Local News

Ithaca Police Free Woman Allegedly Restrained in East Green Street Apartment. On New Year's Day, Ithaca Police assisted a woman who reported being forcibly kept inside an apartment on East Green Street. Officers responded to a suspicious incident around 8:30 p.m. at 118 East Green Street and located the woman inside the building. Authorities are investigating the circumstances and have not released further details on any arrests or the woman's condition. The incident remains under police review as officials gather more information. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Jan 2) Finger Lakes Ithaca, NY

Suspect Arrested After Hostage Incident at Downtown Ithaca Apartment. Ithaca police apprehended a 27-year-old man following a reported hostage situation at an East Green Street apartment on January 1. Officers responded after hearing a woman calling for help and safely removed her from the premises without injury. The suspect, identified as Travis A. Thompson of Ithaca, was arrested on outstanding warrants from Cortland County and Cortland City Court, with further charges expected. Authorities continue to investigate and are seeking additional information. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Jan 2) Finger Lakes Ithaca, NY Cortland, NY

Ithaca Prepares for Leadership Changes and Healthcare Developments in 2026. As 2026 begins in Ithaca, the community faces notable changes in local government, following significant turnover on both the Ithaca Common Council and Tompkins County Legislature after recent elections. City officials continue the search for a new chief administrator after the resignation of City Manager Deb Mohlenhoff. In healthcare, Cayuga Medical Center has joined a larger network, while nurses are actively pursuing unionization. These developments are expected to shape the region’s priorities and challenges in the year ahead. (Source: The Ithaca Voice on Jan 1) Finger Lakes Ithaca, NY

Rockland County Nursing Home Owner Returns to Prison Despite Presidential Pardon. Joseph Schwartz, a former nursing home executive from Rockland County, has been ordered back to prison in Arkansas following convictions for Medicaid fraud and tax evasion. Despite receiving a federal pardon from former President Trump in November, Schwartz's state-level sentence remains. His legal team argued for credit for time served and raised concerns about his dietary needs, but a judge determined Arkansas prisons could meet those requirements. Schwartz may become eligible for parole after serving 31 days. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Dec 31) Finger Lakes Ithaca, NY

Plan for Eight-Story Apartment Building Announced for Ithaca’s Collegetown. A proposal has been introduced to construct a new eight-story apartment building at 309 College Avenue, the site of the former Collegetown fire station in Ithaca. The planned development includes 77 residential units, with design details and project scope under review by local city officials. This plan marks a significant potential addition to the Collegetown neighborhood, pending municipal approval. Further updates are expected as the project moves through the city’s review process. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Dec 31) Finger Lakes Ithaca, NY

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