Lawrence news
LATEST
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Santa Claus’ associates in Lawrence usher in holiday cheer
Since Santa Claus must conserve energy for his Christmas Eve omnipresence, he wisely delegates some duties to remote workers. Here are a few of the Lawrence locals who signed on to give Santa a helping hand this year.
FORECAST
Lawrence, KS WeatherMORE LAWRENCE NEWS
Lane Rozin/Lawrence Times
Midsummer Night on Mass to return, showcase shopping in downtown Lawrence
Downtown Lawrence Inc. announced the return of Midsummer Night on Mass for the third year in a row with a slate of shopping deals, sidewalk entertainment, movie screenings and more coming up next week.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Lawrence author Tessa Gratton talks political resistance, telling marginalized stories in advance of their new book
Lawrence writer Tessa Gratton works on all their books for multiple years, but they’ve been thinking about their newest work, “The Mercy Makers,” since the 2000s. The epic fantasy untangles themes of justice, complicity and the greater good.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
When parking is free, transit service changes and more to know for Juneteenth in Lawrence
The Lawrence community will celebrate Juneteenth with events on Saturday, but the federal holiday falls on Thursday, June 19. Here’s a quick roundup of closures, changes and more.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Community helps Watkins Museum recoup $13K from federal grant cut
A Watkins Museum of History project on the Underground Railroad was completed before the federal grant funding it was terminated, and the Lawrence community has helped the museum recoup the $13,000 that the feds didn’t disburse.
Douglas County health officials working to make resources accessible after surge in opioid overdoses
Public health officials are responding to a spike in opioid overdoses in Douglas County by offering free, lifesaving drugs, including through a vending machine.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Bus, rideshares to transport Lawrence residents to No Kings protest in Topeka; protest set for Watson Park
Lawrence residents can travel on their own or take a bus ride to the Kansas capitol as part of nationwide “No Kings” protests on Saturday.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Group drops lawsuit that developer said spurred plans to demolish East Lawrence building
A group of neighbors have dropped a lawsuit that a Lawrence developer said left him with no choice but to demolish an old East Lawrence building.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Firefly Festival promises free, bioluminescent fun for the whole family
Lawrence’s first Firefly Festival — with a robust docket of live music, visual art-making and outdoor exploration — is free to all.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Officials share Lawrence-Douglas County Community Health Improvement Plan with city commission
Local health officials shared some highlights of a plan to improve community health with Lawrence city commissioners Tuesday, emphasizing ways their goals align with the city’s stated goals.
Lawrence City Commission general public comment for June 10, 2025
Here’s the general public comment for the Lawrence City Commission’s Tuesday meeting, as public comment is no longer being broadcast.
Person injured in crash on K-10; highway has reopened after closure
A 31-year-old Lawrence man was injured in a motorcycle crash on Kansas Highway 10 Tuesday afternoon.
John Clayton / Contributed photo
Tom Harper: Community to gather in ‘precious love’ to celebrate the life of Rob Blank (Column)
The family of Rob Blank — “Peace Man” and “Precious Love” — wants to thank the Lawrence community for the love and support it gave Rob throughout his life. They’re planning a gathering in his memory next month, Tom Harper writes in this column.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Graduation rates of Native American and ELL students in Lawrence decrease over 6-year span
Native American students and students in the English Language Learners program continue graduating from the Lawrence school district at the lowest rates compared to other subgroups, according to district data.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board waits to vote on proposed increase in meal prices
The Lawrence school board on Monday did not vote on the district’s plan to increase meal prices by 10 cents for a third consecutive year.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Lawrence city staff still not sharing proposed prices for rec center memberships
Lawrence Parks and Recreation staff members won’t share the actual proposed prices for rec center memberships until next month, but they did share further details and plans with advisory board members Monday.





