Friday, February 20th, 2026
Good morning, Lawrence. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A renovated historic home on Ohio St now offers transitional housing for women in recovery and their children following a Thursday ribbon cutting with Cardinal Housing Network’s director and County Commissioner Shannon Reid. Residents may stay up to two years using flexible housing vouchers. The Lawrence Times
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Spencer Museum of Art shows 'Street Nihonga: The Art of Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani', a display of 145 works that blend traditional Japanese style with street collage running until June 28. On Feb. 20, a double-feature of documentaries occurs at Liberty Hall (with interactive art for shelter guests). University of Kansas
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ KU announced that Arash Mafi will become the next provost and chief academic officer at the Lawrence campus starting Monday, March 2, while Jennifer Roberts will serve as CLAS dean following a comprehensive search. The Lawrence Times
- ➤ Two current KU leaders have been named to new roles at the University of Kansas. Arash Mafi will serve as provost and executive vice chancellor, and Jennifer Roberts will become executive dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, with both roles set to begin March 2. University of Kansas
- ➤ A study from the University of Kansas and colleagues found that customers who observed poor treatment for service workers tipped 3% more than usual (tips rose from 17% to 20%). The research published on Feb. 19 in the Journal of Service Research suggests that witnessing incivility can boost support for servers. University of Kansas
- ➤ KU senior Lucciana Cáceres Holgado from Cusco, Peru, won a $15,000 Marian H. Rose Research Scholarship on Thu, Feb. 19 for her exoplanet studies. She will use the funds to further research the atmosphere of Hot Jupiter TOI-2109 b. University of Kansas
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Lawrence was chosen as Algeria’s men’s national soccer team base camp for the World Cup following an announcement on Feb. 19. The decision has stirred excitement in the community and is expected to boost local sports engagement. KCTV
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Pasta Night: Lasagne
4:30-9 p.m. — Pane e Vino Wine Bar & Academy — Reservations required — Savor a special lasagne and enjoy house-made pasta with an array of authentic Italian sauces each week.
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Just Food Benefit Concert
5:30-9 p.m. — Cider Gallery — Tickets at the door — Enjoy live music with Aud Whitson and Tori Brooks & The Meltdowns while supporting a local cause.
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Spring Break Soccer Camp
9 a.m.-12 p.m. — Sports Pavilion Lawrence — $130-$225 — A fun-filled youth soccer camp designed to develop skills and confidence for ages 5-14.
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P/V Burger & Wine Experience
4:30-9 p.m. — Pane e Vino Wine Bar & Academy — $25 — Relish a gourmet burger and wine flight at this unique pop-up dining experience.
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LAG Members’ Monthly Critique Coffee Hour
9:30-11 a.m. — Art Emergency — Free entry — Share your artwork for feedback while enjoying coffee and donuts in a supportive setting.
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Minnesota United FC 2 at Sporting Kansas City II
7-9 p.m. — Rock Chalk Park — Ticket prices vary — An exciting MLS Next Pro match featuring local favorites Sporting KC II and Minnesota United II.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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