Daily
Lawrence
Thursday, May 8th, 2025
Good morning, Lawrence. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of May.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Police responded before 10 a.m. on May 7 to reports of a juvenile carrying a pistol-style BB gun near Free State High School—charges are being considered since the gun was seized and no injuries were reported. KCTV
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Five annual events in Lawrence and Douglas County have been chosen to share $24,000 from the Heritage Conservation Council’s new Heritage Events and Celebration Fund program—supporting celebrations like the St. John Mexican Fiesta and Lawrence Annual Día de Muertos Celebration. The Lawrence Times
- ➤ Lawrence’s Spencer Museum of Art announced that 'Haunted by the Ghosts of Our Own Making' by Hollis Sigler was chosen as the KU Common Work of Art for the 2025-2026 school year. The painting now shows in the Michaelis Gallery as part of the Empowerment exhibition — it works with the KU Reads book, The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green. University of Kansas
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The University of Kansas School of Education and Human Sciences will honor alumnus Jason Booker with its 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award on May 17 at Allen Fieldhouse. Booker works as deputy athletics director for external affairs at Kansas Athletics and has led projects that raised ticket revenue, improved marketing and strengthened community ties—fitting the award’s goals. University of Kansas
- ➤ This spring, five KU Lawrence faculty members received the Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence and 7500 dollars each from the foundation; university leaders surprised the winners in class + they will be honored again at the University Teaching Awards event in September. University of Kansas
- ➤ A KU study found that four pre-service social studies teachers boosted their confidence teaching difficult subjects after practicing a lesson on Elie Wiesel’s Night in a mixed-reality simulation—none had training in traumatic history instruction before this session. University of Kansas
- ➤ Free State High School speech team won its sixth straight state championship over the weekend and swept state titles this year after winning the debate crown in January — two Firebirds, including seniors Anwen Williams and Gilly Falin, earned individual honors. This marks the seventh time in 43 years a school has won both awards in one season. The Lawrence Times
- ➤ On May7, twenty KU seniors were selected for the Self Memorial Scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year — the award includes a $10,000 stipend plus a $1,000 professional development fund and leadership training for their upcoming graduate studies. University of Kansas
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A local nonprofit is worried about its service availability after the Department of Government Efficiency cut funding that removed over $4.5 million and 375 jobs nationwide. The cuts also impact schools and clubs in Lawrence—losing nearly $2 million—increasing pressure on community members to contact state lawmakers. KSNT 27
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Mother's Day Sunflower Workshop
1-4 p.m. — ART EMERGENCY — All materials included — Create unique sunflower brooches while enjoying snacks and drinks for a perfect Mother's Day project.
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Mother's Day Brunch Buffet
10AM – 2PM — Wine Dive + Kitchen — $30 and under — Treat Mom to a beautifully curated brunch buffet featuring sweet and savory offerings this Mother's Day.
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Nekrogoblikon Concert
3-8:30 p.m. — The Granada — $44 — Catch the energetic sounds of Nekrogoblikon live at The Granada in Lawrence, KS.
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Orchard Work Day
6-9 p.m. — 830 Garfield St, Lawrence, KS — Free entry — Help maintain the orchard while enjoying good company and the beauty of nature.
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5K Home Run for Family Promise of Lawrence
8:30 a.m. — South Park Gazebo — Various registration fees — Participate in a family-friendly 5K run supporting families in need with T-shirts, medals, and fun activities.
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Infinitas Client Appreciation Event
5-8 p.m. — Cider Gallery — Free entry — Celebrate appreciation with refreshments and community vibes at this local gathering.
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Cider Gallery Event
4-6 p.m. — Cider Gallery — Free entry — Enjoy a social gathering in a fine art event space at Cider Gallery.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Lawrence
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