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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Mackenzie Clark/Lawrence Times
‘It’s not right’: Pallet village guests voice concerns about Lawrence’s community for unhoused people
Sarah Swan was apprehensive about moving from a camp into Pallet shelter village. Now, as one of dozens of people who have been exited back to the streets, she’s angry, sad and concerned about how the program is being operated.
Mackenzie Clark/Lawrence Times
‘It’s not right’: Pallet village guests voice concerns about Lawrence’s community for unhoused people
Sarah Swan was apprehensive about moving from a camp into Pallet shelter village. Now, as one of dozens of people who have been exited back to the streets, she’s angry, sad and concerned about how the program is being operated.
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
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.
Former Lawrence police officer’s certification revoked after charge of official misconduct
A former Lawrence police officer has lost his law enforcement certification after he accessed criminal history information for his own gain, according to official documents.
Lawrence teen’s struggle to get help after brush with suicidal thoughts illustrates systemic issues
Just before midnight one night in early September, a 17-year-old Lawrence girl parked her SUV on a dead-end road, intent on killing herself. She was stopped, but getting the help she needs has been a struggle for her and her family.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Employee of Lawrence Chipotle says management has attempted to thwart plans to unionize
A Lawrence Chipotle employee plans to file an unfair labor practice claim against the restaurant chain after managers allegedly engaged in union-busting activities at the downtown location.
Douglas County leader addresses questions surrounding management of Treatment & Recovery Center; commissioners call for community collaboration
Missed details and deadlines surrounding the management of the Treatment and Recovery Center of Douglas County led the county administrator to consider bringing in an out-of-state for-profit management company to assist local nonprofit behavioral health leaders, she said.
Douglas County sheriff, district attorney in standoff over officer personnel files
Conflict has been worsening between the Douglas County sheriff and district attorney amid an ongoing dispute over what information the sheriff’s office must share with prosecutors regarding employee misconduct.
Investigative SerieS: Days of Rage — Lawrence, 1970
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