Latest
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240722-Lawrence-school-board-2.jpg?fit=768%2C432&ssl=1)
Lawrence school district administrators say cell phone ban in draft handbook was a mistake; board approves teacher raises
A districtwide cell phone ban was included in a draft of an updated student handbook, but Lawrence school district administrators said Monday it was a mistake, and high school students would still be permitted to use their phones outside of classes.
Latest – All local government news
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/20230801-Local-elections-1.jpg?resize=1100%2C619&ssl=1)
How Lawrence elections work: Get a glimpse behind the scenes
This episode of Lawrence Times TV gives a behind-the-scenes look at the Douglas County election headquarters, just hours before they announced the results of Tuesday’s primary election.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/20230801-City-Comm-1.jpg?resize=1100%2C619&ssl=1)
Public can no longer pull most items from Lawrence City Commission consent agenda
Members of the public can no longer request to pull most items from the Lawrence City Commission’s consent agenda during meetings, commissioners voted Tuesday. Commissioners also discussed changing public comment procedures.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/20230801-Compton-1.jpg?resize=1100%2C619&ssl=1)
First Management will get tax breaks from city for downtown headquarters
Lawrence city commissioners on Tuesday approved First Management Inc.’s request for about $180,000 in tax breaks to construct its corporate headquarters in downtown Lawrence.
Lawrence city Commission
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20240524-Busker-festival-8.jpg?resize=1100%2C687&ssl=1)
Lawrence city commissioners have mixed feelings about on-the-go drinking downtown
Lawrence city commissioners on Tuesday showed a range of interest in creating a “common consumption area,” which would allow folks to drink alcoholic beverages as they move through downtown.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240716-Lawrence-city-comm-3.jpg?resize=1100%2C619&ssl=1)
Lawrence City Commission general public comment for July 16, 2024
Here’s the general public comment for the Lawrence City Commission’s Tuesday meeting, as public comment is no longer being broadcast.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240516-Lawrence-City-Comm-2.jpg?resize=1100%2C653&ssl=1)
Lawrence city commissioners set maximum budget with property tax rate increase
Following some confusion, Lawrence city commissioners on Tuesday approved their maximum budget for 2025 with a 3.6-mill increase to property tax rates.
Douglas County Commission
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/DgCoComm2-primary24.jpg?resize=1200%2C675&ssl=1)
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.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/DgCoComm4-primary24-4.jpg?resize=1200%2C675&ssl=1)
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.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/DgCoComm3-primary24.jpg?resize=1200%2C675&ssl=1)
Meet the candidates for Douglas County Commission District 3
The incumbent Democrat faces two Republican challengers to represent Douglas County Commission District 3, which includes much of west Lawrence and most of the western side of the county. We asked their positions on wind and solar energy, what issues drove them to run and more.