Topeka News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Topeka’s launching a new Community Development Portal the week of September 21st — your one-stop digital hub for permits, licenses, payments, and tracking. Expect updated fees (including vendor tech charges) separate from utilities or fines, designed to cut red tape and boost accessibility for residents, businesses, and contractors. Preview it now — full rollout includes setup guides and easy navi...

A small but disruptive fire broke out in an Overland Park apartment building near 64th and Metcalfe, forcing a power shutdown and displacing nine residents — though thankfully no one was injured. Firefighters quickly contained the blaze, which started on exterior paneling, and confirmed all residents safely evacuated. The Red Cross is now assisting displaced tenants while authorities investigate t...

Two men killed in a shocking shooting at the NOTO Arts District have shaken the community—but local businesses and leaders are rallying to keep the district’s vibrant spirit alive. A 21-year-old has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder, sparking a drop in holiday shoppers and financial strain for small businesses. Yet, amid the grief, neighbors are supporting each other, highlighting...

Evergy employees powered up for Community Action’s Diaper Depot, stocking shelves and packing diapers to support 200 kids under 35 months old—each getting 50 free diapers monthly. As diaper needs surge amid rising costs and financial strain, this grassroots effort proves how small acts of community care can transform daily struggles into manageable relief. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a So...

Shawnee County just approved a $163 million budget for 2027, dipping into reserves to slightly ease the mill levy—but overall spending’s up due to rising costs, higher wages, and pricier health insurance. The vote was 2-to-1, with Commissioner Kevin Cook dissenting, warning property owners could see a 7% tax hike as values climb. They also tweaked and approved the $2.5M Capital Improvement Plan an...

Diesel prices are soaring to record highs—$6.40 a gallon—crushing farmers during peak harvest season when combines burn up to 200 gallons daily. Costs have jumped 77 cents since September, leaving families like Bryant Kagay’s footing a $700 fuel bill instead of $500. With every product we buy relying on diesel for transport, consumers will feel the ripple effect. Senator Josh Hawley proposes suspe...

Honoring veterans of the War on Terrorism, Gage Park in Topeka is set to unveil its final memorial addition — a powerful tribute following last year’s Vietnam Veterans panel. This Sunday, September 20th, join the community at the car and truck show in Gage Park (SW 10th & Gage) from 10 AM to 2 PM. All vehicles welcome — register for $20 per car on-site and help fund this meaningful monument. It’s...

As midterm elections loom, voting rights groups and Democrats are mobilizing thousands of volunteers across 25 states and all 50 states to safeguard voters against intimidation and disruption. With President Trump repeatedly alleging election fraud — despite no evidence — and his administration pushing for tighter voting rules, advocates fear new tactics like voter intimidation and data collection...

Ready to transform your workplace into a true belonging hub? The Kansas Inclusion Summit on Sept 24 is your masterclass in intentional design—where practical strategies meet real impact. Featuring speakers like Stephanie Moran and Dr. Beryl New, this hands-on event equips leaders with tools to build inclusive cultures that actually thrive. Kick off at 8 AM at Prairie Band Casino & Resort—don’t mis...

Get ready to laugh, eat, and give back at the third annual Celebrity Waiter Soiree—where local stars like 13 NEWS anchor Riley Stark ditch their mic for a spatula, serving up laughs and cash for quality child care. Hosted by Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas, this high-energy fundraiser turns dinner into a dash for charity, with proceeds directly funding vital childcare services. The top earner w...

Don’t miss the Topeka Rescue Mission Ministries’ Night of Praise on October 11 at 6 PM — their biggest fundraiser of the year, themed “The Power of Prayer,” blending music, scripture, and real-life stories of transformation. Free admission, but bring a canned good to help feed those in need. Learn more at TRMOnline.org/NightOfPraise. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solip...

A Kansas City building on Armour Boulevard was about to lose its affordable housing status—until Metro Lutheran Ministries swooped in, securing the property and saving 55 units from becoming luxury rentals. With hundreds applying for just 30 utility aid spots, the demand for stable, low-cost housing is overwhelming. This timely intervention highlights how critical community nonprofits are in prote...

Drivers, buckle up—starting Monday, September 21st, major pavement repairs hit I-77 in Shawnee County, covering five miles between Valencia and Urish Road west of Topeka. Westbound lanes go first, narrowing traffic to one lane; then eastbound lanes get their turn. Expect occasional ramp closures with clear signage guiding you. Managed by Iowa Civil Contracting for $1.4 million, crews will work day...

A 21-year-old man in Topeka faces multiple murder charges after fatally shooting two elderly men in a single incident, but prosecutors are not pursuing the death penalty — sparking questions about the legal strategy behind the decision. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news...

Missing Man in KC Needs Your Help | Topeka News

Platte County Courthouse suddenly locked down Thursday afternoon amid police presence—officials confirm no public threat, but details remain scarce as authorities investigate the cause. Meanwhile, the Fredrick Scott trial enters a pivotal moment with both sides resting their cases on day nine. Stay tuned for updates on both unfolding stories. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: htt...

Governor Laura Kelly is calling on the federal government for major disaster aid after devastating August storms tore through Wyandotte County, leaving widespread destruction, power outages, and school closures in their wake. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary ba...

Kansas’ top education leaders are racing to harness AI’s potential responsibly, launching a statewide committee to guide ethical use in teaching, research, and operations—while also pushing for a bold budget proposal to protect funding for critical programs like agriculture, veterinary medicine, and student scholarships. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/dis...

A former Junction City cop, Troy Dwayne Watson, is facing federal bribery charges alleging he demanded sexual favors in exchange for legal help between October 2021 and April 2022. Now 55 and living in North Carolina, Watson is accused of using his badge to coerce someone — the case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Walton. An indictment doesn’t equal guilt — Watson remains presu...

Gas prices are skyrocketing nationwide, with the national average hitting $4.43 a gallon — up 16 cents in just one week and over a dollar from last year. Drone attacks on overseas oil facilities are fueling fears of further hikes, possibly pushing prices another 20 cents or more. In Kansas, unleaded averages $4.06, while diesel soars to $6.39 nationally. Topeka locals pay between $3.72 and $4.21 f...

A U-Haul box truck vanished early Wednesday in Manhattan, Kansas, sparking an urgent police investigation. The stolen 2016 Ford Econoline E-350 is valued at around $10,000 and left businesses scrambling—especially those relying on it for daily operations. With no suspect identified yet, authorities are urging anyone with tips to come forward to help recover the vehicle and bring the thief to justi...

Manhattan’s got two new crimes on the books: a storage unit heist on Plymate Lane Tuesday night, where $2K worth of gear vanished, and a downtown robbery early Thursday still under wraps. Cops are hunting both cases — tip us off to Crime Stoppers at 785-539-7777. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an...

A federal jury in Virginia sentenced Mohammad Sharifullah, a 28-year-old ISIS-K supporter, to the maximum penalty for providing material support to the terrorist group — a conviction tied to his role in scouting routes during the U.S. evacuation of Kabul. Though jurors couldn’t agree on whether he directly orchestrated the deadly Abbey Gate bombing, prosecutors argued his involvement was critical....

A 79-year-old man in Manhattan, Kansas, became the victim of a brazen $5,901 financial scam involving theft and forgery—reportedly discovered Tuesday afternoon. Police responded to Dickens Avenue after the senior citizen found unauthorized charges on his account, a heartbreaking blow for someone who’s lived a lifetime of hard work. While details remain scarce and no suspects have been named, autho...

Manhattan Man Loses $2300 to Scam | Topeka News