Good morning, Ithaca.

The Downtown Ithaca Alliance invites community members this July to join one-hour guided walk audits that help improve accessibility, comfort and safety near bus stations in downtown.

Residents, workers, students and visitors can attend without needing special skills.

The Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance returns to Trumansburg Fairgrounds from July 16 to July 19, with global acts including Taj Mahal and C4 Trio, contra and square dancing, workshops and poetry contests.

The event offers camping and volunteer support in its 34th year.

A new analysis shows this year’s July 4th cookouts cost more than last year — rising food and supply prices drive the increase.

Residents planning celebrations on July 4 should check the report for money-saving tips.

New Roots Charter School celebrated its 15th graduating class on June 25 with 100% of seniors earning diplomas, college credits, and acceptance offers from 37 colleges.

Awards for academic excellence, civic readiness, and community service were distributed, and the school maintained 92% enrollment and full faculty retention.

A two-semester project by Cornell’s AI Innovation Hub, graduate students, and the Treasury team turned a slow manual process into a fast tool that helps staff match payments with the right department.

The improvement helped Cornell recover $100,000 and keep funds from being lost to state law.

The Town of Ithaca closed Lower Forest Home Bridge to all users on Thursday, July 2 from 9am to 3pm for an engineering assessment while the pedestrian walkway remains closed until further notice (for safety reasons).

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.