Good morning, Ithaca.

Tompkins County Public Library is changing its lending guidelines to boost inventory availability for all users.

Starting August 1, the number of automatic renewals for loaned items will drop from 6 to 2—while anyone living or working in Tompkins County can now get a library card without proving a residential address.

Jerry Arcangeli, a 59-year-old man from Burdett, was arrested for felony burglary and grand larceny after breaking into a home on Meads Hill Road in Dix in March 2023—he stole about $450,000 in gold, silver, cash and multiple guns.

Ithaca police arrested a 22-year-old resident on Friday afternoon after a stabbing at Amici House Apartments on Spencer Rd left a victim with multiple stab wounds; the victim is in stable condition & the suspect faces charges of assault in the first degree and criminal weapon possession.

LakeEffect barley, the first winter malting barley from Cornell’s Small Grains Breeding Program, offers high yields and resists key diseases—Fusarium head blight, scald, and powdery mildew—that appeal to both farmers and local craft brewers and distillers.

Seed will be harvested this summer for fall planting, with commercial crops available in summer 2026.

Cornell renewed its 10-year, $10 million grant to support its Center for Advanced Technology—designed to spur economic growth and job creation through applied research and industry partnerships.

Empire State Development announced the funding on July 9, and the center has helped link university research with local companies while previously supporting over 420 life-science jobs.

NASA and the Indian Space Research Organization will launch a radar satellite on July 30 from Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota to capture small ground movements and measure soil moisture with synthetic aperture radar—Cornell experts will use the data to track land and ice changes for climate study during the three-year mission.

Cornell government scholars have released a new book titled Global Challenges to Democracy: Comparative Perspectives on Backsliding, Autocracy, and Resilience that shows how democracy is falling in many parts of the world, including the United States.

The book gathers stories from different regions and shows ways people fight back when leaders try to take more power—scholars say these lessons can help protect democracy.

A SCASDP grant will allow Ithaca Tompkins International Airport to add a third daily flight to Washington DC in October via United Airlines.

The agreement requires community partners (Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce, Ithaca College, Cornell University, Strategic Tourism Planning Board, and Tompkins County) to provide a revenue guarantee if the flight does not meet its target, and the county legislature approved the county’s portion on July 15.

CFCU Summer Concert Series

5-11 p.m. — Bernie Milton Pavilion — Free entry — Enjoy a weekly lineup of local and regional artists at this family-friendly concert series.

Jazz Mondays with Dave Davies RhythmMakers

5:30-8:30 p.m. — South Hill Cider — $5 suggested donation — Enjoy live jazz and delicious cider with local talent at a charming venue.

Ithaca Metal Fest

7-11:30 p.m. — Stone Bend Farm — $16.88 — Rock out with a night of metal featuring local bands and noise sets.

Jazz Mondays with Dave Davies RhythmMakers

5:30-8:30 p.m. — South Hill Cider — $5 suggested donation — Enjoy live jazz and cider from talented local musicians every Monday evening.

Mosaic Foundation Performance at South Hill Cider

5:30-8:30 p.m. — South Hill Cider — $10 cover at the door — Experience internationally influenced reggae with diverse sounds and uplifting messages.

The Evergreen Social Vintage Market

12-4 p.m. — South Hill Cider — Check for any entry fee — Explore a vibrant market filled with vintage clothing, delicious cider, live music, and unique finds.

Mondays with MAQ at South Hill Cider

5:30-8:30 p.m. — South Hill Cider — $5 suggested donation — Enjoy live jazz with the talented MAQ ensemble while sipping heirloom cider.

Richie Stearns and Friends Concert

5:30-8:30 p.m. — South Hill Cider — $5-$10 suggested donation — Enjoy eclectic banjo music and local vibes in a beautiful cider setting.