Lawrence News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Get ready for the 2026-2027 school year in Lawrence! Kindergarten, sixth, and ninth graders start with a half-day on August 12th, while all others begin full days on August 13th—early childhood programs kick off August 19th. Key breaks include Fall Break (Nov 23–27), Winter Break (Dec 18–Jan 4), and Spring Break (Mar 12–19), plus a new Indigenous Peoples Day off on October 12th. A major change? No personal devices allowed during school hours—except for medical or IEP/Section 504 needs. Families can prep early at the free Kids Expo on August 8th, offering supplies, haircuts, shoes, and health screenings. Mark your calendars...

Don’t let old tech clutter your home—Lawrence’s annual electronics recycling event is here! On Saturday, August 8th, from 9 AM to 1 PM at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, you can drop off anything that plugs in or has a cord—from computers and microwaves to phones and gaming consoles. Teknix Solutions will securely handle your data and protect the planet. Fees apply for CRT and projection TVs ($40) and LCDs ($10), paid via cash, PayPal, or Venmo. Skip VHS, CDs, DVDs, vapes, batteries, and Freon-containing appliances. Clear your space, save the earth—and make it easy on yourself.

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Kansas politics is heating up as Governor Kelly maneuvers behind the scenes to shape the 2025 Democratic gubernatorial race, sparking accusations of favoritism and sabotage. Candidate Holscher claims Kelly tried to undermine her primary chances, even alleging threats to expose the governor’s divorce—though Kelly denies it, calling such claims “ridiculous” and blaming insiders. Kelly publicly backs Ethan Corson, saying he’s the only Democrat who can win by uniting voters, while also confirming her divorce was finalized in October 2024. Chris Mann, Kelly’s preferred candidate, instead ran for attorney general. Curt Skoog enters the race, criticizing both Holscher as unelectab...

Southern heat, soulful sounds, and stacked stages: The Black Crowes brought their tour to Morton Amphitheater, joined by Whiskey Myers and Southall for a night of raw, rocking Southern hospitality. From Otis Redding covers to “Hard to Handle,” the main act delivered classics and surprises, while Myers’ high-energy set and Southall’s red dirt roots set the perfect prelude. Three bands, one unforgettable summer night.

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The U.S. public health system is in crisis as infectious diseases surge—measles returns, West Nile explodes, tick-borne illnesses spike, and parasites like cyclospora spread unchecked. Driven by vaccine misinformation, climate change, deforestation, and slashed federal funding, outbreaks are accelerating while CDC staffing plummets. Local health departments, starved of resources and left to handle everything alone, are collapsing under pressure. Experts warn this trend will worsen without urgent investment in prevention—because when we ignore the basics, we pay a far costlier price later.

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A mail-in ballot mix-up in Wyandotte County, Kansas has sparked outrage after ballots were accidentally sent back to voters instead of election officials—thanks to an outdated P.O. box. Critics, including the Kansas Democratic Party chair, see it as a racially charged setback reminiscent of poll taxes, especially since the county has a high Black and brown voter population. Election Commissioner Michael Abbott admits he changed the address and says the issue is now resolved. Over 1,400 of nearly 3,000 ballots have still arrived safely, with only ten voters reporting the error. One candidate urges voters to drop off ballots in...

Former Olympian David Hearn is set to walk free as U.S. prosecutors drop charges of vandalism against him — the damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool wasn’t sabotage, but a botched contractor job. New evidence reveals Atlantic Industrial Coatings rushed the renovation amid weather delays and material shortages, causing widespread peeling that inspectors confirmed was their fault. Prosecutors, who initially indicted Hearn without this info, now admit they should’ve never pursued the case — and Hearn’s lawyers are demanding an apology for the messy legal misstep.

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A $2 billion settlement fund tied to Trump’s IRS lawsuit is sparking a political firestorm, with two key Republican senators blocking confirmation of Trump’s attorney general pick until the fund is officially shut down. While Trump insists it’s “dead” and Blanche claims it’s already over, senators like Tillis call it a “legal and political albatross,” arguing January 6 defendants shouldn’t get government money. The controversy has stalled immigration enforcement legislation and reignited debate over who qualifies for compensation — even as a federal judge previously called the fund an attempt to manipulate courts. This messy dispute shows no signs of cooling...

Brandon Snow is headed to trial for aggravated assault after a terrifying chase outside the Lawrence Public Library in February 2026, where he allegedly pursued a terrified woman with a baseball bat—witnesses and security footage confirm the violent confrontation. Despite defense claims of possible misinterpretation due to bystanders, key testimony and video show Snow grabbing her hair, hitting her, and chasing her across the street while yelling profanities. Police corroborated the scene, and though Snow, who’s homeless and currently jailed, requested release on his own recognizance, the judge is weighing his history of skipping court. This isn’t his fi...

