Good morning, Ithaca.

The Tompkins County SPCA is waiving adoption fees for dogs (those in the shelter for 90 days or more) to ease a space crunch and is asking for foster volunteers and canned food donations for kittens, puppies and nursing moms.

The adoption center is open (Wednesdays through Sundays).

Today, the Department of Education said it has paused loan forgiveness under the Income-Based Repayment plan due to system updates—this change may force borrowers who met the payment criteria to keep paying longer.

The announcement follows recent court decisions on other repayment plans and could add uncertainty for many students.

On July 23, law enforcement agencies in Chemung, Tompkins, and Broome counties received more than $1.6 million under the GIVE initiative to fight gun violence — the funding covers equipment, overtime, and staff expenses as well as specialized training, including $150,485 for the Ithaca Police Department.

Many Ithaca residents are struggling to pay high utility bills while facing new rate hikes that will add about $33 a month, and Congressman Josh Riley is investigating NYSEG's request and poor grid improvements—residents report longer outages and rising costs despite the company’s record profits. Local leaders plan to hold the utility and its foreign parent companies accountable to protect consumers.

Excavation for the Albany St water main replacement began on July 23rd at 7:00 a.m. at the intersection of Buffalo St with North Albany St, which remains closed to through traffic.

Crews will work overnight today to July 25th at 7:00 a.m. to complete final connections and water service will be interrupted for 18 customers (they will be notified by W&S staff).

Tompkins County is set to break ground today on the new Center of Government project downtown at the 300 block of North Tioga Street near DeWitt Park — the planned 48,000-square-foot building will replace outdated facilities and centralize county services — after years of planning. Residents may share their views at a public hearing from 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, July 28 at the Tompkins County Legislature Chambers on E. Court St — officials will review design options and department relocations.

The City of Ithaca invites residents to help shape the 2026 Sidewalk Improvement Plan by walking their neighborhoods and filling out an online survey from July 21 to August 10 to report repair needs.

Their input will guide repair priorities + may also prompt local Ward representatives to coordinate group walk activities.

Ithaca city officials are planning repairs for Third Dam—built in 1911 on Six Mile Creek and a main water source for 35,000 residents—after state inspectors found cracks and sediment buildup that could lead to unsafe conditions; the repairs may cost up to $30 million while the city awaits a potential $5.5 million FEMA grant to help cover costs.

Cornell Engineering’s team halted final tests on its advanced laser project when a stop-work order prevented crucial experiments, ending more than five years of work supported by the Office of Naval Research — the project aimed to convert near-infrared light to mid-infrared for defense and civilian use — and will shift focus if the order is lifted.

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.