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Free State Festival 2024 lineup to feature Jana Schmieding, beat scientist and more
The Lawrence Arts Center has announced its films and headliners slated for this year’s Free State Festival, including Jana Schmieding of ”Reservation Dogs,” Makaya McCraven, Joe Rainey and more.
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Dole Institute’s spring semester lineup includes focus on first ladies, women leaders
The Dole Institute of Politics at KU has announced a spring semester event lineup that features a focus on the influence of first ladies. Additional lecturers will include Juana Summers, co-host of “All Things Considered” on NPR, and Atifete Jahjaga, former president of the Republic of Kosovo.
Kaw Valley Public House is closing its doors
Kaw Valley Public House, a North Lawrence venue known for showcasing local musicians, is closing.
Lawrence Arts Center’s Souper Bowl fundraiser to return, along with Edible Ink print exhibition
Everyone is welcome to feast their eyes on the Lawrence Arts Center’s newest exhibition, purchase bowls and prints, and bid on handcrafted platters when the Souper Bowl fundraiser returns.
Competition to showcase Lawrence barbers; community invited
Local barbers will soon go head-to-head in a competition of hair styling, and the community is invited to participate in packing the house.
City of Lawrence postpones first Community-Police Oversight Work Group meeting
Because of “lingering vacancies and unresolved questions,” the city’s first Community-Police Oversight Work Group meeting has been postponed, according to the city.
Frank Arpan now president of Haskell University; former president was fired for lack of COVID-19 measures
Haskell Indian Nations University, which has been in a state of flux and administrative turnover for years, appears to have a new leader. Also, federal documents shed light on why the former president was fired.
Arabella Gipp named 2023 Lawrence Youth of the Year
Reigning winner Arabella Gipp was announced as the 2023 Lawrence Youth of the Year winner Thursday evening. She vulnerably shared how she began living unapologetically in her identity and found her sense of belonging.
Fundraiser seeks to help Lawrence woman wrongly convicted in infant’s death
A Lawrence woman who was wrongly convicted of killing a boy who had died from natural causes is hoping for community support to start putting her life back together.
Justice Matters to hold meeting on Vera Institute study of incarceration in Douglas County
Lawrence advocacy group Justice Matters invites community members to an educational meeting about a study that highlighted stark racial disparities in incarceration and found that most bookings into the Douglas County jail are for minor, nonviolent charges, among other conclusions.
West Middle School evacuated after report of ‘threat that could be considered a bomb threat’
West Middle School students have evacuated the building as a safety precaution “following a report of a written threat that could be considered a bomb threat left on a technology device yesterday,” according to the school district.
Douglas County rent assistance program to switch to lottery system, lower per-household cap
The Douglas County Housing Stabilization Collaborative is moving away from a first-come, first-served model to distribute funding for residents in need of rent and utility assistance. It will also lower the maximum total payment in order to serve more households.
The 780s Series brings world-class musicians to town. Here’s how Lawrencians can hear their stories for free
The 780s Series is an annual lecture hosted by the Lawrence Public Library, and it brings some of the brightest minds in music to Lawrence to share their experiences. It will return on Feb. 9 with David Lowery, the singer-songwriter behind alt-rock bands Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven, who will discuss his career and music rights activism.
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.
Book launch event to bring ‘Rock and Roll Reading’ to Replay Lounge
An event on Sunday will celebrate Midwestern writers and the launch of Lawrence author and bookseller Danny Caine’s new book of poetry.
Lawrence school administrators discuss chronic absenteeism, behavior approaches in report to board
Chronic absenteeism has increased in Lawrence Public Schools since the first quarter, data in recent district reports shows; meanwhile, increased behavior incidents in middle schools need tailored approaches, administrators say.