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
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.
Tuesday is the deadline to register to vote in the Aug. 6 primary; early voting starts Wednesday
Tuesday is the last day to register in order to vote in the primary election coming up Tuesday, Aug. 6, and early voting starts Wednesday. Here’s what you should know.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
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.
Lane Rozin/Lawrence Times
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.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
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.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
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.
