Sherman Smith, Kansas Reflector editor in chief
@journalist-sherman.bsky.social
I write news stories of public interest.
Reposted by Sherman Smith, Kansas Reflector editor in chief
Sierra Club sues federal agency over decision to fast-track new power projects | #ksleg via @crazeywriter.bsky.social kansasreflector.com/2025/11/21/s...
Sierra Club sues federal agency over decision to fast-track new power projects • Kansas Reflector
An environmental organization is challenging a federal decision that allows the Southwest Power Pool to fast-track new utility generation.
kansasreflector.com
November 21, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Sierra Club sues federal agency over decision to fast-track new power projects | #ksleg via @crazeywriter.bsky.social kansasreflector.com/2025/11/21/s...
Reposted by Sherman Smith, Kansas Reflector editor in chief
U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids encourages House vote on extending tax credit for health insurance | #ksleg via @kansascarpenter.bsky.social kansasreflector.com/2025/11/21/u...
U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids encourages House vote on extending tax credit for health insurance • Kansas Reflector
Rep. Sharice Davids wants House vote on ACA tax break. Sen. Jerry Moran is eager to shield FAA from shutdowns. Rep. Ron Estes strives for CBO transparency.
kansasreflector.com
November 21, 2025 at 4:11 PM
U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids encourages House vote on extending tax credit for health insurance | #ksleg via @kansascarpenter.bsky.social kansasreflector.com/2025/11/21/u...
Reposted by Sherman Smith, Kansas Reflector editor in chief
“We’re not going to get involved if someone entered the country illegally, but while they’re here, if they’re committing crimes… I don’t think they belong here at that point, and you can quote me on that.” @kansas.com www.kansas.com/news/politic...
Sedgwick County has entered into an agreement with ICE. What does that mean?
“We’re not going to get involved if someone entered the country illegally, but while they’re here, if they’re committing crimes…”
www.kansas.com
November 21, 2025 at 5:25 PM
“We’re not going to get involved if someone entered the country illegally, but while they’re here, if they’re committing crimes… I don’t think they belong here at that point, and you can quote me on that.” @kansas.com www.kansas.com/news/politic...
In case you missed it: The Kansas Museum of History is reopening Saturday after a three-year, $6 million renovation. Admission is free for opening weekend.
Details: kansasreflector.com/2025/11/10/r...
Details: kansasreflector.com/2025/11/10/r...
November 21, 2025 at 2:34 PM
In case you missed it: The Kansas Museum of History is reopening Saturday after a three-year, $6 million renovation. Admission is free for opening weekend.
Details: kansasreflector.com/2025/11/10/r...
Details: kansasreflector.com/2025/11/10/r...
Reposted by Sherman Smith, Kansas Reflector editor in chief
A group of Democratic secretaries of state in a letter to top Trump administration officials say they’re concerned the administration misled them about how it would use voter data collected from their states.
From @quentinyoung.bsky.social
coloradonewsline.com/2025/11/18/s...
From @quentinyoung.bsky.social
coloradonewsline.com/2025/11/18/s...
State election officials in letter ask if they were 'misled' by Trump administration | Colorado Newsline
A group of Democratic secretaries of state in a letter to top Trump administration officials say they're concerned they were misled.
coloradonewsline.com
November 18, 2025 at 3:08 PM
A group of Democratic secretaries of state in a letter to top Trump administration officials say they’re concerned the administration misled them about how it would use voter data collected from their states.
From @quentinyoung.bsky.social
coloradonewsline.com/2025/11/18/s...
From @quentinyoung.bsky.social
coloradonewsline.com/2025/11/18/s...
Reposted by Sherman Smith, Kansas Reflector editor in chief
Opinion editor @claywires.bsky.social writes: He’s a Kansas journalism icon. He’s written more than 2,000 stories for us. He’s Tim Carpenter. #ksleg
He's a Kansas journalism icon. He's written more than 2,000 stories for us. He's Tim Carpenter. • Kansas Reflector
Tim Carpenter is not a man who rests on his laurels. This is a man who doesn’t know what laurels are or what they're good for.
kansasreflector.com
November 14, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Opinion editor @claywires.bsky.social writes: He’s a Kansas journalism icon. He’s written more than 2,000 stories for us. He’s Tim Carpenter. #ksleg
Reposted by Sherman Smith, Kansas Reflector editor in chief
Great news for Press Freedom:
Marion County, Kansas, agreed Monday to pay $3.05 million for its role in disavowed raids on the Marion County Record newsroom and two homes in 2023. The county agreed to apologize, concede wrongdoing likely occurred, and more.
marionrecord.com?display+coun...
