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Lawrence to ban camping effective in mid-August as shelter options expand; coalition forming in opposition
The City of Lawrence is planning to ban people from camping “anywhere in Lawrence” effective in mid-August, representing a change that has long been in the works.
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‘Our greatest challenge’: Latest COVID-19 surge threatens Kansas hospitals again as omicron looms
The chief medical officer for the KU Health System is monitoring a steep climb in COVID-19 hospitalizations, almost entirely from unvaccinated residents, while hospitals already are busy treating patients suffering from influenza and the respiratory syncytial virus.

Lineup announced for Sundance Film Festival screenings in Lawrence
The Sundance Film Festival and Wichita’s mama.film will bring world premieres of comedies, period pieces, dramas and documentaries to Liberty Hall next month as part of the Sundance Satellite Screen program.

Lawrence school district explains Montessori idea for New York Elementary; budget committee to hold meeting today
There is no current proposal or recommendation to close New York Elementary School, according to Lawrence Public Schools spokesperson Julie Boyle.

Bulk of Lawrence City Commission meeting delayed because of technical difficulties
The Lawrence City Commission cut its meeting short Tuesday evening because of audio problems for those attending via Zoom.

Lawrence school board hears details about budget impact, support for gymnastics; approves legislative priorities and more
Budget cuts were the central focus of district staff as well as the public commenters who called for reductions of administrators’ six-digit salaries at Monday’s Lawrence school board meeting.

Lawrence schools see wave of alleged threats, alleged false reports of violence; police investigating another threat late Monday
Recent incidents and their aftermath at Billy Mills Middle School have some families on edge with concerns about student safety. On top of that, students at two other middle schools allegedly made false reports of a shooting and a threat on Monday, and police were investigating a threat to a Lawrence elementary school Monday night.

Kaw Valley Almanac for Dec. 13-19, 2021
Last week, the calm water reflected the sunset and leafless trees just west of the Baker Wetlands a few minutes after sunset. This week promises to be much windier, with high fire danger and potentially severe weather midweek.

Lawrence school board to consider replacement of band uniforms, legislative priorities and more
The Lawrence school board on Monday will review its legislative priorities for 2022, consider replacing band uniforms for one of the high schools and more.

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.

Looking ahead: Plans still in flux for Kennedy Early Childhood Center
The Lawrence school district continues efforts to finalize plans eight months after the school board’s vote to close Kennedy Elementary School to grades K-5.

KU astronomers want answers to a big question: What else is out there?
Two KU professors have helped decide that national astronomy research priorities for the next decade should focus first and foremost on the most curious question in their field.

‘Liberate LFK’: Student documentary highlights LGBTQ+ activism at KU through the years
Students at the University of Kansas School of Journalism on Friday released a short documentary about LGBTQ+ activism at KU over the years, completing a semesterlong project and spotlighting the queer community in Lawrence.

Lawrence hospital opens COVID-19 unit amid uptick in cases
Lawrence Memorial Hospital has opened a COVID-19 unit because of its recent uptick in COVID inpatients, the hospital said in a community update Thursday afternoon.

Lawrence creators to host interactive multimedia art shows, holiday concert
Whether you’re hoping to catch a holiday music performance or looking to explore the connection among art, music and community, a hometown artist and his collaborators have you covered in three upcoming shows.

Kansas classroom safety panel grows increasingly concerned as students’ mental health issues rise
A rise in youth suicide rates and increased reports of anxiety and depression among school-age kids has a Kansas panel focused on COVID-19 safety in the classroom concerned as the pandemic drags on.