There is a 50 percent chance of rain in the forecast today, and an even higher likelihood tonight, with an 80 percent chance.

Rainy day (and night)

Expect warmer weather today, but with a 50 percent chance of rain. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are forecast, especially early in the day. A few storms may be severe. The high should be about 84 degrees. The low is expected to get down to 64 degrees, with an even higher likelihood of rain overnight, an 80 percent chance.

Elective lectures

Listen in on the topics of journalism and politics today at the Dole Institute of Politics, 2350 Petefish Drive, with the Fall 2014 Study Groups: “Behind the Byline: Political Journalists on the Midterm Election” at 4 p.m. and the 2014 Politics & Journalism Lecture: “The Media & the Midterms” at 7:30 p.m. Both events are free and open to the public.

Rock ‘n’ rhyme

Looking for an after-dinner activity with the kids? Head to the Lawrence Public Library with your children ages 3 to 5 for Rock, Rhyme and Read, an interactive music, fun, and learning activity provided by Child Care Aware. Singing, dancing and playing instruments uses the joy of music to promote literacy and support the development of young children. The good times will roll at the Readers Theater in the children’s area of the library. Register at 843-3833.

Yesterday’s most-read

• Sushi restaurant going into former American Eagle space downtown; more details on fledgling opposition group for police headquarters
• Baldwin City man airlifted after car rolls on top of him
• Brownback staffer’s dad behind Taylor motion

More Sept. 17 events

1 Million Cups presentation, 9-10 a.m., Cider Gallery, 810 Pennsylvania St.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Douglas County volunteer information, noon, 2518 Ridge Court.

The National Active and Retired Federal Employees, noon, Conroy’s Pub, 3115 W. Sixth St.

ECM University-Community Forum: Purple Politics in Deep Red Kansas, noon-1 p.m., ECM Building, 1204 Oread Ave.

Fall 2014 Study Groups: Behind the Byline: Political Journalists on the Midterm Election, 4-5:30 p.m., Dole Institute, 2350 Petefish Drive.

Andy McKee In-Store show, 4:30 p.m., Mass Street Music, 1347 Massachusetts St.

Clinton Parkway Nursery Farmers’ Market, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Clinton Parkway Nursery, 4900 Clinton Parkway.

Steak/Salmon Night, 5-7:30 p.m., Eagles Lodge, 1803 W. Sixth St.

Douglas County Commission meeting, check website at douglas-county.com for meeting time, Douglas County Courthouse, 1100 Massachusetts St.

North Lawrence Community Dinner, 5:30-7 p.m., Centenary United Methodist Church, 245 N. Fourth St.

The Beerbellies, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Johnny’s Tavern, 401 N. Second St.

NAMI-Douglas County meeting, 7 p.m., Lawrence Senior Center, 745 Vermont St.

Beginning Ballroom/Latin Dance Class, 7-8:30 p.m., Big Six Room, Eldridge Hotel, 701 Massachusetts St. (No partner needed.)

Jam: Mike Vande Band, 7-9 p.m., Cutter’s Smokehouse, 218 E. 20th St., Eudora.

Conroy’s Trivia, 7:30 p.m., Conroy’s Pub, 3115 W. Sixth St.

Pride Night, 9 p.m., Wilde’s Chateau, 2412 Iowa St.