Street Beat: What’s one of the best holiday gifts you ever received?
We asked five random people. Here's what they had to say.
Jaime's Latest Articles
Design details unveiled for new Center of Government
Design details for the Tompkins County government building in downtown Ithaca are now public, with a county survey open for feedback.
Holiday traditions bring community cheer
Tompkins County holiday traditions light up homes, farms, and schools with festive cheer and community spirit.
Local startup Seen Nutrition wins $500,000 prize in GROW-NY competition
Seen Nutrition wins $500,000 in the GROW-NY prize to expand sales, marketing, and global reach of its bone health product.
Street Beat: What is your favorite thing about winter?
We asked five random people. Here's what they had to say.
Enfield rings in holiday season with market and “Deck the Halls” event
Enfield holiday events return with a festive market and family crafts, bringing seasonal cheer to the community.
Flu surges as local officials urge vaccination
Tompkins County flu surge continues as health officials urge residents to get vaccinated to stay protected this season.
The gift of an experience: Local businesses offer hands-on holiday fun
Holiday experience gifts in Tompkins County include candle making, gourd crafts, and pottery workshops for creative seasonal fun.
Street Beat: What is your favorite Christmas movie?
We asked five random people. Here's what they had to say.
Code Blue shelter opens amid praise, concerns and ongoing debate
Ithaca’s Code Blue shelter opens with larger space, showers, and case management to help residents during cold weather.
Ithaca startup REEgen pushes toward cleaner future for rare earth mining
REEgen in Ithaca uses bacteria to recover rare earth elements, offering a safer, sustainable alternative to traditional mining methods.
Love Living at Home: Growing a community village with 500 programs a year
Love Living at Home offers 500 programs a year and volunteer opportunities to connect and support older adults in Tompkins County.
Street Beat: What are you thankful for?
We asked five random people. Here's what they had to say.
Cady Fontana: Inspiring creative confidence
Cady Fontana, Makerspace librarian at TCPL, helps community members explore creative projects and build skills for free.
From the market to kitchen to trails, community gives thanks
From free meals to Turkey Trot and farmers market, Ithaca Thanksgiving community giving highlights generosity across the city.
Street Beat: Where is your favorite place to shop?
We asked five random people. Here's what they had to say.
Town of Ithaca lowers spending, raises tax levy 4% in 2026 budget
The Town of Ithaca budget cuts spending while raising the tax levy and funding key projects.
Danby Seniors: Good home cooking, even better company
Danby Seniors meet monthly for meals, music, and friendship—bringing the community together with good food and great company.
End of an era: Sisters and family say goodbye to Royal Court
Royal Court restaurant Ithaca closes after 50 years, ending a family-run legacy built by sisters Marilyn Ryan and Dorothy Sturtevant.
Inside Gimme! Coffee’s roastery, where pride and precision fuel every cup
Inside Gimme! Coffee roastery: local team roasts beans and bakes treats, blending skill, pride, and precision in every batch.
‘You’ve got to complete the mission’
Local American Legion members share their service experiences ahead of Veterans Day ceremonies across Tompkins County.
Street Beat: What are you dressing up as this Halloween?
We asked five random people. Here's what they had to say.
Four vie for two Enfield Town Board seats
Meet the four candidates competing for two Enfield Town Board seats and learn their priorities, skills, and goals for the community.
Ithaca cemetery preserves history, welcomes Halloween visitors
Volunteers help preserve Ithaca City Cemetery, while visitors enjoy historic tours and Halloween events celebrating the city’s past.
Spooky season comes alive across Tompkins County
Discover Halloween fun in Tompkins County with trunk-or-treats, haunted tours, parties, and spooky events for all ages.
Universal free lunch transforms mealtime for Tompkins County students
Universal free lunch in Tompkins schools eases stress for families and boosts student participation and nutrition.
Dr. Auguste Duplan: A compassionate and calm fixture of Tompkins County adolescent psychiatry
Dr. Auguste Duplan, a compassionate adolescent psychiatrist, has dedicated 20 years to supporting youth and families in crisis.
World of Skills Job Fair opens doors to inclusive employment opportunities
The 29th Annual Skills Job Fair in Ithaca connects employers and job seekers, promoting inclusive employment opportunities.
