Good morning, Ithaca.

The Advocacy Center of Tompkins County will host its 23rd annual 'Kids Are Our Business' fundraiser on June 4 at the Celebrations Event Center to raise $40,000 for programs that support youth victims of domestic violence and child abuse.

Red Jacket Orchards leads the sponsorship — the breakfast event will offer a buffet and raffle prizes with proceeds funding prevention and intervention services.

The Ithaca Festival Parade kicked off the festival weekend yesterday as it moved south on Cayuga Street from Fall Creek to the Ithaca Commons at 6 p.m. The event marked the unofficial start of summer in Ithaca — drawing local residents to celebrate community traditions.

Two Ithaca residents, Michael D.

Jones Jr., 47, and Ynasia O. Adams, 32, were arrested on May 28th after police responded to a burglary at a downtown business on East State Street — Jones resisted arrest by fighting officers while Adams was apprehended later when a search warrant on an apartment yielded stolen property — and the investigation is ongoing.

Ithaca Police arrested two people after a late-night burglary at Homegrown Skateshop on the Commons early Wednesday morning+ Michael Jones Jr., 47, struggled with officers and faced felony burglary, criminal mischief, resisting arrest and harassment charges while Ynasia Adams, 32, was later arrested for burglary and both were remanded to Tompkins County Jail.

Ithaca College hired Aaron Bouyea as its new director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Campus Recreation, announced on May 27.

He comes from Monroe Community College where he improved athletic facilities and resources—his appointment follows Susan Bassett’s planned retirement at the end of the 2024-25 academic year.

Laura Syer, who has led Cornell’s budget and planning since 2021, is leaving to join New York University as vice president for budget, financial planning and analysis with her last day being today—L.

Rebecca Hann will serve as interim VP while the university begins a national search. Syer said she and her family will miss Ithaca and the strong local ties they have built over the years.

The new FEMA flood maps will take effect on June 18 and will require more Ithaca homes with federally backed mortgages to have flood insurance.

City officials updated the flood ordinance to meet state rules—officials will review joining a Community Rating System to help lower insurance costs.

Ithaca Common Council is considering a zoning amendment to remove bed-and-breakfast home and accessory apartment uses and to update the definition, fee, and renewal process for inns—this change is meant to resolve conflicts with the current short-term rental rules that take effect June 1. A public hearing on the new proposal is scheduled for June 11.

A Cornell professor, Shaoyi Jiang, has developed a nanoparticle that replaces PEG—used in mRNA vaccines—with a water-loving material that may lower immune responses and improve vaccine delivery.

He is working with partners to test the new method for cancer vaccines, and the study was published May 29.

Cornell lacrosse star CJ Kirst won the Tewaaraton Trophy on Thursday night at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian—he broke scoring records and was picked first in the college draft by the Philadelphia Waterdogs.

Cayuga Trails 50 Mile Ultra Marathon

6 a.m. — Cayuga Trail Parking — Entry Fee $163 — Experience breathtaking trails with aid stations and a chance to win prizes while running through stunning natural landscapes.

The Evergreen Social: Vintage Goods Market

2-6 p.m. — South Hill Cider — Free entry — Explore unique vintage finds while enjoying tasty cider and live music from DJ Dou.

Gorges Ithaca Half Marathon

7:30-11:30 a.m. — Black Diamond Trail Trailhead — Registration fees apply — Participate in the 10th annual half marathon that traces a beautiful course from Trumansburg to Cass Park.

Twilight 5K Run

7-8 p.m. — Cass Park — Register for a fee — Participate in an annual 5K event organized by the Finger Lakes Running Club.

Ithaca Reggae Fest 2025

5-11 p.m. — Stewart Park — Free entry — Celebrate the region's largest natural resource with reggae music and community spirit.

Jazz Mondays with Dave Davies RhythmMakers

5:30-8:30 p.m. — South Hill Cider — $5 suggested donation — Enjoy live jazz and local flavors at Ithaca's favorite cider spot.

CFCU Summer Concert Series

5-8 p.m. — Bernie Milton Pavilion — Free entry — Weekly family-friendly concerts showcasing local and regional artists through the summer.