From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for Dec. 29, 1970:

• The new Christmas Leave program at the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks at Leavenworth had been “a success,” according to the commandant. Under the trial program, 86 prisoners had been given a seven-day parole. All but one had returned after visiting with relatives, and the one that was overdue was expected back within 24 hours. New Year’s leave began today for 43 prisoners.
• A front-page photograph showed a nearly-empty section of land located between 11th, 12th, New Hampshire and Rhode Island streets. The block was being cleared for an expansion of the Douglas County Courthouse. Work was nearing completion, as only three of the original 19 houses still remained. The county had condemned the property in 1969. As yet, there was no timetable for the new construction.
• A ruling, first suggested to the Federal Trade Commission in 1968, was ready to be issued and enforced over protests from the gas industry. The “truth in gas” measure would require the posting of octane ratings on gas pumps. Gas company representatives objected, saying that the octane rating alone gave no idea of the other characteristics of the gas, such as quick starting, good pickup, mileage, or anti-icing. They also said that the rating did not take into account the make, model and age of the car.