Marion County, Kansas, agreed Monday to pay $3.05 million for its role in disavowed raids on the Marion County Record newsroom and two homes in 2023. The county agreed to apologize, concede wrongdoing likely occurred, and more.
marionrecord.com?display+coun...
Marion County RECORD
Marion County RECORD newspaper: news and sports from Antelope, Aulne, Burdick, Canada, Durham, Eastshore, Florence, Lincolnville, Lost Springs, Marion, Marion County Lake, Marion Reservoir, Pilsen, Ra...
marionrecord.com
November 11, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Great news for Press Freedom:
Marion County, Kansas, agreed Monday to pay $3.05 million for its role in disavowed raids on the Marion County Record newsroom and two homes in 2023. The county agreed to apologize, concede wrongdoing likely occurred, and more.
marionrecord.com?display+coun...
Marion County, Kansas, agreed Monday to pay $3.05 million for its role in disavowed raids on the Marion County Record newsroom and two homes in 2023. The county agreed to apologize, concede wrongdoing likely occurred, and more.
marionrecord.com?display+coun...
An extraordinary admission: "The Sheriff’s Office wishes to express its sincere regrets to Eric and Joan Meyer and Ruth and Ronald Herbel for its participation in the drafting and execution of the Marion Police Department’s search warrants on their homes and the Marion County Record" #ksleg
Breaking: Marion County agrees to pay out $3M for newspaper raid, express regret kansasreflector.com/2025/11/11/m...
Marion County agrees to pay out $3M for newspaper raid, express regret • Kansas Reflector
A handful of county-level officials who were involved in a small-town Kansas newspaper raid in 2023 will pay a cumulative $3 million to three journalists and a city councilor.
kansasreflector.com
November 11, 2025 at 5:40 PM
An extraordinary admission: "The Sheriff’s Office wishes to express its sincere regrets to Eric and Joan Meyer and Ruth and Ronald Herbel for its participation in the drafting and execution of the Marion Police Department’s search warrants on their homes and the Marion County Record" #ksleg
I'm on vacation but filed this podcast and story about the renovated state history museum, which reopens after three years later this month #ksleg kansasreflector.com/2025/11/10/r...
Renovated Kansas Museum of History tells stories of 'everyday people fighting for their beliefs' • Kansas Reflector
A reimagined Kansas Museum of History, which has been closed for three years, will reopen Nov. 22 with free admission, food trucks, music and special guests.
kansasreflector.com
November 10, 2025 at 5:24 PM
I'm on vacation but filed this podcast and story about the renovated state history museum, which reopens after three years later this month #ksleg kansasreflector.com/2025/11/10/r...
“Why the President would petition the highest court to deny food to hungry children is beyond me. It does nothing to advance his political agenda. It does not hurt his perceived enemies. It only hurts our most vulnerable and our reputation around the globe.” kansasreflector.com/2025/11/09/r...
November 9, 2025 at 7:28 PM
“Why the President would petition the highest court to deny food to hungry children is beyond me. It does nothing to advance his political agenda. It does not hurt his perceived enemies. It only hurts our most vulnerable and our reputation around the globe.” kansasreflector.com/2025/11/09/r...
House Speaker Dan Hawkins stripped three Republicans of committee chairmanships for refusing to sign a petition calling for a special legislative session to redraw congressional boundaries #ksleg with @kansascarpenter.bsky.social kansasreflector.com/2025/11/07/k...
Kansas House speaker punishes GOP colleagues for not supporting special session • Kansas Reflector
Kansas House speaker uses unilateral power to strip fellow Republicans of committee assignments for blocking a special session on U.S. House redistricting.
kansasreflector.com
November 7, 2025 at 10:25 PM
House Speaker Dan Hawkins stripped three Republicans of committee chairmanships for refusing to sign a petition calling for a special legislative session to redraw congressional boundaries #ksleg with @kansascarpenter.bsky.social kansasreflector.com/2025/11/07/k...
