By Sherman Smith | editor-in-chief
Good morning! The entire Kansas Reflector staff is headed to Hutchinson this morning to cover the raucous state fair debates between candidates for governor and U.S. Senate. Tune in to our Facebook and TikTok channels for videos, and look for stories at KansasReflector.com and in the Sunday newsletter.
Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector
Kansas governor and U.S. Senate candidates to clash at state fair debates
TOPEKA — The first political debates of the election season come to the Kansas State Fair on Saturday, putting candidates vying for governor and the U.S. Senate on stage along with the normal fair gigs of wood carvers, pig races and cookie demonstrations.
The days leading up to a 10:30 a.m. debate between gubernatorial candidates Sens. Ty Masterson and Cindy Holscher have been rife with social media zingers and denunciations of political strategies and life choices — and arguments about using notes onstage.
At 1:30 p.m., Democratic candidate Adam Hamilton and Republican candidate Sen. Roger Marshall will take the stage to tout their stances on national issues, agriculture and other topics important to Kansans.
Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector
Kansas Supreme Court finds deeper meaning in pothole-triggered traffic accident
TOPEKA — Troy Alan Martin was northbound on Topeka Boulevard when his car struck a large pothole, jolting the vehicle with enough force that it slammed into a median, rolled several times and ejected him onto the street.
Martin, who wasn’t wearing a seatbelt, survived the July 2, 2019, encounter with a crater big enough for an adult to place both feet inside. Because of injuries sustained in the crash, Martin filed a negligence lawsuit against the city of Topeka alleging it failed to reasonably maintain the road.
Getty Images
OPINION
Stigma begone: If you’re in your mid-40s, schedule a colonoscopy without delay. It’s fine! Really!
By Clay Wirestone
I don’t like to preach in these columns. I’d rather poke fun and spoof craven politicians. This world contains many people who believe many different things, and I like to acknowledge that wondrous diversity.
But sometimes, circumstances demand a bit of the old fire and brimstone.
Frustrations, remorse and pain surface on 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 attacks
Powerful U.S. officials past and present faced families, survivors and first responders Friday at ceremonies to honor the 25th anniversary of the day 2,977 Americans died in terrorist attacks in Virginia, New York and Pennsylvania.
How the US House could overturn the midterm election results
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump tried to maintain power following his loss in the 2020 election by exerting pressure on state election officials to, in some cases, “find” the votes.
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.
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].
Thanks for reading Read & Reflect. Did you know our weekend digest is also free? Sign up here. And if you enjoyed today’s edition, please forward to a friend. Increasing our readership helps us cover more news.