Saturday, May 23rd, 2026
Good morning, Ithaca. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 23rd of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Tompkins County will observe Memorial Day on Monday with services in Ithaca, Danby, Dryden, Trumansburg, Groton, and Newfield (Veterans Services Director JR Clairborne says the events honor fallen service members). In Ithaca, a ceremony is set for 11 a.m. at DeWitt Park while other towns host parades and memorials throughout the morning. 607 News Now
- ➤ Yesterday Tompkins County awarded grants from a $15,000 America 250 initiative for neighborhood events, including funding rural celebrations and a project to plant an Eastern White Pine in Stewart Park — Visit Ithaca will launch its America 250 webpage on June 1 to promote the anniversary programs. Ithaca Journal
- ➤ Community leaders from across New York state gathered at Cornell from May 18-20 to discuss the benefits and challenges of artificial intelligence. They focused on job creation, automation in public services and environmental impacts as local officials considered ways to safeguard community interests. Cornell Chronicle
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ After months of preparation, a Cornell Sloan team won the national health care case competition hosted by UT MD Anderson, where students used data-driven strategies and visited the cancer center — including its proton therapy accelerator — to tackle real-life challenges. Cornell Chronicle
- ➤ Cornell seniors, including two former enlisted mustangs, were commissioned as officers during ROTC ceremonies on May 21-22 at Statler Hall in Ithaca — a milestone in veteran education. They will use their hands-on experience to mentor peers in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Space Force. Cornell Chronicle
- ➤ Jane Lynch, MFA ’84, addressed Cornell’s Class of 2026 at Barton Hall on May 21—urging students to overcome fear and cultural memes while embracing life’s surprises. Her remarks came during a lively Convocation with performances that reminded graduates to follow their own path toward happiness. Cornell Chronicle
- ➤ At Cornell, the Center for Teaching Innovation celebrates 15 years of its Graduate Teaching Fellows program that supports graduate students in building teaching skills. Launched in 2011, the program now spans 15 departments (across four colleges) and offers biweekly training, workshops, and an annual teaching conference to promote innovation. Cornell Chronicle
- ➤ Cornell’s CLASP program pairs students with staff for weekly learning and skill-building in diverse areas. The program continues to grow as it supports lifelong education and connections — its director is set to retire at the end of the semester. Cornell Chronicle
- ➤ Ithaca College administrators at the May 19 State of the College meeting (with a goal of a balanced budget by FY 2028) shared updates on enrollment and finances. They reported 1,145 incoming students and a $4 million deficit for FY 2027 while exploring dual admissions and cost reductions. The Ithacan
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Finger Lakes Land Trust completed public access upgrades at the 241-acre Roy H. Park Preserve in Dryden on May 8. The improvements add universally accessible features such as ADA-compliant overlooks and extended trails into wetlands + improved boardwalk and parking support outdoor recreation. Tompkins Weekly
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Whole Foods Market Kitchen Minestrone Soup sold online and at local stores is recalled due to undeclared shrimp that could trigger severe allergic reactions. Customers with the 24-ounce cups (lot code 1762181, use by 05/27) should return them for a full refund and call Kettle Cuisine’s service if needed. Ithaca Journal
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Turkey hunting is changing as realistic hen decoys and pop-up blinds are now used by local hunters to lure tom turkeys. Oak Duke's Outdoors column explains that these modern setups replace the old method of chasing gobbles. Ithaca Journal
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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.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Adventure may hurt you, but monotony will kill you.
~ Unknown
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