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Tompkins County
Ithaca’s school budget draws little public pushback

A proposed $169 million school budget in Ithaca has sparked little controversy ahead of the May 20 vote, according to the Ithaca Voice. Unlike last year’s contentious hearings, only one person spoke at Tuesday’s public ... more
Ithaca adopts revised policy on homeless encampments

Ithaca officials have approved an updated policy aimed at managing homeless encampments on city-owned land, following a year of feedback, data analysis, and collaboration with community partners. The Common Council voted on May 7 to ... more
Newfield taps Jesse Harper as new superintendent

The Newfield Central School District has named Jesse Harper its next superintendent, effective July 1. He will succeed Eric Hartz, who is retiring at the end of the school year. Harper brings more than 20 ... more
Ithaca-area colleges set 2025 graduation dates

Graduation season is here, and three major colleges in the Ithaca area have announced their 2025 commencement plans. Ceremonies will take place between May 17 and May 25. Ithaca College kicks things off on Sunday, ... more
Tompkins County energy, road costs spike despite usage drop

Tompkins County's energy bills are rising even as it uses less power, according to data presented at a May 6 legislative meeting. Chief Sustainability Officer Terry Carroll reported electricity usage dropped 2% and natural gas ... more
Ithaca launches retail mini-grant program to boost small businesses

The Downtown Ithaca Alliance has relaunched a grant program aimed at helping small retailers bounce back from the lasting economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Gearing up for a strong summer, the 2025 Ithaca Retail ... more
Finger Lakes forecast: Muggy air, slow moving system brings showers

Warm, muggy weather will continue across the Finger Lakes and Central New York through Wednesday. A slow-moving system is pushing moisture into the region, triggering rounds of scattered showers and occasional breaks of sunshine. Scattered ... more
Ithaca legalizes ADUs citywide, skips owner rule

Ithaca’s Common Council has approved a long-debated ordinance legalizing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) across most of the city without requiring homeowners to live on-site, according to the Ithaca Times. The 8–3 vote ends six years ... more
Groton expands free summer camp lineup for 2025

Groton Central School District is offering over 50 free summer camps and activities for local residents, thanks to its fourth year under the 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant, according to Tompkins Weekly. The programs, ... more
Ithaca police warn of fake maintenance worker entering homes

The Ithaca Police Department is investigating multiple reports of a man posing as a maintenance worker to enter homes in the South Hill area. The suspect has no ties to any real service company, police ... more
Cortland Standard to relaunch under new ownership

The Cortland Standard will resume publishing on May 17 after shutting down in March, according to Sample News Group. The 158-year-old paper filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy citing rising costs and looming tariffs, eliminating 17 ... more
Finger Lakes flooding update: Watches and warnings continue after heavy rain

Heavy rainfall overnight has led to widespread flooding concerns across the Finger Lakes and Central New York this morning, prompting multiple flood watches and warnings from the National Weather Service (NWS). Flood watches remain in ... more
X Ambassadors launch anniversary tour in Ithaca

Alt-rock band X Ambassadors will kick off a 10-year anniversary tour for their debut album "VHS" with two hometown shows in Ithaca this September, according to the Ithaca Journal. The band also announced a reimagined ... more
Police arrest burglary suspect after break-in reported

An unknown man was caught and arrested Monday after allegedly breaking into a home on Prospect Street in Ithaca, according to police. The suspect, identified as 59-year-old Don C. Butler of Ithaca, was stopped by ... more
Cornell men’s lacrosse rallies past Princeton to capture Ivy League title
Cornell men's lacrosse closed out its Ivy League campaign in style, storming past No. 2 Princeton with a 20-15 victory to win the Ivy League Tournament Championship on Sunday afternoon at Schoellkopf Field. It marks ... more
Three TAKE 5 top-prize tickets sold across New York

The New York Lottery announced today that three lucky players scored top-prize wins in the May 2 TAKE 5 MIDDAY drawing, each taking home $6,883.00. The winning tickets were sold in Cortland, Forest Hills, and ... more
Dryden moves forward with bridge for rail trail

Dryden officials received state approval to seek bids for a $3.5 million bridge connecting two sides of the Dryden Rail Trail, according to The Tompkins Weekly. The bridge over Route 13 will link key trail ... more
Cornell replaces Slope Day headliner after backlash

Cornell University has named rapper Gunna as the new Slope Day headliner after dropping singer Kehlani over her comments on the Gaza war, according to The Ithaca Voice. Kehlani’s public criticism of Israel, including statements ... more
Disney’s Bob Iger to get honorary Ithaca degree

Disney CEO Bob Iger will receive an honorary Doctor of Letters degree at Ithaca College’s 130th Commencement on May 18, according to the Ithaca Journal. Iger, a 1973 graduate, began his media career at Ithaca’s ... more