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In a world where nearly everything online gets called “news,” it can be helpful to pause and define what different kinds of local media actually do. At Life in Ithaca, we are not trying to be a breaking news outlet. We are a web magazine focused on stories, places, people, events, culture, and everyday life in and around Ithaca. That distinction matters. A traditional news source is usually built around urgency. It reports what happened, when it happened, who was involved, an

Each week, Life in Ithaca is highlighting three local updates worth knowing, from road closures and city government to arts, events, and community life. Here are three things to keep on your radar this week. 1. Stewart Avenue Bridge Closure Begins If Stewart Avenue is part of your regular route, this is the big one. The Stewart Avenue Bridge over Fall Creek is scheduled to close beginning Monday, May 4, as part of a major rehabilitation project. According to the City of Ithac

Today, Friday, April 24, is the final day of this year’s New York State Police “No Empty Chair” Teen Driver Safety Campaign, a statewide effort focused on keeping young drivers safe during one of the most exciting and risky stretches of the school year. The campaign is timed around prom, senior events, and graduation season. Its name carries the whole message: No Empty Chair. No missing student at graduation. No family left with an absence that should have been prevented. Thi

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

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

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...