By Clay Wirestone | opinion editor
Good morning! Many thanks to our friends in Council Grove and environs who showed up last night for the Reflector’s town hall. I wasn’t there, as a head cold continues to linger, but I sent along a note with my regards. Now, let’s spend a moment on the news.
Submitted
Kansas attorney general misses annual law enforcement memorial event during trip to Ireland
TOPEKA — Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach was absent from the state’s ceremony May 1 honoring four Kansas law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty because he traveled to Ireland to gather insights into dealing with hooligan fans during World Cup soccer events.
The solemn ceremony at the Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial was attended by U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, Gov. Laura Kelly, Kansas Highway Patrol Col. Erik Smith and hundreds of others who paid tribute to four of the state’s law enforcement officers who perished last year. Instead of participating in the service, Kobach traveled to Ireland with other elected officials associated with the U.S. Attorney General Alliance. Kobach’s replacement at the Topeka memorial was Tony Mattivi, director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.
The deceased officers added to Kansas’ granite memorial: Phillips County Undersheriff Pierce Gaede, Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Deputy Elijah La’Mose Ming, Hays Police Department Sgt. Scott William Heimann and Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department Officer Hunter Lee Simoncic.
Chris Mann, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for attorney general, said he was disappointed Kobach wasn’t present at the Statehouse for the memorial. Mann asserted Kobach had in the past prioritized his personal ambitions and in this instance the attorney general chose not to take part in this public opportunity to honor law enforcement officers who died while serving Kansans.
Tim Carpenter / Kansas Reflector
Kansas Democrat makes reelection campaign for U.S. House seat official
TOPEKA — U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids of Kansas formally launched a reelection campaign Monday tied to reinforcing the role of Congress in controlling the rising cost of living for consumers and to moderate disruption within the federal government caused by executive branch overreach.
Sherman Smith / Kansas Reflector
Kansas abortion rights advocate hoping for encore defeat of constitutional amendment in August vote
LAWRENCE — Kansas Abortion Fund president Sandy Brown wants Kansans to show up in August and repeat their 2022 decision to defeat a constitutional amendment that could upend abortion rights in the state.
Kansas state employees retain choice of Blue Cross, Aetna for health insurance
TOPEKA — Kansas state employees can choose between two health insurance companies after the Health Care Commission voted Monday to move forward with Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas.
As the World Cup descends on Kansas City, a literary warmup for understanding soccer’s spread
OPINION
By Tim Bascom
Because soccer is the most popular sport worldwide, there are many books related to the game. But as we anticipate the 2026 World Cup and the six games Kansas City will host, let me recommend a pair of books that are not predictable biographies about superstars or championship teams.
Trump so far failing in quest for power over elections as midterms approach
As President Donald Trump tries to assert power over U.S. elections, he has raged on social media, cajoled Republican lawmakers and unleashed the Department of Justice on his political enemies.
Trump nominates ousted FEMA chief to return
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Monday nominated Cameron Hamilton to run the Federal Emergency Management Agency, a former acting chief who was fired in 2025 shortly after he told a congressional panel FEMA should continue to exist.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Kansas Reflector staff will participate in the following free public forums.
6:30 p.m. June 12, Kansas Museum of History in Topeka. Opinion editor Clay Wirestone will join a panel discussion: "From the Desk of William Allen White: What Can Journalism Today Learn from the Sage of Emporia?"
5:30 p.m. June 16, Bradbury Alumni Center at Washburn University in Topeka. Editor-in-chief Sherman Smith will lead a discussion on the proposed constitutional amendment to elect Kansas Supreme Court justices. Host: Kansas Appleseed. Register here.
6 p.m. June 24, Groover Labs in Wichita. Editor-in-chief Sherman Smith will lead a discussion on the proposed constitutional amendment to elect Kansas Supreme Court justices. Host: Kansas Appleseed. Register here.
6 p.m. June 25, Clint Bowyer Community Building in Emporia. Editor-in-chief Sherman Smith will lead a discussion on the proposed constitutional amendment to elect Kansas Supreme Court justices. Host: Kansas Appleseed. Register here.
7 p.m. June 27, Park City Senior Center. Host: Park City Community Pride.
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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