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
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.
Mackenzie Clark/Lawrence Times
‘A new era’ for open records in Kansas: Court says yes, electronic records must be provided electronically
When a person requests a copy of an electronic public record under the Kansas Open Records Act, public agencies must provide that copy in electronic format, the Kansas Supreme Court ruled Friday.
August Rudisell/The Lawrence Times
Ride Lawrence Transit for free this year
Lawrence Transit passengers can ride fare-free in 2023, starting Monday, Jan. 2.
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Lawrence to unveil its own PFLAG chapter for LGBTQ+ individuals, allies
Family members, friends and advocates of those identifying as LGBTQ+ soon will have a new local resource to help them and their loved ones.
Where to see holiday lights in Lawrence
Where to see holiday lights in Lawrence: Introducing The Lawrence Times 2022 Festive Map of Holiday Homes. John Brown marks the spot!
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Q&A: Bert Nash is changing to a new model of care. Here’s what it means.
After what critics call decades of underfunding, mental health reform is underway in Kansas. Here’s a Q&A on what it means for Bert Nash and its clients.
The student debt relief application is live: Here’s what you need to know
President Joe Biden announced Monday that student loan borrowers can begin to apply for debt relief through a new online application.
Lawrence and Douglas County voters: Here’s what to know to vote in the Nov. 8 election
There are local, state and national races on the ballot for the Nov. 8 election, plus two more constitutional amendments and a question about expanding Douglas County’s government to add two additional commissioners. Here’s what local voters should know.
No Spirit? No problem: Lawrence Halloween aficionados share DIY costume tips
Chris Leiszler is one Lawrencian unaffected by the lack of a Spirit Halloween store this year: crafting costumes in lieu of store-bought ones is his specialty.
Dot Nary: Holding events that welcome all (Column)
”Failing to accommodate disabled people in public discourse, in meetings, and on boards can result in loss of their contributions; programs that are exclusionary; plans that fail to address community needs; and events that do not comply with civil rights laws,” Dot Nary writes in this column.
Lawrence, Douglas County law enforcement to begin cracking down on drunk driving as part of prevention campaign
Lawrence and Douglas County law enforcement is cracking down on impaired and distracted driving starting Saturday and continuing through Labor Day. DUI convictions in Kansas have stiff penalties. Here’s what you should know.
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.
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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.
