Good morning, Ithaca.

NYSEG is upgrading the Fourth Street Substation to install a modern control building, new transformers, and switching equipment to boost energy capacity and reliability for over 3,400 Ithaca customers.

The project will be completed in 2028.

Cornell Duffield College of Engineering in Ithaca awarded 16 SPROUT grants supporting cross-disciplinary research in AI+medicine, semiconductors and sustainability.

The record-setting awards help teams build on successful proposals and seek further external funding.

On June 15, Cornell researchers and partners confirmed that a new engineered Ruddlesden-Popper dielectric film can combine tunability with low microwave loss, promising improved wireless devices and potential quantum applications (after 17 years of study).

Two harmful algal blooms were confirmed on the northeastern section of Cayuga Lake this week by the Cayuga County Health Department.

It is the third bloom this season and people are advised to avoid contact with the toxic water—to protect their health.

Ithaca Planning and Development Board reviewed plans for SouthWorks on South Hill, including new apartment buildings, a project spanning 95 acres, and a renovation to create a workforce training and childcare center in Building 21 (built in 1919); the proposal will return next month for further review.

Senator Chuck Schumer announced that a $1.5 million federal package was allocated to clean contaminated sites in the Southern Tier, including Ithaca’s Waterfront Development Area (the 2-acre former Fire Training Center on Pier Road) as part of a $14.3 million state cleanup plan.

The Tompkins County Board of Elections has launched its annual voting sticker contest inviting students in grades K through 12 to design 'I Voted' and 'Future Voter' artwork for November’s early voting and Election Day.

Fourteen finalists from 169 entries were chosen and residents can vote online until July 12.

Tompkins County is reporting a spike in Lyme disease cases with 210 reported so far in 2026 compared with 45 by May last year.

Health experts advise daily tick checks and using permethrin on clothing (which helps kill ticks) to protect yourself during outdoor activities.

The Tompkins County Office for the Aging is asking older adults and their caregivers to complete a survey to improve local senior nutrition services until Friday, July 31.

Participants may respond online, by phone, or via paper copy—feedback that will guide future meal programs.

AK Okereke, a former Cornell hoops star, signed a two-way deal with the Los Angeles Lakers that lets him split time between their NBA + G-League affiliate in Coachella Valley.

He led Cornell in field goal percentage last season.

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.

The Rocksteady Explosion 20-Year Reunion Show

Time not specified — Liquid State Brewing Company — Benefit concert — Celebrate the ska scene with The Rocksteady Explosion's 20-year reunion and more local acts.

Brassquatch! The Fall Creek Brass Band Musical

7:30-9 p.m. — Hangar Theatre — Tickets $12-$34 — Experience a family-friendly musical adventure blending brass, gospel, and pop as young heroes navigate identity and belonging.