Good morning, Ithaca.

Kanvas Biosciences was started to use a tool that maps how gut bacteria work and to build new drugs for cancer and colitis.

The company will begin human trials soon—aiming to help more patients fight disease.

Ithaca police investigated a suspicious fire at the Asteri building — on East Green Street — after firefighters responded at about 5:30 p.m. Sunday, evacuated residents from the 12-story apartment building and allowed them to return by 10 p.m. while urging anyone with information to call the tipline at 607-330-0000.

Newfield Music Series at Mill Park returns for its ninth year with four concerts starting July 16 — the schedule features The Moses Boys, The 86ers, Amber Martin & The Fruit Stand, and The Makers, each show set to begin at 6 p.m. Organizer J.T.

Tompkins said the series faces fewer events this year due to past challenges — planning is underway for a strong 10th anniversary next summer.

Thomas A. Lewis (former dean at Brown University) has been named Cornell’s next dean of the Graduate School and vice provost for graduate education in a five-year term that will begin on August 1.

The board approved his appointment on June 2, and Provost Kavita Bala announced the decision on June 3.

At Cayuga Heights Elementary School, fourth-grade students raised trout fingerlings in their classrooms and released them into Salmon Creek last week as part of the Trout in the Classroom program—teaching them about the fish’s life cycle and local water quality.

The students sampled insects from the creek to confirm it offered a healthy habitat for the trout.

Ithaca city leaders met on May 21 to start planning the 2026 budget and outlined strategies to raise the tax levy by 6.5%—a move meant to stabilize rising costs from repairs, benefits, and inflation while addressing a growing, diverse population.

The City of Ithaca promoted Anthony Maggio to manage its recreation programs on June 3—he will oversee summer camps and boost early childhood programs.

The city also plans to hire an administrative assistant and has already identified a preferred candidate.

The Ithaca Women’s Slowpitch Softball league began its 53rd season on June 3 and is inviting local women and non-binary players of all skill levels to join teams meeting at Union Fields at Cass Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.—the season will continue through mid-August—organizer Nancy Law welcomes new sign-ups.

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.

Project Planning: The Critical Role of Feasibility Studies

12:00 – 1:30 p.m. — Tompkins Chamber — Registration required — Explore the importance of feasibility studies in project planning with insights from a leading architecture and construction firm.