Good morning, Lawrence.

KU’s Big Event will engage students, faculty and staff in community service on Oct.

18 in Lawrence as volunteers gather at the Burge Union at 9 a.m. and work local job sites until 2 p.m.—they can sign up individually or in groups for tasks like gardening and yard work and will receive a T-shirt, free breakfast and four service hours.

A week-long celebration will honor local pets who have crossed the rainbow bridge — community members are invited to join events designed to remember their beloved pets.

Local authors have shared their views on Kansas literature and recommended books ahead of the free Kansas Book Festival.

The festival will run Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Washburn University Library and Sunday at Lawrence Public Library—with events covering topics from KU women’s basketball to axe murder and reimagined T.S. Eliot works.

Researchers at the University of Kansas received a $760,000 grant and will build a smart spectrum system to help drones and air taxis talk safely while testing the system with real UAV flights at KU’s Flight Research Lab—this work may lead to quicker deliveries and faster emergency help.

Assistant professor Zarko Boskovic received a $575,000 NSF grant that supported his lab’s research at KU School of Pharmacy—his team used LED photochemistry to create new drug molecules.

The award, given yesterday, will also help catalog historical pharmaceutical samples—an effort that may boost future drug therapies and train students in data-driven chemistry.

The Kansas Statistical Abstract 2024 is available online and is produced by the University of Kansas research team.

The document offers state data on agriculture, population, and economic trends—tools that may guide future policy decisions.

At a forum on Wednesday, candidates for City Commission said annexation is needed to boost affordable housing and improve the city's response to homelessness—some proposed modular homes and clearer case management to ease neighbor concerns.

Their ideas will guide upcoming election debates as the candidates work to solve these local challenges.

James Koan III Live Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Studio 901 House Concert Series — Cost Info Not Provided — Experience a soulful evening with James Koan III's intimate live performance.

David Luther Live at The Oread Hotel

6-10 p.m. — The Oread Hotel — Cost info not provided — Enjoy an intimate solo acoustic performance in the historic Oread Hotel.

Orchard Nights Volunteer Experience

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Lawrence Community Orchard — Free entry — Discover and taste a variety of fruits while volunteering at the orchard.

Pasta Night: Pappardelle al Cinghiale

4:30-9 p.m. — Pane e Vino Wine Bar & Academy — Reservations required for dinner — Indulge in house-made pappardelle with authentic Tuscan wild boar ragú.

Alestorm Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — The Granada — $65-$225 — Celebrate the spirit of pirate metal with a lively performance from Alestorm.

Cider Gallery Event

1-8 p.m. — Cider Gallery — Free entry — Explore a versatile event space perfect for social gatherings and artistic showcases.

Pop-Up Dinner & Wine Experience

4:30-9 p.m. — Pane e Vino Wine Bar & Academy — Reservations recommended — Enjoy a fun evening featuring delicious pop-up dishes and curated wine flights.

Pasta Night: Spaghetti alla Carbonara

4:30-9 p.m. — Pane e Vino Wine Bar & Academy — Reservations required for dinner service — Savor house-made spaghetti alla carbonara with local ingredients alongside an authentic Italian experience.

Orchard Nights Volunteer Experience

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Lawrence Community Orchard — Free entry — Discover the joys of seasonal fruit while volunteering at the community orchard.

Pasta Night: Lasagne

4:30-9 p.m. — Pane e Vino Wine Bar & Academy — Reservations required — Indulge in house-made lasagne with a choice of meat or vegetarian sauces, plus a full wine list.