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On February 19, 2026, the Dryden Town Board voted unanimously to permanently ban data centers and commercial cryptocurrency mining operations . This makes Dryden the first town in New York to implement such a total prohibition. Why the ban? Energy Grid Strain:  Officials and the Climate Action Committee argued that data centers consume "exorbitant" amounts of electricity, which could lead to higher utility rates (NYSEG) for local residents. Climate Goals:  New York’s Climate

With all of the talk of a local AI data center, I was curious what the LLM's themselves would say about the environmental impact of AI. I asked them to present it as a student report. Gemini: As a student diving into this, the main thing I’ve realized is that AI’s environmental impact is a massive paradox. It’s essentially a "high-cost, high-reward" scenario where the technology we need to save the planet is also one of the fastest-growing threats to our energy and water st

Our recent story on the upcoming closure of Kinney Drugs on March 5, 2026, sparked a wonderful conversation among our readers. Thanks to the eagle-eyed members of the NextDoor community , several historical inaccuracies in our original piece were brought to light. To ensure the history of this neighborhood landmark is preserved accurately, we emailed staff at The Tompkins Center for History and Culture , who provided links and access to the archival materials and newspaper re

If you’ve walked through Collegetown, the Commons, or down South Hill anytime in the last five years, you’ve probably asked the same question that dominates every local dinner party: “What are they building there?” Until this month, finding the answer required the patience of a saint. You had to dig through PDF agendas from Planning Board meetings, decipher rumors on Reddit, or wait for the steel beams to actually go up. But as of January 2026, the City of Ithaca has handed u

In early 2026, public attention in Ithaca City School District  shifted toward a tough topic: the possibility  of closing one or more elementary schools. This isn’t a decision that’s been made yet — but it’s one that’s been flagged by a recent study and raised at school board discussions.  What Triggered the Discussion A demographic and financial study  presented to district leaders shows that: Enrollment in the district’s elementary schools has been declining  for years, wit

Winter in Ithaca  comes with its fair share of charm: fresh snowfall that turns the city into a soft-edged postcard. But that magic also brings challenges — especially for pedestrians trying to navigate snow-packed sidewalks and the piles that build up at street corners after plows pass through. That’s where Ithaca Snow Angels  comes in — a creative civic program run by the City of Ithaca that turns community care into action. It goes beyond clearing your own walk and invites

If you’ve looked outside in the last hour, you already know: winter has arrived in full force. A Winter Storm Warning  is officially in effect for Ithaca and the surrounding Tompkins County area, lasting until 7:00 PM tomorrow (Monday) . Here is the breakdown of what to expect tonight and the critical parking rules you need to follow to avoid a ticket (or a tow). The Forecast Heavy snow is expected to continue throughout the evening. We are looking at potential accumulations

f you’ve walked down West State Street recently, you might have noticed a subtle but significant change. After eight years as a staple for noodle lovers in Ithaca, Maru Ramen  has officially closed its chapter on broth and noodles. But don’t panic—they aren’t going anywhere. Owners Chris Kim and Soyong Lee have officially rebranded the space as Maru Korea , launching a completely overhauled menu that trades Japanese-style ramen for a deep dive into authentic, health-conscious

If you’ve been wondering what’s happening behind the scenes with Living in Ithaca , here’s a quick update on where things stand and what’s coming next. While the show hasn’t launched just yet, a lot of meaningful groundwork has been happening quietly in the background. Over the past several months, we’ve been balancing development of the Living in Ithaca  show alongside client projects and other ongoing commitments. That behind-the-scenes work includes refining the show forma

As the government shutdown drags on, many Ithacans are feeling the effects — especially those who rely on SNAP benefits  to feed their families. When those benefits pause, the gap hits hard and fast. But here in Ithaca, no one has to face hunger alone. Our community is built on connection, compassion, and practical help. Below are local food pantries, meal programs, and organizations ready to lend a hand right now. 🥫  Ithaca Kitchen Cupboard 📍 150 N. Albany Street, Ithaca �

Misunderstanding on the Commons There was a recent social media post about busking on the Ithaca Commons, and you might’ve assumed you...

Whether you’re car-free by choice, necessity, or just trying to cut down on parking tickets, riding TCAT (Tompkins Consolidated Area...

Tompkins County is facing a potential $11 million budget shortfall in 2026—and it could have real consequences for people living in...

Tompkins County is moving forward with plans for a new $50 million “Center of Government” in downtown Ithaca—and residents have a lot to...

Photo Credit-David Yu Tucked away in the Finger Lakes region, Ithaca is a small town with a big personality. From breathtaking gorges to...

Photo: Kenneth C. Zirkel / CC BY‑SA 4.0 There’s a charming bit of local folklore that many longtime Ithacans have heard: that a scene...

Life in Ithaca can be beautiful—but it can also be expensive. Whether you’re facing a sudden job loss, struggling to keep up with rent,...

Preview of Show Open We’re thrilled to announce that Life in Ithaca —our new magazine-style television show—is officially in the works!...

From WhiteHouse.gov If you live in Ithaca, you’ve probably heard about President Trump’s recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill —a...

From Cenralushealth.org If you’ve been hearing about “Centralus Health” and wondering what that means for Cayuga Medical Center and local...