Daily
Ithaca
Wednesday, December 24th, 2025
Good morning, Ithaca. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 24th of December.
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Cornell students in the Space Systems Design Studio deployed the world’s first free-flying light sail from their Alpha CubeSat on Wednesday night. The team confirmed the command reception by 8:47 p.m. — they will now gather data to verify the sail’s performance. The Cornell Daily Sun
- ➤ Student dining workers at Cornell launched a petition on Nov. 3 asking the university to stop cuts that lowered pay and hours and harmed safety — a move to protect nearly 600 dining workers on campus. The Cornell Daily Sun
- ➤ Cornell settled with the federal government to restore frozen research funding and will invest $30 million over the next three years in agtech research that uses AI and robotics to update farming. The university will manage the funds through its Office of the Vice Provost for Research. The Cornell Daily Sun
- ➤ Facing a $3 million mortgage crisis from a major donor’s shortfall, the Paleontological Research Institution—supporting Cornell courses and housing a vast fossil collection—may close by year’s end unless additional funds are raised. Grassroots donations have surged, yet a significant financial gap remains. The Cornell Daily Sun
- ➤ Cornell Engineering held a celebration at Upson Hall on Dec. 18 to mark the first group completing Radical Humanity in Research—a pilot program launched in January that now serves 11 research groups. The multi-week workshops strengthen team mentoring and promote a human-centered research culture. Cornell Chronicle
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A recall on Market 32 and Waterfront Bistro shrimp was expanded on Dec. 19 after tests found cesium-137 contamination, forcing Price Chopper to pull products in New York and other states. Consumers in Ithaca are advised to dispose of packages and not eat them + contact health providers if needed. Ithaca Journal
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ The median price for home listings in Tompkins County fell 2.5% to $389,000 in November compared to $399,000 in October, with homes selling for roughly $213 per sqft + staying on the market for 71 days. New listings dropped 10% from last November, totaling 36. Ithaca Journal
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Ithaca College Athletics announced on Sunday that head coach Michael Toerper has accepted the Defensive Coordinator position at Cornell Football. He will prepare a new defensive strategy ahead of the 2026 season after a tenure that saw his teams win back-to-back Liberty League Championships. The Cornell Daily Sun
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New Year's Eve Dance Party
8:30 p.m. — Foundation of Light — Check event page for ticket details — Celebrate the new year with a night of games, raffles, and festive fun.
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Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks at Cornell Big Red Men's Hockey
7-8:30 p.m. — Lynah Rink — Tickets starting at $15 — Catch an exciting NCAA hockey matchup as the Nanooks take on the Big Red in Ithaca.
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Live Music – The Soul Benders
6-8 p.m. — Hopshire Farm and Brewery — Free entry — Experience powerful blues and rock from the acclaimed Ithaca-based band The Soul Benders.
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
A classic is a book that has never finished saying what it has to say.
~ Italo Calvino
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