Latest new posts from ALL categories of The Lawrence Times:
Lawrence news, state news, Community Voices, Lawrence Life, obituaries and more.
(Please note that opinion pieces are included in this list, marked as columns or letters to the Times. Not all posts linked on this page were written or produced by the Lawrence Times staff.)
Kansas share of federal broadband cash in jeopardy because of ‘grossly inadequate’ map
Kansas officials worry the state will lose part of its share of a $42.5 billion federal investment in broadband expansion because the Federal Communications Commission commissioned a “grossly inadequate” map of existing services.
Chronic absenteeism among K-12 students across Kansas climbs to 24.5%
The number of K-12 students in Kansas classified as chronically absent from school surged to 24.5% during the 2021-2022 academic year as educators emerged from the darkest depths of the COVID-19 pandemic.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Lawrence City Commission takes no action on North Lawrence camp after pleas from residents to reverse evictions
Thirty people pleaded with city commissioners at their meeting Tuesday to reverse a staff decision to close the camp in North Lawrence for people experiencing homelessness. City commissioners did nothing in response.
Lawrence City Commission will delay final approval of source of income protections to hear from landlords
The Lawrence City Commission on Tuesday voted in favor of an ordinance change to create a protected class based on source of income, but will delay final approval in order to seek feedback from landlords.
The Raven Book Store’s top 10 bestsellers for 2022 (Sponsored post)
“In this very special edition of the Raven’s bestsellers, we’re proud to present the Raven’s bestsellers of 2022!” the Raven Book Store writes.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Shots fired into homes in southern Lawrence; no one injured, police say
Lawrence police are investigating after someone fired gunshots into multiple homes Monday evening, with at least one bullet striking a child’s bed. Fortunately, no one was injured.
Kennedy staff members share progress of Lawrence school district’s early childhood education services
Lawrence school board members heard a report Monday on how students, families and staff are benefiting from the current structure of the district’s early childhood education programs, as well as future goals for improvement.
Kansas lawmakers say they’re getting closer to more easily expunging criminal records
Multiple bills have tried to change Kansas laws on expungement, but none have passed. The bills do have bipartisan support and are expected to come back up next year.
Kobach nominates former federal prosecutor to serve as KBI director
Attorney General-elect Kris Kobach said Tuesday he would nominate a former Republican rival, Tony Mattivi, to be director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.
Clay Wirestone: Libraries serve communities, not aggrieved parents. Kansans can learn from challenged books. (Column)
”Libraries hold a conflicted place our collective imagination. To many of us — to me personally — they’re magical. … But to a small and vocal group, school and town libraries threaten social order,” Clay Wirestone writes in this Kansas Reflector column.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
City: ‘Best to refocus resources’ from North Lawrence camp to Winter Emergency Shelter
The City of Lawrence said Tuesday morning that people experiencing homelessness are being cleared out of the camp in North Lawrence in order to “refocus resources” to the overnight Winter Emergency Shelter.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Douglas County Commission to hear Treatment & Recovery Center update, consider $153K for peer-led detox program
The Douglas County Commission on Wednesday will hear an update on the county’s Treatment and Recovery Center, including a proposed phased opening plan. It will also consider providing additional funds for social detox services until the TRC is fully operational.
Lawrence teachers union may consider option to ‘equalize’ teacher pay in salary matrix
The Lawrence school district’s certified teachers union is considering changes to the salary matrix to improve recruitment and retention, including more equal pay movement.
Lawrence school district piloting iPads at high schools as possible replacement for MacBooks
Some Lawrence high schoolers are using iPads this fall as part of a pilot program. The devices are under consideration for a broader rollout, to replace laptops as a cost-cutting measure.
Tricia Masenthin/Lawrence Times
Retired Lawrence teacher, coach Pat Grzenda inducted into KSHSAA Hall of Fame
Retired Lawrence school district teacher and coach Patricia “Pat” Grzenda has been inducted into the KSHSAA Class of 2023 Hall of Fame.
250 workers deployed to the Keystone pipeline spill in Kansas, but the cleanup’s end isn’t in sight
The largest inland oil spill in nearly a decade has prompted the owner of the Keystone pipeline to build an earthen dam 3 miles downstream from the release in an attempt to limit the contamination in north-central Kansas.
Chansi Long/Lawrence Times
City clearing residents out of North Lawrence camp for people experiencing homelessness
Jennifer Adams’ eyes were red Monday morning from crying off and on since Friday, when the city issued a batch of eviction notices to people experiencing homelessness at the support camp in North Lawrence.
Who needs college algebra? Kansas universities may rethink math requirements
College algebra is a requirement at most universities, but one in three college students fails the course. The Kansas Board of Regents is exploring a new system that would align math requirements to a student’s field of study.
Ken Lassman
Kaw Valley Almanac for Dec. 12-18, 2022
Much of the state has experienced foggy weather of late, without much precipitation.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board to hear reports on teacher salary matrix, early childhood services
The Lawrence school board on Monday will hear two reports: one from the teachers union comparing teacher salaries to those in other districts, and one on early childhood education services.
Iridescent Riffel: Transgender Kansans face energized enemies. The words you use can make a difference. (Column)
”Words are just one way that we let our souls reach out and touch someone else’s. Will you hold someone’s hand in support or rip a hole through their heart?” Iridescent Riffel writes in this Kansas Reflector column.
Lawmakers plan to introduce medical marijuana legislation at start of session
After months of meetings, compiling data and listening to research, lawmakers say they’re ready to take another shot at legalizing medical marijuana.
Lawrence school district alumni come back to coach, cultivate new wave of sports culture
These former Lawrence High and Free State student-athletes have returned to coach at their alma maters. They’re working to improve the culture of youth sports for their athletes today.
Chloe Anderson/Lawrence Times
Lawrence Farmers’ Market annual holiday event returns
The annual Lawrence Farmers’ Market holiday market was a hit yet again Saturday. Lawrencians gathered at the Douglas County Fairgrounds open pavilion to stock up on a variety of goods from more than 40 vendors.
