Federal fallout
Coverage tracking the Lawrence, Douglas County and statewide impacts of changes and cuts at the federal level.
Contact information for the congressional delegation representing Lawrence and Douglas County is available at this link. The nonprofit 5 Calls, 5calls.org, has phone numbers and templates of scripts to help people make their voices heard on several federal issues.
LATEST
Kansas governor says ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ could cost state $150 million or more
The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” is expected to cost Kansas at least $150 million as provisions cutting health care programs go into effect, Gov. Laura Kelly said in an interview with Kansas Reflector.
Kansas governor says ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ could cost state $150 million or more
The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” is expected to cost Kansas at least $150 million as provisions cutting health care programs go into effect, Gov. Laura Kelly said in an interview with Kansas Reflector.
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Kansas is one of the top hemp growing states, but a federal change threatens the industry
Kansas hemp growers and processors say a new, stricter federal law could derail the entire industry. The state has grown to one of the top five hemp producing states in the country.
Tariffs trickle into cost of Thanksgiving dinner, jilting consumers and farmers
The U.S. food industry is being hit hard by tariff policies and rising costs, and families see the effects in the cost of their Thanksgiving meals, according to a leader of the Kansas Farmers Union.
USDA prepares to reveal relief plan that could help Kansas farmers facing uncertainty
The head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture said the agency would roll out a relief plan for the country’s agriculture sector in December, offering potential good news in a year of uncertainty for Kansans.
Kansas, Missouri GOP officials agree to share voter registration details of 6 million people
The Republican secretaries of state for Kansas and Missouri signed an MOU to exchange voter registration information of 6 million people in a bid to identify people who failed to cancel registrations after moving from one state to the other.
Kansas federal attorneys went 5 months without pay, sparking constitutional crisis
For nearly 20 weeks, certain lawyers, paralegals, psychologists, interpreters, court reporters and investigators were not paid. Criminal defense attorneys say it’s a constitutional crisis.
This Lawrence diner owner says she’ll have to go without health insurance if federal subsidies end
Meg Heriford of Ladybird Diner said as a small business owner, tax subsidies offered through the marketplace help make health insurance a possibility for her. But that may change.
Sedgwick County and 19 other Kansas law enforcement agencies have signed agreements with ICE
The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office and 19 other Kansas law enforcement agencies have signed formal agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Kansas seeks share of federal government’s $50 billion rural health transformation program
Kansas turned in a 60-page application last week in hopes of receiving a share of $50 billion in federal money designed to transform rural health.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Where to get free meals this week in Lawrence
Groups throughout Lawrence are offering free meals amid the ongoing uncertainty surrounding SNAP benefits.
Kansas pays full November food assistance benefits; December payouts uncertain
After days of uncertainty about whether the federal government would release funding for food assistance, the Department for Children and Families announced Friday that it issued November benefits.
USDA’s food assistance miscalculation means more money to Kansas recipients
SNAP beneficiaries can expect to receive roughly two-thirds of their usual payments this month, and Kansas officials are working to determine when those payments can be made.
Kansas food assistance recipients set to receive partial payment — but no one knows when
It’s unclear how a federal judge’s order forcing the U.S. Department of Agriculture to release food program funds by Wednesday will affect Kansas recipients, state leaders said.
Lawrence school district welcomes food donations at schools
The Lawrence school district has launched a food drive to help meet its students’ immediate needs.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Lawrence community members at Día de Muertos honor loved ones, pets who have passed
Community members gathered at Lawrence’s Día de Muertos event Saturday evening to remember and celebrate loved ones who have passed, humans and animals alike.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Just Food and partners launch pantry fund to fight food insecurity in Lawrence, Douglas County
Just Food announced Friday the launch of a fund that will help the organization leverage its purchasing power to buy food for every pantry in Douglas County.
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