August in Lawrence is sizzling with fun — Adult Swim Night hits the pool on the 5th for 18+, Eudora’s river paddle invites nature lovers on the 8th, the Dead Bettys rock Liberty Hall for a humane cause on the 15th, and FidPick 45! brings bluegrass fever to South Park on the 23rd. Plus, don’t miss Freckles & Nathan Dixey, a queer bowling bash, jazz nights, archery, and more — your summer’s got rhythm, rivers, and roots.

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Summer’s not over yet—and Lawrence’s live music scene is still firing on all cylinders. August’s packed with wild, weird, and wonderful shows: Cybertronic Spree (Transformers in tights + 80s power ballads) at The Granada on the 5th, The Dead Bettys’ ska-fueled fundraiser for the Humane Society on the 15th, and The Cactus Blossoms’ slide guitar magic at The Bottleneck same night. Folk fans, head to South Park on the 23rd for fiddling champs and a free Dom Flemons concert—bring a blanket. Other gems: Holy Joke & community thanks on the 1st, Loathe on the 2nd, and Gaslight Garde...

Get ready for the Lawrence Schools Foundation’s third annual Kids Expo this Saturday, August 8th, from 9 AM to 1 PM—free fun, resources, and surprises for kids and families! Enjoy health screenings, educational materials, free shoes and haircuts, back-to-school supplies, prize drawings, food, and entertainment. Plus, catch a sneak peek at the new Durham School Services buses rolling out this fall. Volunteers welcome—join forces to support Lawrence students and help every child start school strong.

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Lawrence city leaders are set to approve a $980,000 contract for the final design of Fire Station Six — a massive $11 million project slated for 555 Stoneridge Drive with construction starting by summer 2027 and completion by November 2028. The station will include privacy landscaping to shield neighbors from noise, but staffing remains a hurdle, needing 15 new full-time roles. Meanwhile, short-term rental rules reverted to pre-World Cup standards, and a historic home on Indiana Street is seeking an emergency demolition exception due to severe structural damage and safety hazards — all while the city’s historic preservation moratorium is in effect.

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A machinist is suing Wichita over its 190+ license plate cameras, calling it unconstitutional mass surveillance that tracks your every move without a warrant.

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The Kansas Supreme Court declined to rush a review of a new law eliminating the three-day grace period for mail-in ballots, which now require arrival by 7 p.m. on Election Day to count — a move that’s sparking debate over voting access versus election integrity. While most justices said the lower court was handling it adequately, two dissenting justices argued the issue demands immediate Supreme Court intervention ahead of the upcoming primary. For now, the temporary injunction stands, keeping the old rules in place and allowing ballots postmarked by Election Day to still be counted up to three days late...

Jeff McDiffett: Teacher, Carpenter, Papa | Lawrence News

The historic Bryant Elementary School in Kansas City is up for grabs, with three development proposals on the table — two favoring teardowns for single-family homes, one preserving the school for early childhood education while adding townhouses. Community input is crucial, with a survey closing July 31. Local voices like retired architect Steve Rees highlight emotional ties and architectural harmony over exact replicas, while the nearby church welcomes any revitalization. The school district seeks community alignment, with the final decision resting with the school board.

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Discover Lawrence’s hidden architectural gems with two new self-guided tours, crafted by KU architecture students and a local design firm. Explore the city’s historic buildings and student-built masterpieces—some earning top sustainability ratings—through digital guides or printed brochures at the Watkins Museum or eXplore Lawrence. Spearheaded by Master’s student Miguel A. Castro and associate designer Sarah Montes, this project reveals Lawrence’s surprising architectural diversity, from brutalist to modern, spotlighting student innovation and community impact. Walk slower, look closer, and uncover the stories behind the structures that shape your city.

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Senate rejects second War Powers Resolution in two weeks, blocking efforts to rein in Trump’s Iran actions—49-50 split, with rare Republican-Democrat unity falling short. Tensions escalate as U.S. and Saudi forces strike Iran-backed militias in Iraq, retaliating for drone attacks on American troops. Oil surges past $90/barrel, pushing gas prices above $4/gallon. Eighteen U.S. service members killed in recent strikes—including three in Jordan and one in Iraq—yet Pentagon avoids direct Iran link. Administration seeks $67B more for war, bringing total costs to over $37B.

