Good morning, Lawrence.

On Friday morning, a hit-and-run crash near Lawrence damaged a gas line on 15th Street (between East 1625 and East 1750) and caused a gas leak as the gas company works to repair the line while the sheriff’s office seeks witnesses.

Peaslee Tech has launched a $10M endowment campaign to fund debt-free scholarships for high school juniors, seniors and qualifying low-income Douglas County residents to attend technical training at the Dwayne Peaslee Technical Training Center.

Megan Hill has been named executive director to lead the campaign—she brings over a decade of donor engagement experience to support local career opportunities.

A partial skull of the 10-foot-tall ground sloth Megalonyx jeffersonii was found near Hays in Ellis County and has been dated to between 12,000 and 21,000 years old—its discovery offers new details about the animal’s distribution in Kansas.

The Kansas Academy of Science published the paper on May 26, adding important context to its geological history.

Twelve candidates have filed for the Lawrence City Commission and five for the school board ahead of next week's local elections, and filing or withdrawing is due by noon Monday, June 2—voters must also update registration by Tuesday, July 15 to join the primary on Aug.

5.

Beginning June 2, Lawrence will start its 2025 Street Maintenance Program on several streets including Michigan St.—which will be closed to thru-traffic with detours, Congressional Dr.—where traffic will continue in both directions, Rockledge Rd.—with local access only, and North Lawrence, with work expected to run into October pending weather delays. Contractors will also close the Fambrough Way sidewalk for a replacement project that will last until June 3.

Three Lawrence women and two physicians filed a lawsuit in Douglas County District Court challenging a Kansas law that cancels pregnant patients’ living wills — they claim it violates rights to autonomy and equal treatment — and ask the court to bar state officials from enforcing the law. The plaintiffs say that by overruling their end-of-life choices, the law forces doctors to provide a lower standard of care for pregnant Kansans, and they seek to correct this through legal action.

As summer heats up, bugs can become a nuisance and Lawrence residents are urged to keep food stored away, counters clean, seal windows, and remove standing water—William Jones from Green Pest Solutions said these steps will help deter ants and mosquitos.

Air Layering Fruit Trees Workshop

4-6 p.m. — Lawrence Community Orchard — Free, donations welcome — Learn the art of air layering to propagate your own fruit trees.

On-Site Tour of Senior Living Facilities

9 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Coopers Home Care — Free entry — Explore top-rated senior living communities recognized for exceptional care and engaging activities.

Lawrence Music Alliance Jazz Meetup

6-8 p.m. — Cider Gallery — Free entry — Engage in a community conversation focused on jazz and live music in Lawrence, KS.

Cider Gallery Event

6-8 p.m. — Cider Gallery — No cover charge — Experience a vibrant community gathering in a unique artistic venue.

Pure Chaos Comedy Night

8-10 p.m. — Eighth Street Tap Room — Free entry — Breck Gordon hosts a night of laughter with comedy and open mic opportunities.

Kids Cooking Camp 1

9 a.m. — Cookshop on 8th — $ — Explore the science of cooking with pancakes, pizza, and homemade ravioli under the guidance of a culinary chemist.

Summer Cozy Cottages Workshop

1-4 p.m. — ART EMERGENCY — Class fee applies — Create personalized gift boxes and mini-villages of tiny houses using various materials.

Orchard Nights

6-8 p.m. — 830 Garfield St, Lawrence, KS — Free entry — Volunteer at the orchard and discover the joys of early season fruits.

Country Stampede 2025

7 PM – 6 PM — Azura Amphitheater — Ticket information TBA — Experience the vibrant sounds of country music in a festival that celebrates community and entertainment.

Pop-Up Dinner & Wine Experience

4:30-9 p.m. — Pane e Vino Wine Bar & Academy — Reservations recommended — Savor a unique dish with wine flights featuring a guided tasting experience.