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New lawsuit challenges City of Lawrence’s housing discrimination ordinance
A real estate company has filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Lawrence challenging an ordinance that bans discrimination based on where a potential tenant’s rent payments would come from, such as housing vouchers.
Lawrence board signs off on markers to honor teens killed by police in 1970
A city board has finally approved historic markers to pay tribute to Rick “Tiger” Dowdell and Nick Rice, teens who were shot and killed by Lawrence police officers in 1970, though the board wants the shooters named on both markers.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Rec centers to close, trash pickup not delayed and more notes for MLK Jr. Day in Lawrence
Recreation centers will be closed, parking downtown will be free and trash pickup will run as scheduled. Here are details and more notes ahead of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday in Lawrence.
Lawrence City Commission general public comment for Jan. 13, 2026
Here’s the general public comment for the Lawrence City Commission’s Tuesday meeting, as public comment is no longer being broadcast.
New lawsuit challenges City of Lawrence’s housing discrimination ordinance
A real estate company has filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Lawrence challenging an ordinance that bans discrimination based on where a potential tenant’s rent payments would come from, such as housing vouchers.
Latest – All local government news
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board to meet for midyear evaluation of superintendent
The Lawrence school board has called a special meeting to complete a midyear evaluation of Superintendent Jeanice Swift.
Kaydi Rudisell
City of Lawrence will remove Watson Park basketball court, prone to flooding, this summer
The city plans to remove the basketball court in Watson Park, which is prone to flooding, during the summer as part of ongoing construction, and it’s not yet clear whether a new court will replace it.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Community members explore options for North Lawrence at open house
Community members at a North Lawrence Corridor Study open house Wednesday expressed excitement at investment and infrastructure upgrades but also stressed the importance of protecting the core culture of the neighborhood.
Lawrence city Commission
Lawrence City Commission general public comment for Jan. 13, 2026
Here’s the general public comment for the Lawrence City Commission’s Tuesday meeting, as public comment is no longer being broadcast.
Plans for a family emergency shelter in Lawrence have fallen through
A shelter for families experiencing homelessness in Lawrence will not come to fruition because of a lack of funding, a city staff member told the Lawrence City Commission Tuesday evening.
Lawrence City Commission general public comment for Jan. 6, 2026
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
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Applications open in Douglas County for cultural, natural heritage and historic preservation grants
People in Douglas County can apply to receive grant funding for projects focused on cultural and natural heritage as well as historic preservation.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
‘We’re regressing’: Douglas County commissioners again bump tenant right to counsel program to back burner
Although Douglas County has expressed commitment to tenant right to counsel and has engaged in implementation discussions for months, a majority of county commissioners Wednesday opted instead to have county staff do more research on mediation.
Nathan Kramer/Lawrence Times
Douglas County Commission to consider a limited tenant right to counsel pilot program
The Douglas County Commission on Wednesday will review staff recommendations to create a limited tenant right to counsel pilot program for 2027, despite an advocacy group’s calls for a program to support all renters facing eviction.
Lawrence School Board
Lawrence school board tables adoption of esports
The Lawrence school board on Monday requested to know more about esports, including costs, before adopting it as a middle and high school activity.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board to consider adding esports to schools
The Lawrence school board on Monday will consider implementing esports teams at middle and high schools after KSHSAA sanctioned the growing activity.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Lawrence sees higher than normal voter turnout in 2025 city primary
Around 11.7% of registered Lawrence voters cast a ballot in the 2025 city primary election — more than average, as city-level primaries typically end up around 10%.
