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

Road closure alert for Topeka: South Kansas Avenue between 1st and 3rd streets will be shut down July 14–16, 9 AM to 3 PM, for critical viaduct bridge girder work tied to the Polk-Quincy project. Detour via SW 6th Ave, Topeka Blvd, and NW Morse St. Plan ahead if you’re downtown—this is part of major infrastructure upgrades. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/...

A heartbreaking tragedy in Brookville, Kansas, claims the lives of two young siblings after a loaded shotgun was left unsecured in their home — a devastating failure of gun safety that has led parents Aaron and Makayla French to face aggravated child endangerment charges. This case underscores the critical need for responsible firearm storage and serves as a sobering reminder of the irreversible c...

SUV Driver Hospitalized After Crash | Topeka News

A fatal crash on US Highway 24 near Silver Lake on July 1st involved a gray Dodge Ram and a silver Kia Soul, killing one person. The Kansas Highway Patrol is urgently seeking any witness information—big or small—to help solve what happened. If you saw or heard anything, call 785-493-0361. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: adve...

A major settlement has been reached over the devastating Keystone Pipeline oil spill in Kansas, where nearly 13,000 barrels of oil contaminated Mill Creek and harmed over 2,700 animals. South Bow USA faces a $26 million civil penalty and must invest $40 million in safety upgrades, plus $3 million toward environmental restoration. The agreement, now open for public comment, underscores the urgent n...

Tiger Trails and Den Academy, Topeka Zoo’s jaw-dropping new tiger exhibit, opens July 15 at 11 AM—immersing visitors in science, conservation, and the majestic big cats’ world. Celebrating the Morris family’s legacy in tiger breeding and nutrition research, this landmark addition blends history with hands-on learning, from tiger digestion to global conservation. Designed to ignite passion for prot...

This weekend in Lawrence, Kansas, history collided with celebration: as Americans toasted the Fourth of July, Algerians honored their 64th Independence Day — and the town hosted Algeria’s national soccer team. The parallels were powerful: both nations fought long, bloody battles for freedom — Algeria’s 132-year struggle cost 1.5 million lives. Stories like Ibrahim Le Seul’s, who arrived from Alger...

Bates County Transportation Officer Colt Brown is in critical condition after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke while on duty—his recovery could take over a year. As the primary caregiver for his elderly mother, his illness has plunged his family into financial crisis. The Bates County Sheriff’s Office is rallying the community for support, launching a fundraiser to cover medical bills, travel, and d...

Kansas health officials are tracking about two dozen cases of cyclosporiasis, a nasty parasitic bug causing severe, watery diarrhea and other debilitating symptoms — and it’s not just a local issue, with over 140 cases nationwide since May. The parasite spreads through contaminated food or water, and while usually not fatal, it can linger for weeks without treatment. A few patients have even been...

A 54-year-old man named Victor Hugo Ramirez got booked into Shawnee County jail on state charges—including drug possession, paraphernalia, and open container—while also facing an ICE detainer. The federal request doesn’t mean he’s guilty, just that ICE wants to step in if he’s released on bond. His court date is August 20, 2026, and he’s presumed innocent until proven guilty. This case shows how l...

Kansas is launching a groundbreaking new Community Supports Waiver starting October 1, 2026, designed to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities aged five and up who don’t need 24/7 care but need flexible, personalized support to live more independently. With a projected 500 participants in the first year, the waiver offers tailored services like job coaching, home mod...

A Cessna 150G pilot, 43-year-old John Shaffer from Tuscola, Texas, ran out of gas Thursday night in Ellsworth County, Kansas — but walked away unharmed. The Kansas Highway Patrol confirmed the crash was fuel-related, with no injuries reported. It’s a rare and lucky escape — but what goes through a pilot’s mind when the fuel runs dry? More details to come. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Sol...

At 5:07 AM, emergency crews raced to a serious incident near the Kansas River on N.E. Crane Street—prompting extra fire units and still no word on injuries. Officials are still gathering details, but everyone’s hoping for the best as more updates come. 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,...

