Latest
Cuyler Dunn/Lawrence Times
Justice Matters annual assembly to discuss youth trauma
Justice Matters will focus on solutions to youth trauma at this year’s action assembly. The nonprofit coalition of faith-based groups will also provide an update on its efforts to boost the elder care workforce and end chronic homelessness.
City of Lawrence launches tool to let community see plans filed, business licenses and more
The City of Lawrence has launched a new online map tool called Citizen Connect that allows people to see locations of plans, permits, inspections, business licenses and code cases that the city has processed.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
New parent messaging tool, MacBooks among possible Lawrence school district ‘enhancements’
A new parent communication tool and a potential comeback for MacBook laptops in high schools are part of changes the Lawrence school district plans to make in 2025-26. Enrollment is also open for two new preschool classes.
Lawrence schools working to mitigate large class sizes; board sets non-district transfer seats
The Lawrence school district expects some large class sizes will continue in the 2025-26 year while enrollment is on the decline and more teachers are needed.
Cuyler Dunn/Lawrence Times
Justice Matters annual assembly to discuss youth trauma
Justice Matters will focus on solutions to youth trauma at this year’s action assembly. The nonprofit coalition of faith-based groups will also provide an update on its efforts to boost the elder care workforce and end chronic homelessness.
Latest – All local government news
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board to consider approving teacher raises, handbook that bans cell phone usage
Lawrence teachers could receive raises this fall based on the tentative contract up for the school board’s approval Monday. The board will also consider a new handbook that would ban cellphone usage at school.
Meet the candidates for Douglas County Commission District 2
Incumbent Shannon Reid and current Lawrence City Commissioner Lisa Larsen are running as Democrats to represent Douglas County Commission District 2. The candidates shared their thoughts on how wind and solar energy should be handled, property tax reductions and more.
Meet the candidates for Douglas County Commission District 4
Two Democrats, a Republican and a Libertarian are running to represent Eudora, parts of eastern Lawrence, and east-central Douglas County as the commissioner for new District 4. Candidates shared the personal experiences they believe qualify them, views on solar and wind energy and more.
Lawrence city Commission
Lawrence Historic Resources Commission denies revised plans for downtown row houses
Lawrence’s Historic Resource Commission on Thursday voted 2-2 against a plan to build 15 row houses next to the former Borders book store downtown. The developers can appeal the denial.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Lawrence police chief shares new data reports, outcomes from community meetings
Lawrence Police Chief Rich Lockhart shared with city commissioners on Tuesday how the department is trying to improve community relations. He provided new data and said crime is down, yet the fear of crime is up in some areas.
Lawrence City Commission general public comment for April 15, 2025
Here’s the general public comment for the Lawrence City Commission’s Tuesday meeting, as public comment is no longer being broadcast.
Douglas County Commission
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Lawrence, Douglas County cultural events can seek up to $10K from new grant program
Annual events that “celebrate, honor and uplift the county’s diverse cultural heritage” could receive up to $10,000 in funding from a new Heritage Conservation Council grant program.
Douglas County commissioners approve plan for Franklin Cemetery, final letter to feds
Cemeteries in Lawrence are nearing capacity, but Franklin Cemetery will someday soon start accepting burials — more than 100 years after the last person was buried there.
Douglas County commissioners to ask federal delegation to ‘show the fortitude’ to defend democracy
Douglas County commissioners have penned a letter to the four congresspeople who represent the county, asking them to “prevent a single branch of government from becoming too powerful.”
Lawrence School Board
Recap: Lawrence school board meeting, April 26
The Lawrence school board approved an agreement with Baker University, gave initial approval to an equity policy and more Monday.
August Rudisell/The Lawrence Times
Preview: Lawrence school board meeting, April 26
The Lawrence school board will review the district’s proposed equity policy, consider an agreement for dual credit classes with Baker University and more.
August Rudisell/@KsScanner
Lawrence school board votes to close Kennedy Elementary to grades K-5
The Lawrence school board voted Monday to convert Kennedy Elementary to an early childhood community […]
