Articles on this page generally required more “digging” than much of the rest of the coverage our award-winning journalists have produced. This collection of articles includes what we consider to be some of the most important coverage we publish. We are always willing to ask the hard questions. In fact, that’s one of the biggest reasons we launched The Lawrence Times in February 2021 — to fearlessly challenge power and injustice.
Whether these investigations took a few days, a few weeks or more than a year, we believe they’re important, and we appreciate our readers’ support to pursue this kind of coverage.
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Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
‘A systemic failure,’ part 1: Hilltop Child Development Center staff, families say abuse reports are symptoms of bigger issues
Despite reports of abuse surfacing, current and former Hilltop Child Development Center staff members and families say they have deeper concerns, and publicized incidents are a small part of a much larger story.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
‘A systemic failure,’ part 1: Hilltop Child Development Center staff, families say abuse reports are symptoms of bigger issues
Despite reports of abuse surfacing, current and former Hilltop Child Development Center staff members and families say they have deeper concerns, and publicized incidents are a small part of a much larger story.
Top tags
In addition to the key articles linked on this page, we have a lot more coverage on some of the big topics we’ve investigated:
Animal Control • Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center • Brady/Giglio • HeadQuarters Kansas • Open records • NAGPRA (Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act) • Treatment and Recovery Center •
MORe Investigative work
Molly Adams/Lawrence Times
Former tenant seeks accountability for water leaks, mold issues in rental home
Hillary Jones, a single mom and disabled veteran, felt frustrated and powerless when water leaks sprang up at her former Lawrence home. She blames mold for aggravating her kids’ asthma and wants accountability within a system she views as once helping her family but ultimately failing it.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
‘He can’t rest’: Family of Kamarjay Shaw unable to hold burial because plot wasn’t dug
When family members arrived at Oak Hill Cemetery on Saturday to lay 14-year-old Kamarjay Shaw to rest, they were distraught to learn that his burial plot — next to that of his great uncle, Rick “Tiger” Dowdell — had not yet been dug.
Lawrence man’s lawsuit against ex-cop, city to end with settlement; case reveals details of internal investigations
A federal civil case against an ex Lawrence police officer, the city, and a former police chief was set to proceed to trial this month, but the parties have reached a settlement.
Internal investigation documents in the case file reveal details that have never been made public about two cases that brought officer integrity issues into the spotlight in Douglas County.
FAQs, background info and timelines as Lawrence school board mulls closing buildings
The Lawrence Public Schools superintendent on Friday released his recommendation to close three elementary schools and repurpose a middle school. We’re looking to answer your questions about timelines, transportation, the budget and more.
Chloe Anderson/Lawrence Times
Members of Lawrence school district’s budget planning committee share frustrations with process, reflections
By the end of a five-month process of analyzing potential budget cuts for next year, some members of the Lawrence school district’s budget planning committee felt facilitators and district leaders lacked transparency and dismissed their ideas. Others felt the committee achieved its purpose.
KU hires repatriation program manager to coordinate return of Indigenous remains and artifacts
KU has hired Thomas Torma as repatriation program manager. Torma will be responsible for returning ancestors’ remains and funerary artifacts to tribes and tribal communities.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Union-busting efforts continue at downtown Lawrence Chipotle, workers allege
Months after a union petition went missing at a Lawrence Chipotle, some current and former employees say that the restaurant has been attempting to push out workers who had signed by disproportionately enforcing policies and accelerating termination.
Lawrence’s police review board, work group anxious to move forward; 3 members have resigned
Frustration abounds as a community board created to advise the Lawrence Police Department and oversee complaints has made little progress in more than a year, and a new work group has yet to meet. Also, three board members have resigned.
Family members mourn Lawrence man dead from suspected fentanyl overdose
When emergency responders confirmed the death of Tony Cipollaro, residents of the North Lawrence campsite who called the 26-year-old a friend cried, cursed, and consoled each other. Some screamed.
Tony had a family and friends who loved him. He knew this.
City staff members assert alcohol & drug program funds’ distribution is legal; advisory board member says questions remain
After more than a year spent questioning the process and legality of how the city allocates its special alcohol tax revenue, an advisory board will meet Friday to discuss a staff memo that says the city’s appropriation of the money adheres to the law.
Lawrence Police Department
Ex-Lawrence officer’s certification revoked for bias against women
A former Lawrence police officer’s certification has been revoked after an investigation found that he acted in poor moral character and disproportionately arrested young women.
Eudora infant died ‘from natural disease,’ prosecutors’ new expert report concludes
An expert’s report has concluded that a 9-month-old Eudora boy likely died of natural causes, and the Douglas County district attorney will not continue prosecution of Carrody Buchhorn, whose conviction in connection with the boy’s death was overturned.
Douglas County sheriff is ‘Giglio-impaired,’ district attorney’s office says
Douglas County Sheriff Jay Armbrister is “Giglio-impaired” because he mishandled evidence, according to the district attorney’s office. The sheriff disputes the characterization.
Tricia Masenthin/Lawrence Times
Lawrence homeowners fighting to build fire access road, citing ‘clear and present danger’
When Chris Sanders and Amanda Unruh bought their Lawrence home, they knew the historic property would need myriad renovations and repairs. They never imagined the long odyssey that would unfold in their quest to protect their family and home.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Q&A: Bert Nash is changing to a new model of care. Here’s what it means.
After what critics call decades of underfunding, mental health reform is underway in Kansas. Here’s a Q&A on what it means for Bert Nash and its clients.
Investigative SerieS: Days of Rage — Lawrence, 1970
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