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
Free workshop Saturday in Lawrence to offer tips on protecting legal rights of LGBTQ+ families
A partnership between a Lawrence church and attorney aims to educate and empower queer parents and LGBTQ+ community members to safeguard their families’ legal rights.
Attorneys argue juries should know they don’t need to convict on unpopular abortion and drug laws
Jury nullification is allowed, but few know about this legal process because courts don’t tell juries they have this power.
Kansas expands postpartum Medicaid coverage up to 12 months
Kansas mothers now have health care coverage under KanCare up to 12 months post-delivery, and retroactive to April 1, Gov. Laura Kelly announced Tuesday.
Contributed image
Lawrence site offering free meals for kids twice a week through Aug. 13
Some of the local sites offering free summer meals for kids will soon wind down for the year, but one more is now available two days a week through Saturday, Aug. 13.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Douglas County elections office gets creative to overcome redistricting confusion
The deadline to request an advance ballot by mail is Tuesday — here’s how to do that. Also, County Clerk Jamie Shew shares how his office is handling hundreds of different ballots for Douglas County voters this year after redistricting.
Who’s getting abortions in Kansas? Plus more FAQs ahead of the Aug. 2 vote
On Tuesday, Aug. 2, voters statewide will decide on an issue that could permanently change Kansans’ health care rights.
Who’s getting abortions in Kansas? Here are some stats, plus answers to some FAQs about the amendment vote and what it means.
Lawrence families create mutual aid network during baby formula shortage
As a group of Lawrence moms and more band together to overcome a nationwide baby formula shortage, they’re showing the power of mutual aid and setting a model for how people in other communities can help their neighbors survive tough times.
Lawrence health department offering long-term birth control options
Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health is offering long-term birth control, including an arm implant and two types of IUDs, with flexible payment options.
Here’s how to apply for free and reduced-price meals in Lawrence Public Schools
The federal program that was providing universal free meals for all students amid the pandemic has been discontinued. Here’s how to apply for free or reduced-price meals for the 2022-23 school year in Lawrence Public Schools.
988 crisis line to go live Saturday; it’ll link Kansans quickly to mental health help
Beginning Saturday, Kansans considering suicide or experiencing a mental health crisis will be only 3 digits away from speaking directly to trained counselors available 24/7 and year-round.
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office launches online call log
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday announced the launch of an online call log, containing all calls received and initiated by sheriff’s office employees for the past seven days.
Kansans: Get registered and get ready to vote
Here’s our quick and easy voter guide — find out how to quickly register to vote, what’s on the Aug. 2 ballot, and choose how to cast your ballot in Douglas County, Kansas.
Moving in or out of a Lawrence rental property? Here’s a Q&A that might help
It’s that time of year again — many Lawrence renters’ leases run from August to July.
Here’s a Q&A to help address some of the common issues renters encounter near the beginning or end of a lease.
Mackenzie Clark / Lawrence Times
Here’s what to do in an encounter with law enforcement
At the end of the day, both the driver getting pulled over and the officer making the stop want to make it home safely. A Lawrence police lieutenant and a prosecutor on Saturday shared some advice on how to do that, plus other rights you should know.
Yes, you can still get an abortion right now in Kansas
Nothing has changed in Kansas, and those who need access to an abortion can still get one. But that could change on Aug. 2.
Mackenzie Clark / The Lawrence Times
Douglas County voters are still waiting on updated info cards, but here’s what to expect on ballots
Staff members in the Douglas County clerk’s office are still working to make sure they’ve got everything right before letting voters know about changes as the result of redistricting this year.
Lawrence Delta-8 distributors commit to compliance after DA clarifies guidelines; proprietors offer tips to find reputable sources
Douglas County’s top prosecutor says her office has not yet issued any notices for violating laws regulating the sale of certain forms of THC products, and Lawrence business owners would like to keep it that way.
But some proprietors fear that “One or two of these people are going to ruin it for everyone else.”
Lawrence Times illustration
Scam alert: No one should ask you for gift cards because you missed jury duty
Some area residents have recently been scammed out of $1,000 worth of gift cards by callers pretending to be current or retired Douglas County Sheriff’s Office deputies.
Douglas County folks with little ones: This new resource is meant for you
A new online resource launched this week to help Lawrence and Douglas County parents, families, caregivers and early childhood professionals support kids from birth to age 5.
Where kids 18 and younger can eat free summer meals in Douglas County
Free summer lunches are available for children at community sites in Lawrence, Baldwin City and Eudora, and one Lawrence site will also start serving breakfasts this week.
LDCFM/Contributed Photo
Fire Medical responders challenge you to learn to save a life — it might be easier than you think
Starting chest compressions before first responders arrive increases the chance that a person will survive a cardiac arrest by three times. But in Douglas County, bystanders start hands-only CPR just about half as often as the national average.
Guide to Lawrence Loop aims to help people with mobility limitations navigate city’s nature trails
A group of local people and organizations have collaborated to create a guide to the most accessible routes along the Lawrence Loop.
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Red flags can help identify dangerous, abusive situations
A former neighbor said she knew what happened as soon as she saw Regan Gibbs’ face on the news. She’d called police twice after witnessing altercations in the apartment complex parking lot.
You should still call, but people can now text 911 in Douglas County
People in Douglas County now have the ability to text 911 in situations where they are unable to safely call, the sheriff’s office announced Friday.
