Good morning, Lawrence.

A Douglas County judge ordered former Lawrence School District speech therapist Mark E.

Gridley to undergo a mental exam to see if he is fit to face charges of aggravated indecent liberties with a child under 14 and kidnapping — he is held on a $1.5 million bond and was fired after he allegedly abused students at Prairie Park Elementary.

A new study published in the Journal of Fandom Studies examined a group of Taylor Swift fans called Gaylors who look at her songs for clues that she might be secretly queer—Professor Brian Donovan from KU said the research shows how these ideas help form a close fan community.

The study highlights that not all Gaylors identify as queer and that many share their theories on social media.

A study by the University of Kansas found that few colleges keep in touch with their retirees + a case study at KU showed that many former employees feel valued and want to remain involved with the university.

Researchers said improved outreach could benefit both retiree satisfaction and institutional goodwill.

Lawrence teacher Trish Averill Neuteboom — who teaches creative arts and drama at Southwest Middle School — was named the 2024-25 Lied Center IMPACT Award recipient for her service to arts education in the community.

Her honor will be celebrated when the Paul Taylor Dance Company performs on April 16 at the Lied Center.

The City of Lawrence will host an open house on April 3 at 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Airport Terminal Building (1930 Airport Road) to let community members review plans for Lawrence Regional Airport and share their comments; city officials will be there to answer questions and explain how the Airport Master Plan will guide improvements for general aviation users over the next 20 years.

The Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority will pause new applications for its City HOME Transitional Housing program — which has a four-year waitlist — effective April 11 and will reopen the list once wait times drop to 24 months.

All other waitlists remain open and current residents' housing is not at risk.

Owen Sumulong used an iPad to hold a conversation in Lawrence on March 26th—he demonstrated an unusual way to use technology.

Film Screening of Thank You Very Much

7-9 p.m. | Lawrence Arts Center | $10 | Enjoy the provocative documentary about comedian Andy Kaufman's unique comedic style at this local festival screening.

Douglas County Market of Farms

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Douglas County Fairgrounds — Free entry — Discover local meat, eggs, honey, and more from Kansas farms at this vibrant market.

Oklahoma State Cowboys vs Kansas Jayhawks Baseball Game

The Kansas Jayhawks baseball team competes against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Hoglund Ballpark in Lawrence, KS.

Z&M Twisted Vines Wine Run 5k

10 AM — Z&M Twisted Vines Vineyard, Tasting Room & Events — Ticket sales support local nonprofit — Enjoy a timed 5k run or walk through beautiful vineyards with wine tasting.

While She Sleeps Concert

7:00 – 8:30 PM — The Granada — Tickets from $29 — Experience an electrifying performance by While She Sleeps at Granada Theater in Lawrence, KS.

Pasta Night: Cappelletti Verde

4:30-9:00 p.m. — Pane e Vino Wine Bar & Academy — Reservations required for dinner — Enjoy house-made cappelletti pasta with authentic Italian sauces and a seasonal menu.

Lasagne Primavera Night

4:30-9 p.m. — Pane e Vino Wine Bar & Academy — Reservations required for dinner service — Savor house-made lasagne primavera and a variety of authentic Italian dishes.

Lawrence Earth Day Fair

1-4 p.m. — South Park — Free entry — Celebrate Earth Day with family-friendly crafts and activities in a vibrant community atmosphere.

Easter Sunday Celebration

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM — Liberty Memorial Central Middle School — Free entry — Celebrate the resurrection of Jesus with uplifting worship and baptisms.

Nature Tots

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Baker University Wetlands — Free entry — Explore diverse habitats and enjoy nature activities for children ages 0-5.