Happy humid Thursday. It looks like we may see another round of thunderstorms this afternoon, but we’ll have more on that later. The National Weather Service has us in the “slight” risk zone.

Below are the most-viewed stories from LJWorld.com for Wednesday, May 12, 2011. The dissolution of the Kansas Arts Commission is likely the biggest news of the week. It was not only the most-viewed story, but the top three most-commented items were about the Kansas Arts Commission, too.

LJWorld.com most-viewed stories for Wednesday, May 12

1. Brownback administration lays off Kansas Arts Commission employees
2. NWS cancels severe thunderstorm watch for Douglas County
3. Downtown Lawrence retailers split on extending hours
4. Town Talk: Varsity House may avoid wrecking ball as part of Oread apartment project; debate about downtown events brewing at City Hall; more news about downtown boutiques
5. LifeStar helicopter called to scene of shooting in 800 block of Randall Road

Most commented items in the past 24 hours

1. Brownback administration lays off Kansas Arts Commission employees
2. Poll: Do you agree with Gov. Sam Brownback’s decision to abolish the Kansas Arts Commission?
3. Supporters of Kansas Arts Commission vow to overturn Brownback’s decision to eliminate agency
4. LTE: Legislating morality
5. Democrats argue Brownback attempting to control, influence state government agencies

A note about covering suicide

I’ve had a lot of questions via Twitter, email and phone about why we didn’t cover a suicide in the Checkers parking lot that happened Wednesday afternoon, yet we covered a possible suicide attempt that required a LifeStar helicopter in the same day.

Generally, our policy is that we do not cover suicides. The possible suicide attempt in the 800 block of Randall Road was initially reported as an accidental shooting, which is something we do report. When we realized it was a suicide, we did not delete our coverage, but adjusted it appropriately.

There have been rare exceptions to this policy.

If you’re interested in reading more about the topic of suicide and news coverage, a good resource is a PDF developed by multiple agencies called “Recommendations for Reporting on Suicide.”

Also, if you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call the National Hopeline Network at 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You can also visit the Headquarters Counseling Center website for suicide prevention resources in Kansas.

4:49 p.m. update

Here are the most-viewed stories on the website so far today. See everyone tomorrow!

1. Town Talk: Arts store to open in West Lawrence; Groundbreaking for Bowersock on Monday; Lawrence firm named at Top 10 Small Business for KC; Area tech showcase next week
2. Eudora woman sues Overland Park for discrimination related to bipolar disorder
3. Brownback: $14B budget deal ‘victory for Kansas’
4. Democrats argue Brownback attempting to control, influence state government agencies
5. Poll: Do you agree with Gov. Sam Brownback’s decision to abolish the Kansas Arts Commission?