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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August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Public health specialists say Trump’s budget bill will harm health care structures, patients in Douglas County
Representatives from public health sectors and from the Haskell Friends and Family group spoke at a panel Thursday, attesting to the long-term negative health impacts of Trump’s budget bill across the nation and in Douglas County.
Lawrence Times TV
Douglas County food security advocates working on emergency plan for SNAP beneficiaries; here are some resources
Food security advocates throughout Douglas County are discussing an emergency response plan if SNAP benefits don’t come in for November. Here are some resources, plus info on how to help.
Kansas officials pressure Trump administration to keep SNAP funded during shutdown
Democrats and Republicans have different proposals to keep feeding nearly 190,000 Kansans as funding for SNAP assistance is still in question.
Food pantries sound the alarm as 188,000 Kansans prepare to lose food stamps
Food pantries are preparing for increased need as 188,000-plus Kansans will not receive SNAP benefits in November. Gov. Laura Kelly is joining Democrats from 24 other states in suing Trump’s administration over the lapsed funding.
‘We don’t shut down’: Kansas ag leaders tell Congress to get back to work
Kansas farm leaders are pushing Congress to get back to work and solve problems facing the agriculture industry, pointing out that a closed government doesn’t mean U.S. lawmakers can’t be in session.
Wulfe Wulfemeyer/Lawrence Times
Douglas County food security advocates discuss impacts of possible SNAP losses, food as a human right at workshop
A workshop on navigating food systems in Douglas County turned into an opportunity for speakers to address impending threats to SNAP and discuss how to build relationships to advocate for families experiencing food insecurity.
KU chancellor joins White House talks on Trump’s higher education deal
KU’s chancellor privately shared insights about a proposed compact offering preferential treatment by the Trump administration in exchange for freezing tuition rates, limiting international student enrollment and restraining campus employees from expressing political views.
Hundreds push back against authoritarianism at second No Kings protest in Lawrence
About 1,000 people lined the edges of Watson Park and spilled throughout the surrounding sidewalks of downtown Lawrence on Saturday to protest what they argue is an overreach of power by the Trump administration.
University of Kansas chancellor profiles hurdles for higher education, outlines KU achievements
KU Chancellor Doug Girod says dismantling of federal funding of university research, lukewarm state budgets, a precipitous drop in college-age students, rise of AI and inflation threaten the future of higher education.
Kansans may not receive food assistance payments in November if federal shutdown continues
The federal government shutdown could mean Kansans who rely on food assistance will miss a November payment, and the state is working to determine options should that occur.
Lawrence city commissioners approve $57.5M for second phase of city’s municipal services campus
Lawrence city commissioners on Tuesday approved a maximum price of $57.5 million for phase 2 of the Municipal Services and Operations campus under construction on the eastern edge of town for an estimated total of $130.1 million.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
No Kings protest against Trump administration coming up in Lawrence
Lawrence residents can join the national wave of No Kings protesters throughout Kansas with a local demonstration this weekend.
Kansas schools say they had no formal complaints about gender policies before investigation
The U.S. Department of Education threatened to withhold federal funding from 4 Kansas school districts last month over their policies for transgender students. The school districts are seeking support as they navigate a federal investigation.
Kansas disability service providers say conflict of interest rule could cause ‘massive’ problems
Complying with a federal policy designed to avoid conflicts of interest could cause “massive system disruption” for Kansans who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, an advocate told legislators.
CoreCivic inks new contract with ICE while awaiting legal decisions on Kansas prison
CoreCivic signed a new contract valued at $60 million a year with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to house migrant detainees at its Leavenworth facility, but the agreement won’t take effect until legal issues are resolved.
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