Latest
Lawrence school district reports student entries and exits in 2024-25, class sizes
The Lawrence school district reported that it gained more new students in 2024-25 than it lost from other countries and other public schools in Kansas, but it lost more students than it gained to public schools outside Kansas, homeschooling and private schools.
Latest – All local government news
August Rudisell/The Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board to hear report on staff diversity and retention, consider graduation requirement change and more
The Lawrence school board on Monday will hear a report on recruitment and retention of BIPOC staff, consider reducing elective requirements for seniors this year and more.
City Commission candidates undecided on vacancy tax, they say during Downtown Lawrence forum
An audience member at the Downtown Lawrence forum asked the Lawrence City Commission candidates on Wednesday whether they would support a vacancy tax. None of the six candidates gave a firm answer, but they shared some views on the idea.
Douglas County Commission passes extension of mask mandate for children through December
The Douglas County Commission on Wednesday unanimously passed an extension of the current countywide mask mandate for children through the end of the school semester.
Lawrence city Commission
Lawrence City Commission to consider plan for 200-unit complex in Alvamar neighborhood
City commissioners on Tuesday will consider plans for a 200-unit apartment complex in west Lawrence’s Alvamar neighborhood that another city board already voted against.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
City staff to recommend closing parts of 9th Street through summer; commission to consider
City staff members are recommending portions of Ninth Street stay closed for construction through the summer without opening for the World Cup. City commissioners on Tuesday will consider an extra $4.8M expense related to the project.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Advocates’ draft ordinance aims to put safeguards on Lawrence police camera surveillance tech
Lawrence advocates have drafted an ordinance that aims to create safeguards for the police department’s new system that asks locals to register their security cameras on a list or integrate them for realtime access by police.
Douglas County Commission
Douglas County commissioners vote to allow environmental testing for proposed solar farm; will now seek judicial review
Douglas County commissioners voted to allow a proposed solar farm to begin environmental testing on land in Grant Township amid pending litigation and opposition from the township board.
Douglas County to expand property tax rebate program for seniors, disabled veterans
Douglas County commissioners on Wednesday voted to expand a property tax rebate program with a goal of offering further assistance to seniors with low incomes and veterans who are disabled.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Panel of Lawrence public officials wrestle with free speech in government forums
Lawrence elected officials and civic professionals speaking during a panel Monday identified trends they say disrupt the public discourse necessary to make progress.





