The 44th annual St. John’s Mexican Fiesta is right around the corner, celebrating Mexican culture and heritage in Lawrence through music, dance and food. lawrenceks.news/4uDDyOI

"The 23 members of the Class of 2026 received acceptances to 72 different colleges and more than $8.6 million in scholarship and institutional grant offers," Bishop Seabury Academy writes. lawrenceks.news/4nHqS7A

The humble roughleaf dogwood shrub has begun blooming, spectacular in its own right, often overlooked compared to the flowering dogwood. Its flowers certainly got the attention of this summer azure butterfly. Latest @kvalmanac.bsky.social: lawrenceks.news/42C1oia

City construction has fully shut down parts of Ninth Street since December. So far, two restaurants on the street have had to throw in the towel, and some others are seeing declining sales. lawrenceks.news/3PHJDeo

A few spaces are exempt from Kansas’ new bathroom law that requires people to use the facilities in government buildings that match their sex assigned at birth, Attorney General Kris Kobach said in a new opinion. Via @kansasreflector.com: lawrenceks.news/4duuN2O

Friends and family gathered at Community Connections at Pinckney this morning to celebrate graduating students of the C-Tran and Project SEARCH programs. lawrenceks.news/4ddVDxb

Update: The city has released the names of the five finalists for the Lawrence city manager position. They'll all be in town to meet with community members next week. lawrenceks.news/4dbdLYC

A tribute gallery to debut at Summerfest will highlight Douglas County teachers, first responders, military service members, government workers and more who lived or worked here, now or at any time in the nation’s history. lawrenceks.news/3RG90Ob

When Mallory Johnson walked into the packed common area inside Community Connections at Pinckney for a surprise today, she thought it might be cupcakes. Minutes later, she was holding a check for $10,000 to recognize her as this year’s Bobs Award winner. lawrenceks.news/4dqD0Fe

Douglas County could advance a contested South Wakarusa Drive extension Wednesday, as commissioners consider approving a contract for an environmental assessment for the project. lawrenceks.news/4wnuG1F

Lawrence police officers and supporters pleaded with city commissioners tonight not to consider cuts to the department's budget, including cutting 10 positions and dropping to two school resources officers for the entire school district. lawrenceks.news/4uvjXAq

Babies and Beer, a newborn class for dads, is coming to Lawrence to teach baby basics and help new fathers support their partners and connect with other dads. lawrenceks.news/42U3yJS

This week marks the start of commencement ceremonies in Lawrence, beginning Friday with Haskell and continuing next week with local high schools, KU and more. lawrenceks.news/48JNEFt

Bob, a 1-year-old pit bull mix, is “truly as perfect as they come,” according to Lawrence Humane Society staff. He's a doggy socialite who loves to make new friends. lawrenceks.news/4eoL4Zb

Eliminating police foot patrols downtown, closing the Indoor Aquatic Center during summer and paying for personnel out of funds set aside for affordable housing are three budget cut ideas among many that city staff members will present to the commission Tuesday. lawrenceks.news/4naIfxg

Douglas County first responders pulled the body of a 20-year-old Olathe man from Clinton Lake this morning. lawrenceks.news/4n7an4n

This carpenter bee is enjoying the nectar from the spider milkweed in Lexington Park in Johnson County. Latest @kvalmanac.bsky.social: lawrenceks.news/4n7YgUE

KU students skipped classes and work to participate in a May Day protest this morning in an effort to “disrupt business as usual” alongside similar nationwide demonstrations. lawrenceks.news/4w5GwgI

Local advocates are urging lawmakers and local officials to provide resources for people with limb loss and limb differences, and to require health insurance to cover prosthetics. lawrenceks.news/4n2pXOp

People gathered in the Vermont Street parking garage Wednesday evening for the chance to participate directly in the creation of artist Tokeya Waci U Richardson’s mural. lawrenceks.news/4w2TT19

Free State High School alum Arthur Benson and two other University of Kansas students have been named Goldwater Scholars, KU announced this morning. lawrenceks.news/4271AFN

First responders said there were no injuries among residents, staff or emergency service workers in an apartment fire at Babcock Place this afternoon, but one person might be displaced. lawrenceks.news/4cWydv1

The Lawrence Art Center’s Hang12 members — high school students who curate art shows in the community — just unveiled 32 new pieces of art that hang above parking spots in the New Hampshire Street garage and celebrate Kansas. lawrenceks.news/4t70Prs

If you have ever wanted to peek inside of the studios of some of your favorite local artists, such as Molly Murphy, Celia Smith, Maria Martin and Nick Schmiedeler, this weekend is your chance. lawrenceks.news/41Y2Uef

Members of No Labels Kansas Party selected a former Kansas GOP official and Kansans for Life PAC director from Eudora to serve as chair of the alternative political organization founded two years ago. Via @kansasreflector.com: lawrenceks.news/4cShE3g

Black mothers spoke about traumas they experienced around births and Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health experts shared data underlining the need for medical professionals to listen and take accountability to improve birth outcomes. lawrenceks.news/4czW3Oe

The Lawrence Arts Center’s youth curatorial board, Hang12, is inviting the public to a celebration where young artists will unveil their new artwork in the New Hampshire Street parking garage. lawrenceks.news/48m5FcK

Luna, a pit bull and Labrador mix, is a friend to all and enemy to none. Not only does she love humans, but she can live with other dogs, cats and children. lawrenceks.news/4e83D3D

Lynn Abrams will be remembered for how she nurtured people, plants and traditions, and for her presence at live music performances. Abrams, 70, was killed Saturday at her home in Lawrence. lawrenceks.news/4sQzNV6

Douglas County commissioners tonight voted 3-1 to move forward with a plan for the Tenant Eviction Defense pilot program they approved in March. lawrenceks.news/4cLrR1j