Good morning, Lawrence.

Kyra Schrock, a junior from Olathe in behavioral neuroscience and linguistics, and Lawrence senior Ian Shire in biochemistry and chemistry received the Courtwright Award for Undergraduate Research Excellence for spring 2025 from KU’s Center for Undergraduate Research & Fellowships on April 11th. Schrock studied how social support may shape recovery while Shire worked on organic chemistry reactions that could lead to new DNA-based pharmaceuticals.

On April 10th, 11 undergrads and 13 postbaccalaureate scholars from KU and Haskell showed their bioscience research at the 25th annual University of Kansas-Haskell Indian Nations University Student Research Symposium, sharing studies on depression treatment for veterans, work on tumor cells, gene changes, and speech device use in Native communities. Their work was supported by NIH and NSF grants but now faces funding cuts — the students plan to continue their research at local labs.

KU’s British Parliamentary debate team had its first full season and reached the finals of the honors division at the YODL Debate Championship held in California last March—led by Alex Brake and Stevie Silverman—while coaches Saiemeh Wahidi and Ash Denchfield guided their preparation. The team’s strong showing marks a successful run that sets the stage for returning to competition next fall.

City contractors will close the center turn lane on Haskell Ave. from 28th St. to 23rd St. starting Monday, April 14 for a watermain replacement project that may require temporary adjacent intersection closures— the work is expected to finish in January 2026 pending weather delays. Contractors will also begin the next phase of the Maple Lane improvements project on Monday, April 14 which will extend further south and fully close the East Glenn Dr. and Maple Lane intersection— this phase is anticipated to last through Summer 2025 pending weather delays.

The Kansas Legislature overrode Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto of Senate Bill 29, which removes county and state health officials’ ability to ban public gatherings—subjecting quarantine decisions to civil action.

Lawmakers such as Rep. Barbara Ballard from Lawrence said the change could hurt public health control during outbreaks.

Federal health officials reported that Marketside Celery Sticks from Duda Farm Fresh Foods sold at Walmart are being recalled Friday due to a listeria risk — the product with lot code P047650 and a best if used by date of March 23 should be discarded immediately.

Spring brings warm weather and morel mushroom hunting season to the area, and foragers will have a brief window in late April to search for true morels with hollow stems growing under hardwoods.

Officials advise that mushrooms picked from state parks should be cooked thoroughly before eating + warn that false morels are toxic.

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.

Five For Fighting with String Quartet

8 PM — Liberty Hall — Ticket prices from $41 — Experience the heartfelt melodies of Five for Fighting accompanied by a string quartet.

Beat Beethoven 5K

9:30 AM – 12:00 PM — Holcom Park Recreation Center — Enjoy a fun run while the orchestra plays Beethoven's masterpiece.

Lawrence Automotive Swap Meet 2025

May 2-4 — Douglas County Fairgrounds — Open to the public — Explore thousands of automotive vendors and connect with fellow enthusiasts at this annual gathering.

USPA Level 2 Coach Certification Course

All day — Barbell Strength Weightlifting LLC — Cost varies — Elevate your coaching skills with hands-on experience and expert guidance in powerlifting.