KU professor to discuss Middle East conflict

A Kansas University political science professor and Middle East specialist will talk about seeking peace between the Israelis and Palestinians on Wednesday at the Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vt.

Deborah Gerner will describe the injustices and fears gripping the Israelis and Palestinians as well as their aspirations for a better future. Her talk will begin at 7 p.m. in the library auditorium. She also will read from and discuss her book, “When the Rain Returns,” and its focus on nonviolence and Quaker concepts of peace.

Gerner was a member of an International Quaker working party sponsored by the American Friends Service Committee that visited Israel, Palestine and neighboring countries.

Service center awarded physical education grant

A federal grant aims to improve the health of northeast Kansas children and decrease childhood obesity.

The Northeast Kansas Education Service Center in Lecompton was awarded the three-year grant of more than $870,000 last month.

The grant is part of the No Child Left Behind Act.