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
Lawrence election guide: Get to know the city commission and school board candidates
Updated guide: The majority of city commission and school board seats will be on Lawrence voters’ ballots on Tuesday, Nov. 7. Here’s info to help you cast an informed vote in the races that are closest to our day-to-day lives.
In-state college application fees to be waived as part of Kansas Apply Free Days
Kansas residents who are interested in applying to in-state colleges can do so for free on Nov. 7 through 9 as part of Apply Free Days.
WIC services will now be available on location in Eudora
Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health is partnering with the Eudora school district to expand access to WIC services by making them available onsite at district offices in Eudora.
Wintry mix could hit Lawrence over the weekend; rec centers available for warming
The Lawrence area could see freezing temperatures, rain and sleet over the weekend. The city’s recreation centers are available to warm up during regular hours.
Lawrence election guide: Get to know the city commission and school board candidates
Here’s a roundup of our election coverage intended to help voters find what they need to know to choose their top candidates for Lawrence City Commission and the Lawrence school board.
Introducing dark mode: An optional new look for The Lawrence Times
The Lawrence Times news team is pleased to roll out dark mode — an optional new look for our website intended to boost accessibility.
We wanted to make sure our readers know how they can switch back and forth at any time with the touch of a button.
Lawrence health department will have new COVID, flu shots starting Monday
Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health has received the new flu and COVID vaccines sooner than expected. They’ll be available by appointment beginning Monday (while supplies last).
Lawrence Transit launches overnight rides on demand
If you need a ride overnight, Lawrence Transit has launched a new, fare-free option to get a lift anywhere within city limits.
Operation Wildlife gives tips on what to do if you find injured or abandoned wildlife in Douglas County
If you find an injured animal outdoors this summer, will you know what to do? Watch this episode of Lawrence Times TV to learn from the experts.
Lawrence Municipal Court to kick off night court pilot program
Lawrence Municipal Court next week will roll out a pilot night court program, which will add an early evening docket once a month to create more flexibility for defendants.
Lawrence training session teaches how to use Narcan to save someone from an opioid overdose
Chrissy Mayer of DCCCA led a free training session this week on how to acquire, store and administer Narcan in case someone overdoses on opioids.
New Lawrence clinic tailors health care to Spanish-speaking community members
When Natalia Leistner saw a need for local medical options that cater to Spanish-speaking community members, she took action.
Water leaks – obvious or hidden – can cause spikes in usage and high bills
Water leaks can wreak havoc on one’s home and finances. Here’s how to handle a sudden increase in water charges and where to go for help in Lawrence.
Here’s where kids can eat free lunches in Lawrence this summer
Children ages 18 and younger will be able to eat a free lunch on weekdays at six locations in Lawrence throughout the summer, starting June 5.
Kansans: Act fast if you need to change your gender marker on legal docs, attorney says; here’s how
Time is likely limited for transgender folks to get their gender markers changed on their Kansas birth certificates and IDs, according to an attorney who’s an expert on the topic. Here are the basics of how the process works.
Douglas County District Court opens its self-help office
People who need some help with court forms, understanding court processes and finding resources will now be able to get that help at the Douglas County District Court’s Legal Self-Help Office.
Kansas could remove thousands of people from Medicaid rolls. Here’s what to do if you’re on KanCare
Thousands of Kansans are at risk of losing Medicaid coverage as the state begins reviewing who still qualifies after a three-year pause. Experts and health care advocates advise people on how to best prepare.
Draft strategic plan sets goals for Douglas County to reach functional zero homelessness
A draft strategic plan sets a goal of 2028 for Lawrence and Douglas County to achieve functional zero homelessness. The plan emphasizes equity, inclusion, and correcting imbalances of power.
Lawrence police warn of scam: Caller asks victim to download a computer program
The Lawrence Police Department issued a warning Friday about a scam in which a caller asks potential victims to download a computer program, then hacks their bank accounts.
FAQs, background info and timelines as Lawrence school board mulls closing buildings
The Lawrence Public Schools superintendent on Friday released his recommendation to close three elementary schools and repurpose a middle school. We’re looking to answer your questions about timelines, transportation, the budget and more.
Douglas County rent assistance program switching to lottery system sooner than planned; applications open
A Douglas County program is switching to a lottery system to distribute funding for residents in need of rent and utility assistance sooner than planned. Applications are open now.
Douglas County rent assistance program to switch to lottery system, lower per-household cap
The Douglas County Housing Stabilization Collaborative is moving away from a first-come, first-served model to distribute funding for residents in need of rent and utility assistance. It will also lower the maximum total payment in order to serve more households.
A look inside the Lawrence Public Library’s Sound + Vision Studio
Join Lawrence Times TV as we talk with Joel Bonner, the Sound + Vision Studio specialist at the Lawrence Public Library.
Bonner discusses how your library card is an all-access pass to recording studios, podcast booths, Adobe Creative Cloud and more.
Get help with your electricity or gas bill – federal funds available
People who need help with their gas or electric utility bills can apply through March 31 for a once-a-year federal benefit.