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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

Top Stories

Design by Lucas Smith. Photos collected from Breahna Randall, Darby Bates, Fiorella Leistner and Kara Unckless.

FEATURE: Cute Critters

Jonah Frye, Reporter February 26, 2025

Harley Quill According to The University Daily Kansan, in Dec. 2008, a former Free State student, Judson King, successfully petitioned the city to legalize the ownership of hedgehogs. Because of...

BREAKING NEWS: Interim Superintendent Jeanice Kerr Swift Named Permanent Superintendent

BREAKING NEWS: Interim Superintendent Jeanice Kerr Swift Named Permanent Superintendent

Eula Heriford, Reporter February 21, 2025

On Feb. 21 Jeanice Kerr Swift was named the permanent superintendent—pending official board approval—of USD 497 after over six months of serving as the interim superintendent, following Anthony Lewis’s...

Deputy Police Chief Anthony Brixius speaks to reporters at a press conference on February 11, announcing new developments in the investigation.

BREAKING NEWS: Prairie Park Elementary School Teacher Arrested For Sexual Assault Charges

Phoebe Morris, News Editor-in-Chief February 13, 2025

On Feb. 8, Prairie Park Elementary School speech and language pathologist Mark Gridley was reported of possible sexual assault allegations by two elementary schoolers according to the Lawrence Police Department. 60...

NEWS: Philadelphia Eagles Dominate Against Kansas City Chiefs at Super Bowl LVIX

NEWS: Philadelphia Eagles Dominate Against Kansas City Chiefs at Super Bowl LVIX

Rakshan Ossen and Griffin McDonnell February 10, 2025

The Super Bowl — America’s most anticipated sporting event — all comes to a showdown for the Vince Lombardi Trophy. The stakes were high for Super Bowl LVIX as the match between the Philadelphia...

A neon green light titled "Delta" shines out the window of the Lawrence Tobacco and Vape Shop located at 8. W 9th St. The store is located a block away from downtown Lawrence, easily able to pick up foot traffic during the day.

"There are a lot in town but I know some smoke shops that won't ask for my ID from me or my friends when we go. I go to the ones that will get me what I want, plus most are cheap and easy," an anonymous senior said.

OPINION: Selling Addictions

Maria Mosconi and Phoebe Morris February 4, 2025

In the middle of Kansas, Lawrence is known for being an eclectic and open minded town, especially when it comes to smoking. Given this culture, it’s not surprising that during the 2003 school...

NEWS: Chiefs Beat Bills 32-29 to Make Third Straight Super Bowl

NEWS: Chiefs Beat Bills 32-29 to Make Third Straight Super Bowl

Nick Sprecker, News Editor-in-Chief January 26, 2025

A dance between two of the NFL’s greatest quarterbacks, Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, always brings about fireworks.  During the AFC Championship game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo...

Digital illustration by Sarah Masterson

NEWS: Debate Topples Reigning Champs

Morgan Sponholtz and Rakshan Ossen January 20, 2025

After two days of debating at Garden City on Jan. 17 and 18, the varsity debate team came back home with a 4-speaker state championship, bringing down the previous reigning champions, Washburn Rural, to...

NEWS: Board of Education Passes New Cell Phone Policy 7-0

NEWS: Board of Education Passes New Cell Phone Policy 7-0

Simon Williams, Online Editor-in-Chief December 19, 2024

On Monday Dec. 9, after two readings of a new district wide cell phone policy, the USD 497 Board of Education voted 7-0 in favor of the new policy. Effective Jan. 6, the policy will implement a cell phone...

Digital Illustration by Jaehee Kim

INFOGRAPHIC: ‘Tis the Season

Eula Heriford, Reporter December 19, 2024

 

Digital Illustration by Lucas Smith

FEATURE: The Balancing Act

Rakshan Ossen, Sports Editor December 3, 2024

For multi-sport high school athletes, transitioning between two seasons may be demanding; however, some athletes decide to take up the challenge. Junior Ava Corbin, a volleyball, wrestling and track...

Digital Illustration by Kouri Demelash

OPINION: Holiday Debate

Ava Talbott and Baila Love December 3, 2024

NOVEMBER As we put away our Halloween costumes, there’s a hint of melancholy in the air. Some turn to the next holiday to feel that sense of warmth during the darkest and coldest months of the year. For...

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