Latest
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
Lawrence school board hires architects for Centennial campus; Langston Hughes expansion postponed
The Lawrence school board on Monday approved hiring an architectural firm to design a nontraditional high school program at the Centennial building. The expansion of Langston Hughes Elementary will be postponed a year.
City of Lawrence announces second snow plow naming contest; community can vote on winner
The City of Lawrence is again asking residents to help name a snow plow, and this year, the final choice will go to a community vote.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board to consider hiring architects for Centennial Choice Campus
The Lawrence school board on Monday will consider hiring an architectural firm to execute planning and development of Choice Centennial Campus, a nontraditional high school program slated for the former elementary building.
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
Maya Hodison/Lawrence Times
Citing ‘miscommunication,’ district mows native plants, vegetable swales in Free State garden down to dirt
Multiple instances of mowing and other damage to Free State High School’s outdoor learning space is giving educators in that space the impression that the Lawrence school district is prioritizing looks over learning.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Parents petition to ban cell phones in Lawrence schools
More than 100 parents of students in the Lawrence school district have signed a petition in support of a districtwide ban of cell phones in classrooms.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board approves interim superintendent contract
The Lawrence school board on Monday approved a contract with Interim Superintendent Jeanice Swift, including a salary of $194,482 for 10 months.
