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

This Friday, Governor Laura Kelly has ordered all state flags flown at half-staff to honor the 25th anniversary of September 11, a solemn tribute to the nearly 3,000 lives lost and the thousands injured. The governor paid tribute to first responders whose bravery saved countless lives — even as more than 400 of them gave their own. This annual observance stands as a powerful reminder of national r...

A federal judge has struck down Kansas’s in-state tuition policy for undocumented students, ruling it violates federal law under the Supremacy Clause — a major blow to thousands of students counting on affordable college access. Attorney General Kris Kobach led the DOJ’s challenge, and U.S. Attorney Ryan Kriegshauser declared the state’s law illegal. While the ACLU and others weigh in with mixed r...

A federal judge in Kansas has struck down a 2004 law that let undocumented students pay in-state tuition, ruling federal law overrides state policy because it treats non-citizens differently. This decision aligns with Trump-era federal efforts to end such programs nationwide, with Texas and Oklahoma already having reached similar settlements. The Kansas debate, once bipartisan, has intensified, wi...

Dana Chandler’s 15-year legal saga in Topeka just keeps getting wilder—accused of double murder in 2002, she’s faced three trials, 14 lawyers, and even represented herself in court. Her 2012 conviction was tossed, the prosecutor disbarred for misconduct. A sister died in a car crash while heading to her third trial. Now, Chandler’s latest conviction is under appeal, and her legal team is asking to...

The MIX just dropped into West Ridge Mall with a fresh new vibe, bringing their signature contemporary style and killer denim to the mall’s lower level — and it’s just the first wave of a major local business revival. With lively grand opening events, local giveaways, and even refreshments from fellow newcomer Goal Nutrition, this isn’t just a store move — it’s a community glow-up in action. Liste...

West Ridge Mall just welcomed Linen Tree & Co., a festive new home decor and gift shop, with a grand opening packed with 20% off deals and gift card giveaways—part of the mall’s bold push to revitalize itself by spotlighting local businesses like this one and even partnering with Goal Nutrition for refreshments, signaling a vibrant future for shoppers and entrepreneurs alike. Listen in comfort: Ge...

Trump’s latest $5K cash plan for every adult American hinges on Republicans keeping Congress — but experts say it’d cost $1.2 trillion, with tariffs barely covering a tenth of that. While Trump and Vance tout shared prosperity, non-partisan groups warn it could spike the deficit and worsen inflation amid a $40 trillion debt. Past promises — from 2020 stimulus checks to Musk-backed refunds — fizzle...

Peter Pan Delayed at Topeka Civic | Topeka News

Shawnee County just approved hiring CFS Engineers to rigorously audit the new data center’s environmental and technical plans — including stormwater, cooling chemicals, noise from backup generators, and light pollution — with special focus on keeping Montara’s neighborhood quiet. County Counselor Rich Eckert emphasized the need for outside experts to ensure compliance, while commissioners also pre...

A deadly shooting outside a QuikTrip in Northland on Labor Day claimed the life of 45-year-old William Anderson. Four suspects—Brendon Lemoine, Robert Martin IV, Katlin Sharp, and Michael Moore—are now facing second-degree murder and armed criminal action charges, with accusations of attempted tampering suggesting an effort to cover up the crime. Bonds range from $200K to $1M as authorities race t...

Two men in Lawrence are now behind bars facing serious rape charges—one case dating back to 2009, the other involving a minor. DNA testing reignited the cold case, delivering a match with astronomical odds pointing directly to Matthew Lawrence. Steven Snow was arrested separately for a different rape case, details withheld for victim safety. This underscores how persistence and new tech can finall...

A federal judge has halted Kansas’ decades-old law allowing undocumented immigrant students who came to the U.S. as children to pay in-state tuition, ruling it violates federal immigration rules and unfairly discriminates against U.S. citizens. The decision forces Kansas to extend the same tuition discount to all residents — including citizens — sparking heated reactions from state leaders, legal...

A man named Jordan Lee Jenson has been formally charged with first-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Angel Diane Coulter on September 3rd in Topeka. The autopsy confirmed three gunshots were fired, and Jenson, a convicted felon, also faces charges for possessing a firearm. Held at Shawnee County jail with a $1 million bond, authorities are urging anyone with information to com...

