a clue in today's NY Times crossword

The today in question was attually® a couple of months ago. Sometimes the Ithaca Yournal has a little code number that translates to the original date, but not yesterday. I think it's a matter of paying big bucks to get it on time. Interesting to know that the IJ isn't the onliest cheapskate.

BTW, thanks for tipping the gaffe, tsuwm