Clay Wirestone, Kansas Reflector opinion editor
@claywires.bsky.social
Tills the soil for takes @KansasReflector.com. Once called "more calming and grounding than a bottle of Xanax." Husband of Max, father of 13 year old.
Local boards and commissions have implemented nonpartisan elections because solid candidates transcend ideology politics. A school board member or city commissioner looks after the school district or city. National or state politics don’t enter into it. Or at least they shouldn’t. #ksleg
Opinion editor @claywires.bsky.social writes: Kansas election committee uncloaks main goal: Shoving more hardcore Republicans into office #ksleg
Kansas election committee uncloaks main goal: Shoving more hardcore Republicans into office • Kansas Reflector
The combined effect of this legislation would be to cement rightwing Republican control in municipal Kansas government.
kansasreflector.com
February 8, 2026 at 10:58 PM
Local boards and commissions have implemented nonpartisan elections because solid candidates transcend ideology politics. A school board member or city commissioner looks after the school district or city. National or state politics don’t enter into it. Or at least they shouldn’t. #ksleg
Today and tomorrow, you can order my upcoming book about groundbreaking Kansas opinion writers for an all-time low price. “Opinionated” blends history, reporting and my own commentary, and I’m pretty darn proud of it.
Use promo code 24KSDAY for 50% off! kansaspress.ku.edu/9780700643059/
Use promo code 24KSDAY for 50% off! kansaspress.ku.edu/9780700643059/
Opinionated
A nationally acclaimed opinion editor provides a winsome and eye-opening tour through the golden age of Kansas journalism, proving why local newspapers and i...
kansaspress.ku.edu
February 1, 2026 at 12:34 AM
Today and tomorrow, you can order my upcoming book about groundbreaking Kansas opinion writers for an all-time low price. “Opinionated” blends history, reporting and my own commentary, and I’m pretty darn proud of it.
Use promo code 24KSDAY for 50% off! kansaspress.ku.edu/9780700643059/
Use promo code 24KSDAY for 50% off! kansaspress.ku.edu/9780700643059/
We don't have a cover yet.
I haven't gone through copy edits.
Regardless, you can now preorder my first book, "Opinionated: Kansas Journalists Who Proved Why Commentary Matters—Then and Now.”
Use the promo code 24KSDAY26 through Sunday for 50% off! That works out to less that $20 for the book.
I haven't gone through copy edits.
Regardless, you can now preorder my first book, "Opinionated: Kansas Journalists Who Proved Why Commentary Matters—Then and Now.”
Use the promo code 24KSDAY26 through Sunday for 50% off! That works out to less that $20 for the book.
Opinionated
A nationally acclaimed opinion editor provides a winsome and eye-opening tour through the golden age of Kansas journalism, proving why local newspapers and i...
kansaspress.ku.edu
January 30, 2026 at 2:08 PM
We don't have a cover yet.
I haven't gone through copy edits.
Regardless, you can now preorder my first book, "Opinionated: Kansas Journalists Who Proved Why Commentary Matters—Then and Now.”
Use the promo code 24KSDAY26 through Sunday for 50% off! That works out to less that $20 for the book.
I haven't gone through copy edits.
Regardless, you can now preorder my first book, "Opinionated: Kansas Journalists Who Proved Why Commentary Matters—Then and Now.”
Use the promo code 24KSDAY26 through Sunday for 50% off! That works out to less that $20 for the book.
Every lawmaker, Republican and Democrat, conservative and liberal, has free will. They have the ability to choose. They will all make moral judgments in the days and weeks ahead. Let’s see what they do. #ksleg
Opinion editor @claywires.bsky.social writes: Inside Kansas’ yearly budget, tectonic choices await lawmakers. How will they make our state better? #ksleg
Inside Kansas' yearly budget, tectonic choices await lawmakers. How will they make our state better? • Kansas Reflector
As I learned during my years in the nonprofit world, budgets are moral documents. What you choose to spend money on reveals what you prioritize. What you choose to cut reveals what you dismiss.
kansasreflector.com
January 28, 2026 at 1:07 PM
Every lawmaker, Republican and Democrat, conservative and liberal, has free will. They have the ability to choose. They will all make moral judgments in the days and weeks ahead. Let’s see what they do. #ksleg
Reposted by Clay Wirestone, Kansas Reflector opinion editor
Blueprint for Literacy director seeks comprehensive plan to polish Kansas’ reading skills | via @kansascarpenter.bsky.social #ksleg
Blueprint for Literacy director seeks comprehensive plan to polish Kansas' reading skills • Kansas Reflector
Kansas' director of Blueprint for Literacy urges the Legislature to blend it with the state Board of Education's Every Child Can Read initiative.
