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Brett Ballard, Washburn’s beloved basketball coach and NCAA DII semifinalist leader, is on the road to full recovery after a harrowing car crash caused by a neurological episode — and he’s sharing his progress with gratitude and grit. With 167 wins and a strong program under his belt, Ballard’s resilience mirrors his team’s spirit as he looks ahead to returning to the court and rallying fans back...

Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach is aggressively expanding federal immigration enforcement partnerships, pushing for more local law enforcement to join 287(g) agreements with ICE. Despite recent legislative changes that removed approval hurdles and granted legal protections, only about a third of counties are participating — and nearly two-thirds still aren’t. With 14 new counties and 7 cities...

A razor-thin Senate race in Kansas is heating up as Democrat Adam Hamilton edges out Republican incumbent Roger Marshall by two points in a new Emerson College poll — a historic breakthrough for Democrats in the state. With 45% support to Marshall’s 43%, Hamilton’s win hinges on mobilizing Democrats, swaying moderate Republicans, and dominating independents — whom he leads by a wide margin. Nation...

Cider Days Fall Festival is back for its 45th anniversary with bigger, better fun for the whole family! Enjoy a live stage, a giant 29-foot inflatable apple, classic cider slushes and doughnuts, plus over 200 local vendors selling crafts and treats. Kids will love Berenstain Bears, camel rides, a petting zoo, and free balloon art. First 100 guests each day get a special anniversary swag bag. Festi...

Washburn men’s basketball coach Brett Ballard is making a strong comeback after a harrowing August crash on the Kansas Turnpike that left him seriously injured. Diagnosed with a neurological episode, Ballard is now recovering well and expects a full recovery in the next few months. In a heartfelt video, he thanked his family, friends, and medical team while drawing parallels to coaching — facing a...

KC Current fans turned out in droves for a massive tent sale at CPKC Stadium, snagging gear at discounts up to 70%—tees and hats for just $15, fleeces for $30, plus limited-edition drops and sneak peeks of the fall collection. The team’s marketing push? Make teal your everyday color—think “teal Tuesday” wherever you go. Fans called it early Christmas shopping, with boxes overflowing and everyone f...

In Shawnee County, Kansas, a local GOP-backed group is pushing to remove books with sexual content from the children’s section of the public library, sparking a heated debate over censorship and parental rights. While supporters argue these materials are inappropriate for young readers, the library stands firm, defending its mission to uphold intellectual freedom and the First Amendment — trusting...

A tragic head-on collision near Highway 63 claimed the life of 18-year-old Alyssa Mullins, who was airlifted with critical injuries, while 23-year-old Bryce Ashlock, driver of the other vehicle, also suffered serious trauma. The Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the cause of the crash, which occurred around 6:42 AM, and has offered condolences to the families of both victims as...

A 24-year-old man from Savannah, Georgia, faces serious federal charges in Wichita, Kansas, accused of traveling across state lines with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct involving a minor. The case, part of the nationwide Project Safe Childhood initiative, is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and local police. With felony...

Civil rights groups and unions are suing over a federal policy that could allow immigration agents at polling places, arguing it’s voter intimidation disguised as enforcement — especially targeting minority and naturalized voters. They claim the move violates federal law prohibiting armed individuals at elections unless fighting enemies, and liken it to historical voter suppression tactics. While...

The House just passed a groundbreaking bill requiring massive data centers to pay for their own electricity — a rare bipartisan win that’s stirring controversy, especially with President Trump calling it a “hoax” and dismissing concerns as climate alarmism. As the bill heads to the Senate, lawmakers are balancing public pressure from voters struggling with rising energy costs against political pus...

Kansas GOP gubernatorial nominee Ty Masterson is skipping two major televised debates, claiming he’s already met his debate obligations after a prior showdown at the State Fair. His opponent, Cindy Holscher, insists Kansans deserve to hear from both candidates directly and accuses Masterson of avoiding accountability—calling him a corporate-backed candidate who hurt everyday families. Masterson co...

A shocking verdict in New Orleans: Danette Colbert, a woman linked to the death of sports reporter Adan Manzano, was found guilty of negligent homicide and racketeering. Manzano, covering Super Bowl LIX, died from alcohol and sedatives combined with positional asphyxia after being drugged and robbed in his hotel room. Surveillance footage, personal items at Colbert’s home, and text messages betwee...

