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OpenStudios Lawrence is expanding downtown, turning vacant storefronts into vibrant artist hubs—painters, jewelers, photographers, and more are now creating and connecting with the community. The Living Room Collective, led by ceramicist Kim Brook, opens at 939 Mass. St., while Percolator moves into the old Squishingtons space at 646 Mass. St. to build a “third space” for art and connection. Meanw...

Douglas County commissioners are locked in tense budget talks, debating whether to continue handing out “solvency funding” to agencies that may no longer need it — while still supporting critical services like the 988 crisis line and trauma care centers facing funding gaps. Key decisions include a major $700K investment in mental health infrastructure and a controversial push to hire 10 new firefi...

Monique Mercurio has launched The Peoples Market, a vibrant new community hub at 846 Illinois Street, blending art, commerce, and connection. Opened July 1st, this brick-and-mortar space already hosts a dozen artists selling handmade jewelry, clothing, and more, while weekend mornings feature coffee and pastries to fuel creativity and conversation. Rooted in Mercurio’s Ohlone Costanon Esselen Nati...

A tragic plane crash near Waterloo claims the lives of a 48-year-old pilot and his 22-year-old son from Oklahoma. The Beech 95-B55, en route from St. Louis to Siloam Springs after a Cardinals game, was spotted in a field by a helicopter Friday morning—hours after vanishing into severe weather. Flight data hints at a desperate attempt to avoid the storm, ending in a fatal spiral. NTSB investigators...

Six Democrats are battling for Jackson County Executive, each with bold visions that go far beyond property taxes. Stacy Lake unveils her “Jackson Plan,” tackling justice reform and affordable housing while blasting Tyler Technologies’ role in assessments. Ryan Meyer warns against tax refund schemes that could cripple schools, pushing for more assessors and state caps. Holmes Osborne demands audit...

Haskell Indian Nations University is celebrating 100 years of its iconic memorial arch and stadium with a vibrant Heritage Homecoming on September 18-19, featuring a bison harvest, historical talks, documentary screenings, and a powwow in the stadium—honoring the Native-led legacy that built these landmarks in the 1920s, including the first lighted stadium for a Native football team and the sacrif...

A new Kansas audit reveals a dramatic 154% surge in virtual and private school students joining public school activities since a 2023 law opened the door—now over 1,300 students participate, with 1,500+ applications last year. Critics, including KSHSAA leaders and superintendents, worry it dilutes school spirit and community. The audit also found most districts comply, though some need updated pol...

The U.S. Election Assistance Commission is now completely empty after President Trump fired two Democratic commissioners, while the two Republicans had already quit — leaving a critical bipartisan agency without leadership just as midterm elections loom. Set up in 2002 to help states modernize voting systems, the commission’s collapse alarms voting rights advocates who see it as part of a broader...

Clinton Lake is now under a blue-green algae warning — toxic blooms are either present or expected. Once on a watch list since June, the situation has escalated. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment monitors lakes from April to October, and these algae can cause rashes, vomiting, and headaches in humans and pets. Look for foam or scum in odd colors — stay away, keep dogs off the shore,...

A lawsuit seeks over $75,000 in damages after actor Louise ImMasche died in a head-on collision caused by Eliseo Munoz Junior, accused of texting, speeding, and driving under the influence. The suit also targets Munoz Junior’s father, alleging he knowingly allowed his son to drive a vehicle without an ignition interlock device, despite a history of DUIs. Munoz Junior denies the claims, invoking hi...

Get ready to pedal and connect at the 16th annual Lawrence Community Bike Ride this Saturday, July 18th at the Rotary Arboretum Shelter — free, fun, and open to all skill levels, with routes from 4 to 12 miles. Plus, catch local buzz: the city’s weighing a possible one-year data center ban, a new starry mural is coming to Eastside Brewery, and KU Theatre’s 2026-27 lineup includes “Eurydice” and “T...

Sporting Kansas City is blending soccer and esports in epic new ways, hosting summer watch parties packed with gaming action—think Fortnite, Rocket League, and Roblox—thanks to a collaboration with the Kansas City Pioneers. It’s the first time they’ve integrated esports into this scale, creating a vibe that draws in younger fans by merging traditional sports with gaming culture. Expect crossover e...

