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
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
The Lawrence public school district asked a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit over spying on students because it stopping using the software in question. But they didn't tell the court they are still spying with different software #ksleg #ksed kansasreflector.com/2025/10/29/k...
Kansas school district switches software, asks court to dismiss lawsuit for spying on students • Kansas Reflector
The Lawrence public school district switched digital surveillance software vendors for the new school year while facing litigation that accuses school officials of unconstitutional spying on students,...
kansasreflector.com
October 29, 2025 at 5:26 PM
The Lawrence public school district asked a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit over spying on students because it stopping using the software in question. But they didn't tell the court they are still spying with different software #ksleg #ksed kansasreflector.com/2025/10/29/k...
Annual survey shows most Kansans support unregulated access to abortion, legalized recreational marijuana and Medicaid expansion, and they have a more favorable view of Gov. Laura Kelly than of President Donald Trump #ksleg kansasreflector.com/2025/10/27/k...
Kansas Speaks survey shows 'lots of daylight' between views on issues and political support • Kansas Reflector
A new survey of Kansas adults highlights the divide between popular opinion and political reality on various issues, and shows that few people recognize the name of any candidate for governor in next ...
kansasreflector.com
October 27, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Annual survey shows most Kansans support unregulated access to abortion, legalized recreational marijuana and Medicaid expansion, and they have a more favorable view of Gov. Laura Kelly than of President Donald Trump #ksleg kansasreflector.com/2025/10/27/k...
Reposted by Sherman Smith, Kansas Reflector editor in chief
Give a hand to my colleagues at @alabamareflector.com for doing hard work to follow up on hot tips.
Fairhope police arrest woman in penis costume at 'No Kings' protest • Tennessee Lookout
A woman dressed in an inflatable costume was arrested and charged with two misdemeanors at the Fairhope "No Kings" protest Saturday.
tennesseelookout.com
October 22, 2025 at 2:15 AM
Give a hand to my colleagues at @alabamareflector.com for doing hard work to follow up on hot tips.
Reposted by Sherman Smith, Kansas Reflector editor in chief
As the Supreme Court prepares to weigh in on Trump’s National Guard deployments, the president’s decision to order guard members to cross state borders into non-consenting states underscores fears about encroachments on state sovereignty
My dive for @stateline.org
stateline.org/2025/10/22/t...
My dive for @stateline.org
stateline.org/2025/10/22/t...
Trump’s National Guard deployments raise worries about state sovereignty • Stateline
As President Donald Trump prepares to send out-of-state National Guard members to Chicago and in Portland, Oregon, other cities are bracing for the arrival of troops in anticipation that the deploymen...
stateline.org
October 22, 2025 at 12:02 PM
As the Supreme Court prepares to weigh in on Trump’s National Guard deployments, the president’s decision to order guard members to cross state borders into non-consenting states underscores fears about encroachments on state sovereignty
My dive for @stateline.org
stateline.org/2025/10/22/t...
My dive for @stateline.org
stateline.org/2025/10/22/t...
Reposted by Sherman Smith, Kansas Reflector editor in chief
The Kansas abortion trial with wide-reaching implications for state lawmakers and health care providers wrapped Friday with arguments over the two sides’ differing definitions of pain, humanity and consciousness.
kansasreflector.com/2025/10/23/k...
kansasreflector.com/2025/10/23/k...
Kansas navigates post-Dobbs world with state abortion restrictions in limbo • Kansas Reflector
The Kansas abortion trial with wide-reaching implications for state lawmakers and health care providers wrapped Friday with arguments over the two sides’ differing definitions of pain, humanity and co...
kansasreflector.com
October 23, 2025 at 5:03 PM
The Kansas abortion trial with wide-reaching implications for state lawmakers and health care providers wrapped Friday with arguments over the two sides’ differing definitions of pain, humanity and consciousness.
kansasreflector.com/2025/10/23/k...
kansasreflector.com/2025/10/23/k...