Daily
Ithaca
Friday, November 21st, 2025
Good morning, Ithaca. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 21st of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ After SNAP rules became stricter on November 1 following a government shutdown that affected millions, local groups in Ithaca organized food pantries, meal swipe programs, and free bus rides to help residents access food. Community leaders also shared resources online to show support and keep food available during rising prices — a sign of Ithaca’s ongoing commitment to food security. The Ithacan
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Finger Lakes wineries earned national praise after top wine lists like Wine Spectator highlighted local wines from producers such as Apollo’s Praise and Ravines ahead of the busy holiday season. The rankings—released by critics—are expected to boost sales and improve the region's reputation. Ithaca Journal
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Filmmaker Ira McKinley, a longtime activist who works at Ithaca College Dining Services and made award-winning documentaries, is now using crowdfunding to support his new film project 'A Tale of Two Journeys' that examines the Black American experience in Southside. He faces challenges from recent cuts to public broadcasting funding while continuing to help residents with fresh produce twice a week at the Southside Community Center—highlighting his deep ties to the community. The Ithacan
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Ithaca College’s PPECS reinstated student employment hours to 140 on November 17—after a budget error led Technical Operations to exceed its spending and prompted a mid-October cut to 100 hours, affecting timely equipment checkouts for communications students in Roy H. Park Hall. The Ithacan
- ➤ Michael Gorup joined Ithaca College in Fall 2025 after leaving New College of Florida when conservative shifts reduced faculty control—he grew up in Ithaca and is a Cornell graduate who will use his research on race, capitalism and American politics to guide his teaching. The Ithacan
- ➤ Cornell Recreational Services will open New York state's first indoor adaptive high ropes course at the Noyes Recreation Center in spring 2026—funded by a New York state grant and the Noyes Endowment, the course replaces the decommissioned indoor course and adds equipment for people with limited mobility. The new facility will expand accessible recreational options for students with disabilities. Cornell Chronicle
- ➤ Lisa Walker ’86 donated the largest gift from a Cornell Engineering alumna to create the Lisa L. Walker 1986 Distinguished Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and a research fund at the R.F. Smith School, supporting exceptional faculty. Susan Daniel was named the inaugural professor and the fund will empower her to pursue high-risk research and innovative teaching—reinforcing the school's commitment to advanced engineering education. Cornell Chronicle
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Cornell researchers discovered a new way that water moves inside plant leaves using a special sensor—this breakthrough may help breed crops that use water more efficiently under drought conditions. Cornell Chronicle
- ➤ Ithaca College and SUNY Cortland worked together during the Cortaca Jug week by running a can drive contest from Nov. 7 to 14 that collected over 3,000 cans for local ReUse Centers. Cortland won the contest by beating Ithaca College 1638 to 1554. The Ithacan
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Tompkins County Public Library has chosen two finalists for its director position and will host their presentations on December 1 at 5 p.m. and December 3 at 5 p.m. in the Borg Warner Community Room—TCPL plans to name a new director by January when the interim director’s term ends. 607 News Now
- ➤ An updated Criminal Record Online Toolkit gives job seekers clear guidance to fix errors in their criminal records and review their rights when applying for jobs in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. Developed by the Criminal Justice and Employment Initiative—an effort that began with a Cornell project—the resource bundles federal, state and local laws to help about 2 million New Yorkers pursue employment opportunities. Cornell Chronicle
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Cayuga Health outpatient clinics at the Ithaca Mall became one of the first facilities to receive age-friendly certification under a program developed by Cornell students and Tompkins County’s Office for the Aging—designed to adjust settings like lighting and seating to meet diverse needs. Other local organizations have already used the self-audit checklist to improve accessibility for all visitors. Tompkins Weekly
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Mike McSloy was hired as the new head coach for the Ithaca College men’s basketball team on June 17, replacing Waleed Farid—he inherits a team that won its second Liberty League Championship Tournament in February. The Bombers will play Western New England University at 4 p.m. on November 22 and host University of Rochester at 7:30 p.m. on December 2 as they aim for another championship. The Ithacan
- ➤ Ticket sales for the 67th Cortaca Jug football game started at 10 a.m. today on Ticketmaster—fans can buy tickets for the game at Yankee Stadium on November 14 as memories of Ithaca College’s win last weekend boost excitement. 607 News Now
- ➤ Ithaca College and SUNY Cortland continue their long-standing Cortaca Jug football tradition that draws huge crowds (about 8,000 fans this year) and sparks school pride. Local sports leaders urge fans to show equal support for other teams, noting the undefeated women’s volleyball team recently hosted the Liberty League Championship Tournament. The Ithacan
-
Pink Talking Fish Live Performance
7-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Tickets available — Experience a unique fusion of Pink Floyd, Talking Heads, and Phish in one unforgettable concert.
-
Jazz Social at the Regent Lounge
5:00-6:30 p.m. — The Statler Hotel at Cornell University — Free entry — Experience delightful performances from award-winning jazz ensembles in a charming lounge atmosphere.
-
Macro Workshop with Anmol Bhandari
11:40 AM - 12:55 PM — Ives Hall — No entry fee — Explore macroeconomic theories and applications with a leading economist in an interactive workshop.
-
Béla Fleck Concert
8:00-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Tickets required — Experience an evening of innovative music featuring Béla Fleck and his talented ensemble.
-
The Wood Brothers Concert
8:00-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Tickets available — Experience the soulful folk sounds of The Wood Brothers in the heart of Ithaca.
-
A Very Merry Classic Christmas with Jessica Lynn
7:00-8:30 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a festive holiday concert featuring award-winning artist Jessica Lynn.
-
An Evening with Evan Horne
8-10 p.m. — Kitchen Theatre Company — $20 — Experience the immersive sounds of cinematic-folk artist Evan Horne in an intimate setting.
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
There are always two reasons for doing anything: a good reason and the real reason.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Ithaca
Welcome to the Daily Ithaca, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Ithaca, New York community. If you like the Daily Ithaca, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Ithaca.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Ithaca and across New York. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Ithaca
A free Ithaca community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailyithaca.com/sitemap