Good morning, Lawrence.

Grinter Farms in Lawrence posted on Facebook that its sunflower stalks measure 2 1/2 to 3 feet tall—indicating they will bloom around Labor Day—and the Sunflower General store will open on Aug.

23. Last year, the sunflowers bloomed around Aug. 31.

Lawrence police are investigating an accidental shooting at 19th and Naismith Dr. on Aug.

13 at 8:40 p.m.—emergency crews found a victim at a nearby trauma center and the suspected shooter remains in the area while residents cooperated.

Kansas State alumnus and international jazz educator Matt Betton was nominated to the Kansas Music Hall of Fame on August 2—recognizing his role in founding the National Association of Jazz Educators and his decades of work with student bands—from his roots near Kansas City.

KU Dining will welcome back the campus community with updated menus and new dining concepts this fall—special events include a Potters Pie Grand Opening on Aug.

26, free pho for faculty and staff on Aug. 27 and a free Shake Day on Sept. 18.

KU will host bestselling author John Green on September 2 at the Lied Center for a free event featuring a moderated discussion and a book signing at 8:30 p.m.—tickets for campus members start on August 18 and public tickets begin on August 22.

The Connected City Advisory Board will meet at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, August 18 at Central Transit Station in Lawrence to provide policy advice on improving local infrastructure — residents can join in person or via Zoom registration.

The Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas announced its fall events today, which include Constitution Day oral arguments on Sept.

16 at 10 a.m.—and discussions led by Dole Fellow Joni Wickham on Sept. 10 and Sept. 24. Additional programs cover housing talks, military history lectures, and a Tribute to Veterans Gala on Nov. 9 to engage the public in political conversations.

14-year-old Lawrence gymnast Aulya Daniels placed in the top eight at the Xfinity U.S. Championships last weekend and was named to the Junior Women’s National Team — a major milestone.

She will attend team camps that could lead to international competitions later this year — a step toward her Olympic dream.

The University of Kansas announced a historic $300 million gift to KU Athletics from alumnus David G.

Booth, which will fund Phase II of the Gateway District and new stadium improvements as the football season nears on Aug. 23. Booth—an investing pioneer and longtime donor—also set a $75 million challenge to spur additional contributions for future projects.

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.

Pasta Night: Cacio e Pepe

4:30-9 p.m. — Pane e Vino Wine Bar & Academy — Reservations required for dinner service — Enjoy house-made pasta with a classic Roman cheese and pepper sauce.

Native Lands - Elderberry Class

6:30-7:30 p.m. — The Merc Co+op — Proceeds support a local cause — Discover the culinary and ecological benefits of Kansas native plants with local expert Courtney Masterson.

Pop-Up Dinner & Wine Experience

4:30-9 p.m. — Pane e Vino Wine Bar & Academy — Reservations requested for parties of 4 or more — Enjoy a special pop-up dinner with wine pairings and a curated tasting experience.

Articulated Figures Workshop

1-4 p.m. — ART EMERGENCY — Class fee required — Create unique posable figures using die-cut components and unleash your creativity.

Pasta Night: Gnocchi al Cacciatore

4:30-9 p.m. — Pane e Vino Wine Bar & Academy — Reservations required — Enjoy delicious house-made pasta with an authentic Italian sauce weekly.

Crew Network at Cider Gallery

8 AM – 5 PM — Cider Gallery — Free entry — Engage with local professionals in a dynamic networking event.

Niontay Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Bottleneck — Tickets available — Experience an engaging evening with live music at a local venue.