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
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
When parking is free, when trash pickup is delayed and more Thanksgiving holiday notes
Here’s info on when parking downtown is free, when trash pickup will be delayed, what’s closed when and more for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in Lawrence.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Lawrence Community Shelter will be only local winter shelter; no one will be turned away in emergencies
The only option for folks to seek shelter from the cold this winter will be the Lawrence Community Shelter, the city has announced, and the city says no one will be turned away in an emergency despite the new residency policy.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Lawrence Farmers Market protein bucks program extended to anyone in need
The Lawrence Farmers Market is offering anyone in need a $25 credit to spend on protein.
Meet the 2025 candidates for Lawrence City Commission; Election Day is Tuesday
Election Day is Tuesday. Here’s an updated questionnaire for voters to get to know the four Lawrence City Commission candidates, including their answers to new questions we asked them this week.
Lawrence, Douglas County law enforcement to collect unused and expired medications
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Lawrence Police Department will soon collect expired and unused prescription and over-the-counter medications from the public for safe disposal.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Trunk-or-treats, haunted scavenger hunts and more family-friendly Halloween events in Lawrence this month
It’s that time of year when kids get to gorge on candy and indulge in all of their dress-up dreams. Here are some trunk-or-treats and other ghoulish events that are perfect for the whole family.
Meet the 2025 candidates for Lawrence school board
We asked candidates running for Lawrence school board about the experience that they believe qualifies them to run, the board’s direction regarding bullying and disciplinary issues in the Lawrence school district, and much more.
Douglas County to expand property tax rebate program for seniors, disabled veterans
Douglas County commissioners on Wednesday voted to expand a property tax rebate program with a goal of offering further assistance to seniors with low incomes and veterans who are disabled.
Meet the 2025 candidates for Lawrence City Commission
Four candidates for Lawrence City Commission — two who have previously served and two newcomers — will face off in the Nov. 4 election. Here’s what experience they say qualifies them to run, how they’d resolve pressing issues in the city and much more.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
More Narcan vending machines installed in Lawrence to expand access to lifesaving medicine
A grant that was initially meant to establish one more free Narcan vending machine will now support eight machines around Lawrence, and the first three were installed this week.
Extra law enforcement patrolling through Labor Day in Douglas County; some options to get home safe
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will have more deputies on patrol than usual this weekend through Labor Day, looking for impaired and distracted drivers. Here are some ways to get home safely.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
What to know about Lawrence’s new downtown parking website, payment apps and more
The City of Lawrence has launched a website to consolidate downtown parking payment methods, and a new text-to-pay option. Here are some FAQs about how to pay for parking, which apps to use, alternate ways to get downtown and more.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
How to start incorporating native plants into Lawrence lawns and gardens this season
Everyone in Lawrence with access to some soil and seeds can participate in restoration ecology by planting native species this season. Here are some suggestions to start seeding prairie plants.
Mackenzie Clark/Lawrence Times
‘A systemic failure,’ part 4: Kansas publishes some info on child care center investigations online. Here’s how to find it
State investigations into child care facilities in Lawrence have found serious issues, such as physical and verbal abuse, children “escaping” near busy streets and more. Parents have a right to know about these kinds of issues.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Just Food is stretched thin addressing food insecurity in Lawrence; new federal law will likely make it worse
Impending federal cuts to food assistance under Trump’s recently passed economic bill threaten to stretch the capacities of Just Food, which is already seeing a spike in the number of residents registering for its services.
Lawrence Transit route, schedule changes to go into effect Aug. 1
Feedback from bus drivers and the public have been incorporated into Lawrence Transit route and schedule updates, which will go into effect Friday, Aug. 1.
When school starts in Lawrence Public Schools and more to know for 2025-26
Here’s info on when students go back to Lawrence Public Schools, when breaks are scheduled, school supply lists and more for the 2025-26 school year.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Early voting underway for Lawrence City Commission primary
Early voting is now underway for a stacked Lawrence City Commission primary that will narrow a field of 13 candidates down to four.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Lawrence advocacy event provides knowledge, resources to resist anti-transgender legislation
Advocacy leaders gathered Monday to discuss the future of the Kansas transgender community and share resources in the face of state and federal anti-trans laws.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Know Your Rights event empowers renters with knowledge, recourse to fight evictions in court
A recent “Know Your Rights” presentation provided legal resources to tenants in Lawrence, demonstrating that they have recourse to fight evictions in court.
Meet the 2025 primary candidates for Lawrence City Commission
We asked Lawrence City Commission candidates about the experience that they believe qualifies them to run, what pressing issues they see in the city and how they’d resolve them, and much more.
Lawrence Times
Cardboard recycling dumpster now available at Douglas County Fairgrounds
As cardboard recycling dumpsters at local grocery stores have been filling up fast, the City of Lawrence has added a new location at the Douglas County Fairgrounds to help meet the demand.
Lawrence-Douglas County Sustainability
Electronics Recycling Day will give Douglas County residents a safe, eco-friendly way to recycle e-waste
For the third consecutive year, the City of Lawrence is partnering with Teknix Solutions for an Electronics Recycling Event, which is open to Lawrence and Douglas County residents seeking to dispose of unwanted electronics.
Lane Rozin/Lawrence Times
Free summer meals in Lawrence available for all kids
Kids can eat a free lunch three days a week through the month of June, and families can pick up weekly meal kits to prepare and plan ahead through June and July.
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