Good morning, Ithaca.

The Ithaca ROOTS program is entering a new phase by hiring four community responders for non-violent calls around the city.

Training will start after Aug. 12, with the program launching on Sept. 1 (applications available via the Civil Service Employment Portal).

Z95.5 will launch its annual Backpack Drop Campaign on Wed, Aug.

26 at Cortland Rt. 281 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., offering free backpacks and school supplies to local students; additional drop events are scheduled on Aug. 27 at East Hill and Aug. 28 at the YMCA in Ithaca.

Cornell University president Michael Kotlikoff said a student made antisemitic remarks during a recent media statement and that these hateful words have sparked concern on campus and beyond.

Federal privacy laws prevent further details on any disciplinary action.

Cornell researchers have developed a new algorithm that uses satellite images to track European spongy moth damage in forests, published in Forest Ecology and Management.

They said warmer, drier summers may signal more defoliation next year (the study was funded by Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability and the U.S. DOE).

Cornell researchers published a study on July 29 showing bees forage about 750 m from hives, far less than the 6.4 km required by USDA organic guidelines; the findings may lead to revised rules that help beekeepers produce local organic honey.

Tompkins County Whole Health invites the community to join the Ithaca Community Latch event celebrating World Breastfeeding Week on Wed, Aug.

5 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at The Nook in Shops at Ithaca Mall; the free event offers support and education for families.

Gardening experts say gardeners should plant leafy greens, root vegetables and herbs in August to ease the transition to a fall harvest.

Ithaca residents can check frost dates and gather recommended tools from local stores — tips designed to help boost home-grown produce.