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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
Douglas County events selected for first round of new grants
Five annual Lawrence and Douglas County events have been selected to receive a portion of $24,000 in funds from the Heritage Conservation Council.
Lawrence City Commission general public comment for May 6, 2025
Here’s the general public comment for the Lawrence City Commission’s Tuesday meeting, as public comment is no longer being broadcast.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Q39 barbecue restaurant wins approval for tax breaks to revive downtown Lawrence building
Lawrence city commissioners on Tuesday approved tax incentives to help Q39, a Kansas City-based barbecue restaurant, rehabilitate a long-dormant downtown 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
Tricia Masenthin/Lawrence Times
Justice Matters adds focus on elder care to its list of priorities during annual assembly
Douglas County suffers from an elder care crisis, according to members of the nonprofit organization Justice Matters. Senior care service providers can’t recruit and retain enough qualified staff to provide quality care to seniors in Douglas County who need it.
Lawrence school board approves Montessori program for New York Elementary
The Lawrence school board narrowly approved implementing a Montessori program at New York Elementary this fall to serve 3-year-olds, 4-year-olds and kindergarteners.
Girls high school gymnastics program to continue in Lawrence school district next year
The FireLions gymnastics team will go on. After hearing the findings of a Title IX report, the Lawrence school board agreed Monday to look at ways the district could boost participation in its high school gymnastics program as well as other offerings for girls.
