Good morning, Ithaca.

Freeville residents raised safety concerns at Mill Dam Park after a June board meeting and spurred actions by village worker Dylan Schlee, who trimmed trees, replaced a swing, and removed horseshoe pegs.

Officials plan future upgrades plus seek community input to further develop the park.

The Hangar Theatre’s production of Dear Evan Hansen, directed by Gavin Mayer, opened on July 9 in Ithaca and runs through July 18.

The local cast blends dark themes with humor, using projections to reveal the characters’ inner struggles (a nod to social media’s impact).

Chillin’ on the Quad will occur July 30 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Ag Quad for staff, faculty, students, and retirees.

The event features live music, lawn games, crafts and iced coffee for the first 300 guests + community puzzle exchange with tie-dye photo opportunities +.

Cornell Botanic Gardens added self-guided walking tours in Spanish and Mandarin yesterday at the gardens and F.R.

Newman Arboretum. Students translated 10 tours and recorded audio for 26 stops—giving visitors a new way to explore Cornell’s living landscapes.

State Senator Lea Webb launched her fourth annual Teacher Supply Drive, collecting notebooks, paper, and pens for public school teachers from 11 drop-off locations (in Tompkins, Cortland, and Broome Counties) through August 10.

Researchers at Cornell released a study showing that healthier diets and reduced food waste can cut global agricultural land use by roughly 6% and livestock production by 42% in the coming decades; the analysis urges government and industry support (including tech investments) to ease the transition to a more sustainable system.

Wildfire smoke drifting from Canada and northern Minnesota is causing poor air quality in parts of the northeast, including Ithaca, with alerts for those with respiratory concerns.

Local residents are advised to consider air purifiers with HEPA filters to lower indoor smoke levels.

Cornell researchers found that extra water at meals is linked to higher food consumption while spicy salsa slows eating and lowers snack intake.

The findings (from controlled lab studies) challenge common diet advice and may help people plan healthier meals.

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.