kansasreflector.com
January 26, 2026 at 2:48 PM
Blueprint for Literacy director seeks comprehensive plan to polish Kansas’ reading skills | via @kansascarpenter.bsky.social #ksleg
I know that warmer weather will come and the snow and cold and ice will melt. Please understand I am not using any metaphor here. I am not writing about our current administration in Washington, D.C., or outrage toward American immigration enforcement policies. #ksleg
Opinion editor @claywires.bsky.social writes: This winter squall will pass, and snow and ice will recede in Kansas. This isn’t a metaphor. #ksleg
This winter squall will pass, and snow and ice will recede in Kansas. This isn't a metaphor. • Kansas Reflector
I know that warmer weather will come and the snow and cold and ice will melt. Please understand I am not using any metaphor here.
kansasreflector.com
January 26, 2026 at 1:40 AM
I know that warmer weather will come and the snow and cold and ice will melt. Please understand I am not using any metaphor here. I am not writing about our current administration in Washington, D.C., or outrage toward American immigration enforcement policies. #ksleg
Reposted by Clay Wirestone, Kansas Reflector opinion editor
Opinion from @maxmccoy.com: Why is it so hard to say goodbye to an old car? Because of the miles lived. #ksleg
Why is it so hard to say goodbye to an old car? Because of the miles lived. • Kansas Reflector
I know the Jeep was not a living thing, but an object. Yet those two round headlights reminded me so much of a horse it was easy to forget.
kansasreflector.com
January 25, 2026 at 6:03 PM
Opinion from @maxmccoy.com: Why is it so hard to say goodbye to an old car? Because of the miles lived. #ksleg
Reposted by Clay Wirestone, Kansas Reflector opinion editor
Kansas House bill honoring Charlie Kirk seeks to liberate campus voices, but it’s complicated | via @ericthomasphoto.bsky.social #ksleg
Kansas House bill honoring Charlie Kirk seeks to liberate campus voices, but it’s complicated • Kansas Reflector
A bill introduced in the Kansas House this week is intended to embolden free speech in honor of Charlie Kirk.
kansasreflector.com
January 24, 2026 at 4:16 PM
Kansas House bill honoring Charlie Kirk seeks to liberate campus voices, but it’s complicated | via @ericthomasphoto.bsky.social #ksleg
Reposted by Clay Wirestone, Kansas Reflector opinion editor
Six viruses detected at high levels in Kansas community’s wastewater | via Maya Smith #ksleg
Six viruses detected at high levels in Kansas community’s wastewater • Kansas Reflector
Six viral diseases — including COVID-19, the flu and norovirus — have been found at high concentrations in Lawrence wastewater.
kansasreflector.com
January 23, 2026 at 11:12 PM
Six viruses detected at high levels in Kansas community’s wastewater | via Maya Smith #ksleg
Reposted by Clay Wirestone, Kansas Reflector opinion editor
Kansas GOP governor candidate blasts Legislature for not changing congressional map | via @kansascarpenter.bsky.social #ksleg
Kansas GOP governor candidate blasts Legislature for not changing congressional map • Kansas Reflector
A Kansas Republican running for governor denounces the 2026 Kansas Legislature's lack of action on redrawing congressional districts to hurt Democrat Sharice Davids.
kansasreflector.com
January 23, 2026 at 8:56 PM
Kansas GOP governor candidate blasts Legislature for not changing congressional map | via @kansascarpenter.bsky.social #ksleg
Reposted by Clay Wirestone, Kansas Reflector opinion editor
‘Prevention is important’: Erin’s Law advocates seek child abuse education in Kansas schools | via Maya Smith #ksleg
‘Prevention is important’: Erin’s Law advocates seek child abuse education in Kansas schools • Kansas Reflector
Erin’s Law requires K-12 schools teach about body safety and sexual abuse prevention at an age-appropriate level once per school year.
