Tomari Quinn
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I'm the Topeka editor and Kansas state editor for Gannett. Retweets aren't endorsements. K-State grad.
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Articles by Tomari Quinn
Police investigate active crime scene in downtown Topeka
Sept. 3, 2026, 3:30 p.m. CT Local law enforcement is asking Topekans to avoid an area near downtown. The Topeka Police Department posted Sept. 3 on its Facebook page urging residents to avoid the 700 block of SW Jackson Street. Kimberly Qualls, a TPD spokesperson, said the area is an active investigation scene and that updates will be provided once they are available. This is an ongoing story.
Kansas-born Martina McBride among musicians exiting 'Freedom 250' fair Original
May 30, 2026, 4:05 a.m. CT Several musical artists have withdrawn from The Great American State Fair, organized by the Donald Trump-backed group Freedom 250. Performers including Martina McBride, Bret Michaels and The Commodores stated they were unaware of the event's political nature. The artists claimed they were misled into believing the fair was a non-partisan celebration. Some acts, such as Flo Rida and Vanilla Ice, are still listed as performers for the event.
See how Stephen Colbert teased Kansas during years on 'The Late Show' Original
May 18, 2026, 3:30 p.m. ET Stephen Colbert's final episode of "The Late Show" on CBS will air on May 21. The article highlights several instances where Colbert teased Kansas, Topeka and the Kansas City Chiefs. Colbert's final week will feature guests like Jon Stewart, Steven Spielberg and Bruce Springsteen. CBS canceled the show for financial reasons, a move other late-night hosts have called a "tragedy." Stephen Colbert had his fun with Kansas during his 11 years hosting "The Late Show" on CBS.
Flurries hitting central Kansas and major winter storm nears: LIVE Original
Jan. 23, 2026, 7:12 p.m. CT The temperature in Topeka is 4 degrees at 7 p.m. as a major winter storm approaches. The wind chill is -16 degrees. Residents in Salina and Wichita are reporting snow flurries. The National Weather Service in Topeka is predicting snow beginning in the capital city after 11 p.m. Topeka is currently under a Cold Weather Advisory until noon Monday, Jan. 26, and a Winter Storm Warning until 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25.
Three potential victims found in SW Topeka after reports of a shooting Original
Topeka police are asking the public to avoid the scene of a shooting investigation. At 8:21 p.m. Nov. 23, officers responded to McDonald's at 1201 SW Gage Blvd. after reports of a possible shooting. Three potential victims were found in the area, said Lt. Jayme Green in a news release. Green said this is an active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to email telltpd@topeka.org or call the Topeka Police Criminal Investigation Bureau at 785-368-9400.
Live Topeka and Shawnee County election 2025 updates. Follow results on cjonline.com
It's Election Day, with Topeka and Shawnee County residents to decide local leaders and the fates of two bond issues. Two men are vying for the post of mayor, after Mayor Michael Padilla opted to not run for a second term. Ten candidates are running for five seats on the Topeka City Council, including four incumbents. Voters also will decide who will serve on five county school boards.
How greeting card selection is shifting more toward sympathy than birthday Original
As people age, they often find themselves sending more sympathy cards than birthday cards. The author argues that people should stop complaining about birthdays and instead celebrate them. Every birthday is a victory and a sign that a person is still in the race of life. I've noticed something peculiar as I've gotten older: The greeting card selection in my desk drawer has sorted itself into two neat little piles. One stack is for birthday cards, the other for sympathy cards.
Introducing the USA TODAY Network Style Guide
To our readers, We are excited to announce the launch of the USA TODAY Network Style Guide, a crucial tool that embodies our unwavering commitment to clarity, accuracy, consistency and transparency in journalism. This guide is not only a valuable resource for journalists but also a free tool for our community, including students, teachers, bloggers and anyone with a passion for writing.
Tyson Foods says it will close 809-employee facility in Emporia by mid-February
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Tyson Foods says it will close 809-employee facility in Emporia by mid-February
Tyson Foods on Monday announced to employees it would close its facility in Emporia, Kansas in February 2025. The plant has more than 800 employees. "After carefully considering our options and the impact of this difficult decision, Tyson Foods regrets to inform you it must permanently end all operations and permanently close its Emporia, Kansas facility," Ernesto Sanchez, vice president of operations, beef and pork, said in a letter to employees.
