Good morning, Ithaca.

Corrie Root has been promoted to chief operating officer of the Downtown Ithaca Alliance.

A lifelong Tompkins County resident with over 20 years of nonprofit experience, Root will strengthen day-to-day operations—allowing the CEO to focus on strategic growth and external partnerships.

WSKG Managing Editor Phoebe Taylor-Vuolo interviewed Ithaca reporter Aurora Berry about the child care gap in the Southern Tier where nearly 70 percent of census tracts lack enough spots for children (she is gathering survey responses from families and providers) while the discussion showed how high child care costs are forcing parents to leave the workforce or limit their hours.

Shoppers in Ithaca can prepare for Labor Day deals that will begin in mid-August and run through Labor Day on September 1—retailers plan to offer deep discounts on items such as mattresses, appliances, furniture, electronics, and apparel.

Major stores like Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Wayfair are expected to provide price cuts ranging up to 70% that will help buyers gear up for the back-to-school season.

Cornell computer science researchers have developed a method to hide secret codes in video lighting that reveal manipulated footage by comparing hidden watermarks with the recorded video — the team will present the study on Aug.

10 in Vancouver and hopes the tool can help detect fake footage.

A 73-acre farmland in Ulysses was secured under a conservation easement by the Finger Lakes Land Trust to protect fields, woodland, and a creek that flows toward Cayuga Lake while allowing continued agricultural use.

Donated by Sandra Hill and sold for $300,000 on July 3, the sale will fund a paid conservation internship program in honor of her late husband — Carman Hill.

Brittanie Earle was unanimously appointed as commissioner of the Tompkins County Department of Social Services on July 21, moving from her role as interim director at Cornell University’s Community Response Team.

She will serve a five-year term and plans to address federal changes affecting benefits like Medicaid and SNAP—emphasizing transparency and community collaboration.

Governor Kathy Hochul said that federal changes will cut continuous health coverage for children — about 1,915 in Tompkins and more in neighboring counties will lose Medicaid and Child Health Plus in 2027, and officials are set to fight the policy.

Cornell’s field hockey team will practice on portable turf at Barton Hall this season because the new field at Game Farm Road is unlikely to be ready by August.

The new facility with locker rooms and restrooms is set to finish by mid-September to mid-October—athletics will update plans based on early August progress.

WHCU will end its 80-year run of broadcasting Cornell men’s hockey games—this change takes effect in the 2025-2026 season—after Cornell University Athletics revised its multimedia rights plan.

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.

Rose Ellen / Sam Lupowitz / Mandy Goldman

7 p.m. — The Downstairs — $5 — Enjoy a night of local music talent at a cozy Ithaca venue.

Sit! Stay! Read!

3-4 p.m. — Tompkins County Public Library — Free event — Experience a delightful literary gathering featuring reading activities with a community focus.