Reposted by Sherman Smith, Kansas Reflector editor in chief
Lawsuit delays $12B data center in Kansas City as community, environmental group voice concerns | via Erin Socha #ksleg
Lawsuit delays $12B data center in Kansas City as community, environmental group voice concerns • Kansas Reflector
A protest petition and lawsuit have put the brakes on a proposed $12 billion data center after zoning was initially approved by the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, in M...
kansasreflector.com
November 7, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Lawsuit delays $12B data center in Kansas City as community, environmental group voice concerns | via Erin Socha #ksleg
Reposted by Sherman Smith, Kansas Reflector editor in chief
Kansas tribes navigate future water problems without representation on statewide task force | via @anna-writes.bsky.social #ksleg
Kansas tribes navigate future water problems without representation on statewide task force • Kansas Reflector
Joseph Rupnick, chairman of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribal Council, is disappointed that the recently formed Kansas water task force does not include any Native American representation.
kansasreflector.com
November 7, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Kansas tribes navigate future water problems without representation on statewide task force | via @anna-writes.bsky.social #ksleg
Senior reporter @crazeywriter.bsky.social and I had a fun time with the folks in Hiawatha last night. Sign up for our free daily newsletter (kansasreflector.com/subscribe/) to find out about upcoming town halls and other staff events #ksleg
November 7, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Senior reporter @crazeywriter.bsky.social and I had a fun time with the folks in Hiawatha last night. Sign up for our free daily newsletter (kansasreflector.com/subscribe/) to find out about upcoming town halls and other staff events #ksleg
Reposted by Sherman Smith, Kansas Reflector editor in chief
Kansas utility regulators today passed a large-load tariff that is expected to. help spread out costs of meeting data center and other big power user needs so that the costs don't hit residential and small businesses. kansasreflector.com/2025/11/06/n...
New Kansas rules set guidelines for data centers, big power users to protect smaller customers • Kansas Reflector
New Kansas businesses with demanding electricity requirements will be subject to a large-load tariff after the KCC approved it Thursday
kansasreflector.com
November 6, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Kansas utility regulators today passed a large-load tariff that is expected to. help spread out costs of meeting data center and other big power user needs so that the costs don't hit residential and small businesses. kansasreflector.com/2025/11/06/n...
Reposted by Sherman Smith, Kansas Reflector editor in chief
‘Elephant in the room’: Beneficient executives respond to former CEO’s fraud indictment | via @kansascarpenter.bsky.social #ksleg
‘Elephant in the room’: Beneficient executives respond to former CEO's fraud indictment • Kansas Reflector
TOPEKA — Beneficient executives and attorneys pleaded Thursday for patience and understanding from the Kansas Legislature after indictment of the firm’s founder, who used spectacular predictions of we...
kansasreflector.com
November 6, 2025 at 10:19 PM
‘Elephant in the room’: Beneficient executives respond to former CEO’s fraud indictment | via @kansascarpenter.bsky.social #ksleg
Reposted by Sherman Smith, Kansas Reflector editor in chief
Kansas farmers welcome news of China’s crop commitments | via @crazeywriter.bsky.social #ksleg
Kansas farmers welcome news of China’s crop commitments • Kansas Reflector
China’s plan to increase soybean and sorghum purchases moved the market in a positive direction and gave Kansas farmers a measure of relief.
kansasreflector.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Kansas farmers welcome news of China’s crop commitments | via @crazeywriter.bsky.social #ksleg
Reposted by Sherman Smith, Kansas Reflector editor in chief
The mayor of a Kansas town has been charged with voter fraud — AG Kris Kobach says he’s not a U.S. citizen
From @crazeywriter.bsky.social
bsky.app/profile/kans...
From @crazeywriter.bsky.social
bsky.app/profile/kans...
Kansas mayor charged with alleged voter fraud; state leader says ‘hundreds’ more cases expected | via @crazeywriter.bsky.social #ksleg
Kansas mayor charged with alleged voter fraud; state leader says ‘hundreds’ more cases expected • Kansas Reflector
The mayor of Coldwater, Kansas, is charged with committing voter fraud after voting when he is not a United States citizen.
kansasreflector.com
November 5, 2025 at 10:14 PM
The mayor of a Kansas town has been charged with voter fraud — AG Kris Kobach says he’s not a U.S. citizen
From @crazeywriter.bsky.social
bsky.app/profile/kans...
From @crazeywriter.bsky.social
bsky.app/profile/kans...
