By Sherman Smith | editor-in-chief
Good morning! Opinion editor Clay Wirestone was one of the last people to interview the late U.S. Sen. Nancy Landon Kassebaum Baker, who talked to him for his forthcoming book about newspaper opinion writing in the 20th century. His column today shares some of her insight on the importance of local journalism.
Thad Allton for Kansas Reflector
OPINION
A final conversation with a Kansas political icon: In praise of local newspapers and community ties
By Clay Wirestone
In September 2024, I spoke to former U.S. Sen. Nancy Landon Kassebaum Baker for one of her last interviews.
I didn’t know that at the time, of course. Kassebaum died Friday at age 94, nearly two years after our conversation. But given her somewhat fragile health at the time, I understood the retired politician had chosen a life outside the public eye.
Her willingness to speak with me — for my upcoming book about Kansas opinion writers — came as a welcome surprise. I used only a small amount of our conversation in the book, but the rest seems more relevant now than it did before the reelection of Donald Trump and despicably partisan wrangling in state government.
Kassebaum was a fervent booster of local newspapers, and the reporting and commentary they contained. During our roughly 20-minute phone conversation, she was at pains to talk about how much she valued the insight they provided.
Getty Images
Trump’s court workarounds push limits but are within legal bounds, experts say
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has not slowed his pursuit of central policy goals and personal passions, even after major setbacks at the U.S. Supreme Court and other federal courts.
The high court in its 2026 term delivered blows to Trump’s core campaign promises to upend a constitutional provision governing who becomes a U.S. citizen at birth and to swiftly address the growing national debt with “trillions of dollars” raised by taxing imports.
Ashley Murray/States Newsroom
Race cars speed through D.C. in finale of Trump-backed Freedom 250 series
WASHINGTON — IndyCar took over the streets of the nation’s capital for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, the last in a series of events coordinated and promoted by President Donald Trump to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Just over two dozen racers zipped through a 1.66-mile course, reaching speeds up to 190 miles per hour as they traced a course down Pennsylvania and Independence avenues, crossing the National Mall twice, for the first-ever IndyCar series event in Washington, D.C.
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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