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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
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board to consider approving 2025-26 classroom capacities; public comment not on agenda
The Lawrence school board on Monday will consider approving classroom ratios and enrollment capacities for the 2025-26 year. General public comment is not on the board’s agenda.
Molly Adams/Lawrence Times
Haskell Cultural Center and Museum collection digitization among 12 projects earning heritage grants
A preservation project at the Haskell Cultural Center and Museum and 11 other cultural projects have earned $210,000 in grant money from Douglas County.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Planning Commission approves rezoning request for housing next to former call center
Planning commissioners on Monday signed off on a rezoning request to ultimately build homes next to the former call center building near Sixth and Iowa streets.
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
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board member denounces harassment inside and outside the board room
A Lawrence school board member on Monday said she won’t be silenced by incessant harassment mostly directed at women on the board.
No new business, reports on Lawrence school board meeting agenda
The agenda for the Lawrence school board’s meeting on Monday lacks any regular business items and only includes opening items, the consent agenda and public comment.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Cell phones less visible in high school classes under new Lawrence school district policy
Lawrence school district administrators say visible cell phone use in class has gone down in both high schools since the new policy took effect, but engagement with younger students requires continued attention.