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The Lawrence Farmers Market turns 50 with a full-blown 1970s throwback bash this Saturday, August 8th, from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM — complete with live music, tie-dye stations, and a cake walk. Celebrate with special anniversary merch, vendor spotlights, and even $80 Kansas-grown-themed tattoos (or temporary options). The vibe? Groovy, nostalgic, and packed with local flavor.

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This weekend’s packed with local flavor: the Douglas County Fair ends with midnight rides, bale tosses, and demolition derby chaos, plus live music from Delta Haze and The Vincents. Earlier, the Final Friday Art Walk exploded with murals, quilts, and local art at Cider Gallery and the Lawrence Arts Center. Saturday’s Lawrence Farmers Market serves fresh local eats, while “An Evening with LawrEnts” at the library celebrates the city’s trees through photos and stories. Looking ahead: BIPOC Soul offers African dance and drum workshops Sunday, and the Dole Institute dives into military history with a talk on Washing...

Lawrence’s sales tax took a five percent hit last month, part of a statewide retail slowdown now affecting major cities like Topeka and Lenexa. High gas prices diverted spending away from other goods, and while online sales are boosting use tax revenue, a drop there could spell trouble. With eight of eleven major retail areas seeing declines—and Lawrence and Kansas City among the worst—the next report will reveal if the World Cup brought a rebound or if the downturn is here to stay.

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A Kansas Democratic county party stumbled into chaos after misinterpreting state ethics rules, pulling all federal candidates from voter guides and canceling forums—costing them $13K and 70K printed guides—only to later realize they were misled by guidance that wrongly banned promoting specific Senate hopefuls, while the ethics commission insists they’re blameless and just doing their nonpartisan duty.

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When Sylvie Singer’s father dies, she’s left with more than grief—she’s inherited his secrets and a crumbling railway station in the woods, where carnivorous deer and a dying horned god named Illican await. In Melinda Salisbury’s haunting new YA folk horror, Local Gods, the line between myth and reality blurs as Sylvie grapples with isolation, identity, and the eerie magic of her new home. Drawing from her own childhood wanderings in the woods, Salisbury crafts a world that feels both deeply personal and eerily real, rooted in the American Northeast’s vast, lonely landscapes. The story be...

Three local commissioners sparked controversy at a community forum on homelessness by showing a divisive video that critics called fear-mongering, though they insisted they only wanted to force a conversation. The video, featuring Baltimore footage, wrongly implied they were abandoning the “A Place for Everyone” plan — but they clarified they’re only seeking to update it. Audience members exposed major inaccuracies in the video, including disputed police call stats and misleading cost figures. Commissioner Polian admitted the city’s budgeting is too vague to track specific homelessness spending. Though no official business was conducted — the meeting lacked quorum — the commissioners...

A priest is dead, a suspect turned himself in, and now the court must decide if he’s even fit to stand trial—here’s the chilling case of Gary Hermesch, accused of murdering Father Arul Carasala in April 2025, with a critical competency hearing set for September 3rd.

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Whiteman Secures F-15E Strike Eagle Mission | Lawrence News

Drag queens are taking the stage in Kansas to rally voters just three days before the primary — blending glitter, guts, and civic duty at the “Vote No Drag Show and Benefit.” With performances starting at 9 PM and free food on tap, this high-energy event isn’t just for laughs — it’s a last-ditch push to inform voters about a critical ballot measure changing how Supreme Court justices are chosen. Organizers are using drag as bold protest against silence, turning art into activism. Local groups like the Sanctuary Alliance and League of Women Voters will be on hand to spread the facts, w...

Lawrence Opera Theatre just earned a national finalist spot for their Rossini classic “La Cenerentola,” reimagined with 80s teen-movie flair to prove opera’s got heart—and humor. Now they’re leveling up with “Brewed Ambition,” a caffeinated Macbeth retelling starring a busboy chasing barista glory. Led by visionary director Joseph DeSota and maestro Raffaele Cipriano, they’re blending tradition with bold innovation, mixing musical styles to lure new fans while honoring vocal artistry. Their 2026 season kicks off August 1 with a free concert—don’t miss it.

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Disco Burger just dropped its second location in Brookside, taking over the old Flying Horse spot — and yes, it’s already serving up smash burgers, Disco Dogs, and crinkle-cut fries via takeout. Owners Matt Chapman and Darren Carter, calling themselves “food dorks,” are using this standalone space to experiment wildly with nostalgic flavors and new twists, like soft serve, steak frites, and a wild fish filet sandwich. Seasonal specials and a future dining room mean more than just burgers — it’s a full-on culinary playground opening soon.

