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
Douglas County treasurer’s office to move services out of courthouse, into satellite location
The Douglas County treasurer’s office will soon close its public-facing services in the historic courthouse […]
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Looking ahead in Lawrence: Here are some key changes coming in 2026
From rec center access fees and some transit fares to the many key city positions changing hands and elected offices on voters’ ballots, here are key things Lawrence folks should know going into 2026.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Here’s how to apply to access Lawrence’s rec centers for free
The City of Lawrence will start charging fees for adults to use recreation centers effective next Monday, but people who have already qualified for certain benefits can now apply for free access.
Chloe Anderson/Lawrence Times
Reminder: HeadQuarters Kansas to transition to 988 number only, phase out local phone line
Reminder: Starting next week, HeadQuarters Kansas will no longer have its direct local phone number, and all crisis hotline calls will need to go to 988.
Mark Potts/Lawrence Times
Trash pickup delayed, free parking and more info for Christmas and New Year’s in Lawrence
Here’s a quick glance at closures, service changes and more for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays in Lawrence.
Where to see holiday lights in Lawrence – 2025 edition
Though the owners of a beloved holiday home have retired, there are plenty aglow this year to keep us inspired.
‘Lawrence 2026’ launches website for World Cup info
The Lawrence area’s unified command to prep for the World Cup is now dubbed “Lawrence 2026,” and the group has launched a website to share information about plans with residents and visitors.
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.
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