Good morning, Ithaca.

Rachel Sandwell, an assistant professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, won the Joel Gregory Book Prize for her book examining women’s leadership in South Africa’s antiapartheid movement — the work highlights how women influenced debates within the ANC.

A Cornell essay compares the unique campus cultures of its colleges and shows how majors can influence student life.

The piece gives a humorous yet clear look at what each college from Arts and Sciences to Engineering brings to the overall campus experience.

Cornell University recently held its first All-IT Town Hall where IT leaders outlined a future-focused roadmap for Evolve IT (a plan to strengthen local technology collaboration) that establishes cross-functional teams for client services, classroom technology, and research computing.

Canadian wildfire smoke is affecting air quality in Ithaca, and residents can use a free IQAir map+ that shows real-time data from Cornell and regional sites to check pollution levels.

Health officials advise checking conditions and limiting outdoor activity to protect those at risk.

Tompkins County now accepts paper cups for curbside recycling after updated guidelines went into effect on July 1.

Residents must empty their cups and remove straws and lids; the guide can be found online and at local drop-off points.

The Ten Mile Creek bridge on County Route 7 between West Creek Road and Everett Road in Wheeler has been closed for emergency repairs since Friday, Jul.

17, and a detour (via West Creek Road, Shader Hill Road, and Mattoon Road) is in effect. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued an air quality health advisory for fine particulates until midnight EDT tonight, urging those sensitive to pollution to limit strenuous outdoor activity.

Deputy Town Supervisor Dan Lamb reported that a leak in the dam built 53 years ago has reduced Dryden Lake’s water levels by more than half — the DEC will bid its replacement with a winner chosen by year’s end for work set in 2027.

Gov. Hochul signed an order on Tuesday morning placing a one-year hold on permits for new hyperscale data centers - a move that puts TeraWulf's planned Lansing project at the former Milliken power plant site on pause, as local groups support further regulatory review.

Weill Cornell Medicine received a three-year $2.5 million grant from the Department of Defense to develop therapies with fewer side effects for triple-negative breast cancer.

Researchers will target the UBR5 protein in preclinical models to potentially improve treatment options.

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.