Saturday, May 16th, 2026
Good morning, Ithaca. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 16th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ At 94, local volunteer Nancy Doutt continues her 43-year service with CareFirstNY, providing hospice care in Chemung, Schuyler, and Steuben counties while comforting patients and families (showing that age is no barrier to giving back). WENY
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Today, May 16, clear skies bring mid-60s before Ithaca College hosts its Commencement Eve concert and fireworks Saturday evening and a ceremony Sunday morning—NWS Binghamton forecasts a summery start next week with highs nearing 90. 14850
- ➤ Cornell awarded $9.5 million in need-based scholarships and grants to local students last fiscal year as reported in its Local Economic Snapshot. The report highlighted investments in education, community programs, and local businesses that supported thousands of jobs in Tompkins County — showing a strong commitment beyond campus boundaries. Cornell Chronicle
- ➤ Ithaca College seniors celebrated Senior Splash by jumping into the Dillingham Fountains on May 15 during Senior Week; alumni recall that the tradition began in 1986 when Scott Kunz and friends first made a splash (an impromptu moment that became a cherished legacy). The Ithacan
- ➤ The Cornell University Board of Trustees cleared President Michael Kotlikoff of wrongdoing related to the campus incident on April 30, as determined by its special ad hoc committee (which found student actions contrary to university policy). The decision was announced May 15 following calls for his resignation. 607 News Now
- ➤ Milton Taam ’73 was banned from campus on May 4 for trespassing at the Day Hall Parking Lot during an April 30 event with students questioning President Kotlikoff — his lawyer plans to file an injunction to lift the ban before upcoming alumni events. The Cornell Daily Sun
- ➤ Dilmun Hill Student Farm at Cornell celebrates 30 years of teaching students to grow crops and leadership skills. The farm, managed by 4-6 students and supported by the Cornell AES, has guided over 120 alumni to shape their lives. Cornell Chronicle
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Researchers from Cornell, TNC, USGS and Central Michigan University developed a model that maps solar-suitable sites alongside prime farmland and key wildlife habitats in New York. The study shows that protecting sensitive areas increased annual costs by 0.17% (while facilitating more farmland conversion) and could help guide solar site decisions. Cornell Chronicle
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ The city will review a new Southworks Gateway plan for 100 low-to-moderate income apartments at 620-640 South Aurora St.—estimated at $23.6 million with construction starting this fall and first move-ins in fall 2028. The Ithaca Voice
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Eileen Ivers & The Brigideens
8-10:30 p.m. — Hangar Theatre — Ticket required — Experience the fiery sounds of Grammy-winning Eileen Ivers and her all-female band, The Brigideens.
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Leading with Intention Workshop by Amber Alpizar
1:30-4:30 p.m. — Tompkins County Public Library — Registration required — Equip yourself with tools to lead with compassion and accountability amidst uncertainty.
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
The only normal people are the ones you don't know very well.
~ Alfred Adler
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