Daily
Ithaca
Friday, April 17th, 2026
Good morning, Ithaca. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Family Reading Partnership has shifted focus on its $100K fundraiser. Launched in February and open through the end of May, it aims to replace an H-VAC system — and support its upcoming relocation from the Shops at Ithaca Mall. 607 News Now
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Northstar Public House announced it will close at the end of April after serving Fall Creek since 2009. The owners invite patrons to visit for a meal and a toast before its final days. 14850
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ DIY Fest was a new three-day music festival held from April 10-12 at six Ithaca venues (Bernie Milton Pavilion, K-House, Angry Mom Records, The Nocturnal Café, TreeHouse Studio and Lounge, and a Cornell student house), organized by local groups and featuring over 100 acts across diverse music genres. The Ithacan
- ➤ Downtown Ithaca will host the second annual Sundae Showdown at the Ithaca Downtown Conference Center on April 19 (1-4 p.m.) where residents can taste 10 finalist sundae recipes and vote, with ticket proceeds benefiting the History Center’s programs. The Ithaca Voice
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ On Apr. 8, Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations released its 2026 Living Wage Report in Ithaca, which found nearly half of Tompkins County wage earners earn less than a living wage of ($25.08) required for basic needs. The study reveals higher disparities for Black and Hispanic workers. Ithaca.com
- ➤ Gas prices in New York rose for the 10th week, with the average reaching $4.06 per gallon on Monday from $4.01 last week, says the U.S. Energy Information Administration; analysts expect another 20-30 cent increase as traders manage rising demand (oil flow worries from the Middle East fuel uncertainty). Ithaca Journal
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Cornell lecture halls show many note-taking methods as some students use paper while others use tablets with apps (Goodnotes and Notability) for digital notes. Sophomore Stefanie Chen explains that this change helps students choose the tool that fits their learning style. The Cornell Daily Sun
- ➤ Climate scholar Leah Stokes will speak on April 23 at Cornell's Physical Sciences Building (Room 120) at 5:00 p.m. as part of the Distinguished Lecture in the Social Sciences, discussing political negotiations behind the Inflation Reduction Act. Registration is required and a reception will follow. Cornell Chronicle
- ➤ Ithaca College President La Jerne Cornish said the college will work to balance its budget by fiscal year 2028 while addressing lower enrollment and federal pressures (aiming to limit the deficit to $4 million by FY 27). A new strategic planning committee will begin forming by Fall 2027. The Ithacan
- ➤ Research from Cornell and partners found that plants can switch parts of the Rubisco protein to protect themselves from heat or cold – a change that may help improve crop yields in unpredictable weather. The study using Arabidopsis was published April 15 in PNAS. Cornell Chronicle
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Nearly 50 acres in Ulysses was permanently protected when FLLT received donation of two conservation easements on Waterburg Road on Apr. 15 from donors Don and Eilene Guy and Scott Sutcliffe. The action safeguards local fields, forest areas, and 3,200 feet along Taughannock Creek (protecting water quality and wildlife). 607 News Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Local flu counts have dropped below last year’s levels while Tompkins’ COVID rate fell from 11 to 9 this week—statewide hospitalizations and Sleep Cycle app data show lower overall coughing but higher levels in Ithaca’s south and west areas. 14850
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Ithaca College’s lacrosse team earned national rankings by winning four straight games, including an upset on April 8 with a 'system over matchup' defense. Coach Tommy Pearce says the Bombers will focus on the Liberty League tournament & NCAA playoffs. The Ithacan
- ➤ Cornell rescheduled its three-game home series against Yale because rain is expected this Sunday — the team will play one game today at 1 p.m. at Booth Field and a doubleheader tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. 14850
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Kendall Street Company Concert
7-11:30 p.m. — The Nocturnal Café — $15 adv/$20 dos — Experience an eclectic rock show filled with humor and musical improvisation.
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John Butler Concert
8:00 – 9:30 PM — State Theatre of Ithaca — Ticket prices vary — Experience the rhythmic brilliance of John Butler live as he showcases his latest album PRISM.
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One Night With You: Elvis Dinner Show
6-8 p.m. — K-HOUSE Karaoke & Arts Hub — $35 per person — Enjoy an evening of Elvis' classic songs and storytelling paired with a delicious dinner in an intimate setting.
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The Steel Wheels Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — Hangar Theatre — Ticket details available online — Enjoy an evening of live music by The Steel Wheels.
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
Energy and persistence conquer all things.
~ Benjamin Franklin
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