Update with statement from Senate President Ty Masterson: "President Trump asked Republicans to fight for fair maps and for America’s future. We did our part — and we’ll keep leading the charge here in Kansas." #ksleg
Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins acknowledged Tuesday that he didn’t gather enough support from his Republican caucus to force a special session on Friday as planned #ksleg via @crazeywriter.bsky.social kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansa...
Kansas House speaker waves white flag on special session as congresswoman considers Senate run • Kansas Reflector
Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins said Tuesday that he didn't gather enough support from his Republican caucus to force a special session.
kansasreflector.com
November 5, 2025 at 1:20 AM
Update with statement from Senate President Ty Masterson: "President Trump asked Republicans to fight for fair maps and for America’s future. We did our part — and we’ll keep leading the charge here in Kansas." #ksleg
We've been pointing out problems with Heppner's business dealings for years now, while lawmakers ignored a cacophony of alarms #ksleg kansasreflector.com/2022/04/24/k...
November 5, 2025 at 1:08 AM
We've been pointing out problems with Heppner's business dealings for years now, while lawmakers ignored a cacophony of alarms #ksleg kansasreflector.com/2022/04/24/k...
Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins acknowledged Tuesday that he didn’t gather enough support from his Republican caucus to force a special session on Friday as planned #ksleg via @crazeywriter.bsky.social kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansa...
Kansas House speaker waves white flag on special session as congresswoman considers Senate run • Kansas Reflector
Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins said Tuesday that he didn't gather enough support from his Republican caucus to force a special session.
kansasreflector.com
November 5, 2025 at 1:03 AM
Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins acknowledged Tuesday that he didn’t gather enough support from his Republican caucus to force a special session on Friday as planned #ksleg via @crazeywriter.bsky.social kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansa...
(1/2) House Speaker Dan Hawkins on the failure to call a special session as planned for Friday: “Planning a Special Session is always going to be an uphill battle with multiple agendas, scheduling conflicts, and many other unseen factors at play. ..." #ksleg
November 5, 2025 at 12:19 AM
(1/2) House Speaker Dan Hawkins on the failure to call a special session as planned for Friday: “Planning a Special Session is always going to be an uphill battle with multiple agendas, scheduling conflicts, and many other unseen factors at play. ..." #ksleg
Brad Heppner was indicted in federal court on counts of securities fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit securities and wire fraud, making false statements to auditors, and falsification of records. #ksleg via @kansascarpenter.bsky.social kansasreflector.com/2025/11/04/f...
Former Beneficient CEO who acquired unique Kansas bank charter indicted on fraud charges • Kansas Reflector
Former CEO of Texas company given a Kansas bank charter is indicted for allegedly pilfering $150 million for personal benefit from now-bankrupt business.
kansasreflector.com
November 4, 2025 at 10:48 PM
Brad Heppner was indicted in federal court on counts of securities fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit securities and wire fraud, making false statements to auditors, and falsification of records. #ksleg via @kansascarpenter.bsky.social kansasreflector.com/2025/11/04/f...
Reposted by Sherman Smith, Kansas Reflector editor in chief
Kansas leaders honor new ‘front door’ to state government at Docking State Office Building | via @crazeywriter.bsky.social #ksleg
Kansas leaders honor new ‘front door’ to state government at Docking State Office Building • Kansas Reflector
State leaders gathered at the new Robert B. Docking State Office Building to celebrate completion of the three-year, $120 million project.
kansasreflector.com
October 30, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Kansas leaders honor new ‘front door’ to state government at Docking State Office Building | via @crazeywriter.bsky.social #ksleg
Reposted by Sherman Smith, Kansas Reflector editor in chief
Kansas ACLU files suit challenging judges' extension of probation for years to collect victim restitution payments. kansasreflector.com/2025/10/30/a... @kansascarpenter.bsky.social
ACLU of Kansas files lawsuit challenging linkage of probation to restitution payments • Kansas Reflector
TOPEKA — The American Civil Liberties of Kansas filed a federal lawsuit Thursday challenging decisions of judges in Johnson County District Court to order probation based on whether a defendant can pa...
kansasreflector.com
October 30, 2025 at 9:49 PM
Kansas ACLU files suit challenging judges' extension of probation for years to collect victim restitution payments. kansasreflector.com/2025/10/30/a... @kansascarpenter.bsky.social