The farm bill’s future hangs in the balance as Senate negotiators clash over SNAP funding cuts—Republicans want states to shoulder more costs based on error rates, while Democrats like Senator Klobuchar push for flexibility and time to fix mistakes. With farmers already battling tariffs and inflation, Klobuchar’s firsthand farm visits underscore why this bill is vital for both agriculture and stru...

At 5:46 AM on a Friday, a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica lost control on Highway U-75 in Shawnee County, crashing into a bridge wall while heading south. The driver, 40-year-old Davon Finley of Topeka, was taken to the hospital with minor injuries—thanks to his seatbelt. Authorities are investigating what caused the crash, reminding everyone to stay alert behind the wheel. Listen in comfort: Get a discoun...

A 24-year-old man from Savannah, Georgia, Cameron Blount, faces federal charges for allegedly traveling to Wichita, Kansas, in February 2026 with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. The case, investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Chanute Police Department, underscores nationwide efforts to protect youth and hold offenders accountable across state lines....

Valley Falls is flushing pipes with a “free chlorine burn” starting Monday, September 21st to eliminate bacteria and organic buildup — keeping your water safe and clean. Expect a stronger chlorine smell or taste, and maybe cloudy or discolored water — all temporary and harmless. Just run cold water a few minutes to clear it, and treat aquariums as usual. Fire hydrants may also be flushed, stirring...

Valley Falls has a new interim police chief—Alex Batstone, who took the reins on September 16th after being tapped by city council. A familiar face to the department, Batstone previously served as an officer and is now stepping up to lead daily operations while collaborating with city leaders and other agencies to keep the community safe. His appointment signals strong local trust in his readiness...

Kansas is climbing the happiness ladder, folks — jumping from 27th to 23rd overall thanks to a WalletHub study that tracked 30 factors across emotional/physical well-being, work environment, and community. The real win? Work environment soared from 19th to 12th, while community scores dipped slightly — but Kansas still ranks top five for volunteerism. It’s leapfrogged states like South Dakota and...

Sarah Steffens, Missouri’s first Teacher of the Year from Fort Osage in over 50 years, turns reading struggles into triumphs by building relationships, using games, and believing in every student—lessons shaped by her dyslexic kids, her grandmother’s grace, and her own childhood battles with literacy. She’s proof that with the right support, no child is beyond reach—and every book matters. Listen...

In Topeka, a growing crisis unfolds as thirty-seven homeless individuals have died since 2022—each loss a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those without shelter. Barry Feaker, who’s spent decades serving this community, led the first annual Remembrance Day in September, honoring lives lost with dignity and stories, ending with balloons released into the sky as a symbol of hope. He warns that...

At 72, Eric Nordgren pedals 300 miles for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, this year dedicating his grueling ride to 3-year-old Dean, who’s battled a rare brain tumor since age 13 months and endured over 25 surgeries. Inspired by Dean’s story through church, Nordgren turns his 22-year mission into its most challenging yet, proving that one man’s endurance can lift a family’s hope—and remind the w...

Stormont Vail Health in Topeka, Kansas, has launched Pregnancy Pathways — a bold new initiative designed to transform the pregnancy journey by offering proactive, personalized support before, during, and after birth. By reaching out early to screen for medical needs, social barriers, and resource gaps, the program tackles stressors like transportation, medication access, and mental health head-on....

A jury in Jefferson Parish convicted Danette Colbert of racketeering and negligent homicide in the death of sports reporter Adan Manzano, while acquitting Rickey White — sparking debate over whether their relationship was a criminal enterprise or consensual. Prosecutors presented surveillance footage and evidence from Colbert’s home linking her to the alleged drugging and robbery scheme targeting...

A tractor-trailer hauling a deadly mix of sulfuric acid and nitroglycerin jackknifed on I-29 in Holt County just after 2:30 AM, spilling hazardous cargo into southbound lanes—and triggering a car crash that left one driver with moderate injuries. Officials initially feared days of closure due to the extreme danger, but by Thursday evening, both lanes were reopened thanks to swift emergency respons...