Rescue Teams Battle Missouri Floods | Lawrence News

Graham Nash, still touring at 80 and packing houses with timeless hits like “Our House” and “Teach Your Children,” reflects on a career spanning six decades — where his songs, written in turbulent times, still echo with urgent relevance today. From his roots in The Hollies to his iconic CSN days, Nash credits his move to America in ’68 for transforming his songwriting into raw, truth-telling art....

Kansas City’s arts scene just got a wild, well-deserved spotlight as The Pitch revives its “Best of KC” tradition with fresh, electrifying picks. Silvee takes the mic for “Best One-Woman Band,” weaving guitar and layered vocals into poetic solo shows. Land Lion brings ten-piece folk-rock chaos that’s impossible to ignore, while Rude Cousin’s improv “Barista” segment keeps crowds laughing and guess...

City commissioners are considering a one-year moratorium on new data centers amid growing community concern over their environmental and neighborhood impacts, sparked by a recent land development code that quietly allows massive data centers to be built with minimal public input in multiple zones — even downtown — prompting calls for a pause to let research and public input guide future policy. Li...

Local artist Dave Loewenstein is painting a colossal 20x50-foot mural titled “Estamos Aquí / We Are Here” on Free State’s Eastside Brewery wall, blending star charts, local wildlife, and the Burroughs Creek Trail into a vibrant community canvas. Inspired by community input and his own sketches, the mural features fireflies, a tandem bike, a snake, and even a mosasaur—symbolizing coexistence and th...

Get ready for a wildly diverse and emotionally rich theater season at KU—featuring a reimagined “Eurydice,” a sci-fi twist on “The Emperor of the Moon,” and yes, even “The SpongeBob Musical.” From intimate stories of change to high-energy dance and family-friendly fun, this lineup is all about bringing people together through live performance. Artistic director Markus Potter says these shows are c...

Skyler Sendelbach faces 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of child molestation, using his position of trust to harm two children — a decision that spared survivors the agony of trial. Prosecutors praised the courage of the victims and their families, crediting their strength as vital to justice and healing. The Kearney Police Department also played a pivotal role, gathering cr...

Kansas lawmakers pushed through a new voter registration law despite the governor’s veto, sparking alarm from the ACLU and League of Women Voters who warn it could accidentally disenfranchise eligible voters — especially naturalized citizens — by misusing federal and state databases. The law also restricts online voter registration sites, risking suppression of turnout, and even criminalizes unapp...

Kenneth Soap just got a brutal 38-year sentence in Douglas County for horrific sex crimes, with Judge Amy Hanley handing down a staggering 450 months — and he’ll be on the sex offender registry forever, a lifelong mark of accountability for the victims he preyed on. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is...

Kansas lawmakers pushed through a controversial voter roll law despite the governor’s veto, sparking a legal showdown with the ACLU and League of Women Voters over whether it violates federal election rules. The law, now active since July 1, imposes strict deadlines for address updates and bans non-compliant voter registration sites — critics warn it could disenfranchise naturalized citizens and o...

Kanbe’s Markets is turning food waste into animal joy in Kansas City, diverting imperfect produce from landfills to rescue animals at places like Farm to Able. Tier three food—too blemished for humans but perfect for pigs, chickens, cows, and horses—boosts nutrition and morale, while also slashing costs for sanctuaries. It’s a win-win that’s expanding to more rescues, and they’re always looking fo...

Food is spoiling fast—Harvesters needs YOU to help sort and distribute thousands of donations before they go to waste. With demand soaring this summer and over 220,000 people relying on their network each month, even two hours of your time can change lives. Volunteers 16+ can sign up solo; teens 12–15 join with an adult. Shifts are flexible, no experience needed. Kansas City: Tues–Sat at 8:30 AM,...

When the Algerian national soccer team rolled into Lawrence, Kansas, it wasn’t just a World Cup stop—it became a cultural bridge. For a month, the town embraced the team with open arms, turning sports into a powerful tool for unity. Residents and players forged genuine, cross-generational connections, proving that shared experiences can build lasting bonds across cultures. Even after the team left...