Good morning, Lawrence.

Data from the Lawrence Humane Society shows that the pet pantry distributed 41.45 tons of pet food to 2,451 pets in the past year—demonstrating a strong community need.

The pantry, which launched July 1, 2024, became the main free pet food source after Trinity Lutheran Church closed its service—helping keep pets with their families.

RGI at Kansas State University’s Extension Office in Manhattan recommends that rural grocery stores try non-profit, cooperative or public ownership models to address aging infrastructure, low profit margins and rising competition.

The institute supports grocers through workshops and research and will host the National Rural Grocery Summit in Fargo from May 5th to May 7th — offering a forum to share ideas on sustaining local food access.

Douglas County arts groups received over $100K in state grants but saw awards drop about $50K from last year due to a Kansas Legislature funding cut; Lawrence organizations such as the Lawrence Arts Center and Theatre Lawrence experienced reduced grants amid a rule that allocates only 40% of funds to counties with populations over 85,000.

Professor Van de Riet at the University of Kansas School of Architecture & Design tested seawall panels inspired by mangrove roots in a lab tank and found that fish like bluegill prefer the textured walls over flat concrete ones—he will soon test the designs in a natural lake to guide future shoreline improvements.

City council is asking for proposals to build a temporary jail facility (which would hold up to 130 inmates) ahead of the World Cup and the project could cost taxpayers up to $30 million.

The Lawrence Police Department has launched a new program that lets residents and businesses register their security cameras or install a device for live access during emergencies—camera owners keep control and receive alerts when the cameras are accessed.

Some community members worry the system may intrude on privacy, while police say it will speed up investigations and enhance officer safety.

Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical leaders said that emergency services are stretched when all seven ambulances went into service for a series of 911 calls on April 17 and again on Friday—forcing EMS Director John Darling to call in off-duty firefighters.

City officials are reviewing budget proposals that include a $1.5 million cut while Douglas County considers adding an eighth ambulance crew to meet growing call volumes.

Bill Self announced that the 41st annual Late Night in the Phog will take place on October 17th in Lawrence.

The event—featuring player introductions, scrimmages, skits and speeches—will introduce the men’s and women’s basketball teams for the new season.

Mize Daytime Event

8 AM – 5 PM — Cider Gallery — Free entry — Experience an engaging daytime event at the vibrant Cider Gallery in Lawrence.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Spineshank Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — The Bottleneck — $70 — Catch the energetic performances of The Union Underground and Spineshank live in concert.

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.

Art Guild Office Hours

9-11 a.m. — Art Emergency — Free entry — Meet the Guild President, bring questions, or share ideas for the Lawrence Art Guild.

2025 Construction Safety Conference

8 AM – 9 PM — Burge Union — Join experts in discussing vital safety practices and trends in construction.

Initial Meetup at the Library

12-1 p.m. — Lawrence Public Library — Free entry — Explore fun tabletop games in a welcoming environment.