By Morgan Chilson | senior reporter
Good morning! Reporter Anna Kaminski has been tracking politics to keep you in the know. Sen. Jerry Moran is worried about the effects of proposed 50% tariffs on Kansans, while U.S. Senate candidates are taking shots at vacation homes as they hit the campaign trail.
In today’s column, you’ll hear from Ariona Cook about the importance of supporting youth in foster care as they explore their gender identities and why a legislative change is making that difficult.
Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector
US Sen. Jerry Moran warns of Canadian salt tariffs’ effect on Kansas taxpayers
Ahead of President Donald Trump’s temporary pause on 50% tariffs on Canada, Kansas Republican U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran urged the administration to “consider the consequences” of tariffs on Canadian salt imports, which are a crucial resource for winter road safety.
Moran said Tuesday he was concerned tariffs could disproportionately impact American businesses, local governments and taxpayers. Two major salt companies are based in Kansas — Morton Salt and Compass Minerals — and have mines in Canada.
Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector
Kansas US Senate candidates take digs at out-of-state vacation homes as voters await debate details
Kansas’ major U.S. Senate candidates, Rev. Adam Hamilton and U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, are making their opponent’s vacation homes a political sticking point as they pick apart each others’ histories and challenge their debate prowess before they even appear on a stage together.
OPINION
Dear Kansas agencies and foster parents: The government is letting down LGBTQ+ foster youths
By Ariona Cook
On June 24, 2025, a district court judge signed my name change order. By noon, I bore the last name Cook.
This change signaled more than a nominal tie to my chosen family. It marked my official departure from the generational cycles of domestic violence and addiction that lingered with my previous name.
Refugee admissions on track to hit record low
The number of refugees admitted to the United States during the first 10 months of the fiscal year is on pace to hit its lowest level on record, according to a new analysis. The new numbers reflect a steep decline in refugee admissions since President Donald Trump began his second term.
Federal judge halts proposed HHS changes to teen pregnancy prevention program
A federal judge in the District of Columbia issued an order Wednesday blocking U.S. Health and Human Services from implementing sweeping changes to grants under the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program while a lawsuit proceeds, but dozens of existing grants that were canceled this summer will remain so for now, unless the administration chooses to reinstate the funds.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Kansas Reflector staff will participate in the following free public forums.
3 p.m. Sept. 26, Washburn Library in Topeka. Opinion editor Clay Wirestone will participate in the panel “Why UPK: University Press of Kansas Celebrates 80 Years.” Host: Kansas Book Festival.
2 p.m. Sept. 27, Red Rocks Visitor Center in Emporia. Host: Red Rocks.
7 p.m. Sept. 29, Raven Book Store in Lawrence. Book release event for opinion editor Clay Wirestone’s “Opinionated.” Editor-in-chief Sherman Smith will moderate.
6 p.m. Oct. 12, Riverbank Brewing in Council Grove. Opinion editor Clay Wirestone talks about his book and the latest news. Host: Flint Hills Books.
6 p.m. Dec. 3, Prairie Star Restaurant in Manhattan. Host: League of Women Voters of Manhattan and Riley County.
If you're interested in having us talk in your town, email Sherman Smith at [email protected].
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