Daily
Ithaca
Monday, March 23rd, 2026
Good morning, Ithaca. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 23rd of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County announced an expansion of its Mobile Food Pantry to deliver fresh produce and healthy staples directly to rural areas twice a month this spring. The program, funded by Care Compass Network, supports food access for families throughout Cortland and Tompkins counties. Ithaca.com
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The 2026 Spring Fairy Fest transformed downtown with family-friendly activities including interactive crafts, magical quests, and live local performances. Vendors across the area provided treats while later festivities catered to adults. 14850
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ At a Thursday meeting, the Assembly debated Funding Resolution 57 for Special Project funds before rejecting it amid mounting frustration over pending proposals + President Michael Kotlikoff vetoed Resolutions 55 and 61 aimed at restricting campus speakers and ending key partnerships. The Cornell Daily Sun
- ➤ At Cornell’s West Campus, Grinspoon Hillel broke ground on Harkavy Hall on March 8. The three-story building at 722 University Ave will house a kosher cafe + communal kitchen, study rooms, lounge and event hall for 230 students, and it is expected to serve over 3,000 annually. Ithaca.com
- ➤ Three prominent journalists connect with Cornell students this semester in separate talks on journalism careers. Bret Stephens debated on March 6 on media and democracy, Zolan Kanno-Youngs will present tomorrow about interviewing presidents, and investigative reporter Keri Blakinger will host a book talk on Apr. 22 at Cornell Health. The Cornell Daily Sun
- ➤ Graduate student Dina Ginzburg was found not responsible for three Student Code of Conduct violations after an 11-month OSCCS review of her disruption at the Pathways to Peace event in March 2025. The ruling clears her record following the campus investigation. The Cornell Daily Sun
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ New York lawmakers have proposed the Dark Skies Protection Act to require shielded outdoor lights from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. starting Jan. 1, 2028 to reduce light pollution and protect wildlife while maintaining exemptions for safety and decorative lighting. Ithaca Journal
- ➤ On Mar. 18, former city official Phoebe Brown was honored in Albany as State Senator Lea Webb’s nominee at the Legislative Women’s Caucus Women’s History Month Celebration — she received a certificate from Assemblymember Chantel Jackson for her community service. 607 News Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Cornell’s CerviCheck team is testing a prototype device to predict early births by measuring cervical tissue using live animal models at the vet college, and they will present to investors soon (with guidance from Weill Cornell Medicine clinicians) as they seek a reliable alternative to manual exams. The Cornell Daily Sun
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Ithaca Ale House now offers a daily selection of lunch specials alongside its regular menu at its downtown East State Street location; weekday offerings include Chicken & Biscuits and Meatball Subs while weekend specials feature brunch choices like Bo Burgers and Chicken & Waffles. 14850
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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.
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Skunk Cabbage Classic Half Marathon
Time not specified — Barton Hall — Registration fee applicable — Participate in Ithaca’s iconic spring tradition featuring 10K and half-marathon courses through the scenic Cornell campus.
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The Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of The Ring Screening
6:00 – 11:59 PM — State Theatre of Ithaca — Ticket information not provided — Experience the epic journey of a meek Hobbit and his companions to save Middle-earth.
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Ithaca D.I.Y. Festival
5:30-11:30 p.m. — Ithaca — Free entry — Celebrate the local music scene with performances from vibrant local and college bands.
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Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Bailey Hall — Check event page for pricing — Experience the vibrant fusion of cultures through Flamenco in a captivating new production.
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
If you do what is easy, your life will be hard. If you do what is hard, your life will be easy.
~ Les Brown
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