The U.S. Mint has officially halted penny production, costing more to make than they’re worth—marking the end of over 200 years of coin history. Towns like Liberal, Kansas, are already ditching pennies, rounding cash to the nearest nickel, while Washington state lets businesses do the same. Though pennies remain legal tender, their dwindling supply and rising production costs signal the start of a...

Leonard Rrapaj, owner of Topeka’s Sports Cabaret, faces federal charges after a million dollars in cash and 40+ guns—including a machine gun—were seized from his club. His change-of-plea hearing has been delayed again to give a new lessee time to secure a liquor license, since Rrapaj’s felon status bars him from holding one. A loaded gun found in his home during a separate police raid added anothe...

In parts of Kansas, decades of farming have turned groundwater into a nitrate-laced resource—so rich it’s acting like fertilizer. With fertilizer costs soaring and yields slipping, farmers are turning this pollution into profit: testing their water to cut fertilizer use, saving cash while reducing environmental harm. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discoun...

ICE sightings are stirring up concern in Topeka and Lawrence, with community groups urging vigilance while local police say they’re not involved. Meanwhile, the Topeka Zoo unveils its new Tiger Trails and Den Academy — a conservation-focused attraction designed to draw repeat visitors. State Attorney General Kris Kobach is teaming up with other AGs to demand tighter rules on scammers harvesting ph...

Topeka Zoo’s community event sparked joy and connection, handing out free books, lunches, and fun activities to inspire kids and families. More than just giveaways, it was a celebration of local resources and community spirit—designed to get kids moving, learning, and building bonds right in their own backyard. Organizers hope this becomes an annual tradition, powered by local partnerships, to upl...

Kansas City’s soccer buzz is heating up off the pitch too—business leaders are teaming up with Argentina’s world-champion AFA to turn global sporting moments into brand power. The AFA, known for its global youth academies (including a new one in Florida), is seriously eyeing Kansas City after being wowed by the city’s soccer passion, seamless organization, and community spirit. AFA’s top marketing...

Nineteen Kansas City Christian School students’ Poland mission trip—meant to connect with Ukrainian kids at a Christian athletes camp—collapsed in chaos after a chain of flight cancellations and rebookings stranded them. What began with weather delays in Chicago snowballed into a two-day delay, then a system glitch that erased confirmed flights, leaving the group and chaperone with no viable path...

Kansas farmers are closing out a wild winter wheat harvest—ahead of schedule, yes, but with major weather chaos and skyrocketing fertilizer costs making it far from smooth sailing. Early maturing crops met sudden storms, while wet planting and winter floods drowned some fields before they even got a chance to grow. With fertilizer prices now over $850 a ton, farmers brace for tighter margins and t...

England’s squad is buzzing ahead of Saturday’s big match against Norway, riding high on momentum from their thrilling win in Mexico City. Players like Bukayo Saka and Nico O’Reilley are confident, energized, and united — all eyes on delivering another strong performance against a direct, confident Norwegian side. Despite a minor media hiccup, the focus remains locked on the game, as the team aims...

Gage Park in Topeka is getting a $7 million makeover—restoring its historic carousel and transforming the whole area into a vibrant, year-round community hub, complete with a new mini-train depot. Meanwhile, Shawnee County Commissioners are confronting a $14 million budget shortfall, demanding departments justify every expense during upcoming hearings. It’s a bold move to upgrade public spaces whi...

Spangles Owners Face Legal Trouble | Topeka News

Get ready to roar—The Topeka Zoo’s brand-new Tiger Trails Den and Academy is set to open this July, offering Sumatran tigers Thomas and Nisha a tripled outdoor space and a chance for visitors to connect up close with these endangered big cats. Plus, meet Picasso, the zoo’s first-ever king vulture. Named in honor of conservation pioneers Mark and Bette Morris, this exhibit blends education, excitem...