Good morning, Ithaca.

The YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County is expanding its Lansing facility with a new 5,394 sqft lap pool and adding 20 parking spaces — construction will begin by summer's end and finish by 2027 in a $7.8 million project funded partly by a state grant and a capital campaign.

Pawz and Purrz Animal Rescue is fostering a bonded pair of senior dogs (a 13-year-old Yorkie and a 15-year-old pug) for adoption once they complete their veterinary appointments and immunizations.

The pair needs a quiet home with a fenced yard.

Southside Community Center will host its annual Juneteenth celebration on June 20 from 12 to 6 p.m. at the center, with events planned on June 19 across Ithaca; the celebration will feature a gospel concert, youth & voting activities in partnership with local groups to honor rich community history.

Cornell assistant professor Jean Bernard Cerin released an album titled 'Lisette: A Song’s Journey From Haiti & Back' that traces Haiti's oldest surviving song in Haitian Creole recorded at Cornell.

The Lisette Project aims to make Cornell a center for Haitian classical music with ties from France & Louisiana.

New York State Electric and Gas is asking regulators for a rate hike that would raise the average Ithaca home's bill by nearly $800 a year — residents can submit public comments via the state Public Service Department portal.

Cornell held ceremonies on its Ithaca and Weill Cornell Medicine campuses on June 8 and 9 to honor 99 staff who earned degrees while working full-time in fields from forestry to nursing, celebrating academic achievement + lifelong learning.

Erica Groshen (ILR School) was named the 2026 Harry V.

Roberts Statistical Advocate of the Year by the American Statistical Association for her work promoting quality federal data to legislators and the public.

Tompkins County and City officials are urging residents and service providers to report unsheltered encampments as outreach teams work to connect individuals with shelter and housing assistance—authorities update policy to secure public spaces.

Researchers at Cornell found that tiny engineered silica nanoparticles — called C’ dots — kill prostate tumor cells while boosting the immune system in mice.

The study, published June 15 in Cancer Research, suggests a new path for future cancer treatments.

Lansing’s Trent Thibault was named ESPN Ithaca’s Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year on June 14 at the Ithaca Downtown Conference Center (earning multiple track titles and a $1,500 scholarship from Visions Federal Credit Union).

This fall, he will continue his cross country and track career at Columbia University.

Several Cornell alumni are making moves in the expanding PWHL ahead of the 2027 season as a six-phase process allowed players like Brianne Jenner to sign with Hamilton + San Jose; at least three Cornell draftees will be announced tomorrow at the PWHL Draft.

The Southern Tier Athletic Conference announced its 2026 high school baseball and softball all stars on Monday, June 15, recognizing top players from local teams including Horseheads, Maine-Endwell and Ithaca ahead of state tournament play.

Lansing girls golf team won the Section IV title on May 28 at Soaring Eagles Golf Course in Horseheads — beating Corning by two strokes despite missing top golfer Miley Palmer, and four players advanced to state championships at Wild Wood Country Club in Rush from June 6 to 8.

Stitch Club

1–3 p.m. — Tompkins County Public Library — Free entry — Gather for a creative afternoon of stitching, sharing skills, and working on projects.

Blaque Dynamite Live Performance

7-11:30 p.m. — The Nocturnal Café — $14 adv/$20 dos — Experience Grammy-nominated artist Blaque Dynamite blending jazz, funk, and more in an unforgettable live show.

One Night With You

7-9 p.m. — K-HOUSE Karaoke & Arts Hub — Enjoy dinner with Elvis singing classic tunes.

Ithaca Reggae Fest 2026

Live Music — June 26-28 — Stewart Park — Tickets available — Experience the vibrant rhythms of The Skatalites and other reggae artists at this lively festival.