A federal judge has blocked Kansas from offering in-state tuition to undocumented students, ruling the state law violates federal immigration rules. The decision ends a pathway that allowed qualifying students — those who attended Kansas high schools for three years and pledged to seek legal status — to pay lower college fees. The U.S. Department of Justice sued Kansas in 2026, and the state’s AG...

A Kansas Highway Patrol trooper pulled over a woman for a busted headlight—only to find her impaired and with an open alcohol container. Instead of stopping, she sped off, triggering a chase that ended with her truck flipping over after a tactical stop. She suffered non-life-threatening injuries, was jailed, and now faces multiple charges—including DUI, fleeing police, and an active warrant. The i...

City Union Mission, a century-old Kansas City nonprofit, is doubling down on its mission with a bold plan to deliver nearly 118,000 bed nights by 2027 — a 40% leap in capacity — without ballooning their budget. Through smarter programs and strategic community partnerships, they’re tackling rising homelessness fueled by cost of living, addiction, and mental health crises. From humble beginnings in...

Kaw Valley Greenhouses in Manhattan is reeling after nearly $20,000 vanished in a suspected embezzlement case—police are hunting a known employee, but no arrests have been made yet. This local business hit hard by the theft is now in the spotlight as authorities dig deeper into how the money disappeared and whether it can be recovered. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://sol...

A 29-year-old man named Cru Kalen Eaves Foster was arrested in Manhattan for burglary and multiple serious charges—including violating a protection order and contributing to child misconduct—after allegedly targeting three victims he reportedly knew. Booked into Riley County Jail with a $15,000 bond, he remains behind bars as the case unfolds. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: ht...

Property taxes are heating up Kansas’s governor’s race as Republican Ty Masterson and Democrat Cindy Holscher clash over solutions. Masterson pushes for appraisal caps, spending limits, and senior tax freezes, calling current policies a crisis that’s pushing families out. Holscher counters with lower residential assessments and increased school funding, accusing Masterson’s plan of shifting burden...

Across northeast Kansas, communities honor the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with powerful acts of remembrance — from flag raisings at Topeka High and Highland Park to solemn moments of silence and ceremonies at Fort Riley. Schools like those in Geary County host “Freedom Walks,” while the University of Kansas and Crunch Fitness in Lawrence invite participants to climb memorial stairs. These events ble...

A storage facility in south Topeka erupted in flames Wednesday afternoon, sending thick smoke billowing from multiple units. Firefighters raced to the scene, breaking open containers to locate the blaze’s origin — and quickly contained it to a single unit, preventing wider damage. No one was injured, thanks to swift response and thorough sweeps. Officials say the fire was accidental, likely sparke...

Manhattan, Kansas is in the grip of a brewing scandal as 32-year-old Jacob Bernard Underwood faces assault and property damage charges after a volatile incident with a woman he allegedly knows. Arrested around 10:39 PM Wednesday night near Wildcat Ridge, Underwood was booked into Riley County Jail with a $10,000 bond—still behind bars as of Thursday morning. While the charges are clear, the gritty...

The Supreme Court has blocked Missouri’s new congressional map — drawn to give Republicans an extra House seat and already used in August primaries — forcing a return to the old map for November’s critical elections. This is the second time the high court has rejected the GOP-backed plan, which President Trump supported, amid mounting legal battles as Election Day nears. With final decisions expec...

A shocking new investigation reveals that Senator Roger Marshall, once an OB-GYN in Kansas, filed lawsuits against hundreds of patients—including one woman who was arrested three times while eight months pregnant—for unpaid medical bills. One patient, Meischa Zimmerman, shared how she was sued for over $3,000 after giving birth, despite never receiving a bill, and ended up paying $50 a month—until...

An injury crash hit near S.W. Huntoon and Tyler streets Thursday morning around 8:45 AM—just west of downtown Topeka. One person was hurt but declined hospital transport, choosing to stay with first responders. Details on what caused the collision remain unclear, though emergency crews were on scene. More info may come as the situation unfolds. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: h...