By Morgan Chilson | senior reporter
Good morning! Kansas received its annual report card on foster care showing that, while improvements were made in some areas, problems remain. Escalating diesel prices are challenging farmers, who already are feeling the sting of tariffs and drought.
And editorial editor Clay Wirestone is reining in a storm he helped create, reminding everyone that Kansas leans Republican, even if Democrats are excited about the possibility of Adam Hamilton walking away with the election.
Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector
Report: Kansas fails to meet housing, mental health needs of vulnerable children in foster care
TOPEKA — The annual assessment of Kansas foster care reform required by settlement of a class-action lawsuit indicates the state improved health screening and crisis intervention for vulnerable children, but it fell short in advancement of home placement stability.
The Center for the Study of Social Policy, a nonprofit organization in Washington, D.C., said in the report covering the 2025 calendar year that Kansas Department for Children and Families and its contractors did better in terms of providing screening and intervention services for children removed from their home.
However, the report says hundreds of vulnerable children had their lives further disrupted when compelled to spend the night in contractor offices or unlicensed centers — especially in the Wichita region — rather than at a licensed foster home.
Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector
Kansas State agricultural economist predicts diesel prices will remain high through 2027
TOPEKA — Diesel costs are likely to remain elevated through next year to the detriment of farmers struggling to turn a profit and consumers grappling with food inflation, a Kansas State University agricultural economist says.
Gregg Ibendahl, farm management specialist with KSU’s Extension Service, said the diesel market was influenced by soaring crude prices, limited refining capacity and supply system interruptions. Consequences of international conflict may sustain those conditions and hold prices at $6 to $7 per gallon into 2027 or beyond, he said.
Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector
OPINION
Overheated Kansas Democrats need to take an ice bath. Hamilton-Marshall race has weeks to go.
By Clay Wirestone
Let’s dump a big bucket of ice water over the heads of Kansas Democrats and national news media.
Yes, I understand that everyone wants to jump on the story of Democrat Adam Hamilton giving U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Sarasota, a run for his money in this fall's election. Don't get me wrong. It’s a great story.
But it’s only a great story if it happens.
Kansans have not elected a Democrat to a U.S. Senate seat since 1932, and there’s a really simple reason for that. Kansas is a really Republican state.
‘Drive them into hell’: Trump ponders destruction of Iran at United Nations
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump faces a “big decision” to make a deal with Iran or “annihilate” the country, he told the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday.
During a 37-minute speech to his international counterparts including Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in New York City, Trump asked, “Will a deal be made with Iran that lets them rebuild and create a far greater country than it ever was before?”
Democrats, experts call for revocation of school voucher program under adoption by states
WASHINGTON — Education experts and advocates on Tuesday urged Congress to repeal an incoming national school voucher program over concerns that it will divert critical funds away from public schools to private institutions.
U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono convened a Democratic-led panel to sound the alarm on the sweeping program, which marks a key pillar of President Donald Trump’s and congressional Republicans’ efforts surrounding school choice.
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.
6:30 p.m. Sept. 30, Round Table Bookstore in Topeka, meet author Clay Wirestone.
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.
5:30 p.m. Oct. 19, Frank Carlson Library in Concordia. Host: NCK Voters.
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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