nature inspired work. Tompkins Weekly
- ➤ Sanika Saraf visited Hawi in Ithaca Commons and tried the Special Combo with Kifto, Derek Tibs, and Doro Wat served with injera on a mesob, and she found the dining experience rich and unique + a true taste of Ethiopian tradition. The Cornell Daily Sun
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ After subzero weather drove up bills, NYSEG asked for state approval to raise electric rates by 24% and gas by 34%, with new rates expected by end of May. Tompkins County leaders attended a Feb. 17 hearing in Albany — though remote participation was denied. Tompkins Weekly
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Alpha Phi Alpha opened the new House of Alpha Leadership Institute in October at Cornell — a campus facility with 13 resident rooms and a multipurpose space hosting educational events and dialogue for student leaders. The facility serves as a community resource for leadership development and engagement. The Cornell Daily Sun
- ➤ Trumansburg schools reviewed new revenue figures on Feb. 3 for the 2026-27 budget with an expected 3.5% state aid increase, boosted UPK funding, and higher property taxes driven by new development. Officials will hold further public hearings before the May 21 vote. Tompkins Weekly
- ➤ Cornell earned the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification (a national recognition from the American Council on Education and Carnegie Foundation) for its strong community partnerships that offer hands-on learning. The university says every Class of 2029 will take part in at least one community-engaged learning opportunity. Cornell Chronicle
- ➤ Cornell researchers have developed a 75-minute online module that helps students learn and practice critical thinking in their courses (showcasing skills like evaluating data and challenging assumptions). Faculty can integrate the tool into introductory classes to boost early education. Cornell Chronicle
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ After winning union recognition through a two-day vote on Jan. 15, nurses at Cayuga Health Surgicare and Cayuga Cancer Center joined hundreds at Cayuga Medical Center to form Cayuga United-CWA — they will now begin bargaining for a contract and improved working conditions. Ithaca.com
- ➤ Scientists at the College of Human Ecology found that the protein PDGFRb limits muscle repair—lab tests showed blocking it improved muscle recovery—and their breakthrough, published Feb. 16 in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, may lead to new treatments for muscular dystrophy and severe injuries. Cornell Chronicle
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Ithaca College swimming and diving teams clinched two Liberty League titles on Feb. 21 at Kelsey Partridge Bird Natatorium; the men dethroned RIT Tigers while the women secured their sixth consecutive title + set five program records. The Ithacan
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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.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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