County faces tight fiscal year with 1.4% tax rate increase
Tompkins County proposes its 2026 fiscal plan with a 1.4% tax increase to manage rising costs and fund essential services.
Street Beat: What is your biggest fear?
We asked five random people. Here's what they had to say.
Volunteers bake hundreds of pies ahead of Brooktondale Apple Festival
Volunteers prepare hundreds of pies for the 62nd annual Brooktondale Apple Festival. Learn how community members like Beth Osborne and local students contribute.
Ithaca startup Seen Nutrition named finalist in Grow-NY contest
Ithaca startup Seen Nutrition is a finalist in the Grow-NY contest, competing for up to $1 million in funding.
Street Beat: What would you title your memoir?
We asked five random people. Here's what they had to say.
TC3’s MADE Expo inspires students to explore careers in manufacturing
TC3’s MADE Expo connects high school students with hands-on manufacturing experiences, highlighting modern career opportunities.
City of Ithaca considers ‘just cause’ worker protections
Just cause worker protections are being considered by the City of Ithaca, sparking debate over impacts on employees and small businesses.
Join the Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Join the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s-Ithaca/Cortland on Oct. 25 at Ithaca College. Support research, programs, and services for those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia.
A Day in the Life of… Dan the Snakeman
Dan the Snakeman reptiles brings snakes, turtles, and alligators to schools and events, giving kids and adults a hands-on learning experience.
Designing a better tomorrow, today: Todd Nau
Todd Nau, manager of Finger Lakes ReUse’s Triphammer location, earns Hometown Heroes Award for leadership, creativity, and community impact.
You’re a homeowner – what’s next?
Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services hosts an aging in place workshop, guiding homeowners on safe renovations, accessibility, and future planning.
Street Beat: If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be?
We asked five random people. Here's what they had to say.
Quilts weave together art, history and community
Tompkins County Quilts celebrates artistry and community at the Years of Traditions show, Sept. 20–21 at TC3 Field House in Dryden.
Fernando de Aragón reflects on 27 years of local transit leadership
Fernando de Aragón reflects on 27 years leading Tompkins County transportation, emphasizing collaboration and sustainable transit solutions.
Street Beat: What is your favorite novel?
We asked five random people. Here's what they had to say.
Danby resident leads effort for covered skate park
Danby resident Zachary Larkins leads effort to transform an old shelter into a covered skate park, with community input and fundraising underway.
Stallone departs from Centralus CEO position; Lawlis named successor
Centralus CEO transition underway as Martin Stallone steps down and Robert Lawlis takes over leadership of Centralus Health.
Tompkins sheriff embraces new tech to combat crime
Tompkins County Sheriff Derek Osborne adopts gunshot detectors and license plate readers to enhance law enforcement and community safety.
Street Beat: What is one essential, must-have dorm room item?
We asked five random people. Here's what they had to say.
A Day in the Life of… Dan Klein
Dan Klein legislator and Tompkins County chair shares his journey, challenges, and daily work leading the legislature.
Maïmouna’s Cuisine brings West African flavors to Ithaca
Maïmouna’s Cuisine Ithaca offers West African flavors with Friday pickups, cooking classes, and healthy catering led by chef Maïmouna Phelan.
New downtown Ithaca senior housing project receives site plan approval
Ithaca senior housing project with 56 affordable units and daycare receives site plan approval, led by Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services.
Street Beat: What is your favorite board game?
We asked five random people. Here's what they had to say.
A Day in the Life of… Crossroad the Clown
Frank Towner, aka Crossroad the Clown, shares what it’s like to spread joy and laughter in Tompkins County for nearly 50 years.
Tompkins Curiosities: Why are a bunch of TCAT buses permanently parked near the airport?
TCAT retired seven Proterra electric buses for safety reasons, now parked near the airport, while new Gillig buses join the fleet.
Aly Evans: Delivering compassion and a hot meal
Aly Evans, executive director of Foodnet Meals on Wheels, is honored as a Hometown Hero for her compassion and leadership.
Tourism officials celebrate recognition amid projections of fewer visitors next year
Tompkins County tourism thrives with fall festivals, awards and economic growth, but officials brace for 2026 declines.
