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Lawrence City Commission to hear budget update as city looks to cut $6.6M
Homelessness solutions, parks and recreation, and economic development initiatives are among the areas that could see the biggest cuts toward patching a $6.6 million deficit in the City of Lawrence’s 2026 budget.
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Lawrence UPS hub set to close this year
The UPS hub in Lawrence is one of two Kansas sites set to close in a few months, raising concerns and questions about the future for several dozen local employees.

Planning Commission to consider Family Promise plan for affordable housing development
The planning commission on Wednesday will discuss advancing six proposed new units of affordable housing at Ninth and Tennessee streets.

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.

Baker University announces next president
Baker University has announced Jody Fournier — recent provost and vice president of Capital University in Columbus, Ohio — as its next president.

LMH Health CEO announces plans to retire
Russ Johnson, LMH Health president and CEO since 2016, plans to retire in August, the hospital announced Tuesday.

Lawrence school district facing underfunded special education, enrollment decrease
The Lawrence school district is bracing for another year of underfunded special education from the state while the federal government picks systems apart.

Lawrence police looking for missing woman, 74; silver alert issued
Lawrence police are looking for Wanda Dyer, 74, who has been missing since Friday morning.

Lawrence school district looking to add preschool classes at neighborhood schools
Preschool classrooms will be added to two Lawrence elementary schools next year, with the district’s vision to make enough seats for 3- and 4-year-olds accessible. The district also has plans to expand other programming.

‘Stolen Focus’ author is Lawrence library’s 2025 Ross and Marianna Beach Author
The Lawrence Public Library has announced Johann Hari as this year’s Ross and Marianna Beach Author, and he’s set to speak in Lawrence in June.

ACLU of Kansas, Loud Light to share info on anti-trans bills moving through statehouse
Local advocates will discuss current anti-trans legislation and community resources at a Trans Day of Visibility event in Lawrence.

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.

Kaw Valley Almanac for March 24-30, 2025
A wave of pink, red and white redbud blossoms is sweeping south to north across Kansas right now. The flowers and early green pods are quite edible and delicious.

Lawrence school district reports state and federal aid setbacks; board to hear budget update
The Lawrence school district may have to return funds already spent on security equipment, among other changes to state and federal funding the school board will hear about on Monday.

Applications open for Racial Equity Community Building grants from United Way of Kaw Valley
The United Way of Kaw Valley has opened applications for local people and organizations to seek up to $5,000 in grant funding for work to elevate marginalized community members.

Lawrence community invited to Korean Culture Day at KU
The Lawrence community can learn traditional Korean games, learn calligraphy and more during an upcoming cultural celebration at the University of Kansas.