WRITER: Joanna Hlavacek

KU sees increased demand for student mental health services

Some have called the situation a “crisis.” But Michael Maestas, director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at the University of Kansas, wouldn’t go that far, at least in describing conditions on his campus. But you certainly can describe his department as very busy. Look at statistics: The university's counseling and psychological services saw a total of 120 psychiatric visits in May. That ...

KU paleontologist and colleagues have identified the biggest dinosaur foot ever discovered

David Burnham has found Bigfoot, sort of. The creature otherwise known as Sasquatch remains at large, but Burnham’s “Bigfoot” — actually a very large dinosaur foot skeleton — has finally been properly identified. Twenty years ago, the bones were discovered in the Black Hills of Wyoming, and a new article in the journal Peer J has confirmed that the foot came from a brachiosaur. It’s also the ...

Former Lawrence middle school teacher granted probation in case stemming from outburst at school

A former South Middle School teacher was granted probation Friday in a case stemming from his March arrest after reportedly showing up intoxicated and creating a disturbance at the school. Judge Scott Miller sentenced Chris Cobb, 57, to one year of probation, with an underlying jail sentence of 180 days that he could potentially serve should he break the probation terms. He was also ordered to pay $700 in ...

Lied Center to celebrate 25th anniversary with free festival of arts, music — and you're invited

The Lied Center is celebrating its 25th anniversary this fall, and all of Lawrence is invited. Earlier this week, the performing arts venue announced Lied Loves Lawrence, a free arts and music festival slated for Sept. 14-15. The festival, featuring live performances, children’s activities and behind-the-scenes workshops for fans of all ages, is the first of many special goings-on this fall commemorating the ...

Jeff Sessions bashes KU's use of therapy dogs in speech to conservative group, joins 'lock her up' chant

Story updated at 1:24 p.m. Tuesday, July 24, 2018. The University of Kansas took a jab from U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Tuesday for its use of therapy dogs on campus. Apparently, the country’s top law enforcement officer is not a fan. Sessions was addressing a conservative group’s high school leadership summit in Washington, D.C., when he referenced KU and a handful of other universities that ...

'Black Panther' comics author Okorafor to visit Lawrence this fall

Award-winning author and “Black Panther” scribe Nnedi Okorafor will visit Lawrence this fall as part of the Lawrence Public Library’s Ross and Marianna Beach Author Series. The library, in partnership with the University of Kansas’ Hall Center for the Humanities, will host “An Evening With Nnedi Okorafor” on Nov. 8 at Liberty Hall. Okorafor is the author of African-based science fiction, fantasy ...