Good morning, Lawrence. ☕
The cold snap broke. Schools are back. And your immune system is getting tested. Here's what you need in the next 5 minutes.
THE PULSE
THE ONE THING THAT MATTERS
Lawrence is dealing with a viral surge — and wastewater data proves it.
Six viruses circulating at high levels:
COVID-19
Influenza A & B
RSV
Human metapneumovirus
Norovirus
The numbers:
32% of flu tests at KU Health System came back positive last week
Watkins Health Center at KU now requires masks due to the surge
Why this matters: If half your class or office is coughing, this is why. Wash hands. Stay home if sick. Don't be the hero who spreads it to 20 people.
[Sources: Lawrence Times, Douglas County wastewater monitoring, KU Health System]
TONIGHT: School Board Meeting You Should Know About
6:00 p.m. at district offices, 110 McDonald Drive (or livestream on YouTube)
What's on the agenda:
Tax incentive for Reuter building redevelopment downtown (15-year, 95% rebate)
2026-27 and 2027-28 school calendars
4.5% preschool tuition increase (from $660 to $690/month)
Why it matters: These decisions affect downtown housing development, your kid's schedule, and childcare costs. Not exciting, but important.
[Source: Lawrence school board agenda]
STUDENT TIP
Back to campus after the cold snap means crowded lecture halls + six circulating viruses = bad math.
Pro tip: Sit near exits. Bring hand sanitizer. If someone sounds like a broken lawn mower, relocate.
RESIDENT TIP
Back to campus after the cold snap means crowded lecture halls + six circulating viruses = bad math.
Pro tip: Sit near exits. Bring hand sanitizer. If someone sounds like a broken lawn mower, relocate.
JOKE OF THE DAY
Kansas weather: where you survive -9°F wind chills but still complain when it's 35° outside.
That's it — stay warm, stay healthy.
If this saved you from a sick classroom, forward it to someone who needs it.
See you tomorrow at 5 a.m.
— Mitch
Lawrence in 5
📧 Got a tip, question, or "why isn't anyone talking about this?" moment? Hit reply — I read everything
