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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

An illustration of how the blocking of gender affirming care affects the mental health of transgender minors. Digital illustration by Elle Bisby.

NEWS: Gender-Affirming Care Blocked

Meredith Shryock, Assistant News Copy Editor March 24, 2025

On Tuesday, Feb. 18, the Kansas Senate enacted Senate Bill 63, overriding Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto 85-34. Also known as the Help Not Harm Act, SB 63 seeks to prohibit the use of state funds to promote...

Sitting outside Free State, junior Alex Kerr thinks about his potential term as City Commissioner.

PROFILE: Kerr for Commission

Penny Coleman, Reporter March 12, 2025

Coming up on his final year in high school, junior Alex Kerr is running for a spot on Lawrence City Commission. Since childhood, Kerr has been interested in politics and now looks forward to possibly breaking...

The white house being clouded by money. Digital illustration by Zoe Kaul

EDITORIAL: Government For Sale

Nick Sprecker, News Editor-in-Chief March 11, 2025

After spending half a century in politics, former president Joseph R. Biden bid farewell in an Oval Office address on Jan. 15 warning that “an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth,...

Holding signs and chanting, Lawrence residents protest downtown.

NEWS: Lawrence Citizens Protest the Trump Administration

Simon Williams, Online Editor-in-Chief March 10, 2025

Editor's Note: The first protest took place on Feb. 23, and has continued weekly. There is no definite end date.  On March 2, approximately 200 individuals gathered at the intersection of Ninth and Massachusetts...

Design by Geneva Sabatini

NEWS: Opting for Neutrality

Maria Mosconi, News Managing Editor December 3, 2024

Adding to the historic makeup of the 2024 election, the Washington Post announced 11 days prior to election day that the paper would not be endorsing either candidate for the first time in 36 years. A...

Digital illustration by Lucas Smith

FEATURE: Justice Journey

Olive Minor, Reporter October 7, 2024

Restorative practices attempt to avoid unnecessary punishment by strengthening community relationships and fostering conversations on harmful incidents. The University of Chicago Education Lab found that...

INFOGRAPHIC: Candidates Clash

INFOGRAPHIC: Candidates Clash

Logan Dinges, Reporter September 26, 2024

Harris      Abortion Harris took a strong stance on abortion right when the question was asked of her. She explained that she believed no matter what your personal or religious...

A ballot box sits ready for Douglas County voters. Despite many not being old enough to vote, Free State students have found ways to be civically engaged.

Students get involved in 2020 election campaigns

Mary Kate Shultz, Copy Editor November 2, 2020

For many young people, politics can seem inaccessible. Teenagers are brushed off by adults as idealistic or ignorant or feel as though they can’t make an impact. Most notably, many high schoolers...

Adorned with Wonder Woman and a bright American flag, protestors in Washington, D.C. gather.

Women’s March encourages political activism in community, nation

February 16, 2017

Women and men marched through the streets across the world, carrying signs protesting the violation of women’s rights and the latest president elect. Social studies teacher Jordan Boyd was present at...

Nontraditional areas on political spectrum put students ‘in the middle’

Sydney Gard, Editor January 23, 2016

As the first semester draws to a close, students and teachers can feel stuck in the middle. While many feel stuck in Kansas, some appreciate its simplicity. Others are somewhere between a friendship...

Stuck in the middle: students discuss being at a midpoint

Elizabeth Patton, Darby Gilliland, and Sydney Gard January 23, 2016

As the first semester draws to a close, students and teachers can feel stuck in the middle. While many feel stuck in Kansas, some appreciate its simplicity. Others are somewhere between a friendship...

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