Good morning, Lawrence.

On Thursday the Lawrence Community Shelter board voted to add two new seats to boost fundraising as the shelter works to reduce its reliance on city funds under a $3.5 million agreement that calls for a 10% cut in funding by the end of this year and 25% by the end of 2026— no new appointments were made yet. Shelter staff are also changing programs to help more residents find housing.

Lawrence artist Claudia Deluna Navarrete is organizing an ongoing sticker fundraiser to support immigrants impacted by ICE raids that will host an in-person pop-up at Espurresso Cat Cafe (1014 Massachusetts St.) starting at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 27.

The fundraiser has raised $1,460 so far and will donate funds to local groups, including support for legal assistance for affected families.

Lawrence will host the 44th Annual Kansas State Fiddling and Picking Championship on August 24 at noon in South Park — the event will feature headliners Tim O’Brien and Jan Fabricius and offer contests along with open jam circles for anyone with an instrument.

The festival began in 1981 during the U.S. Bicentennial celebration and continues to nurture Kansas’ acoustic music traditions.

Federal education officials are releasing over $5 billion in funds nationwide and Kansas will receive more than $45 million in previously frozen Title funds before the 2025-2026 school year.

The Kansas Department of Education said the funds — supporting migrant education, teacher training and English learner services — will boost resources for local schools.

City contractors paused work on the Maple Lane project so that 19th St between Haskell Ave and Harper St could open for Douglas County Fair Week that began Friday, July 25—Maple Lane remains closed on both sides and work on 19th St will resume on August 4.

Westbound W 27th St will close on July 30 for maintenance until August 15 and Maine St from 6th to 4th St will close on July 29 for street work expected to finish October 3.

Lawrence police have introduced the Axon Fusus program that lets residents register security cameras for police use while businesses can opt for live integration; experts (including researcher Beryl Lipton) and community members worry the system could expand surveillance (by encouraging more purchases of technology) and risk privacy.

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.

KU English Meeting

9:30 AM – 5:00 PM — Cider Gallery — Free entry — Engage in discussions and activities centered around English literature and language.

Tabletop Gaming at The Dragon's Hoard

12:30-3:30 p.m. — The Dragon's Hoard — Free entry — Dive into a variety of fun and easy-to-learn tabletop games with fellow enthusiasts.

Guild Members’ Meeting

6:30-8:30 p.m. — ART EMERGENCY — Free entry — Engage with local artists and discuss community projects in a creative space.