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A Lawrence Times reporter was ordered to leave the city campsite for unhoused people. ‘That’s a problem,’ First Amendment attorney says
Lawrence Times reporter Chansi Long was targeted by city staff and ordered by police to leave the North Lawrence campsite for people experiencing homelessness Tuesday night while other members of the public were allowed to remain. “That’s a problem,” a local First Amendment expert said.
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Moving average of COVID-19 cases in Douglas County ticks upward
Douglas County has confirmed 22 new cases of COVID-19 since Wednesday, and the county’s moving 14-day case average continued to tick upward as the United States deals with rising case totals due to the more contagious Delta variant of the virus.

Rontarus Washington Jr.’s retrial date set — July 2022
Rontarus Washington Jr. will go to trial, for the second time, in 367 days.

Fire burns overnight at recycling center in East Lawrence
As of early Friday morning, a fire that started overnight in a salvage area in East Lawrence was expected to continue “for a good amount of the day today,” according to Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical.

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.

Lawrence sanitation workers ratify first contract, hope to inspire other city workers
The city’s sanitation workers unanimously approved their first Teamster contract Wednesday, and it will go to the Lawrence City Commission next week.

City of Lawrence issues cease and desist order to AT&T, citing ‘reckless behavior’
Citing “numerous” complaints from both residents and other utility companies, the city of Lawrence highlighted “instances of AT&T and its contractors hitting other public utility and competitor’s facilities without utility locates being performed in advance” as the impetus for a cease and desist order.

Twins Tae-Vheon and Sae-Vheon Alcorn lead double lives as KU student-athletes and entrepreneurs
Twins Sae-Vheon and Tae-Vheon Alcorn started running track in fifth grade, and their athletic journeys led them to the University of Kansas for school and collegiate track and field. They’ve also carried on family values of hard work and perseverance to become successful entrepreneurs, plus they’re now helping other Jayhawks build their own brands.

Pavilion for police headquarters gets nod of approval from Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission
The Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission on Wednesday evening approved a sculptural pavilion planned to sit adjacent to the new Lawrence Police Department headquarters.

KU to lift pandemic-induced hiring freeze; administrators offer more positive financial outlook
For one of the first times since the COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of the University of Kansas campus and upended higher education, KU leaders on Wednesday were able to offer promising — if still reserved — news about the university’s financial outlook.

Lawrence school board candidates offer ideas for lagging teacher and staff compensation
Teacher and staff wages took the stage Tuesday as candidates vying for spots on the Lawrence school board squared off at a forum sponsored by the Lawrence Education Association and Personnel Association of Lawrence.

Traffic planning: City crews to close 9th Street from Emery to Iowa next week
Ninth Street will be closed from Emery Road to Iowa Street for all of next week, according to a Tuesday news release from the city.

Though KU athletes have started capitalizing on new name, image, likeness rules, university says it has no policy in place
Entering into legal, above-board business deals is a new endeavor for both college athletes and universities. It remains to be seen how KU will handle the changing landscape, though multiple athletes have already announced sponsorship deals.

Lawrence school board hears students’ praises on new program to boost graduation rates, renews superintendent’s contract and more
The Lawrence school board heard from students Monday about how a new alternative high school program in the district changed their lives.

Lawrence board gives initial green light to approve $1.2M in affordable housing projects this year
Lawrence’s Affordable Housing Advisory Board on Monday gave an initial approval of the funding level it intends to allocate later this year to applicants focused on housing services — an increase of 175% over the funds that were available last year.

Tuesday is the last day to register to vote in the primary election; do it from your phone in about 5 minutes
Plus: How to request a mail ballot and where to vote early