A final conversation with a Kansas political icon: In praise of local newspapers and community ties

By: Clay Wirestone

Outlets: Kansas Reflector

Published: August 24, 2026

Words: 849

Last Updated: 1 month, 3 weeks ago

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In September 2024, I spoke to former U.S. Sen. Nancy Landon Kassebaum Baker for one of her last interviews.

I didn’t know that at the time, of course. Kassebaum died Friday at age 94, nearly two years after our conversation. But given her somewhat fragile health at the time, I understood the retired politician had chosen a life outside the public eye.

Her willingness to speak with me — for my upcoming book

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