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.)
Free State wins state debate title
Free State High School claimed the 6A four-speaker state title over the weekend, besting some of the top debaters in the state for the Firebirds’ first debate state championship since 2019.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Discussion, info meetings set to discuss proposed reform of Haskell oversight
A series of upcoming meetings will discuss and provide information about proposed federal legislation that would give oversight of Haskell Indian Nations University to the board of regents rather than the Bureau of Indian Education.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Lawrence immigration advocate says know your rights
Trump has promised to deport undocumented immigrants and others en masse. Knowledge is power amid fear and uncertainty, a Lawrence immigration advocate says.
Kansas House bill would use driver’s license records to look for voters who are not citizens
A bill proposed in the Kansas House seeks to remove people who are not U.S. citizens from the state’s voter rolls through temporary driver’s license records, invoking concern for potential disenfranchisement of Kansas voters.
Kansas’ child advocate wants to require unannounced inspection of residential facilities
The acting child advocate for Kansas recommended Wednesday that lawmakers mandate annual unannounced inspection of residential facilities serving children in the state’s welfare system.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Communication, honest transparency top traits focus groups desired in next Lawrence superintendent
Focus group members said they’d most like the new permanent Lawrence Public Schools superintendent to be effective in communication and honest with transparency, according to a search firm.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Lawrence City Commission favors rec center fees in early budget talks; much still unclear
Lawrence city commissioners on Tuesday gave city staff some guidance for how they might want to address a $6.5 million budget deficit projected for 2026, possibly to include fees for recreational facilities and a property tax rate increase.
Lawrence City Commission general public comment for Jan. 21, 2025
Here’s the general public comment for the Lawrence City Commission’s Tuesday meeting, as public comment is no longer being broadcast.
Bert Nash employees overwhelmingly approve unionization
An overwhelming majority of participating employees at Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center cast votes Tuesday in favor of union representation.
Obituary: Sandra Sue (Sandy) Watson
Sandra Sue (Sandy) Watson, 2/3/1949 – 12/22/2024
Obituary: Janice Lee Pattinson
Janice Lee Pattinson, 10/9/1941 – 1/19/2025
Obituary: Rose Ellen (Rosy) Neuhaus
Rose Ellen (Rosy) Neuhaus, 4/24/1960 – 1/19/2025
Kansas senator holds one-sided hearing to urge compliance with Trump immigration efforts
Sen. Mike Thompson’s hearing on symbolic legislation about immigration laws featured one-sided testimony with dehumanizing language, unsupported speculation about a sex trafficking ring in Wichita, and a comparison between being in the country illegally and robbing a bank.
City of Lawrence seeks feedback for new shallow section of outdoor pool
The City of Lawrence is seeking community feedback on the shape, size and amenities of the new shallow section of the outdoor pool.
Faith groups across Kansas are diving into local politics — and getting results
Each year across Kansas, including in Lawrence, elected officials stand on stages and pledge to implement wide-ranging policy proposals in front of thousands of religious congregants, organized as part of the DART network.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Lawrence City Commission to hear early presentation on 2026 budget, projected $6.5M deficit
In an effort to begin difficult budget conversations and grapple with an anticipated $6.5 million deficit, city finance staff will present to Lawrence city commissioners Tuesday, several months earlier than the budget is typically discussed.
Kansans go beyond remembrance at Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration
Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day came early in Kansas, beginning on his birthday with a march, a formal proclamation and words honoring the beloved civil rights figure.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Lawrence Public Schools closed Tuesday because of cold temperatures
Lawrence Public Schools will be closed Tuesday because of bitter cold temperatures and wind chills.
Free virtual classes offered to help guide caregivers of children ages 0 to 5
A free six-week online program aims to provide Douglas County families and caregivers with tools to care for their children ages 0 to 5.
Kaw Valley Almanac for Jan. 20-26, 2025
Snow remaining between grass clumps and on shaded and north-facing slopes, along with icy patches on gravel roads, will not be going away the first half of the week with frigid temps.
Cedar and Sage Cafe opening on Haskell’s campus
A new student-run coffee shop and cafe will soon hold a grand opening at Haskell Indian Nations University.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
‘Together’s the only way’: Unity theme resonates at tribute to MLK
Poetry, music and inspirational words were shared Friday afternoon in memory of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy during the 34th MLK schoolwide assembly at Billy Mills Middle School.
Andrea Albright/Lawrence Times
Attorney’s medical issues delay jury trial for Lawrence teen charged with shooting his friend
The jury trial originally scheduled to begin later this month in the first-degree murder case against Cir Allen Keith Glover was postponed Friday afternoon at the request of his attorney.
The first EV batteries will come out of De Soto’s massive Panasonic plant this spring
One of the largest economic development projects in Kansas history will start churning out lithium-ion batteries as soon as March, Panasonic announced on Friday.
