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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
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Lawrence’s affordable housing board recommends funding for large west side development
Members of Lawrence’s Affordable Housing Advisory Board are recommending that $500,000 in city funding go toward a 121-unit project on the western edge of town.
Lawrence city staff estimate: $18K to open Community Building to kids for limited hours
As the Community Building is set to close to the general public in January, city staff members have estimated that it would cost $18,000 to open the building for kids up to age 17 to use for about 12 hours per week.
Douglas County to host open house on Wakarusa River Valley conservation plan
Community members can review and provide input on Douglas County’s developing Wakarusa Vision Plan at an upcoming open house.
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 to hear update on snow day makeup time, consider approving 2025-26 calendar
The Lawrence school board on Monday will learn where the district is with its instructional hours following several snow days and consider approving the 2025-26 district calendar.
Cuyler Dunn/Lawrence Times
Lawrence school district committee requests data for boundary discussions to resume in fall
The Lawrence school district’s Boundary Advisory Committee on Wednesday requested more data to better inform their discussions of elementary, middle and high school boundaries, set to resume in the fall.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
It’s official: Jeanice Swift named 10th superintendent of Lawrence Public Schools
Lawrence school board members on Monday gave quick approval to hire Jeanice Kerr Swift as the district’s next superintendent.
