Good morning, Ithaca.

Cayuga Heights Road at the intersection with West Remington Road will be closed from July 20 for culvert replacement until early October, and drivers are advised to follow the detour along Remington Road + North Sunset Drive.

Last Friday at the GrassRoots Festival in Trumansburg — a lively event blending traditional and modern tunes — award-winning musician Rhiannon Giddens energized a packed crowd with her historic performance.

She honored her roots and connected the audience to local musical heritage.

Cornell Cooperative Extension has named longtime extension educator Judson Reid as the new assistant director for agriculture & food systems.

He will lead 10 regional agriculture teams that connect Cornell research & New York farmers following Peter Landre's retirement in July.

Summer camps and childcare programs scheduled this week operate normally after a storm damaged Lansing school grounds on July 18.

Officials say cleanup continues, safety zones remain in place, and Sobus Track & Field is closed for damage assessment & planned maintenance.

Researchers from Cornell and Carnegie Mellon found that weak AI safety rules may cause riskier products by letting AI makers pass on safety duties — the study shows that clear safety standards for both AI creators and users can lead to safer outcomes and may guide future AI rules.

The Cornell Climate Smart Farming Program provides Twin Tiers farmers with free online tools + expert advice to plan crop rotations and schedule planting and harvest as weather patterns change from climate shifts.

The program launched in 2015 and is used weekly by hundreds in the region.

Bidding for Seneca Lake Pure Waters’ Virtual Auction is open for bids on items from white water rafting trips to Beatles box sets + funds raised will support lake testing, education, and sediment reduction.

The auction runs until 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 29.

Ithaca is exploring a new PODS system to offer dignified spaces for individuals facing homelessness & officials are evaluating the idea after plans for a shelter at the old Burger King site on Rt.

13 stalled. Acting City Manager Dominick Recckio created the concept in 2025.

Tompkins County Whole Health advises residents to follow food safety practices amid a national rise in cyclosporiasis cases while the FDA continues investigating possible links to iceberg lettuce.

No cases have been confirmed locally & more updates will be shared soon.

Ithaca’s Jack Barton will play both football and lacrosse at Utica University this upcoming school year — he played football for two years and lacrosse for one year and will balance his sport commitments with academic demands.

Devyn Blasz, a key midfielder when Groton girls soccer won its first Section IV title since 1987, will join St. John Fisher University's soccer team to add experience and leadership to the Cardinals' rising championship culture.

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.