kansasreflector.com
January 23, 2026 at 6:38 PM
‘Prevention is important’: Erin’s Law advocates seek child abuse education in Kansas schools | via Maya Smith #ksleg
Reposted by Clay Wirestone, Kansas Reflector opinion editor
New auditor positions would increase oversight of Kansas agency spending, sponsor says | via @crazeywriter.bsky.social #ksleg
New auditor positions would increase oversight of Kansas agency spending, sponsor says • Kansas Reflector
A proposal adding two positions to make sure they’re spending money as the Legislature intended met with concerns
kansasreflector.com
January 23, 2026 at 3:31 PM
New auditor positions would increase oversight of Kansas agency spending, sponsor says | via @crazeywriter.bsky.social #ksleg
Reposted by Clay Wirestone, Kansas Reflector opinion editor
Kansas racing industry gets behind bill to fend off nuisance lawsuits tied to noise complaints | via @kansascarpenter.bsky.social #ksleg
Kansas racing industry gets behind bill to fend off nuisance lawsuits tied to noise complaints • Kansas Reflector
Scott Allen believes viability of Kansas racetracks would be improved with a state law granting limited civil immunity from noise or nuisance lawsuits filed by neighboring property owners who came alo...
kansasreflector.com
January 22, 2026 at 11:33 PM
Kansas racing industry gets behind bill to fend off nuisance lawsuits tied to noise complaints | via @kansascarpenter.bsky.social #ksleg
Reposted by Clay Wirestone, Kansas Reflector opinion editor
Kansas Senate panel advances constitutional amendment to cap property value increases | via @journalist-sherman.bsky.social #ksleg
Kansas Senate panel advances constitutional amendment to cap property value increases • Kansas Reflector
A Senate committee endorsed a proposed constitutional amendment that would cap annual increases to appraised property values at 3%, and roll back the clock to 2022 assessments.
kansasreflector.com
January 22, 2026 at 8:47 PM
Kansas Senate panel advances constitutional amendment to cap property value increases | via @journalist-sherman.bsky.social #ksleg
Reposted by Clay Wirestone, Kansas Reflector opinion editor
Kansas agency working to improve accuracy of SNAP payments to avoid costly federal sanction | via @kansascarpenter.bsky.social #ksleg
Kansas agency working to improve accuracy of SNAP payments to avoid costly federal sanction • Kansas Reflector
The Kansas Legislature's auditors sound an alarm about financial consequences if Kansas can't substantially reduce its SNAP benefit error rate.
kansasreflector.com
January 22, 2026 at 3:28 PM
Kansas agency working to improve accuracy of SNAP payments to avoid costly federal sanction | via @kansascarpenter.bsky.social #ksleg
Reposted by Clay Wirestone, Kansas Reflector opinion editor
Kansas legislators grill Chiefs attorney on economics behind deal to bring team across state line | via @crazeywriter.bsky.social #ksleg
Kansas legislators grill Chiefs attorney on economics behind deal to bring team across state line • Kansas Reflector
TOPEKA — A Kansas City Chiefs attorney told legislators Wednesday that projections show STAR bonds financing the team’s stadium deal will be paid off 10 to 15 years earlier than the expected 30-year t...
kansasreflector.com
January 22, 2026 at 3:03 PM
Kansas legislators grill Chiefs attorney on economics behind deal to bring team across state line | via @crazeywriter.bsky.social #ksleg
Reposted by Clay Wirestone, Kansas Reflector opinion editor
Kansas Republican’s plan to move local elections to even-numbered years draws scrutiny | via @journalist-sherman.bsky.social #ksleg
Kansas Republican's plan to move local elections to even-numbered years draws scrutiny • Kansas Reflector
An aide to the secretary of state warns lawmakers that moving all local elections to even-numbered years would have consequences for voters and election officials.
kansasreflector.com
January 21, 2026 at 7:25 PM
Kansas Republican’s plan to move local elections to even-numbered years draws scrutiny | via @journalist-sherman.bsky.social #ksleg
Reposted by Clay Wirestone, Kansas Reflector opinion editor
Kansas bills would increase severity for livestock, grain theft | via @crazeywriter.bsky.social #ksleg
Kansas bills would increase severity for livestock, grain theft • Kansas Reflector
Kansas penalties for livestock, grain and ranch equipment theft are significantly less than surrounding states, frustrating farmers and ranchers.
