Daily
Ithaca
Thursday, February 26th, 2026
Good morning, Ithaca. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 26th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Senator Leah Webb honored five Black History Month leaders from the Southern Tier, including Ithaca College professor Baruch Whitehead (founding director of the Dorothy Cotton Jubilee Singers), for their work in education, service and the arts as reported on Feb. 19. Ithaca.com
- ➤ Registration is open for the fourth annual Daffodil Dash at Cass Park on Saturday, Apr. 25. Organized by the Ithaca Garden Club and the Ithaca Children’s Garden, the event will fund daffodil plantings at Stewart Park while showcasing 180,000 blooming flowers (planted with funds from past events). 607 News Now
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Kinney Drugs near Fall Creek in the 500 block of North Cayuga Street will close its doors on Thursday, March 5 — staff and prescriptions will move to 2255 North Triphammer Road at the Triphammer Mall, and customers can ask for other options. 607 News Now
- ➤ Cornell student Maximo Mander ’26, known for his viral cooking videos, founded Pronti Pasta, a pop-up pasta catering business, hosting his first event at Tres Leches bar in March and planning to open a restaurant after he graduates this spring. The Cornell Daily Sun
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Photography Department published Sunbursts, a weekly photo gallery showcasing Ithaca’s vibrant murals. Local photographers captured images over the weekend in downtown and at the Southside Community Center — highlighting art that celebrates community spirit. The Cornell Daily Sun
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Jarra Jagne, a Cornell professor, won the Daniel Elmer Salmon Award for Distinguished Alumni Service after 35 years in veterinary medicine. She has mentored local students and helped launch a new veterinary school abroad + plans to continue supporting new practitioners and poultry farmers until retirement. The Cornell Daily Sun
- ➤ Cornell food science researchers published a review on Feb. 11 showing how fungi can upcycle food and farm waste into sustainable, high-protein foods + the study details advanced fermentation techniques that could reduce waste and create new food options. Cornell Chronicle
- ➤ Cornell student Jordan Sang (’28), better known as Jordy at Corny, gained local attention after posting a TikTok that humorously contrasts Cornell’s academic rigor with a more relaxed vibe similar to Bama. His campus commentary continues to attract a loyal following. The Cornell Daily Sun
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The city and town of Ithaca will launch T-GEN this September as a new energy plan giving residents more control over utility bills and renewable energy options. Local Power presented the plan in February and will notify residents in August with opt-out instructions. Ithaca.com
- ➤ The city will close the 300 block of College Avenue in Collegetown for tower crane demobilization from 7am Thursday to 6pm Friday, forcing vehicles to detour along Dryden Road and pedestrians to use the west sidewalk (flaggers will direct traffic at key intersections). 14850
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Cornell researchers in Ithaca developed EdemaFlex, a soft-robotic glove that uses 37 actuators to deliver sequential hand pressure and reduce swelling, as shown in a seven-participant home trial that recorded up to a 25% decrease in hand volume after a 30-minute session. Cornell Chronicle
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Ithaca College men’s rowing is taking a new approach this season after finishing fourth in national head races last spring — the team is shifting focus from strict goals to personal growth ahead of upcoming fall and spring races, a change noted by team captain Bryce Williston. The Ithacan
- ➤ On Feb. 25, host Johnny Lisi interviewed junior sports media major Anthony LaBonte to preview the upcoming Spring 2026 athletic season; the podcast highlighted fresh opportunities for local teams. The Ithacan
- ➤ Ithaca College women’s rowing team starts a rebuild year with 13 new rowers after key departures while aiming for an eighth consecutive Liberty League Championship. The squad will compete at the Cayuga Duals on March 28 and at the championship in Saratoga Springs on May 1 — testing their talent. 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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Paint & Sip with Bob Ross
4-6 p.m. — South Hill Cider — 2 drink minimum — Enjoy painting along with Bob Ross while sipping cider on a Saturday afternoon.
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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