Douglas County’s Big Infrastructure Push | Lawrence News

Crime Decline Across U.S. Cities | Lawrence News

Crime’s on a steady decline across major U.S. cities in the first half of 2026, with homicides down 18% — a trend building on last year’s drop and pointing toward another historic low. Nine out of thirteen crime categories fell, though drug offenses rose 12% and domestic violence climbed 8%. The drop isn’t tied to one policy but likely stems from a mix of law enforcement changes, tech, and broader social shifts — happening across diverse cities with different leadership and economies. It’s a hopeful sign, but the full story’s still unfolding. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/8a52c480aee763e8

Kansas ACA Enrollment by the Numbers | Lawrence News

A new Kansas dashboard reveals how ACA health insurance enrollment varies by county and legislative district, offering lawmakers and residents a hyper-local view of coverage gaps. Created by the Kansas Health Institute, it highlights stark disparities — like Hodgeman County’s high enrollment versus Riley County’s low — while spotlighting the fallout from recent policy changes, including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s cuts to premium assistance. Experts warn enrollment could plunge further in 2027 as more Kansans can’t afford coverage, making this tool vital for tracking real-world impacts of healthcare policy. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/5615530c519b0fd6

Teen Pleads Guilty in School Shooting | Lawrence News

A 14-year-old teen has pleaded guilty to 55 charges, including murder, in the devastating Apalachee High School shooting that killed two students and two teachers nearly two years ago. Now facing life in prison, the teen’s father has already been convicted of second-degree murder and is set for sentencing next week, with prosecutors alleging he supplied the assault rifle. Victims included beloved teachers Richard Aspinwall and Cristina Irimie, and students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo. During the plea, the judge ensured the teen understood the severity of his actions, while grieving families demanded life without parole, describing the lasting trauma. Evidence revealed a chillingly detailed plan in a notebook, contradicting the teen’s initial claims — and showing he had fixated on other school shooters. Upcoming court sessions will hear from mental health experts as the defense argues for his psychological state, while families wait for justice, hoping for the harshest possible sentence. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/fcb494e597fe65f6

Young Artists Build Meaningful Benches | Lawrence News

Twenty young artists aged fourteen to eighteen just unveiled twenty custom benches they designed and built over eight weeks—part of Van Go’s JAMS program that blends art with real-world job readiness. With near-perfect attendance and punctuality, the apprentices honed responsibility while gaining confidence through client collaboration. Each bench carries personal meaning, honoring families, local businesses, and communities. Now receiving their final finish, the benches will be displayed at Van Go before heading to permanent homes—proof that this 30-year-old program continues to turn creativity into community impact and future opportunity. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/fad9e08762f5de91

Veterans Hauling Hope in Trucking | Lawrence News

The Trump administration is launching a bold new push to get veterans behind the wheel of America’s trucks, calling it the “Freedom Haulers” campaign. With immigrant drivers losing licenses due to expired permits or citizenship issues, the plan aims to fill the gap by tapping into veterans’ experience with large vehicles and their discipline, leadership, and mission-first mindset. The trucking industry applauds the move, seeing veterans as ideal hires, while the government tightens rules for immigrant drivers — a change facing legal pushback. Backed by the GI Bill and offering a $70K average salary, truck driving is being marketed as a financially smart, independent path for transitioning service members. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/667f5a68c31b83e5