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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‘He did not just fall and die’: Lawrence mother pleads for answers about the death of her 3-year-old
Ilene Tolbert will always grieve the death of her 3-year-old son, Carter. But she’s still pushing for answers to the questions that have haunted her since 2020, hopeful that someday she’ll at least get closure.
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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
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In Lawrence murder solicitation case, judge removes attorneys for prosecution and defense
A Douglas County judge on Friday removed both the prosecutor and defense attorney in the case of a man accused of seeking to kill a witness while awaiting trial for aggravated robbery.
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Man charged with soliciting murder after paperwork seized from his Douglas County jail cell
A man was charged Thursday with allegedly attempting to have someone killed — a charge that comes two and a half months after a Douglas County jail cell search that the man’s defense attorney says violated his client’s constitutional rights.
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Baldwin City police sergeant’s criminal record again ordered sealed
A Douglas County judge on Monday reinstated an order to seal the record of a Baldwin City police sergeant after acknowledging that the Kansas statute used to set it aside did not apply.
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Lyon County judge grants expungement in Baldwin City police sergeant’s case; exceptions will apply
A judge in Lyon County on Monday granted a petition to expunge the record of a Baldwin City police sergeant who was acquitted of felony official misconduct and misdemeanor theft more than 10 years ago, but the order does not seal the records completely.
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Judge rescinds expungement of Baldwin City police sergeant’s criminal record; wants to consider second case
Updated article: A Douglas County judge who had initially granted the petition to expunge false impersonation charges from the record of a Baldwin City police sergeant reconsidered that decision Thursday, taking another pending expungement into account.
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Baldwin City police sergeant seeks expungement of criminal records in Douglas and Lyon counties
A Douglas County judge is expected to decide this week whether to seal the arrest record of a Baldwin City police sergeant.
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Eight months later: The aftermath of closing Kennedy Elementary School
Eight months after the Lawrence school board voted to close Kennedy Elementary’s K-5 classrooms, students and staff are grappling with changes and uneven class sizes.
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Lawrence middle school community voices concerns about safety, spate of resignations
A rough start to the year has left many in the Liberty Memorial Central Middle School community reeling and parents worrying. Three teachers resigned in October, and in early September, a staff member was knocked down and hit their head on the floor during a fight at the school.
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Attorney files complaint against Douglas County district attorney, calls for investigation of coroner
A Lawrence attorney has filed a complaint against the Douglas County district attorney for “spiteful, malicious” conduct, called for an investigation of the former coroner, and says the DA’s office should be disqualified from handling his client’s case.
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Mother blames child’s heat exhaustion on lack of safety protocols at St. John Preschool in Lawrence
A local mother is demanding corrective action after her child suffered heat exhaustion in the care of a Lawrence preschool. As she’s pondered her child’s experience, her mind has gone to “dark places” — including wondering if racism played a role.
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Lawrence school district declines to give details on students, staff in quarantines
As COVID-19 case counts rise just a week into the school year, students in Lawrence schools have been directed to isolate after potential exposure to the virus. That’s problematic for learning — and for students who need meals.
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The KBI declined to release its case file on Rick ‘Tiger’ Dowdell’s 1970 killing by Lawrence police; here’s why it matters (Analysis)
The KBI will, at least temporarily, continue to keep in the dark records that could finally shed light on a case of police violence that has been imprinted in the fabric of Lawrence for exactly 51 years.
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Coroner’s findings skewered in appeal of murder conviction in Eudora baby’s death
An attorney argued Thursday that his client was convicted based on a coroner’s junk science, aided by a natural human desire to hold someone accountable for the tragic death of a 9-month-old baby.
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Lawrence Boys & Girls Club petition cites safety, equity concerns in calls for reform
A group of current and former staffers of Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence have launched a petition complaining of unsafe conditions, systemic inequity and mismanagement, and they’re demanding an overhaul of the organization’s programs.
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Lawrence women plan to stay in home despite actions of homeowners’ association; they hope HOA will do better in the future
After speaking out about issues with their Lawrence homeowners’ association, Breeann Bass and her family feel like they can get their quality of life back — at least somewhat.
Investigative SerieS: Days of Rage — Lawrence, 1970
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