Ithaca, NY · Daily edition

Ithaca news for Friday, October 30, 2026

2 stories from Ithaca and Tompkins County, in about three minutes.

Crime · Ithaca, NY

Court Hears Challenge to AG James' Role in Cornell Rape Investigation

A state judge in Monticello heard arguments Thursday from one of two accused men seeking to remove New York Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor overseeing a renewed criminal investigation into gang rape allegations at Cornell University. The underlying case stems from a lawsuit filed by a former student identified as Jane Doe, who alleges she was raped at a fraternity party in October 2024 and that some men pressured her into using ketamine and marijuana. Gov. Kathy Hochul appointed James as special prosecutor on Oct. 1 after Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten declined to bring charges in 2024. The defense argued James' Sept. 28 social media posts expressing support for the accuser demonstrated bias, while James' office called the challenge procedurally defective and meritless.

Source: Woodland Daily Democrat Read the full story ↗

Local Politics · Ithaca, NY

Cornell Faculty Begin No-Confidence Vote Wednesday; Ballot Open Through Nov. 6

Cornell University faculty will meet Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. to begin voting on a proposed no-confidence resolution in President Michael Kotlikoff's administration, following frustration over the university's handling of a woman's sexual assault allegation at a campus fraternity house in October 2024. Electronic voting will remain open through Nov. 6 with anonymous ballots. The vote follows an Oct. 14 Faculty Senate meeting where administrators addressed concerns about a stalled criminal investigation and alleged mishandling of complaints; all seven accused individuals have denied the allegations. A no-confidence vote would be largely symbolic but could influence university trustees who decide institutional leadership.

Source: Sun Sentinel Read the full story ↗