At The Lawrence Times, we believe that community journalism is not just about providing traditional news coverage — it’s also about providing information that the people of this community need in order to live and thrive as informed citizens.
We are working to create collections of resources that we hope will be helpful to our readers in Lawrence and Douglas County, and perhaps even beyond.
The posts below are part of that effort, and this page aims to curate our most helpful articles in one place. It’s our “News you can use.”
Please be aware that some of these posts may have “shelf lives,” meaning they may pertain to limited-time sources of help. Even so, the posts that appear here should also contain information and links to resources that can be helpful anytime.
LATEST HELPFUL ARTICLES
KU program to offer free assistance to complete FAFSA applications
KU is offering Douglas County folks help to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at no cost to the applicants.
City of Lawrence to offer cooling sites amid summer heat
Temperatures are heating up, and the City of Lawrence is offering cooling sites for anybody who needs respite from the heat.
Legal help to be available at Lawrence Public Library on Tuesdays
Staff members of the Douglas County District Court’s Legal Self-Help office will offer help for folks involved in civil legal issues once a week at the Lawrence Public Library.
Lawrence resource event aims to serve roofless people and pets
An upcoming event aims to help people living outside in Lawrence and their pets connect with helpful resources and services. A free health clinic is scheduled for the same day.
Free summer lunches for kids return to Lawrence
Food and fun were both on the menu Monday as free summer lunches for kids returned to the Lawrence Public Library and launched at the Lawrence Arts Center.
Free lunches, meal kits available for Lawrence kids this summer
This summer, children ages 18 and younger will be able to eat a free lunch on weekdays in Lawrence, and families can pick up weekly meal kits to prepare and plan ahead.
Kansas DCF launches program offering $120 for hungry students over summer
Families that need food assistance during the summer could receive $120 per eligible child through the state’s new student-geared Summer EBT program.
K-10 Connector will no longer stop at Peaslee Tech or on KU campus
The K-10 Connector bus service to Johnson County will soon change its route to stop at Central Station in Lawrence, so it will no longer stop at Peaslee Tech or at the Naismith Drive stop on KU’s campus.
Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health clinic now offering physical exams
Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health is now offering appointments for adult, day care and sports physicals.
Legal clinic in Lawrence to help people get suspended driver’s licenses reinstated
An upcoming free clinic in Lawrence will help drivers who qualify get their suspended driver’s licenses reinstated.
Raven Book Store curating free book collection for queer youths
Lawrence booksellers want to make it “perfectly clear” they support youths who are “perfectly queer.”
Greyhound’s Lawrence bus stop moving to Central Station from downtown
The Greyhound bus stop is moving to the Central Station from downtown Lawrence, effective Monday.
Reminder: Kansas’ presidential preference primary is Tuesday; here’s what you should know
Kansas will depart from its typical presidential caucus format and instead hold a presidential preference primary this year, and that election is coming up Tuesday.
Kansas’ presidential preference primary is coming up; here’s what you should know
Kansas will hold a presidential preference primary on March 19 instead of the traditional caucuses. Voting will look pretty much like our regular elections. Here’s what you should know.
Reminder: 6th Street projects to start in Lawrence; road closures coming up
The City of Lawrence will soon begin work on several projects along Sixth Street that will require some road and lane closures starting Monday, Feb. 5.
6th Street projects to start in Lawrence; road closures coming up
The City of Lawrence will soon begin work on several projects along Sixth Street that will require some road and lane closures starting Monday, Feb. 5.
How to help pets experiencing homelessness in Lawrence during the extreme cold
We’ve published ways to help people experiencing homelessness in Lawrence during the extreme cold weather. Here are some ways to help pets.
Wind chills well below 0 forecast for Lawrence this weekend; city preparing
Emergency personnel encourage Lawrence community members to prepare for the bitter cold coming this weekend.
Douglas County renews Smart911 contract; service gives dispatch crucial info in emergencies
A service that gives Douglas County first responders extra information to better help people in emergencies will be available for at least five more years under a renewed contract.
Where are the snow plows? City of Lawrence’s online map will show you
The worst of the winter storm has passed through Lawrence, but the area is likely to see rain and snow again later this week — this time accompanied by bitter cold temperatures. How to know when the roads are clear?
New city bus routes may change how some Lawrence students get to school
City bus route changes that will go into effect in the new year will disrupt some Lawrence school district students’ rides to school.
Cover Kansas navigators to offer help signing up for health insurance marketplace
Navigators with Cover Kansas will be available in the Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health lobby Thursday to help people sign up for coverage through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace.
New Lawrence bus routes to go into effect in January; Sunday rides to be available on demand
The new year will bring in new Lawrence bus routes — and features, including on-demand ride options on Sundays.
Lawrence buses will be free to ride through 2024
Lawrence Transit’s fare-free program will continue through 2024, and it will include Sunday service starting Jan. 7, the city announced Tuesday.