Good morning, Ithaca.

A Cornell University Library exhibit honors the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by displaying historical materials related to George Washington in the Kroch Library rotunda.

The exhibit (America at 250) runs until January 2027.

Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts — a historic 175-year-old venue at 5 McLallen St. — reopened June 18 after a $1.7 million, 18-month renovation that updated its interior and exterior to meet ADA codes.

The conservatory now hosts diverse arts programs and plans a Fourth of July performance.

A Cornell report finds that local MBA new hires will soon supervise AI tools for data analysis and research rather than doing these tasks themselves.

The study recommends adding AI training (including ethics) in coursework to help graduates meet evolving workplace expectations.

Cornell teaches students about democracy using courses on politics, data analysis, and civil discourse; the classes show how democratic freedoms can protect rights and prevent crises.

The program prepares future leaders by building practical skills for civic engagement.

Trumansburg celebrated five Class of 2026 athletes as they begin college sports careers.

Arlo Peake, Willoughby Puryear, Allison Denmark, Sofia Shaff and Will Brainard are headed to SUNY Canton, Hudson Valley Community College, Alfred University, Ithaca College + SUNY Cortland respectively, marking a new chapter in local athletics.

Cornell doctoral student Ellen van Wijngaarden—winner of the Ivy+ Three Minute Thesis competition—in a Zoom event held June 10 faced competitors from eight peer institutions, with her brief mechanical engineering dissertation presentation earning first place.

This achievement underscores a milestone in her academic journey.

Under the cemetery behind East Hill Plaza, Cornell researchers say millions of native ground bees form the largest known population in the world; they retreated underground until next spring after a brief active phase in early May, and citizen scientists can still pitch in.

The Tompkins County Department of Recycling and Materials Management released the 2026–2027 Curbside Recycling Guidelines — effective tomorrow.

The guide now allows recycling of paper cups with new technology and offers a 12‑month collection calendar with proper set‑out instructions.

Cornell Yang Center for Wildlife Health has awarded seed funding to five global conservation projects that aim to improve wildlife and environmental health.

The grant supports fresh research and local partnerships from tropical + polar regions, fostering practical conservation progress.

Today, Ithaca has a heat advisory from noon to 8 p.m. with highs near 95°F, and Wednesday through Friday, an extreme heat watch warns of near-100°F temperatures and a 111°F heat index.

Officials urge residents to stay indoors, hydrate, and seek air conditioning.

Officials in Dryden urged residents to keep pets indoors after investigators found 40 cans of cat food believed to be laced with rat poison on June 27.

A dog was taken to Cornell for treatment — officials warn symptoms such as lethargy and vomiting may appear within three to seven days.

Triscuit, a friendly one-year-old cat from CNY Snap, and Bailey, a playful 9-year-old dog from the Cortland County SPCA, are up for adoption—Triscuit is noted for his affectionate nature while Bailey loves kids but cannot live with dogs—and they may bring a loving presence to a new home.

Ithaca High seniors Jonah Jacobstein and Orion Patie wrapped up their tennis careers at states last month when they lost in the Round of 32; Jacobstein will attend Dartmouth and Patie will go to the University of Utah while they keep a long tennis tradition alive.

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.