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The student-run news site of Lawrence Free State High School

Free Press Online

The student-run news site of Lawrence Free State High School

Free Press Online

The student-run news site of Lawrence Free State High School

Free Press Online

The Spotlight

At the assembly on October 19th, Alexander Clae talks to the crowd. He describes himself as a libertarian and is running on the democratic ticket. "Economically I am a libertarian, socially I would describe myself as a liberal and i do believe in the realpolitik of my world it is efficient and more effective to have a manic position," Clae said.

Jack Bergersen and Alexander Clae

Sam Mohanty, Reporter November 14, 2017

Jack Bergerson is a liberal Democrat and points out his policies about his health care system and minimum wage. “I'm sure a lot of Democrats agree, but no one ever talks about it,” Bergerson said. While...

All four candidates agree to legalize medical marijuana. "I think that in the states that they have legalized it, recreationally or medically it has reaped a lot of benefits," junior Izabella Fletcher said.

Teens throw their hat in election ring

Sam Mohanty, Reporter November 14, 2017

Unlike many other states, the Kansas Constitution does not have an age limit when it comes to running for governor. Ethan Randleas, Dominic Scavuzzo, Tyler Ruzich and Jack Bergerson, all 16 years old,...

Sophomore Ashton Mcknight and fellow protestors block a car from entering the Burger King parking lot. The car eventually forced its way through, but left immediately afterwards.

Community members protest Burger King after senior’s controversial firing

Grace Porter, Reporter November 8, 2017

Editor's’ Note: We have replaced the use of a racial slur in the following story. Having a job is not unusual to a lot of students, but few expect to work under a supervisor who casually uses racial...

Sophomores Jordan Collins and Fiona Swaggerty sharing a secret. If students have something they need to share they can speak to an adult such as the school nurse.

Current State of Sexual Assault and Consent Issues

Sam Mohanty, Reporter October 18, 2017

Every 98 seconds somebody is sexually assaulted, according to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network. In the time it takes you to read this story, one person in the U.S. will have been sexually assaulted. Considering...

Jax, Joe, Jay and Jet Dineen pose for a family photo. Jax Dineen is a junior who plays running back for the firebirds

Dineen Dynasty: Jax carries family legacy

Jax Egan, Sports Reporter October 12, 2017

Like both his brothers before him, junior running back Jax Dineen is one of the football team’s major playmakers. Jax Dineen is the third in line of four brothers to come through the football program....

Theater teacher Ms. Waller is new to Free State this year. She led her class with enthusiasm.

New Theater Teacher Debuts

DeeDee Zolman, Reporter October 6, 2017

Ericka Waller, the new theater teacher, is now in her tenth year of teaching. Waller knew she wanted to teach after connecting with her theater teacher in high school. “He inspired me, so I went on...

Finnelly keeps an eye on the @LawrenceKS_PD twitter feed while working. The account had over 35,000 followers.

Drew Finnelly: the man behind @LawrenceKS_PD

Jackson Barton, Editor in Chief July 29, 2017

Just because Lawrence Police Department’s Drew Finnelly holds the title “Public Relations Officer” does not discredit the fact that he’s a cop. He spent the first five years of his career on patrol,...

Pie perspective

Pie perspective

Jackson Barton, Editor in Chief June 14, 2017

The carolina blue doorway of Ladybird Diner lolls open on a relatively sleepy Tuesday afternoon. Kianti Vann, going about her third week as a waitress for the restaurant, collects the peculiar salt and...

Junior Nicole Ahn, junior Juliana Wilches-Merchan, senior Abena Peasah, senior Lane Weis, senior Meredith Shaheed and senior Ella Spillman listen to club captains during the first meeting.

New club focuses on equity, student action

Darby Gilliland and Jackson Barton April 14, 2017

Despite being in her last quarter of high school, senior Sonal Soni refuses to ignore injustices she witnessed at Free State. “I faced a lot of harassment, bullying,” Soni said. “It all culminated...

Dorian Vance displays his tattoo.  "Spes" means "hope" in Latin.

Tattoo Stigma Transformed

Jake Clark, Reporter January 31, 2017

Holding a needle over a flame to sterilize it, freshman Beatrice VonHolten prepares to give herself a stick and poke tattoo. As a seventh grader, she received opposition from her father, but VonHolten...

Filling out his custom character sheet, junior Max Coleman discusses strategy with his team mates.

Dungeons and Dragons Club provides creative escape

Chris Pendry, Reporter January 19, 2017

After rolling a two out of twenty for intelligence, freshman Greta Hayden was understandably disappointed. Ten hours later, Hayden and her group are deep into their game, or “campaign,” of the role-playing...

Undiagnosed students typically acquire focus stimulants from their friends.

Illegal focus stimulants common during finals

Jackson Barton, Online Editor in Chief January 5, 2017

Late nights, constant anxiety and review material are all commonplace in student life during the closing days of every semester. Adderall, one of the most commonly prescribed treatment for students with...

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