Tyson Foods closing processing plant in Kansas after other recent facility closures
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Tyson Foods closing processing plant in Kansas after other recent facility closures Original
Tyson Foods announced that another plant will be closing its doors. On Monday, the food processing company announced that it would close its Emporia, Kansas facility in February 2025. Over 800 employees of the plant were notified about the closure in a letter.
Tyson Foods says it will close 809-employee facility in Emporia by mid-February
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Opinion: Topekans urge others to rethink turkey this Thanksgiving and thank USPS
Kansans should rethink having turkey this Thanksgiving Later this month, President Biden will pardon two turkeys at the White House, a symbolic gesture of mercy. Yet, every year in the U.S., over 224 million turkeys endure a far grimmer fate. These gentle birds are raised in overcrowded sheds thick with toxic fumes, their beaks and toes clipped to prevent stress-related aggression. At just 16 weeks, they are slaughtered — throats slit, bodies dumped into boiling water for feather removal.
Impact journalism: Capital-Journal stories made an impression on Topeka and Kansas in 2023
Reporters at The Topeka Capital-Journal push for transparency in local and state government. They hold elected officials accountable for their words and actions. They explain to readers how their lives will be affected by what happens under the Capitol dome or at city hall. They celebrate community successes, explore entertainment opportunities and reveal new business openings. They give voices to residents who might not be heard, neighbors who might be overlooked.
These are the comic strips that will hit the pages of The Topeka Capital-Journal next week
Let's face it — we all need as many laughs as we can get some days. For many of us, those snorts and giggles come courtesy of our favorite daily and Sunday comic strips. They're part of our morning routine. Black coffee, a few quiet minutes to read the news — good and bad — then on to the comics page. Some readers choose to read via their iPad, laptop or cellphone, while others still like getting a little bit of ink on their fingers. Next week, we're going to refresh our comics with a new lineup.
Readers take issue with Roger Marshall's inflation opinion, incentive package, Randy Watson punishment
Incentive package is bad investment Curtis Sneden dismisses our criticism and concerns for the $4+ billion dollar incentive package that the state is planning to offer some anonymous corporation to bring their company to Kansas by stating that this process is commonplace. And he is correct but that does not make it right.
6 months of The Capital-Journal online AND access to 232 newspapers from around country for only $1
The first edition of the Topeka State Journal published in 1873. The Topeka Daily Capital followed in 1879, and the papers merged in 1980 to form The Topeka Capital-Journal. In today's digital world, most of our readers see our stories online now. Our digital subscriptions grew by 73% in 2021. Wow! We are grateful. We know, however, that most of our online readers aren't paying for our journalism. Today, we are asking you to do so. Here are five reasons why.
We're rethinking The Topeka Capital-Journal's public safety coverage. We want your input on what we're doing.
We're rethinking how we cover public safety at The Topeka Capital-Journal. The changes have been a long time coming, and our team is excited about what it means for the quality of our journalism and the opportunities it will afford us to develop and sustain relationships across Topeka. We want to make sure we're truly reflecting the character of our neighborhoods across Topeka and not giving a shallow picture based on an individual's lowest moment.
U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall should focus on COVID-19 pandemic, not sedition
Tell us, Sen. Marshall, did you comprehend the oath of office you just took? Think back to Sunday. You can do it; it was only a few days ago. You did not pledge to support and defend an autocratic thug who wants to overturn a free and fair election. Please try to suppress your self-interest in sucking up to Trump’s base, and change your mind about participating in this coup attempt. Listen to Paul Ryan, Liz Cheney, Ben Sasse and other voices of reason in your party.
Editorial: Thumbs-up to employers for wage bump
Tomari Quinn @Tomari_TCJ Monday Dec 7, 2020 at 3:00 PM The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. That means that if you work a full-time job at minimum wage — 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year — you will earn a whopping $15,080 annual salary. That’s unacceptable for a plethora of reasons, the main one being that no worker can survive on such a paltry amount, let alone support a family. So it’s important for us to note when a big employer in our region goes above and beyond.
