Brian Lewis-Jones

A face-smashing good time

Local cage fighting enthusiasts get their dose of action

Popularized by pay-per-view fights on cable and satellite television, and banned in several states because of its brutality, cage fighting is legal in Kansas, where sanctioned fights are governed by Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts. They prohibit head butting, eye gouging, “placing a finger in any opponent’s orifice,” and “groin attacks of any kind.”

Entrepreneurs to start business soon

Student company Abacus hopes to sell to Fortune 500 companies

After winning 2nd place at the Shocker Business Plan Competition, the company with the product that analyzes financial data automatically looks to further develop software.

Mars lander prototype ready for takeoff

Engineering students face toughest mission of year

Despite skepticism from professors, a class of 16 optimistic engineering students are anticipating their Lander's mission next Saturday. With a $2,500 budget, the students designed a prototype to fall 500 feet from a helium-filled balloon by parachute, fire three simple model rocket engines to slow its decent and softly land upright at a Clinton Lake radio control airfield.

Deskie thinks job ‘is something else’

Odd hours and odd events keep work interesting

Everything from unexpected Christmas Eve feasts and trash can hanging from the ceiling become normal occurrences when you work in a residence hall.

Good afternoon, class

Harry Schaffer teaches economics. morality

Harry Schaffer, professor of economics, has been teaching at the University since 1956. Shaffer says he tries to teach his students about social issues of economics and he will continue to teach as long as he is able to, despite a vocal chord condition that leaves him voiceless at times.

Baker receives Dole Leadership Prize

Dontes $25,000 to University of Kansas Medical Center

Former Senator Howard Baker received the 2007 Dole Leadership Prize on Sunday night at the Lied Center.

Emergency response preparedness is key

County officials emphasize communication, cooperation

Emergency management coordinators discussed emergency situation management Wednesday in the final meeting of a seven-session study group, “The Politics of Disaster.” They encouraged students to be aware of what is going on around them and to be ready for disaster situations.

University radio station earns honors

KJHK wins five awards including Best Entertainment Program

KJHK, the University of Kansas radio station, received five honors from the Kansas Association of Broadcasters. Programs that won included 'The Panel,' which earned second place and 'The Sporting Life,' which earned first place for entertainment program.

Living life to its fullest

KU Woman of Distinction does it all

From playing two instruments to speaking four languages, Michelle Tran, Derby senior, fills her time with a wide array of activities and talents. Her passionate and driven nature sends her to Harvard this fall to study public policy.

NASA scientist reveals sea level problem

No current system can predict rise from climate change

Robert Bindchadler, NASA scientist, spoke Wednesday at the University of Kansas. He voiced his concern with the ability to predict rising sea levels due to melting ice sheets.

Hilltop to get new classrooms

Expansion will accommodate 90 more children

Students and faculty who try to enroll their children at Hilltop Child Development Center can end up on the waiting list up to four years. After the scheduled expansion, the school will be able to accommodate more of the 300 children on the waiting list.

Lactation stations aid mothers on campus

Nursing moms seek privacy in cozy rooms throughout campus

The University of Kansas offers new moms the opportunity to either nurse or pump their breast milk in lactation stations throughout campus. The rooms offer electrical outlets for mothers using breast pumps and cozy chairs to enjoy. There are more than a half a dozen rooms available on campus for moms to use.

Student competes in “Babe” contest

Freshman competes for a chance for $5,000 and a trip to New York for a photo shoot.

May Davis, Clay Center freshman, represents University of Kansas in the Spike TV “Bracket Babe” beauty competition which coincides with the Final Four.

Show raises money for abused women

Talent show raises more than $30 for the Salvation Army.

The “Genius of Women” show showcased local in an effort to raise money for battered women and children. Over 165 people filled Murphy Hall for the show Friday.

Eco-friendly student seeks changes

Shawnee junior pushes for a more sustainable campus.

Studie Red Corn, regional director of the environmental group 2020 Vision, stays active on campus to help the University of Kansas be more responsible with its use of resources. The student participates in more than half a dozen organizations that focus on sustainability.

Puliltzer Prize winner examines debate

Author tries to show all sides of dispute fairly so people can make informed decisions.

Edward Humes’ new book ‘Monkey Girl’ tries to explain the evolutionary debate from all perspectives. Humes believes people need to feel free to ask questions about an evolving topic.

Students devise business outlines

Entrepreneurial plans will be entered in competition next month

Three student teams created business plans based on local innovations. They include an online financial data software program and a weight loss program developed at the University.

Leukemia survivor plans for future, literally

Student helps design, build vehicle for Mars

Doctors gave him a 60 percent chance to live, but Pen Parrott had big dreams and no life-threatening disease could hinder his driven personality.

How to save the earth – and your wallet

KU Environs will publish a free booklet detailing ways to save the environment

Washing clothes in cold water, buying biodegradable dishwasher detergent and using compact fluorescent light bulbs are just a few of the suggestions. KU Environs will release its booklet this semester.

Seminar addresses global warming

Science professor criticizes proposed solutions to environmental problems

A professor of science from Maine addressed the many theories to put an end to global warming in a seminar Friday at the Hall Center for the Humanities.

Microbursts differ from tornadoes

Microbursts are common in Kansas, but usually aren't as powerful as the one that went through Lawrence last year.

People can make a difference in global warming on local level

Colby College professor presents ideas at speech

Global warming won't stop when carbon dioxide emissions are cut.

Traveling exhibit showcases book design

Award winning designs can be seen at University Press of Kansas.

It’s not just about the words on the page, but the design as well. Eighty-four winning designs are part of the Book, Jacket and Journal Show at the University Press.

Shelter offers safe place for abuse victims

Students host talent show to raise money for home

A small group of students want to help the residents of Women's Transitional Care Services, an orginatization that works to put women and their children back on their feet.

Donation boosts study abroad program

Half a million dollars will create more scholarships for students

A donation from Larry and Donna Horner will raise the maximum scholarship for studying abroad by $500. The donation will increase the amount of money awarded annually for scholarships from $60,000 to $90,000.

Kansan server down

Hard drive failure at server causes crash

The Kansan’s files at the World Company server still exist, but they have been scrambled and renamed. The Web site will be repaired as files are identified and sorted.

Wheelchair basketball teams showcase talent

Wheelhawks, Kansas City Thunder play during halftime of Kansas-Iowa State game

Wheelhawks beat the Thunder in a full game after Kansas’ game. They competed at the Recreation and Fitness Center in front of 60 people.

Push, push, dribble, repeat

Jarvis Stirn, point guard for the Kansas Wheelhawks, is one wheelchair basketball player undeterred by his disability.

Stories by Brian