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
Phoebe Morris

Phoebe Morris, News Co-Editor in Chief

Phoebe Morris is a junior at Free State and a News Editor-in-Chief for the Free Press NewsMag. Outside of journalism, she is involved in Choir, NHS, Link Crew, and is a NEHS officer. She spends most of her weekends dancing with Lawrence Ballet Theatre or watching horror movies with friends.

All content by Phoebe Morris
Standing together, the 2025-2026 news editor staff, Nathan Kramer, Maria Mosconi, Phoebe Morris, Rakshan Ossen, Evie Chancy, Lauren Jackson, Cecilia Bennett, Lucas Smith, Julia Velasco, and Meredith Shryock, welcome you to their first issue.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: News Editors

Nathan Kramer, Maria Mosconi, Phoebe Morris, Rakshan Ossen, Evie Chancy, Lauren Jackson, Ceci Bennett, Lucas Smith, Julia Velasco, and Meredith Shryock
May 19, 2025
Sitting together, Frankie and his nurse, Julie Govier, smile for the camera.

NEWS: Medicaid Cuts Impact Local Family

Phoebe Morris, News Managing Editor
May 19, 2025
Monarchs preparing for migration. Digital illustration by Lucas Smith

NEWS: Monarch Watch

Phoebe Morris, News Editor-in-Chief
April 25, 2025

VIDEO: The Nest Video PSA

Nathan Friedman, Nathan Kramer, Maria Mosconi, and Phoebe Morris
April 10, 2025
Strumming on her guitar, musical therapist Tonya Wahl plays the "Welcome Song."

FEATURE: Music Therapy Harmonizes Education

Phoebe Morris and Maria Mosconi
April 3, 2025
A pile of fake IDs. Digital illustration by Neylana Haque

FEATURE: (Lie)censed to Purchase

Phoebe Morris, News Editor-in-Chief
March 11, 2025
Smiling, News Editor-in-Chief Phoebe Morris sits at a picnic table.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Phoebe Morris

Phoebe Morris, News Editor-in-Chief
February 17, 2025
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

VIDEO: Club Spotlight – Hacky Sack Club

Nathan Kramer, Nathan Friedman, Phoebe Morris, and Maria Mosconi
February 7, 2025
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
Graphic designed by Katie Campbell.

FEATURE: Staff Spotlights

Eula Heriford, Ebi Hegeman, Phoebe Morris, and Mallory Thompson
November 15, 2024
Graphic designed by Zoe Kaul.

ELECTION COVERAGE: Douglas County Commissioner Election Results

Phoebe Morris and Nick Sprecker
November 6, 2024
To symbolize suicide, the person is meant to represent the life of someone. In the shadows, a semicolon reflects across the water.

FEATURE: Is It Too Late?

Phoebe Morris, News Editor-in-Chief
September 30, 2024
Illustration by Geneva Sabatini.

EDITORIAL: Age Cutoff for Political Office

Evie Chancy, Phoebe Morris, and Maria Mosconi
March 29, 2024
BREAKING NEWS: Two Shootings in 24 Hours

BREAKING NEWS: Two Shootings in 24 Hours

Allison Mayhew and Phoebe Morris
March 7, 2024
Seniors Molly Nuckolls and Sophie Racy and junior Kinsey Lake rehearse their Encore featured act, “Ex-Factor”, for the performances to come at the end of this next month. As this is an exciting, anticipatory time for these Free State Choir participants, it also invites a great deal of stress into the lives of these busy students.

FEATURE: A Look into Encore Auditions

Phoebe Morris, News Planning Team
March 4, 2024
Illustration by Mallory Thompson

FEATURE: Grammy Fallout

Phoebe Morris, News Planning Team
February 28, 2024
Pie chart demonstrating Firebird's preferred caffeinated drinks. Design by Mylie Brillhart

FEATURE: Caffeine Consumption

Phoebe Morris, News Planning Team
January 31, 2024
EDITORIAL: Grammy Nominations Lack Diversity

EDITORIAL: Grammy Nominations Lack Diversity

Phoebe Morris, Reporter
January 24, 2024
Student songwriters senior Natalie Riley and senior Ayden Tindall partnered up to create their single "Right Side." Photo collected from Natalie Riley.

FEATURE: Classroom Melodies

Phoebe Morris, Reporter
November 17, 2023
Sophomore Cami Lee hits tennis ball at a varsity tennis meet. Cami Lee started playing with her older sister, senior Maya Lee, 5 years ago.

FEATURE: Sibling Expectations

Phoebe Morris, Reporter
November 9, 2023
In AP European History, sophomore Olive Minor listens to a lecture. Although a structured college class, their teacher has given them a lot of independence in the class. “We can go at our own pace with the notes,” Minor said. “It’s a lot of self-monitoring which I enjoy.”

NEWS: Big Classrooms Mean Bigger Challenges

Phoebe Morris
September 11, 2023
On top of extracurriculars, work and activities, students are feeling overwhelmed by their academic demands. Junior Rachel Bruffett sometimes feels overworked when having to do loads of homework and study for upcoming tests. “I feel like during the week it's just really fast paced and I only get to recover over the weekend, then do it all over again,” Bruffett said.

FEATURE: Turns out to be Burnout

Phoebe Morris
April 28, 2023
During their opening song, “Lift You Up,” the cast sets the energetic atmosphere with the upbeat number.

FEATURE: Encore Lives On

Phoebe Morris
March 30, 2023
On Dec. 17, 2022, Free State's 4-Speaker state debate team won second place, winning 12 out of 16 ballots, losing only to the reigning champions, Washburn Rural. The team consisted of junior Sophie Racy, seniors AJ Persigner, Emma Stanmeyer, Emma Hefty and freshman alternates BReahna Randall and Lena Hasiuk. Racy, who's been on the debate team sicne freshman year, is especially grateful for the relationships she's made while a part of the team. "I really enjoyed getting to spend a lot of time with my teammates," Racy said. "It felt like a great bonding experience that I don't always get with my team."

FEATURE: Debate Places at State

Phoebe Morris
February 19, 2023
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