
Judge dismisses case against man accused of soliciting murder from his jail cell
After months of arguments over improper procedures and possible constitutional rights violations, a judge on Monday dismissed a case against a man accused of soliciting murder from his Douglas County jail cell.

Judge dismisses case against man accused of soliciting murder from his jail cell
After months of arguments over improper procedures and possible constitutional rights violations, a judge on Monday dismissed a case against a man accused of soliciting murder from his Douglas County jail cell.

Labor study: Kansas faces shortfall of 34,000 college-educated workers through 2030
A new labor report revealed the current annual rate of degree and certificate completion at Kansas colleges and universities would be insufficient to meet anticipated growth in demand for young, educated workers.

Perry man charged with aggravated assault after alleged incident in Lawrence
A man was charged Monday with aggravated assault after a report of shots fired early Sunday morning in northern Lawrence.

KU’s Center for Latin American & Caribbean Studies to host hybrid conference on Indigenous responses to climate change
The Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies at KU is hosting an international conference on Indigenous responses to climate change in the Americas, set for Friday and Saturday.

Lawrence school board to hear update on middle school redesign committee
The Lawrence school board will hear a report Tuesday on the committee that is working to redesign or repurpose Liberty Memorial Central Middle School.
LAWRENCE NEWS

Kaw Valley Almanac for Sept. 25-Oct. 1, 2023
Some people get confused between poison ivy and virginia creeper this time of year because their leaves both turn red. But virginia creeper has blue berries; poison ivy’s are white.

Introducing dark mode: An optional new look for The Lawrence Times
The Lawrence Times news team is pleased to roll out dark mode — an optional new look for our website intended to boost accessibility.
We wanted to make sure our readers know how they can switch back and forth at any time with the touch of a button.

Perry man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in Lawrence incident; no injuries
Lawrence police arrested a Perry man on suspicion of attempted murder Sunday morning after a report of gunshots fired.

Lawrence health department will have new COVID, flu shots starting Monday
Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health has received the new flu and COVID vaccines sooner than expected. They’ll be available by appointment beginning Monday (while supplies last).
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STATE NEWS

Kansas counties eager for lawmakers to resurrect property tax relief fund
The Legislature’s perennial failure to invest in lowering local property taxes left Miami County with a budget dilemma this year. The Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund has been dormant for 20 years.

Kansas special committee leans harder toward raising legislators’ annual base salary to $45,000
A bipartisan committee built momentum for the idea of raising the annual base salary of legislators to $45,000 and delivering substantial compensation premiums for eight lawmakers in leadership positions.
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COMMUNITY VOICES (OPINION)

Clay Wirestone: I knew Kansas officials would overstep after Marion raid. I didn’t expect it to be in Lawrence. (Column)
”The fiasco in Marion generated national attention. This dustup in Douglas County will likely fly under the radar, given that it was conducted in the far more restrained forum of legal filings. But we should all be on notice,” Clay Wirestone writes in this Kansas Reflector column.

Letter to the Times: Added barriers to self-determination
”I was just so surprised that the distinguished professor lecture on barriers and self-determination will not be available by Zoom or webinar or as audio,” Juanita Carlson writes in this letter to the Times.
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LAWRENCE LIFE

Navigating family losses, Lawrence girl will represent city in national pageant competition
When Tay’Jah Franklin, 13, walks the stage at pageants, she never feels like she’s walking alone. She knows her family is beside her. She’ll soon compete as Miss Lawrence in the National American Miss Pageant.

Jamie Ulmer brings his act to a larger stage at Theatre Lawrence
Jamie Ulmer, the new executive director of Theatre Lawrence, has a tough act to follow. Here he discusses his experience coming from small-town Beatrice, Nebraska, the new season, and his plans for the community theater.

Four generations of Indigenous scholars discuss ‘God is Red’
Haskell students, faculty and guests spoke throughout the week about what Vine Deloria Jr.’s influential book, “God is Red,” has meant to them. Many of the speakers touched on the collision between Western and Indigenous worldviews, experiential learning, and spirituality.
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT …

Jury deadlocked in case of Lawrence man charged with rape of KU freshman
A Douglas County jury on Wednesday could not reach a verdict in the case of a Lawrence man who was charged with raping a University of Kansas freshman during her first week on campus in 2018.

Save the dates: Lawrence City Commission, school board candidate forums coming up
Lawrence voters will have more chances to get to know the candidates vying for the elected positions that most directly affect day-to-day life.

Defense attorney questions Douglas County Sheriff’s Office’s handling of privileged calls
A defense attorney on Monday further questioned a lieutenant with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office about violating attorney-client privilege by recording calls between jail inmates and their attorneys, insinuating negligence.

Meet the 2023 Lawrence City Commission candidates
Meet the candidates who are running to fill three Lawrence City Commission seats that are up for election.
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MORE COMMUNITY VOICES
The opinion pieces in this section are generally written by members of the Lawrence community and those who have close ties. In addition, we’re offering some space for area organizations and organizers to provide updates and attempt to reach other folks who might share their mission.
Want to submit a letter to the Times? Great!
Click here to find out how.

Tara Wallace: Fixing Kansas’ child welfare system requires the voices of families ‘closest to the pain’ (Column)
”When those living in poverty are dehumanized, no voice can be heard. There is no opportunity to create understanding and no possibility of change,” Tara Wallace writes in this Kansas Reflector column.

Letter to the Times: Turning neighborhoods into marketplaces without children
”There is a long-term financial advantage for cities to stabilize their modest housing stock and the infrastructure which already exists by utilizing district overlays that provide a level playing field for working families to buy into the market and become long-term residents,” Deborah Snyder writes in this letter to the Times.

Letter to the Times: City of Lawrence should take caution when considering zoning changes
“Careful planning decisions must be made to allow for a proper balance of living opportunities that promote healthy, safe and affordable neighborhoods,” Candice Davis writes in this letter to the Times.