WRITER: Chad Lawhorn

Despite widespread rumor, Free State Brewery says Taylor Swift didn't dine there Monday afternoon

The rumor spread swiftly, but it was missing the most important element: the Swift. A large crowd of people descended upon Free State Brewery in downtown Lawrence on Monday afternoon after social media lit up with comments that mega celebrity Taylor Swift was dining at the local restaurant. But, it wasn’t so, Free State owner Chuck Magerl told the Journal-World. “We’ve heard that from everyone but ...

New report shows low wages contributing to brain drain in Kansas, but state is holding its own in one key area

When it comes to understanding Kansas’ “brain drain” — the idea that the state’s most highly-educated residents are leaving for other states — you don’t need much brain power to understand a major reason why it happens. Wages. University of Kansas economics professor Donna Ginther has put together a new report on brain drain and a host of other issues involving college graduates and Kansas ...

Soon to be home to one of the largest battery plants, Kansas is struggling to be a leader when it comes to buying electric vehicles

Steel beam by steel beam, the Panasonic battery plant in nearby De Soto grows. As it does, look for Kansas to grow its claim of being one of the largest magnets for clean energy projects in the U.S. A new project by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a private research group is producing new statistics that show Kansas already is in an elite group of states in terms of attracting clean energy ...

The Etc. Shop to close on Saturday after 43 years in downtown; estate sale to happen next month

With the end now near for The Etc. Shop, it should be no surprise that the owner of a boutique for the miscellany of life has her thoughts turn to the 1980s bleachers of Lawrence High football. The Etc. Shop, 928 Massachusetts St., got started in 1980 when LHS football was less a game and more a cloud of civic pride that descended each Friday night upon the city. Shop owner and founder Linda Lester had two ...

Plans filed for new three-story apartment, retail building on Vermont Street

The vacant lots at 815 and 821 Vermont St. long have been an oddity — a slice of agriculture in the heart of downtown. When the property was owned by former city commissioner and restaurant operator Bob Schumm, he used the sites to grow a variety of produce. Now, even though the property has sold, it still is listed as a private orchard. Soon, though, look for something else to sprout from the ground: a ...

KU to name its west Lawrence golf practice facility after PGA Tour pro Gary Woodland

The University of Kansas is naming its complex of golf practice facilities in west Lawrence after KU alumnus and U.S. Open winner Gary Woodland. KU received approval on Wednesday from the Kansas Board of Regents to name the conglomeration of practice holes, driving range and putting facilities that the men's and women’s golf teams use the Gary Woodland Golf Complex. The facilities are located at the ...