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.)
Judge hands Leavenworth, Kansas, a court loss as battle over immigrant detention continues
A U.S. District Court judge ruled in favor of a private prison company that plans to use its troubled Leavenworth facility for immigration detention. The city argued CoreCivic should follow local laws first.
Cuyler Dunn/Lawrence Times
Fired student worker sues, alleging KU violated his First Amendment rights
Anthony Alvarez, a KU student who served as a proctor for a scholarship hall, has filed a lawsuit against KU after he was fired from his position in the wake of speaking out against the university’s decision to end the hall’s gender-inclusive housing.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Julie Boyle, longtime spokesperson for Lawrence Public Schools, announces retirement
Lawrence Public Schools Executive Director of Communications Julie Boyle will retire from the district after more than 27 years in the position.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
When parking is free, a trash day reminder and more for Memorial Day in Lawrence
Here are closures, service changes and other tidbits to know for Memorial Day in Lawrence.
The Raven Book Store’s bestsellers for May 22, 2025 (Sponsored post)
“Another ‘only book store in America’ Top 10 for the record books. Three local authors are representing, with ‘Whack Job: A History of Axe Murder,’ the long-awaited release from Rachel McCarthy James, taking the top spot!” the Raven Book Store writes.
Jewish leaders mourn ‘devastating blow’ after former Kansas student killed in D.C. shooting
The leaders of a Jewish center at KU joined a chorus of sorrow and outrage over the killing of alumna Sarah Milgrim and her partner Wednesday night outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.
August Rudisell / Lawrence Times
Free State grads urged to be lifelong learners at 2025 commencement
Free State High school graduate Elle Cormaney offered a gift of new shoes to the graduating Class of 2025 — not a physical pair, but a pair offering a lesson for the Firebirds to run to create their futures.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Douglas County commissioner pushes to increase funding for Bert Nash amid center’s financial crisis
In the wake of impending staff cuts at Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, a Douglas County commissioner is pushing for the county to reduce the center’s rent and potentially boost its funding to ensure its doors don’t close.
Obituary: Mary Jane Wilson
Mary Jane Wilson, 12/2/1957 – 5/10/2025
Tricia Masenthin/Lawrence Times
Bert Nash announces cuts to staff, salaries; center offering voluntary early retirement
Nearly every area of Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center will see job cuts, and some employees will see salary cuts between 2% and 15% as the center has “reached the level of a financial exigency,” according to the center’s CEO.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Busker Festival, Art Tougeau set for this weekend in downtown Lawrence
Two summer staple events bringing performing artists and mobile art to downtown Lawrence streets are back again.
Bishop Seabury Academy announces the Class of 2025 (Announcement)
“The 17 members of the Class of 2025 have received 120 acceptances to 80 different colleges and were offered more than $10 million in four-year renewable scholarships and institutional grants,” Bishop Seabury Academy writes.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Lawrence High Class of 2025 graduates, prepares to seize a changing world
Adele Erickson imparted some advice from a fortune cookie to her fellow Lawrence High School graduates: “One must look back to learn to look forward.” The Chesty Lions Class of 2025 graduated Tuesday night.
Lawrence City Commission general public comment for May 20, 2025
Here’s the general public comment for the Lawrence City Commission’s Tuesday meeting, as public comment is no longer being broadcast.
Lawrence city commissioners approve rezoning for apartment complex at 3rd and Michigan
The Lawrence City Commission voted 3-2 Tuesday evening to approve a rezoning request to allow for developers to build a two-story, 24-unit apartment building near LMH Health.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
City of Lawrence cites potential loss of $8M in federal funds as reason for resolution that sparked uproar
The City of Lawrence is “exploring the risks associated with potentially losing $8M in funding,” according to a statement regarding a draft resolution that pledged the city would stop enforcing its equal rights ordinances in order to comply with Trump’s executive orders.
Federal judge questions Leavenworth’s attempt to block CoreCivic immigration detention center
CoreCivic will know by Friday whether it will have to delay plans to begin holding Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees in June at its Leavenworth facility.
Kansas abortion rights advocacy group sues state officials over law banning foreign contributions
A Kansas reproductive rights advocacy group, backed by a Washington, D.C. law firm, is suing state officials over a new law banning financial contributions from “foreign nationals” to support or oppose constitutional amendments.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Resolution pledging Lawrence would comply with executive orders is no longer on commission agenda
A resolution city staff members were asking the Lawrence City Commission to approve, which pledged to indefinitely suspend enforcement of equal rights ordinances in hopes of maintaining federal funding, is no longer on Tuesday’s meeting agenda.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Screening set for documentary on Sacred Red Rock’s return to the Kaw Nation
A documentary film telling the story of the Sacred Red Rock’s return to the Kaw Nation is set for a screening at Liberty Hall in Lawrence.
Free State senior wins national forensics title
Free State High School senior Anwen Williams added to her impressive list of forensics accomplishments by claiming a national championship in extemporaneous speaking over the weekend.
Gov. Laura Kelly warns of undercutting Kansas schools, judicial independence, budget stability
Gov. Laura Kelly wants the Republican-dominated committee drafting a new state funding formula for K-12 public schools to resist pressure to funnel tax dollars into private schools.
Lawrence, Douglas County likely to see thunderstorms; tornado watch issued
Eastern Kansas is at an enhanced risk for severe weather Monday afternoon and evening, including possible hail and tornados, according to the National Weather Service.
Kaw Valley Almanac for May 19-25, 2025
The three-petaled triangular blue spiderwort blooms for a day, but there is another bud below it, ready to step up and open the next day. Butterflies and hummingbirds love this plant.




