Good morning, Lawrence.

KU English professor Giselle Anatol released a picture book titled 'Small-Girl Zora and the Shower of Stories' that honors Zora Neale Hurston through childhood snapshots and lively tales.

It was published by Viking Books for Young Readers on Tue, Jan. 27 (just released).

A KU associate professor released the book Swiftynomics on Jan.

27 to show how women drive the economy using Taylor Swift as a guide. She held a book talk in Overland Park and will host a public chat in Kansas City on Jan. 29.

KU’s online MBA program was ranked among the nation’s top 10 by U.S. News & World Report on Tuesday, Jan.

27. The school said its high marks for veterans and public universities show the program’s strong commitment to flexible, real-world online learning.

At the University of Kansas, researchers Xiaoqing Wu, Nicola Minafra and Bren Backhaus received the Steven F.

Warren, Research Staff & Postdoctoral achievement awards for their work on cancer treatment, advanced electronics and galaxy exploration, and a spring ceremony will honor them.

Laila Reetz (a sophomore at Free State High) was named Youth of the Year at the Boys & Girls Club ceremony yesterday and Jensen Aitken (a fifth grader from Woodlawn) was named Junior Youth of the Year.

Reetz will represent Lawrence in the statewide contest in March.

KU researchers showed that the Warn-on-Forecast System can extend tornado warning lead times up to an hour, which may give the National Weather Service extra time to alert emergency managers across the Great Plains.

The experimental system relies on live data and forecasts to improve safety.

City historic staff will host an open house Saturday, Jan.

31, 1 to 3 p.m. at the Lawrence Public Library meeting room B — to collect community feedback on listing Watson Park on the Lawrence Register of Historic Places.

Lawrence invites residents to fill an online housing survey as part of an 8-10 month study on affordable housing needs and experiences; the survey takes 15-20 minutes and will help shape future strategies to improve housing equity.

The school board approved a 15-year, 95% tax incentive for developers of the historic former Reuter buildings at New Hampshire St. and deferred the 2026-28 academic calendars to review a possible paid Indigenous Peoples Day (meeting details will be shared on Feb.

9).

KU students camp at Allen Fieldhouse with blankets, pillows and homework as they get ready for an upcoming top 15 matchup with BYU later this week.

Arizona Wildcats at Kansas Jayhawks Basketball

8-10 p.m. — Allen Fieldhouse — Tickets required — Witness the exciting clash between Arizona and Kansas with the iconic 'Rock. Chalk. Jayhawk!' chant filling the arena.

Pasta Night: Tortellini in Brodo

4:30-9 p.m. — Pane e Vino Wine Bar & Academy — Reservations required — Enjoy house-made tortellini in broth and a taste of authentic Italian cuisine each week.

2026 Lawrence Polar Plunge

11 a.m. — Billy Mills Middle School — Registration fee required — Take a chilly dip to support Special Olympics Kansas and make a difference.

Houston Cougars at Kansas Jayhawks Basketball

8-10 p.m. — Allen Fieldhouse — Tickets available — Experience the excitement of Kansas Jayhawk Basketball with the iconic 'Rock. Chalk. Jayhawk!' chant.

Pasta Night: Gnocchi di Coniglio

4:30-9 p.m. — Pane e Vino Wine Bar & Academy — Reservations required — Enjoy hand-made ricotta gnocchi with braised rabbit complemented by a full wine list.

Seam Finishes Discussion

1-2 a.m. — Dillon's at 6th & Wakarusa — Free entry — Engage in a friendly sewing discussion sharing seam finish techniques and ideas.