Daily
Lawrence
Thursday, July 17th, 2025
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Lawrence.
Good morning, Lawrence. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 17th of July.
DRINK NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR Optimal hydration isn’t just about water. LMNT’s zero-sugar electrolyte mix is formulated with sodium levels aligned with new hydration research without added sugars or fillers. A favorite among athletes and intermittent fasters, each sip supports better performance, energy, and recovery. Try it risk-free with LMNT’s no-questions-asked refund policy and get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase.* LMNT
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Lawrence.
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ KU education expert Yong Zhao argued in a new article that meritocracy in schools creates unhealthy competition and unequal opportunities—he proposed that shifting to a human interdependence paradigm will let schools focus on every student's unique strengths. University of Kansas
- ➤ Lawrence Public Schools will have a half day on Tuesday, Aug. 12 for kindergarten + sixth and ninth grade students before all return for a full day on Aug. 13, and early childhood programs at Kennedy and New York will start on Aug. 19. The calendar also lists fall break from Nov. 24 to 28 with return on Dec. 1, winter break Dec. 22 to Jan. 5 with return on Jan. 6, spring break March 13 to 20 with return on March 23, plus parent-teacher conferences, finals and graduation dates for the 2025-26 school year. The Lawrence Times
- ➤ Six University of Kansas faculty members have been selected to join the Big 12 Faculty Fellowship program, which will run during the summer and academic year to expand research connections within the conference. The fellowship will support research collaborations, lectures and workshops — including research visits and joint publications — to strengthen KU's academic network. University of Kansas
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Professor Keith Van de Riet from KU tested how four freshwater fish species responded to wall panels that mimic plant roots in lab tanks — the study found that bluegill preferred mid-level textured panels while rock bass and yellow perch showed varied reactions, and his work may guide future designs to improve shoreline habitats. University of Kansas
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Douglas County commissioners set the maximum mill levy at 40.669 for 2026 after 21 hours of budget hearings—most property owners will face higher taxes as their property values increased 5.7%. Commissioners may lower the rate before the final budget approval on Aug. 27. The Lawrence Times
- ➤ Congress is considering legislation that cuts $1.1 billion in federal funding, and it could reduce Smoky Hills PBS’s budget by about half—forcing the station to make tough choices on its local programming and essential services. The measure may impact rural Kansans who rely on news, emergency alerts, and educational content from the station. University of Kansas
- ➤ Early voting is underway for the Lawrence City Commission primary, where 13 candidates are on the ballot to narrow the field to four spots for the general election on Aug. 5 — voters can cast ballots in person at the county elections office or drop off their mail ballots during the early voting period. Voters must show a valid photo ID to vote in person. The Lawrence Times
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A boil advisory was issued for RWD #6 in the City of Lecompton after a waterline break reduced water pressure and chlorine residuals, increasing the risk of bacterial contamination. The advisory will remain in effect until the water is deemed safe—residents are advised to boil water, flush their lines, and use bottled water as needed. FOX 4
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Community Orchard Collaboration
3-5 p.m. — Community Orchard — Free event — Harvest fruit and learn about fruit trees while enjoying the great outdoors with neighbors.
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10 Years Anniversary Celebration
8-11 p.m. — The Bottleneck — Ticketed event — Celebrate a decade of 10 Years with their music and stories from their journey.
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LPL Pop Up Adventure Playground
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Lawrence Public Library — Free entry — Kids can explore and create in a unique hands-on playground of cardboard and creativity.
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Mize Daytime Event
8 AM – 5 PM — Cider Gallery — Free entry — Experience an engaging daytime event at the vibrant Cider Gallery in Lawrence.
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Final Friday Event at Cider Gallery
5-9 p.m. — Cider Gallery — Free entry — Celebrate art and community with an evening of creativity at this vibrant venue.
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Pasta Night: Mushroom Ravioli
4:30-9 p.m. — Pane e Vino Wine Bar & Academy — Reservations required — Enjoy house-made Mushroom Ravioli with a choice of local sauces and a full wine list.
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Enterprise Linux System Administration Training
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — The Dwayne Peaslee Technical Training Center — $2190 — Gain in-depth knowledge in Linux system installation, configuration, and maintenance over five days of hands-on training.
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Ravioli Quattro Formaggi Night
4:30-9 p.m. — Pane e Vino Wine Bar & Academy — Reservations required for dinner service — Enjoy house-made ravioli with a unique 4-cheese filling and authentic Italian sauces.
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Spineshank Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — The Bottleneck — $70 — Catch the energetic performances of The Union Underground and Spineshank live in concert.
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Douglas County Fair Demolition Derby
7:30 p.m. — Douglas County Fairgrounds — $15 single night, $25 for both nights — Experience the thrilling excitement of car crashes and competition at the annual Derby.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
A new take on hydration
For those tracking hydration, sodium intake is key. A growing wave of research suggests that optimal health may require sodium levels two to three times higher than traditional guidelines.
That’s where LMNT comes in. This zero-sugar electrolyte mix offers a science-backed boost without the additives. Popular among athletes, intermittent fasters, and wellness-minded parents alike, it's redefining how people stay hydrated.
Try LMNT totally risk-free and get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase. Pro tip: If you don’t like it, they’ll refund your order, no questions asked.
Start my hydration journey
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