By Sherman Smith | editor-in-chief
Good morning! I am happy to report we learned Thursday night that Kansas Reflector opinion editor Clay Wirestone and Sunday columnist Max McCoy received national accolades for their work. This is the third time since 2021 that McCoy has won a first-place National Society of Newspaper Columnists award.
Eric Thomas for Kansas Reflector
OPINION
Surprise over Algeria’s World Cup welcome shows how media misunderstand Kansas and Lawrence
By Eric Thomas
When Spain won the 2026 World Cup Sunday, journalists and the sports media reflected on the highlights of the 104-game North American tournament: the top goals, the funniest social media memes and the heartwarming stories.
The city of Lawrence — and its hosting of the Algerian national team — came up often.
The joyful bond between Kansas’s most famous college town and the Desert Foxes, as the Algerian team is known, was catnip. The team’s weeks-long stay in America before and in-between matches showed Lawrence locals welcoming and celebrating their adopted team.
Heartwarming indeed.
However, in addition to the sweet vibes, some media types frequently saw — if not manufactured — something curious as Lawrence happily hosted Algeria.
Submitted
Central Kansas education board candidates have competing views on literacy, cellphones, funding
TOPEKA — While a Democratic State Board of Education candidate believes all Kansas families should choose public school, her Republican opponent for the south-central district homeschools her three children.
And both candidates have different approaches to improving literacy, public school funding and cellphone use in the classroom.
CDC
Kansas cases of illness causing explosive diarrhea jump to 289
TOPEKA — Kansas cases of an infection that causes gastrointestinal illness increased to 289 over the past week, and the state’s health agency said they are connected to a national outbreak.
The state’s cyclosporiasis cases are part of more than 7,400 cases reported nationally and are linked to Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce, which was voluntarily recalled from restaurants and grocery stores on Friday, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment said in a news release Wednesday.
Kansas Reflector columnist wins first-place national award for second-straight year
EMPORIA — Kansas Reflector columnist Max McCoy won a first-place National Society of Newspaper Columnists award for the second year in a row, claiming the top prize for humor writing.
US House and Senate split on ending Trump’s war in Iran, as gas prices rise
WASHINGTON — One day after President Donald Trump attended the dignified transfer of the remains of four U.S. service members killed as a result of the Iran conflict, the two chambers of Congress were at odds over whether to rein in the president’s military powers in the monthslong war.
Leading Dem on US House education panel, advocates blast student loan changes
WASHINGTON — Education experts and advocates warned Wednesday that the recent federal student loan system overhaul stemming from the GOP’s mega tax and spending cut law will drive borrowers to private lenders and could derail their higher education plans.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Kansas Reflector staff will participate in the following free public forums.
2 p.m. Sept. 27, Red Rocks Visitor Center in Emporia. Host: Red Rocks.
If you're interested in having us talk in your town, email Sherman Smith at [email protected].
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