kansasreflector.com
January 21, 2026 at 6:11 PM
Kansas bills would increase severity for livestock, grain theft | via @crazeywriter.bsky.social #ksleg
Reposted by Clay Wirestone, Kansas Reflector opinion editor
KBI director urges mandatory background checks for school employees to fill public safety gaps | via @anna-writes.bsky.social #ksleg
KBI director urges mandatory background checks for school employees to fill public safety gaps • Kansas Reflector
Tony Mattivi, director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, described a high school wrestling coach, a paraprofessional, a speech pathologist and a bus driver who all had at least two things in comm...
kansasreflector.com
January 21, 2026 at 4:32 PM
KBI director urges mandatory background checks for school employees to fill public safety gaps | via @anna-writes.bsky.social #ksleg
Reposted by Clay Wirestone, Kansas Reflector opinion editor
Kansas foster children’s voices muted as court advocates take on hundreds of cases each | via @anna-writes.bsky.social #ksleg
Kansas foster children’s voices muted as court advocates take on hundreds of cases each • Kansas Reflector
Kansas foster children rarely interact with their court-appointed advocates, and their voices have become muted, a statewide report said.
kansasreflector.com
January 21, 2026 at 3:41 PM
Kansas foster children’s voices muted as court advocates take on hundreds of cases each | via @anna-writes.bsky.social #ksleg
Reposted by Clay Wirestone, Kansas Reflector opinion editor
Opinion from Huascar Medina: This year, America celebrates 250 years. Let’s make sure to listen to the voices of Kansans. #ksleg
This year, America celebrates 250 years. Let's make sure to listen to the voices of Kansans. • Kansas Reflector
This will be the greatest year for artistic expression in our nation’s history, in part due to America 250’s celebration.
kansasreflector.com
January 21, 2026 at 2:05 PM
Opinion from Huascar Medina: This year, America celebrates 250 years. Let’s make sure to listen to the voices of Kansans. #ksleg
Reposted by Clay Wirestone, Kansas Reflector opinion editor
Former Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius endorses Sen. Ethan Corson in Democratic race for governor | via @kansascarpenter.bsky.social #ksleg
Former Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius endorses Sen. Ethan Corson in Democratic race for governor • Kansas Reflector
Former Gov. Kathleen Sebelius echoes Gov. Laura Kelly's endorsement of Sen. Ethan Corson in Democratic Party's campaign for governor.
kansasreflector.com
January 21, 2026 at 1:36 PM
Former Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius endorses Sen. Ethan Corson in Democratic race for governor | via @kansascarpenter.bsky.social #ksleg
Reposted by Clay Wirestone, Kansas Reflector opinion editor
Kansas House studies free-lunch enrollment audit, implications of at-risk overpayment to schools | via @kansascarpenter.bsky.social #ksleg
Kansas House studies free-lunch enrollment audit, implications of at-risk overpayment to schools • Kansas Reflector
Kansas House members assess audit of free-lunch program enrollment and domino influence on state spending for at-risk programs in K-12 public schools.
kansasreflector.com
January 20, 2026 at 11:54 PM
Kansas House studies free-lunch enrollment audit, implications of at-risk overpayment to schools | via @kansascarpenter.bsky.social #ksleg
Reposted by Clay Wirestone, Kansas Reflector opinion editor
Kansas judge rebukes AG Kris Kobach in gender marker case, issues symbolic $1 fine | via @crazeywriter.bsky.social #ksleg
Kansas judge rebukes AG Kris Kobach in gender marker case, issues symbolic $1 fine • Kansas Reflector
Kansas AG Kris Kobach will pay a symbolic $1 sanction because he “should have known” better than to file a motion in a court without jurisdiction.
kansasreflector.com
January 20, 2026 at 8:14 PM
Kansas judge rebukes AG Kris Kobach in gender marker case, issues symbolic $1 fine | via @crazeywriter.bsky.social #ksleg
Reposted by Clay Wirestone, Kansas Reflector opinion editor
Kansas Satanic Grotto files complaint about abortion rally permit approval, plans counterprotest | via @gracefromkansas.bsky.social #ksleg
Kansas Satanic Grotto files complaint about abortion rally permit approval, plans counterprotest • Kansas Reflector
The Satanic Grotto delivered a complaint to the Kansas Department of Administration Capitol events coordinator for allowing Abortion is Murder to protest inside the Statehouse, and plans to counterpro...
kansasreflector.com
January 20, 2026 at 5:15 PM
Kansas Satanic Grotto files complaint about abortion rally permit approval, plans counterprotest | via @gracefromkansas.bsky.social #ksleg