After an intense match-up between the top two men’s basketball schools in the country, the University of Connecticut Huskies came out victorious in the NCAA men’s Divison I Basketball National Championship...
Running an aggressive offense through the second half, the South Carolina Gamecocks claimed their third title as the NCAA National Champions. The Gamecocks took their third title as freshman Tessa Johnson...
After yesterday's uproar following the district's new schedule release aiming to offset this year's snow days, Lawrence Board of Education President Kelly Jones called a special meeting of the USD 497...
Evie Chancy, News Planning Team
• February 14, 2024
A shooting at the end of the Chiefs victory parade killed at least one person and injured upwards of 22 people as of Feb. 14. First responders were sent in as fans evacuated from Union Station and the...
On Monday, Dec. 1, the USD497 Board of Education unanimously voted to make Liberty Memorial Central Middle School a 'magnet school,' or a public school with a unique curriculum.
The accepted curriculum...
Last night, the Lawrence High Lions defeated the Free State Firebirds in overtime, 31-24. Chances were looking in favor for the Firebirds as they held a perfect season record of 6-0 coming into the game.
Every...
Lilly Wall, News Editor-in-Chief
• August 28, 2023
Tonight, the Lawrence school board will hear a report created to inform members on truancy and chronic absenteeism, along with potential solutions to these issues.
According to the Unified Insights,...
Girls swim and dive secured back-to-back state titles on Saturday, May 20. The team held first place from start to finish, winning by 132 points over the next closest team.
The team never strayed away...
After serving as the Director of Orchestras program for 11 years at the school, Judy Erpelding has announced her resignation, effective May 26.
With this position being her first teaching job, she...
For many students, school sports are a central source of stability and a safe space to feel valued among peers. On April 5, Kansas legislature voted to override Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto of House Bill...
Students walked out of schools throughout the district on Tuesday, March 28, to voice their opinions on the introduction of anti-trans bills in Kansas.
“It is more than just a political issue,...
Editor's note: This story has been updated as new information comes to light.
Earlier today, the USD 497 district evacuated students from West Middle School as a safety precaution after receiving...
![After receiving advice from her students, orchestra director Judy Erpelding marks her music. Although the director normally makes the artistic decisions, Erpelding will often consult her students and hear their opinions on what sounds good and what they should try out. “[The students] are the heart of the program, not me,” Erpelding said. “I know they will carry that on and I will miss them. Making great music with them, being able to challenge them, taking their inspiration.”](https://www.fsfreepressonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Roust_Erpelding_5_11_23-600x900.jpg)
![Student poses with a transgender flag during a student-organized walkout. Students from across the district walked out from class on March 28 to voice their opinions on the introduction of anti-trans bills in Kansas. ““[Trans] rights should be like anybody else’s rights: being protected, and being valued, because they are human rights, obviously,” event organizer junior Adriana Cazares said.](https://www.fsfreepressonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Thompson.Wlakout-11-1-900x600.jpg)
