Good morning, Ithaca.

Cornell faculty and students are partnering with the City of Ithaca to improve park maintenance and governance, inventorying park features and testing more sustainable landscape designs under a new MOU (with annual funding through 2039).

Boat operators needing a safety certificate can attend a $40 course at Lansing Community Center on Saturday and Sunday, August 1 and 2 at 25 Auburn Road & Route 34.

The class meets Brianna’s Law requirements that have been in effect since January 1, 2025 and awards a lifetime certificate.

Cornell researchers developed niobium arsenide nanowires that improve as they get thinner to replace copper used in microchip interconnects.

They used thermomechanical nanomolding (a process similar to using a pasta maker) and reported their findings July 16 in Science.

Tompkins County Clerk’s Office will host its second Naturalization Ceremony on Thursday, July 23 at 11:00 a.m. at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine — Yarnell Lecture Hall 4 — to welcome new American citizens as community partners and media are invited to attend.

Tompkins County Recycling and Materials Management announced that starting August 1, all visitors to the Recycling and Solid Waste Center tip floors will need to wear a hi-vis vest for safety (this rule applies to residents, licensed haulers, contractors, and businesses) and does not affect other facility areas.

The Cayuga County Health Department issued a water conservation order for Aurora residents after a water main break at Wells College (repairs are ongoing) and updates will be provided (when service is restored).

Swimming at Taughannock Falls State Park is closed due to a harmful algal bloom that reappeared soon after the beach reopened.

Park officials will announce when the water clears, and residents should avoid contact on Cayuga Lake & report blooms to the Community Science Institute.

Wildfire smoke from Canada's fires drifted over New York during an Air Quality Health Advisory last night for western, central and eastern regions.

Officials advised residents to monitor air quality and limit outdoor activity to protect their health.

Wildfire smoke from Canada is lowering air quality in our community today, prompting health officials to urge residents to limit outdoor activities while suggesting the PuroAir 240 (HEPA) Air Purifier on sale online for better indoor air quality.

A fox that acted erratically near Stone Quarry/Elmira Road was captured on July 16 and confirmed rabid by the Tompkins County Whole Health Department; residents with contact concerns should call (607) 274-6688.

New York health officials reported rising Cyclospora cases and stress that all fresh produce be thoroughly washed before cutting, cooking, or eating.

They have not advised avoiding any specific fruits or vegetables, so Ithaca consumers are encouraged to follow standard safe food practices.

Developers have requested a $17.5M tax break so Beacon Communities can build 230 affordable housing units as part of the SouthWorks redevelopment on a 95-acre site.

A public hearing is set for 11 a.m. July 29 at 119 E. Seneca St (for Beacon Communities’ proposals The Gateway and The Woods).

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.