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

News

Photo illustration by Allison Mayhew.

NEWS: Businesses Sue City

Evie Chancy, News Planning Team February 29, 2024

Amidst the visible crisis of homelessness in Lawrence, frustrations are brewing behind the scenes as Johnny’s Tavern and 25 other businesses have convened to sue the city for the disruptiveness of the...

With a 3-2 vote made August 8. 2023, the City of Lawrence announced a plan to ban plastic bags at the beginning of March. Some local business owners worry a wave of new costs associated with this change could affect them.

NEWS: Lawrence’s recently adopted ban on plastic bags might be blocked

Elliot Skillman, Assistant Copy Editor February 28, 2024

The Lawrence City Commission decided to place a ban on single-use plastic bags in August 2023 with City Ordinance No. 9996. The prohibition was originally set to be implemented on Jan. 1, 2024, but after...

A student looks through the clothing resources available in the Charles Thomas Clothing Closet.

NEWS: The Nest Request

Nomso Enyinnaya, Reporter February 21, 2024

Located at the start of the 400 hallway of Free State, many students pass by the Charles Thomas Clothing Closet, but what’s the main reason that the clothing closet is there? Started in 2022 by security...

Wearing their medals and holding their trophy, FSHS students after their success at Battle of the Brains.

NEWS BRIEF: FSHS Success in Battle of the Brains

Lilly Wall, News Editor-in-Chief February 21, 2024

After months of preparation, a group of students set their sights on a Science City exhibit for competition at Battle of the Brains on Jan. 23. The students won second place, earning $25,000 for the school. The...

Opening an acceptance letter, senior Nina Chieu expresses interest in attending the University of Kansas. Chieu has prepared for college by taking AP classes and doing dual-enrollment through Barton Community College. “[Taking college courses while in highschool] is nice because it will lighten up my course load in college, so when I join college, I can start my major specific courses,” Chieu said.

NEWS: It All Comes to an End

Rakshan Ossen, Reporter February 16, 2024

The senior year of high school is often spotlighted as one of the most important years in one’s high school career. It’s the year of applying to colleges, the year of settling standardized test scores,...

NEWS: From Love to Loss

Emi Stone, Reporter February 15, 2024

After the fall production of Bright Star, the theatre program presented Women of Lockerbie. This story followed the story of a lost mother trying to find her son's remains in the hills after a crash, who...

NEWS BRIEF: Shooting During Chiefs Parade

NEWS BRIEF: Shooting During Chiefs Parade

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...

Free State band members who auditioned and made district band along with the freshmen who were nominated for the freshman band pose for a photo. Elliot Kastens, Toby Kwan, Julia Kwan, Amy Lock, Luke Rogers, Anwen Williams, and alternate Mallory Rogers all made the 2024 KMEA 56A All State Band.

NEWS: Band Members Prepare for All-State

Meredith Shryock, Reporter February 14, 2024

On Saturday Feb. 24, the Kansas Music Educators Association [KMEA] All-State Band will perform at the annual concert that they have been anticipating since fall of last year. Band members that made the...

Standing in front of 0 hour forensics, junior Anwen Williams presents her poster board regarding gasoline.

NEWS: Prepping to Take Flight

Claire Heinritz, Reporter February 8, 2024

The Free State forensics team has been state champions for the past four straight years. With their season fast approaching, students work to prepare for another hopefully successful year. Some ways...

Members of the Free State Journalism staff taste test the new coffee options at school.

NEWS: Free State Coffee

Ava Talbott, Reporter February 7, 2024

For the usual Free State coffee-drinker, their first option is Starbucks. It’s close and claims to have great coffee. However, the prices are quite steep. Free State has introduced a new option. During...

Free State orchestra students pose after auditioning for State Orchestra on Jan 13.

NEWS: Dozens of Orchestra Students Prepare for State

Morgan Sponholtz, Reporter February 5, 2024

On Saturday, Jan. 13, 21 orchestra members attended state auditions. The results came back soon after; 11 students from Free State were selected to play and one was selected as an alternate on the harp....

Valedictorians of the Free State Class of 2023 stand proudly as they are honored during the graduation ceremony on May 24, 2023.

NEWS: Lawrence School Board Decides on Latest High School Graduation Requirements

Elliot Skillman, Assistant Copy Editor February 1, 2024

This past Monday, Jan. 22., the Lawrence School Board met in order to decide on what new graduation requirements they are going to implement. Initially, this decision became part of the committee’s...

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