Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 20th of August.
Good morning, Lawrence.
Lawrence Humane Society is hosting Clear the Shelter Day this Saturday to boost pet adoptions by waiving fees, and thirteen dogs already have waived fees to help them find calmer homes.
Updated pre-event hours run today from noon to 6 p.m. and Thursday from noon to 4 p.m., so interested adopters should visit the shelter on 19th Street soon.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office used a drone to find a suspect who fled from a crash into a ditch near Vinland—46-year-old Darren C.
Evening was arrested on charges of fleeing, DUI, interference, and reckless driving.
After a fire at Arrowhead Middle School, students were moved to a temporary classroom at Homefield KC on State Avenue—classes will continue until the school building is repaired.
KU researcher Katie Hoemann published a study in Communications Psychology that shows how language influences our emotions.
The study breaks the feeling process into three parts—attention, construal—and appraisal and sets a new framework for future research.
KU's Center for Technology Commercialization has selected six early-stage research projects for its Rock Chalk Ready program—funded by a FORGE grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce—to move innovations toward commercialization.
The program pairs teams from the Lawrence and Medical Center campuses with business students and will guide the projects through summer 2026.
KU professor Robin Kundis Craig—Distinguished Law Professor at KU—authored a chapter comparing international water laws that examine how different countries protect drinking water and control pollution.
His chapter reviews legal systems from the European Union, China, India and more, and highlights the growing importance of the human right to water.
Lawrence city commissioners approved a 4-1 vote to raise the special hotel tax from 6 to 8%, a measure that will take effect Jan.
1 and is expected to bring in about $940,000 in 2026 to address TGT fund shortfalls amid preparations for the World Cup next summer – they also approved starting a process to increase the limit on short-term rentals and will review the tax rate again in January 2029.
Lawrence voters turned out more than usual in the 2025 city primary — 11.7% of registered voters cast ballots due to active campaigns and a busy field of candidates.
After canvassing over 7,200 ballots, four candidates advanced to the general election in November.
The City of Lawrence launched an affordable housing dashboard that shows real-time progress on goals for more homeownership and rental units—data is organized by housing projects and maps.
The dashboard is the first phase of your new online tools as Affordable Housing Trust Fund applications must be emailed by 5 p.m. on Sept. 1.
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.
Burned-edge Organza Flower Accessories Workshop
1-4 p.m. — ART EMERGENCY — Materials provided — Create luxurious organza flowers for unique accessories in a fun, supportive environment.
56th Annual Edsel Owner's Club Convention
September 2-7 — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lawrence — Registration required — Celebrate the classic Edsel experience with fellow enthusiasts in Lawrence, Kansas.
Strings & Heart Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — The Bottleneck — Tickets from $51 — Experience the vibrant sounds of Strings and Heart in a local concert setting.
Cider Gallery Event
8:00-11:30 a.m. — Cider Gallery — Free entry — Enjoy a creative gathering in a unique office and event space.
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