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.)
Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly presents new state budget to Republican-led House, Senate
The proposed state budget crafted by Gov. Laura Kelly features a 2.5% pay raise for state employees, expands Medicaid eligibility for 150,000 lower-income Kansans and fully finances K-12 public education.
Tricia Masenthin/Lawrence Times
Snow piles on Lawrence sidewalks and near bus stops hinder accessibility for pedestrians, bus riders
Snow-ridden sidewalks and bus stops around Lawrence have raised accessibility concerns for pedestrians, but the city says it does not have the resources to clear all areas.
Gov. Laura Kelly vows to focus on lasting future of Kansans, not quick political gains
Gov. Laura Kelly’s seventh State of the State speech on Wednesday called for investments in water resources and public schools, streamlining early childhood regulation, pursuit of sustainable tax policy and expansion of Medicaid eligibility.
Kansas Senate president promises bipartisanship — while ‘drawing the line’ on ‘radical policies’
Senate President Ty Masterson promised to reduce property taxes, streamline government processes and enact anti-abortion and anti-trans legislation in his Wednesday rebuttal to Gov. Laura Kelly’s State of the State address.
Kansas Supreme Court chief justice warns of ‘all-out crisis’ in access to legal services
Kansas Supreme Court Justice Marla Luckert told lawmakers Wednesday about her “grim” vision of a future where the rule of law is threatened by a lack of legal representation.
Kansas Republicans again propose near-total abortion bans, despite constitutional protections
The start of the 2025 Kansas legislative session brings renewed efforts to restrict access to abortion in a state that voted overwhelmingly to protect abortion rights.
Lawrence school board to hold special meeting on superintendent search
The Lawrence school board is set to meet Tuesday for an update on the search for the next permanent superintendent.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
‘Once in a generation’: Lawrence officials begin prep for World Cup in KC
Thousands of international soccer fans and millions of dollars are expected to descend on Kansas City next year as the city hosts six world cup matches. Lawrence officials and organizations have begun preparing to claim a slice of the pie.
Legislative budget proposes $7 million cut to Kansas public defenders, despite shortage
Public defenders in Kansas face borderline unethical caseloads, lower pay rates than peers and now the possibility of even less funding to address attorney shortages.
The Raven Book Store’s bestsellers for Jan. 15, 2025 (Sponsored post)
”The TikTok (RIP) sensation ’Fourth Wing’ has been selling like hotcakes as we anticipate our all-day launch party for the series’ third installment — ’Onyx Storm’ — from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21!” the Raven Book Store writes.
Obituary: Reta Mae Ellis
Reta Mae Ellis, 11/29/1933 – 1/12/2025
KU research suggests wind power isn’t a red vs. blue issue in Kansas
Wind power can spark passionate reactions – at times dividing neighbors and communities – but unlike many other hot-button topics, how this one shakes out across Kansas may not follow political lines.
Kansas House, Senate Democrats want to focus ’25 session on cost-of-living issues
Kansas Democrats vowed on the second day of the legislative session Tuesday to concentrate on reforms that addressed the rising cost of housing, health care, groceries, child care and fuel.
Lawrence City Commission general public comment for Jan. 14, 2025
Here’s the general public comment for the Lawrence City Commission’s Tuesday meeting, as public comment is no longer being broadcast.
A moment in Lawrence: Keeping nature present in our lives
An Earth Care Forum held Sunday focused on ”the dynamic cycles of life in our local ecosystem and ways to rejoin our lives to nature,” Sam Raugewitz wrote in submitting this photo to the Times.
City of Lawrence announces next major road construction project to begin: Iowa Street
The stretch of Iowa Street from 23rd Street to Irving Hill Road is the next major construction project the city is set to undertake.
Douglas County to open applications for property tax rebates for seniors, disabled veterans
Douglas County has launched its pilot program to give older people and veterans with service-related disabilities a break on their property taxes. Here’s how to apply.
Zephyr Adams / Lawrence Times
Lawrence library to host several events for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
The Lawrence Public Library will celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with a slate of family-friendly events and a food drive.
Amid prospect of future snow days, Lawrence school district watchful of instructional hours
The Lawrence school district is anticipating more snow days this winter that could result in having to make up instructional hours.
Kansas Legislature convenes 2025 session with emboldened Republican supermajority
Members of the Kansas Legislature gathered with family and friends Monday to convene the 2025 session, welcome three dozen new lawmakers and test the influence of expanded Republican majorities in the House and Senate.
Lawrence Parks and Rec board defers vote on draft master plan
Lawrence Parks and Recreation Advisory Board members opted to postpone their vote on a new comprehensive plan after suggesting some revisions and realizing that members of another city board had not yet reviewed the draft.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Renovations complete in the Douglas County Commission meeting room
The renovated Douglas County Commission meeting room in the historic courthouse was completed just in time for new elected officials to be sworn in Monday.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Douglas County elected officials sworn in
Several Douglas County elected officials — including two who will expand the county commission to five members and a new district attorney — took their oaths of office during a ceremony Monday morning at the historic county courthouse.
Obituary: Mary Ellen Saville
Mary Ellen Saville, 9/23/1947 – 1/4/2025
