Good morning, Ithaca.

Tompkins County residents have raised concerns as the county Department of Emergency Response recorded 141 noise complaints in May — a figure exceeding the combined total from January and February, reflecting four consecutive months of rising calls.

Via's Cookies, a small business founded by Ithaca College student Olivia Carpenter during the pandemic, was honored with the prestigious NYS Empire Award on June 18 after State Senator Lea Webb praised its community support (donating part of its proceeds to underrepresented students and communities).

Cornell has introduced a gorge safety program that educates students, staff and visitors on safe practices in the gorges around campus — offering patrols, orientation hikes and a safety video to help people avoid hazards.

Cornell undergraduates built an autonomous robot that zaps weeds with electricity and won the grand prize at The Farm Robotics Challenge on May 21—now they plan to use the $50,000 award to launch a startup named Rootline Robotics with local agribusiness support.

Ithaca College is changing leadership in its business and communications schools as Dean Michael Johnson-Cramer leaves on June 15 for the Coast Guard Academy and Dean Amy Falkner steps down on June 30, with interim deans in place + both deans modernized their programs.

The Bronfenbrenner Center’s Program for Research on Youth Development and Engagement is hosting the Purpose Grows Here workshop to help local educators embed lessons on youth purpose into programs (targeting groups like Cornell Cooperative Extension, county 4-H, and K-12 organizations). Participants will learn techniques using survey data and role exercises to support young people’s well-being.

A study published June 22 shows that women negotiators achieve similar economic outcomes as men while building stronger relationships (leading to more trust and satisfaction), which may open up more future opportunities for them.

On June 17th, local groups held a press conference before a Lansing Town Board meeting to oppose TeraWulf’s proposed Cayuga Data campus project—gathering over 19,700 petition signatures from residents.

They will host a public presentation on data centers and their impacts Thursday, June 25th.

Tompkins County will promote green transportation at its new Center of Government on North Tioga Street by adding about eight bicycle lockers, showers and changing rooms and 10 electric vehicle charger spots for county vehicles as part of the $50 million project; construction has not begun.

Gov. Kathy Hochul created a committee Monday to explore a joint bid for future Winter Olympics in Lake Placid and New York City — the panel will assess fiscal responsibility, community benefits, and logistical feasibility over the next year; no official bid has been submitted.

Pawz and Purrz Animal Shelter offers a calm and playful 3-month-old black and white puppy named Nigel for foster-to-adopt.

The pup weighs about 15 pounds and is known for being good with kids and other dogs.

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.

Beginnings Summer Concert Series

5-8 p.m. — Bernie Milton Pavilion — Free entry — Enjoy free live music in the heart of Downtown Ithaca every Thursday evening.