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 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.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
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.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
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.
Molly Adams/Lawrence Times
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.
Tricia Masenthin/Lawrence Times
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.
Andrea Albright / The Lawrence Times
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.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
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.
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.
Contributed
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.
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