Thinking Ahead: Fighting Medicare fraud
Learn how the New York Senior Medicare Patrol helps older adults prevent, detect, and report Medicare fraud, scams, and abuse.
Street Beat: What are you looking forward to most about the start of the school year?
We asked five random people. Here's what they had to say.
Ithaca Is Books returns with authors, fair
The Ithaca Is Books festival returns Sept. 11–14 with author talks, a book fair, children’s events, and community programming across Ithaca.
From smartphone bans to building plans, Tompkins County schools adjust
As the school year begins, local districts roll out smartphone bans, major capital projects, attendance policy changes.
Street Beat: What do you think would improve the Commons?
We asked five random people. Here's what they had to say.
Enfield Harvest Festival to celebrate 50th year
Enfield Harvest Festival marks 50 years on Sept. 20, 2025.
Filling downtown’s empty storefronts
Intensified retail recruitment at center of city and Downtown Ithaca Alliance efforts.
211 offers an array of programs, seeks volunteer drivers
211 Tompkins Programs offer transport, seek FISH volunteer drivers in 2025. Get involved!
Street Beat: What is your favorite cartoon?
We asked five random people. Here's what they had to say.
Thinking Ahead: Women’s Group becomes Lifelong anchor
Lifelong Women’s Group, led by Dolores Dewbury, fosters community in Ithaca. Explore their story in 2025!
Street Beat: What song do you currently have stuck in your head?
We asked five random people. Here's what they had to say.
SouthWorks hosts career academy, upcoming open house
SouthWorks Career Academy in Ithaca teaches trades to students. Join the open house on August 12!
Cheryl Jewell: Leading Longview with vision
Cheryl Jewell Longview leads with vision, transforming senior living in 2025. Discover her impact!
Tompkins Curiosities: Why have large planters appeared in the alley from Cinemopolis to the Commons?
Ithaca Commons Safety enhanced with planters in 2025. Learn about the bike-friendly test phase!
Street Beat: What was your first concert?
We asked five random people. Here's what they had to say.
When the rain came in
Trumansburg Flood Risk affects families like the Becks. Learn about new FEMA maps and insurance needs in 2025!
Tompkins County Jail Garden cultivates health, hope, dignity
Tompkins County Jail Garden grows hope and health in 2025. Discover how inmates benefit from fresh produce.
Street Beat: What is your favorite store on The Commons?
We asked five random people. Here's what they had to say.
Danby Town Hall soon to be fossil-free
Danby goes green with new heat pumps in its town hall. Discover how a $60,000 grant transforms the 1840s building.
A tale of 3 buildings: Tompkins County’s $50M Center of Government moves forward
Tompkins Center of Government plans $50M build in Ithaca. Explore the 2027 construction start and public input!
Thayers celebrate 70th anniversary, Fresh Air ties
Thayers Fresh Air Fund ties shine at 70th anniversary. Discover how Ithaca’s couple built family through giving in 2025!
Street Beat: What is your advice for anyone visiting Ithaca?
Ithaca was recently named the number-one town to visit this summer by CNN.
Cornell wildlife hospital expands to meet growing demand
Cornell Wildlife Hospital grows to treat more animals. Discover how it saves wildlife in Ithaca in 2025.
From bulls to batteries: Renovus Solar transforming former livestock facility
Renovus Solar Expansion redefines old GENEX site with batteries. Explore the green campus vision in Ithaca!
Street Beat: What is your favorite band?
We asked five random people. Here’s what they had to say.
With enrollment up, Tompkins Cortland Community College pauses culinary programs and focuses on workforce training
TC3 Workforce Training rises with 28% enrollment surge. Explore free courses and paused culinary programs at TC3!
Hangar Theatre celebrates 50 years with a season of music, magic and mystery
Hangar Theatre Anniversary celebrates 50 years with vibrant shows. Explore the 2025 season of music, magic, and mystery!
Brenda Carpenter: The heart behind Dryden Dairy Day
Dryden Dairy Day thrives under Brenda Carpenter’s 41-year leadership. Discover her Hometown Hero award and community impact!
Street Beat: What is your favorite thing about Trumansburg?
We asked five random people. Here’s what they had to say.
