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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Federal grants cut for programs supporting Haskell, KU student researchers
Federal funding for KU programs that enable Haskell and KU students to conduct scientific research, further their studies and launch their careers has suddenly been terminated.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Just Food facing major cut in food, seeking community support
Because of federal cuts to food assistance, Just Food, the Douglas County food bank, will receive about 30% less food over the next few months for a program that feeds more than 5,500 local people.
Kansas’ federal delegation, public invited to virtual town hall
Kansans and the Congressional delegation representing them in Washington, D.C., are invited to a town hall webinar Monday on how federal policy changes are impacting Kansans.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence cuts some employees, facing potential $1M shortfall
The Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence, facing a budget shortfall that could rise to more than $1 million, has eliminated several positions, the organization announced. Current programs and services will continue as normal, however.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
More Haskell staff members to be reinstated
Several more of the Haskell Indian Nations University employees who were cut under federal orders last month will now be reinstated, according to an update from the university president.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Watkins Museum, Lawrence library directors discuss potential fallout from federal order
Much is still unknown about how a recent executive order targeting the federal agency known as IMLS will ultimately impact Lawrence’s museums and libraries, but the stakes are high.
Leavenworth city leaders say CoreCivic needs permission to open immigration detention center
The Leavenworth City Commission voted unanimously on Tuesday for a resolution that says a private prison operator must get permission before reopening its facility in the city, rebuking the for-profit company’s plan to work with ICE.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Housing Authority to temporarily close wait list for one of its programs
The Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority will soon pause accepting applications for a transitional housing program that currently has a four-year waitlist.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Lawrence school district facing underfunded special education, enrollment decrease
The Lawrence school district is bracing for another year of underfunded special education from the state while the federal government picks systems apart.
She arrived in Overland Park undocumented. It took her 22 years to get her citizenship
Natalie Zarate, 28, spent two decades working to become a citizen after crossing the border illegally as a child. Now she worries that the Trump administration’s efforts to crack down on immigration could endanger her and her family.
Kansas government efficiency committee restricts access to public suggestions
The chair of the Kansas Senate Committee on Government Efficiency restricted access to public submissions to its suggestion portal until after this legislative session, despite state law that requires public records be made available as soon as possible.
Kansas House members share family history while opposing resolution on immigration
House members shared personal family history Thursday as they discredited anti-immigrant rhetoric that echoed through committee hearings earlier in the legislative session.
Even in conservative Kansas, many law enforcement agencies don’t want to help with deportations
Federal agencies would need help from local law enforcement to accomplish their goal of widespread arrests and deportations – and many police departments and sheriff’s offices in Kansas are hesitant to help.
Art auction to benefit Haskell cultural preservation; artists welcome to donate
Proceeds from a Lawrence art auction will support cultural programs at Haskell Indian Nations University following federal cuts to university employees.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Haskell bracing for ‘another hit’ as feds call for reduction-in-force plans
Haskell was able to take a step forward, rehiring several employees who were fired without cause under federal orders, but it could face two steps back with Trump administration demands for reduction-in-force plans.
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