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🌱 How a KU junior in Lawrence became a Truman finalist
Good morning to you Lawrence! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- How a KU junior in Lawrence became a Truman finalist
- Which films and events are coming to Lawrence’s 2026 Free State Festival?
- Why Justice Sotomayor is apologizing for remarks made in Lawrence
Also on today's calendar: Earth Day Fair and 3 more events.
Today's riddle: What did the inventor of the knock-knock joke win? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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- Friday: A few t-storms, some severe, with a high of 83 and low of 37 degrees.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny; windy, cooler, temps: high: 60, low: 33.
- Sunday: Sunny and pleasant, with a high of 71 and low of 45 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. KU student Nora Jennings named finalist for Truman scholarship (ku.edu) — A KU student based in Lawrence, junior chemical engineering major Nora Jennings, has been named a finalist for the prestigious 2026 Truman Scholarship, a top national award for public-service leaders. Her recognition highlights KU’s strong record with Truman Scholars and may interest other Jayhawks, who are encouraged to contact the Center for Undergraduate Research & Fellowships about future application cycles. 
2. Free State Festival slate includes new film from acclaimed director and musician, films celebrating Algerian history (ljworld.com) — Lawrence residents can look forward to the 2026 Free State Festival, June 22-28, featuring films, live performances, and World Cup tie-ins centered around town. Highlights include Boots Riley’s new comedy, Algerian classics screened while that nation’s team stays in Lawrence, and a documentary on the return of the Sacred Red Rock. Passes are on sale now, with full schedules coming May 1.
3. Headlines for Thursday, April 16, 2026 (kansaspublicradio.org) — A recent visit by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor to the Lied Center in Lawrence drew about 1,700 people and has now prompted a public apology for pointed remarks about a fellow justice. Her comments, made during a moderated discussion last week, were later criticized nationally, leading her to acknowledge they were inappropriate and to apologize to her colleague.
4. Hospitality Workers Learning to Play Defense During the World Cup (flatlandkc.org) — Lawrence will host Algeria’s World Cup base camp at Rock Chalk Park, tying the city into a regional push to keep visitors and workers safe. Kansas City–area bars and restaurants are training staff with MOCSA’s SAFE program to spot and prevent sexual assault risks as hundreds of thousands of fans arrive this summer.
5. Justice Sotomayor apologizes for 'hurtful comments' about Kavanaugh at Kansas event • Kansas Reflector (kansasreflector.com) — U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor recently visited the University of Kansas in Lawrence, where she discussed her background, immigration rulings, and tensions on the court. After the event, she issued a formal apology for remarks she acknowledged as inappropriate and hurtful toward a colleague involved in a key immigration case.
📸 Around Lawrence
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🗓
Upcoming Events in
Lawrence
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
-
Lawrence Earth Day Fair
South Park, 1141 Massachusetts St, Lawrence
1:00 pm
Saturday April 18
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
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Bubbles & Yoga
Lava Yoga Lawrence , 1520 Wakarusa Dr. Suite J , Lawrence
1:00 pm -
Earth Day Fair
Watkins Community Museum-History , 1047 Massachusetts St , Lawrence
1:00 pm -
In Full Bloom - LCC Spring Concert
River City Church , 3001 Lawrence Ave. , Lawrence
3:00 pm -
The Counselors
The Dole Institute of Politics , 2350 Petefish Drive , Lawrence
6:30 pm -
Margaritas and Mahjong
Revival Room , 846 Illinois St. , Lawrence
1:00 pm
Saturday April 18
Sunday April 19
Thursday April 23
Sunday April 26
📣 Lawrence Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
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Open Puzzle Time
Tonganoxie Public Library , 303 South Bury Street , Tonganoxie
11:30 am -
V Track @ Home
Beatty Field , Tonganoxie, KS 66086
3:30 pm -
Baseball vs Rossville (Home)
Perry Lecompton High Perry, KS 66073
4:30 pm -
Happy Hour — Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce
Baldwin City Distillery , 1747 N 200 Rd , Baldwin City
5:00 pm -
Raise a Glass to the Bricks — Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce
Lumberyard Arts Center, Inc , 718 High St , Baldwin City
5:30 pm -
2026 Midwest Doom Coalition Stoner Doom Festival II - Friday
The Bottleneck , 737 New Hampshire St , Lawrence
6:00 pm
Friday April 17
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
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💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Join us this afternoon for the Cottin’s Outdoor Farmers Market from 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM in the back parking lot of 1832 Mass St.
Come enjoy: • 15+ Local Vendors • Live Music by Fresh Picked • JB’s Tacos • Free Public Chess • Family-Friendly Fun Grab your friends, bring… (Nextdoor Barker) - I still have some spots open!
Take advantage of my $50 off special going on until May 1st Just mention this ad when inquiring. Thanks so much Gary Harper 785-727-9110 (Nextdoor Deerfield)
- Chipotle posted a job opening for Crew Member in Shawnee. Apply here.
Ok Lawrence! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: The NO-BELL prize (Thank you Gina M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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