By Clay Wirestone | opinion editor
Good morning! We’ve finally cast off the molten manacles of August for the … steamy shackles of September. Ah, well. Perhaps the temperatures will temper themselves in a few weeks. Given what I’m reading about climate change, perhaps not. Regardless, the news marches forward below.
Anna Kaminski / Kansas Reflector
Kansas pharmacist awaits data, expects state to save millions from transparency under new law
TOPEKA — A Lawrence pharmacy is losing revenue under a bipartisan law that holds the pharmacy industry to new standards of transparency.
That is what Will Anderson, owner of Orchards Pharmacy, expected when he fought for the passage of Senate Bill 20, which changes the way that pharmacy benefit managers operate. He said on the Kansas Reflector podcast that he expected payments to decrease while the industry adapts to the changes.
“A pharmacy benefit manager is one piece of the giant insurance companies, the conglomerates, the vertical monopolies, that control our healthcare system,” Anderson said. “The problem truly is that their power has consolidated, and therefore they have taken advantage of certain business practices by operating in the dark. They have taken advantage of their position to extract money from every player in the healthcare industry.”
Anna Kaminski / Kansas Reflector
U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall ‘frustrated’ by beef imports as Kansan worries about selling cattle
TOPEKA — U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall said he is “frustrated” President Donald Trump is importing beef from foreign countries, sparking fear among domestic cattle producers that the action could undercut their markets.
He rationalized the president’s move, arguing imported beef is necessary to replace the Mexican cattle exports lost to screwworm infections that plagued herds earlier this year.
Morgan Chilson / Kansas Reflector
OPINION
On Kansas roads less traveled, reassuring glimpses of rural communities standing strong
By Ben Palen
Like many of us I use the interstate highways for trips, although as I have gotten older I often take the roads less traveled — personally and professionally.
In a recent instance, I could have taken the easy way and traveled via Interstate 70, leaving that road at Exit 209. But I chose the other way. These journeys usually bring to mind William Least Heat Moon’s classic from the 1980s — “Blue Highways.” For the past 23 years, I have, without fail, taken those blue highways every August for a journey that is intensely personal.
Kansas COVID cases low as infections trend upward nationwide
TOPEKA — Cases of COVID-19 are increasing in 48 states, although emergency department visits are still low, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Judge calls Trump mail ballot rule ‘substantively unconstitutional’ as court battle extends
A Massachusetts federal judge on Monday declined the Trump administration’s request to overturn the temporary restraining order she signed last week that blocks the U.S. Postal Service from carrying out a rule placing new restrictions on mail-in voting.
Federal judge pauses case on mifepristone access until after midterm elections
A federal judge in Texas on Sunday paused a lawsuit seeking to revoke nationwide approval of the abortion drug mifepristone, saying the case won’t be heard until at least Dec. 1 and granting the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s request for a stay to continue its safety review of the drug.
Judge rules Justice Department can force-feed defendant in National Guard shooting
WASHINGTON — A federal judge over the weekend allowed the Trump administration to force-feed the man charged with shooting two National Guard members, killing one and injuring another, in the District of Columbia in November.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Kansas Reflector staff will participate in the following free public forums.
1-5 p.m. Sept. 6, Smoky Valley Arts & Folklife Center, Lindsborg. Opinion editor Clay Wirestone previews his new book at painter Mike Hartung’s latest exhibit.
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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