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
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.
More than 138,000 Kansas children miss out on free summer meals despite eligibility
Families of an estimated 138,776 Kansas school-age children could have received a $120 summer grocery card last year — they just didn’t submit the application.
WIC services coming to Baldwin City with monthly clinics
LMH Health and Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health are partnering to offer a WIC clinic in Baldwin City on the third Tuesday of each month.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
New city website shows burial sites of 64,000 people laid to rest in Lawrence cemeteries
The City of Lawrence has launched a new searchable database of burial records for Oak Hill, Memorial Park and Maple Grove cemeteries. People can also add information about the deceased.
Abby Bayani-Heitzman
Lawrence Music Alliance to kick off Music Business Month
The Lawrence Music Alliance has announced March as Music Business Month, a citywide initiative supporting local musicians, industry professionals and creatives through workshops, networking events and mentorship opportunities.
Court fees and traffic fines cost thousands of Kansans their licenses every year. A new law gives drivers some latitude
Advocates say Kansas laws have left thousands without legal means to drive — sometimes for years — just because they’re unable to pay fines. New reforms to suspended license rules have now gone into effect. Here’s what they mean for drivers.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Lawrence compost facility now to open for the season on March 8
Lawrence’s compost facility will now open for the season on Saturday, March 8, delayed a week by the relentless winter weather in the area.
August Rudisell / Lawrence Times
Save the date: Lawrence compost facility soon to open for the season
As the sky prepares to drop another several inches of snow on the town, there is good news for those dreaming of warmer days in the garden. Lawrence’s compost facility will soon open for the season.
Douglas County to open applications for property tax rebates for seniors, disabled veterans
Douglas County has launched its pilot program to give older people and veterans with service-related disabilities a break on their property taxes. Here’s how to apply.
Douglas County offering 10-week program to help parents of teenagers
Douglas County Youth Services offers a free 10-week program for those seeking new skills and support while raising teenagers.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Lawrence Community Shelter, city prepare for winter weather; here’s where to go and how to help
With the possibility of severe weather looming, the Lawrence Community Shelter, city and volunteers are preparing to ensure everyone who needs a warm place to sleep will have one.
Driving through Kansas for the holidays? Free app can help navigate detours, send weather alerts
A free app from KDOT can help travelers in Kansas navigate detours and avoid areas of heavy traffic, show live camera views of highways, send alerts of poor weather and more.
Where to see holiday lights in Lawrence – 2024 edition
It’s a bit overdue, but we’re thrilled to present our 2024 festive map of holiday homes!
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