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Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach is demanding three cities—Lawrence, Prairie Village, and Roeland Park—repeal their bans on conversion therapy for minors, citing a recent Supreme Court ruling that struck down such bans as unconstitutional censorship of therapists’ free speech. The court’s decision in Chiles v. Salazar ruled that prohibiting conversion therapy equates to silencing viewpoint-based speech, which violates the First Amendment. Despite widespread condemnation from medical organizations and bans in 27 states and many countries, Kobach argues local ordinances overstep by restricting what therapists can say or do. Cities enacted bans in 2021 and 2020, and while officials are reviewin...

Cosmo Burger’s retro vibes and plant-based double patty on a gluten-free bun hit all the right notes—grilled onions, pickles, mustard—just like the good old days before corporate took over.

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Unauthorized immigrant numbers in the U.S. surged by 5 million between 2019 and 2024—8% annually—driven by economic rebound, regional instability, and Biden-era policies like humanitarian parole and the CBP One app. The next administration’s deportation policies could reshape this trend.

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Governor Laura Kelly, who’s been on the ballot for over two decades, is officially stepping back from running for governor—unless it’s for a school board. After casting her early vote, she reflected on how this election cycle feels different, shifting focus from past governors to federal impacts on Kansas. She warned that federal decisions are hurting state funding for roads, seniors, and the disabled, urging candidates to fight back. Kelly also endorsed Ethan Corson in the upcoming Democratic primary, signaling her intent to stay involved—just not as a candidate.

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Two suspects bolted down Minnesota Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas, around noon—only to be chased down and tackled by federal agents in a pickup truck. One man smashed through a dress shop’s window, slashing his own arm in the chaos, while the other was arrested without incident. The agents’ truck even clipped a parked car during the takedown. The injured suspect was rushed to the hospital, while local police later handled a damage report for the broken window—despite ICE staying silent and no cops being called during the arrest. A wild, fast-moving scene that left locals stunned...

Kansas voters head to the polls on August 4th for a major election where every registered voter gets to cast a ballot—regardless of party. The ballot includes a pivotal constitutional amendment on how Supreme Court justices are chosen, which could reshape abortion and education policy, plus dozens of local, state, and federal races. Bring a photo ID to vote in person (gender markers don’t matter), and use drop boxes or early voting locations to avoid mailing risks. Check your ballot at myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview/—it’s a big one, so be prepared to make your voice count. <...

Douglas County’s ambitious plan to end homelessness by 2028 may be falling short, according to a new analysis by Commissioner Erica Anderson and a local resident. The report criticizes the county’s focus on short-term housing placements rather than long-term stability, revealing a lack of data on whether people stay housed or reduce reliance on emergency services. With incomplete homelessness statistics and rising shelter use, the county risks mounting costs in behavioral health, law enforcement, and justice — expenses it’s left to shoulder while cities and federal agencies fund housing. Anderson argues the county is overstepping its role, especially in fundi...

Florida stunned the nation by executing two men in one day — a former police officer convicted of murdering an 11-year-old girl, and an 80-year-old man, one of the oldest ever executed in the U.S. — as Governor Ron DeSantis pushes the state’s death penalty into the spotlight, claiming justice has been too long delayed. While nationwide executions are declining, Florida alone has accounted for nearly half of all state executions this year, setting a record pace under DeSantis. The elderly inmate, Dominick Occhicone, apologized to victims’ families, while the officer’s victims’ kin described decades of agony finally ending — tho...

A Georgia judge handed down a life sentence without parole to a teen who orchestrated a school shooting that killed four people and wounded eight, calling his actions “deliberate, contemplated evil” and noting he showed no remorse—only pride in his crime. Prosecutors argued he posed an irredeemable threat to society, while the defense pleaded for a chance at parole, claiming he could change. Victims’ families, devastated and furious, demanded he never walk free, saying his release would inflict lifelong trauma on survivors. Investigators revealed the teen had meticulously planned the attack to gain notoriety in a “true crime” online commu...

A heated debate is unfolding over how elected officials should explain their voting decisions, with Commissioner Patrick Kelly pushing for all explanations to go through the commission chair and be pre-vote public record. But challengers and fellow commissioners like Dorsey and Anderson argue constituents deserve direct, unfiltered answers — especially from dissenting voices. Candidates Ethan Spurling and Kirsten Kuhn vow to personally answer every question, calling it a basic obligation to taxpayers. Even Milton Scott, Kelly’s primary opponent, sees Kelly’s stance as outdated, insisting elected officials must directly serve and explain their actions to the people they represent.

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