Community Corner

🌱 Will parking costs drive some Lawrence teachers out of the district?

Spotted on the Lawrence calendar: Electronics Recycling Event

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Hey hey Lawrence! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Will parking costs drive some Lawrence teachers out of the district?
  • What happens in Lawrence if Mayor DePeña refuses to step down?
  • Will Lawrence voters actually move forward with recalling Mayor DePeña?

Also on today's calendar: Electronics Recycling Event and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call a belt that is made of watches? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Partly sunny and very warm, with a high of 78 and low of 63 degrees.
  • Friday: A passing afternoon shower, temps: high: 81, low: 54.
  • Saturday: Mostly sunny and not as warm, with a high of 71 and low of 43 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. 'Where do we park?' Lawrence teachers claim they're spending thousands on parking (boston25news.com) — Lawrence teachers at the Henry Oliver school say they're paying up to $1,600 a year just to park near work, and some are considering leaving the district over the cost and tickets. School and city officials acknowledge parking is a challenge and say they're discussing solutions, while educators push for simple fixes like dashboard permits to identify staff vehicles.
   

2. Lawrence mayor says he won't resign after being charged in federal, state courts (nbcboston.com) — Lawrence residents are learning that Mayor Brian DePeña says he will not resign despite facing federal and state charges tied to alleged COVID loan fraud and wiretapping at City Hall. He insists the accusations predate his mayoral service and are unrelated to city duties, while prosecutors detail alleged misuse of pandemic relief funds and local officials question the city's political future.
   

3. The Download September 29, 2026 (commonwealthbeacon.org) — Lawrence residents may soon face a high-stakes recall effort, as two city councilors say they expect voters to try to remove Mayor Brian DePeña following his recent state and federal indictments. That local drama unfolds alongside a new poll showing Massachusetts voters poised to keep legal cannabis and the state's 2024 gun law, with most people already firmly decided on November's ballot questions.
   

4. Massachusetts man pleads guilty to drug, gun conspiracy tied to trafficking in Maine (wmtw.com) — A Lawrence man has pleaded guilty in federal court to running part of a fentanyl and cocaine trafficking network that moved drugs and guns into Maine and New Hampshire. Prosecutors say the 26-year-old, tied to the Trinitarios gang, faces up to 20 years on each of two conspiracy charges, with sentencing scheduled for early January 2027 in Boston.
   

📸 Around Lawrence

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Upbound Group, Inc. - Rent-A-Center posted a job opening for Bilingual Store Manager In Training in Lawrence. Apply here.
  • Hamra Enterprises - Wendy's posted a job opening for Shift Supervisor in Lawrence. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Lawrence here.

Ok Lawrence! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A waist of time. (Thank you Martin L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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