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
Holiday music in Lawrence: Where to hear the sounds of the season
The KU School of Music’s Vespers concert is celebrating a huge milestone: It’s turning 100 this year. That will be one of many opportunities coming up to hear the sounds of the holiday season in Lawrence.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Lawrence holiday markets: Where to shop for gifts that support local makers
Here are almost 20 Lawrence-area opportunities to shop local and support artists, farmers and small businesses this holiday season, starting with this weekend.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Clare’s Community Closet opening in new space in eastern Lawrence
A local organization that provides free clothing, care kits is moving into a new space and leaning on community collaboration.
Chloe Anderson/Lawrence Times
Where to see Santa in Lawrence this holiday season
Here are some opportunities for naughty, nice, and four-legged friends alike to visit with Santa and get photos taken in Lawrence this year.
Andrea Albright/Lawrence Times
Douglas County District Court to launch Veterans Treatment Court
Douglas County District Court has received a $1 million federal grant to create a specialty court program that will aim to support veterans.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Voter registration has reopened in Kansas; here’s what you should know
Voter registration has reopened in Kansas following Tuesday’s election. That means voters can also update their registration if needed. Here’s what you should know.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
How to cast your ballot on Election Day in Douglas County
Many important local and national offices will be decided in Tuesday’s election. Here’s how to cast your ballot on Election Day in Douglas County.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Ride Lawrence Transit buses fare-free for 2025
Riders will be able to get around on Lawrence Transit buses without paying a fare again for all of 2025.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
How to cast your ballot on or before Election Day in Douglas County
The days are dwindling until Tuesday, Nov. 5, when many important local and national offices will be decided. Here’s how to cast your ballot early or on Election Day.
2024 election guide for Lawrence and Douglas County voters
Big questions and representation at the local, state and national levels are on Lawrence voters’ ballots for the Nov. 5 general election. Here’s our key need-to-know election info, all in one place.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
It’s spooky season! Here are Lawrence’s Halloween-themed events for the family this month
From trunk-or-treat events to Bluey and the traditional Zombie Walk to downtown trick or treating, here are enough events to keep even the most motivated candy collectors busy this Halloween season in Lawrence.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
These are common scams to watch for, Douglas County sheriff says
A local family was recently scammed out of $90,000. That’s just one example of a loss Douglas County Sheriff Jay Armbrister is hoping to help people avoid by informing the community about common scams.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
How to unionize your workplace: Lawrence union leaders share tips
Happy Labor Day! The holiday is rooted in the late 19th-century labor movement and honors the sacrifices of workers. We reached out to some Lawrence union leaders and organizers to find out how to go about unionizing a workplace here.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Move-in week is here for KU and Haskell students; here’s some helpful info
Welcome, new and returning KU and Haskell students and families. Here’s some basic info for those we’re welcoming to town — and for locals who want to avoid traffic as move-in days draw near.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Tom Harper: A welcome to visitors and new residents of Lawrence, and a PSA for townies (Column)
”Finally, information and a warning that turns this reflectional welcome post into a public service announcement … It is a very unsettling experience for both drivers to witness a car driving toward you on a one-way street,” Tom Harper writes in this column/PSA.
Tech issue caused Lawrence City Commission livestream to fail; here’s how to watch if that happens again
The city’s YouTube broadcast of the Lawrence City Commission meeting failed Tuesday evening because of a computer problem. Here’s how you can access the meeting if the issue ever repeats.
Election Day is today! Here’s our 2024 primary guide for Lawrence and Douglas County voters
Today’s primary election is a big one for Douglas County. Here’s where you can find our key need-to-know election info all in one place.
Advocates create directory of senior resources in Douglas County
Staff members and volunteers for Kansas Advocates for Better Care have created a comprehensive guide tailored to help Douglas County folks ages 60 and up find the resources they need.
Reminder: Lawrence Transit route, schedule changes to go into effect Thursday; app has also changed
Reminder: Lawrence Transit has planned some route and schedule changes that will go into effect this Thursday. The mobile app has also changed.
Excessive heat warning in effect most of this week; Lawrence cooling sites available
Lawrence and Douglas County will be under an excessive heat warning Monday through Thursday this week, with heat index values well above 100° possible.
George R. Pisani
Letter to the Times: Free gun locks are available from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office; other locks can work, too
”In Kansas (among other states), most county sheriff departments cooperate with Project Childsafe in providing upon request free gun safety locks that come with instructions for effective use,” George Pisani writes in this letter to the Times.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Early voting is underway in Douglas County; here’s how to cast your ballot on or before Election Day
Many important local elections have key primary races coming up Tuesday, Aug. 6. Here’s how to cast your ballot by mail, early in person, or on Election Day.
When school starts in Lawrence and more you should know for 2024-25 in USD 497
Here’s info on when students go back to Lawrence Public Schools, school supply lists, when breaks are scheduled and much more for the 2024-25 school year.
Lawrence Transit route, schedule changes planned to go into effect Aug. 1
After hearing feedback from riders, Lawrence Transit is planning some route and schedule changes that will go into effect Thursday, Aug. 1.