The sounds of summer: 44 free outdoor concerts
Free Outdoor Concerts in Tompkins County offer 44 summer shows. Discover the 2025 lineup at Ithaca, Groton, and more!
Green and affordable Trumansburg development begins with Village Grove
Village Grove in Trumansburg offers green, affordable housing for all. Explore the Crescent Way project’s first phase and impact!
Street Beat: What are your weekend plans?
We asked five random people. Here’s what they had to say.
5 candidates vying for 2 Tompkins County Legislature seats in democratic primary
Five Democrats compete for two Tompkins County Legislature seats in the June 24 primary election.
Programs blend science and stewardship with fun on the water this summer
Discover Cayuga Lake’s MV Teal hosts eco-cruises & educational programs to promote Cayuga Lake health, with free paddles & HAB monitoring.
Tradition and community shine at Brooktondale Summer Camp
Brooktondale Summer Camp, a community tradition, runs June 30-Aug. 29, offering kids unplugged fun & friendships, led by Peyton Dennis.
Street Beat: In honor of Father’s Day coming up this weekend, what is your favorite thing about your dad?
We asked five random people. Here’s what they had to say.
Ithaca Pride 2025 expands amid challenges
Ithaca Pride 2025, June 14-15, grows with more events, community focus, & Activate summit despite funding challenges.
Invasive species and toxic blooms pose challenges to summer fun on Cayuga Lake
Cayuga Lake Health Watch monitors HABs & invasive species at 14 sites, led by CSI, to ensure safe swimming & protect the ecosystem this summer.
Street Beat: What is your favorite podcast?
We asked five random people. Here’s what they had to say.
Ithaca launches 2026 budget planning with focus on stability
Ithaca begins 2026 budget planning with 6.5% tax levy increase.
From operating rooms to aisles of ales
FLX Beverage Co. opens in Ithaca with local brews & community vibe.
Street Beat: What is your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
We asked five random people. Here’s what they had to say.
Summit tackles reentry, recovery challenges for the county’s formerly incarcerated
Finger Lakes Reentry Summit 2025 addresses reentry barriers with housing & mental health focus.
Captains Shaun and Stacy McNeil: Building a network
Salvation Army Ithaca’s McNeils, Hometown Heroes, boost homeless outreach & holiday programs.
GIAC’s 60+ adult program offers active aging adventures
GIAC Senior Program offers 60+ adults outings & events for active aging.
Street Beat: How are you preparing for summer?
We asked five random people. Here’s what they had to say.
County unites behind program to fix the region’s most dangerous roads
Safe Streets Tompkins plan targets 21 dangerous roads, securing federal funds for safety improvements, per Tompkins Weekly.
Danby explores sewer alternatives amid grant funding uncertainty
The Town of Danby is seeking engineering firms to develop a Map, Plan, and Report for two proposed sewer districts, backed by a $4.58M NYS DEC grant, to address wastewater issues in Central and West Danby, with the report supporting public engagement and exploring options.
Street Beat: In honor of National Pizza Party Day May 16, what is your favorite pizza topping?
In honor of National Pizza Party Day, locals share their favorite pizza toppings, from classic pepperoni to loaded veggie combos, highlighting what's sizzling in Ithaca and Burdett!
A look at the Ithaca construction projects shaping the city’s future
Ithaca’s transformation accelerates with Meadow on Seneca’s affordable housing breaking ground in September 2025 and FOUND’s antique marketplace anchoring SouthWorks’ revitalized industrial complex by late summer.
Spotted lanternfly, box tree moth threaten region
Tompkins County faces rising spotted lanternfly and box tree moth threats, impacting vineyards and shrubs, per Tompkins Weekly.
25 years of impact: Community Foundation celebrates milestone
The Community Foundation of Tompkins County marks its 25th anniversary with a celebratory event at GIAC on May 14, 2025, highlighting its $32 million in grants and equity-driven partnerships that have transformed the region.
Street Beat – What is your favorite spot in Collegetown?
Kalem picks Collegetown Bagels, Jacob loves D.P. Dough, Junkyu chooses Koko, Joyce favors Pho Time, and Eric, from Saratoga Springs, selects Pokelava as their favorite Collegetown spots.