Sharon Hartin Iorio: Election brings new insight to Kansas State BOE
Tomari Quinn @Tomari_TCJ Monday Nov 23, 2020 at 1:45 PM Election results showed us what we’ve always known — Kansas is a Republican state. The much anticipated Democratic Party sweep didn’t materialize despite large scale voter turn-out. Except, that is, in the two contested races for seats on the Kansas State Board of Education.
Salina woman, 109, votes in every presidential election since 1932
Tomari Quinn @Tomari_TCJ Tuesday Nov 3, 2020 at 8:24 AM Nov 3, 2020 at 12:49 PM SALINA — Revah Stokes, a 109-year-old woman, made it to the polls early Tuesday in Salina. She has voted in every presidential election since she was first eligible in 1932. Stokes was born June 23, 1911, in Alliance, Neb., several years before women had the right to vote. "The first president I voted for was President Franklin Roosevelt," Stokes said.
Meet The Capital-Journal’s election team
Tomari Quinn @Tomari_TCJ Tuesday Nov 3, 2020 at 8:24 AM Journalists for The Topeka Capital-Journal are blanketing the city today as Topekans head to the polls. Follow them online for the latest news. Andrew Bahl is a state government reporter. A native of Baltimore, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is happy to find himself back in the Midwest. You can follow him on Twitter @AndrewBahl and reach him by email at abahl@gannett.com. Brianna Childers is the food and fun reporter.
Latest results: Marshall, LaTurner win; Trump takes Kansas
President Donald Trump takes Kansas but apparently by a closer margin than in 2016. Roger Marshall takes lead on Barbara Bollier in U.S. Senate race.
Editorial: Nation’s health agencies deserve better
Tomari Quinn @Tomari_TCJ Tuesday Sep 29, 2020 at 3:00 PM Our nation’s public health system is a treasure. It comprises multiple agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, and the Food and Drug Administration, some of which conduct original research and others of which inform the public about ways to prevent illness. Still others make sure the medicine and vaccines we use are safe and effective.
Russell Arben Fox: Facing financial facts about urban Kansas
Tomari Quinn @Tomari_TCJ Tuesday Sep 15, 2020 at 3:01 PM Depending on the definitions you use, the residents of Kansas’s rural counties and small towns make up less than a third, and perhaps as little as a quarter, of the state’s total population. Despite our reputation as a rural farming state, Kansas is surprisingly urban. For this reason, it’s important to do what hasn’t been done often enough, and think seriously about the fate of Kansas’s cites, both their limitations and their strengths.
Tomari Quinn: We’re committed to expanding coverage of communities of color
Tomari Quinn @Tomari_TCJ Thursday Aug 20, 2020 at 7:19 AM Pulitzer Prize winner for poetry and Topeka-born Gwendolyn Brooks once said: "When white and Black meet today, sometimes there is a ready understanding that there has been an encounter between two human beings. But often there is only, or chiefly, an awareness that Two Colors are in the room." Decades later, Topekan Ariane Davis reached her limit.
Jackson County elections office quarantined
Tomari Quinn @Tomari_TCJ Thursday Jul 30, 2020 at 4:09 PM HOLTON — Two employees at the Jackson County Clerk’s office, including County Clerk Kathy Mick, have been diagnosed with COVID-19, and the office’s other two employees are quarantining at home. Members of the Jackson County Elections Board are filling in to ensure the county’s primary election goes forward Tuesday, Mick said. "I have an excellent staff in there carrying on without me," Mick said by phone Thursday.
Julie Doll: Just what does ‘foreign worker’ mean?
Tomari Quinn @Tomari_TCJ Friday Jul 24, 2020 at 12:45 PM In the mail recently I received a political flier urging me to vote against a Republican candidate because the candidate, according to the flier from another Republican, would allow "foreign workers" into the United States. I wish that were true. Kansas could use foreign workers. But as Kansans have witnessed, most Republicans competing for their party’s nominations in the Aug.
Ron Estes endorses Jake LaTurner, citing Steve Watkins’ legal issues
Tomari Quinn @Tomari_TCJ Thursday Jul 16, 2020 at 5:28 PM U.S. Rep. Ron Estes on Thursday endorsed Kansas State Treasurer Jake LaTurner for Congress in Kansas’ 2nd District, pointing to incumbent Rep. Steve Watkins’ legal difficulties. "I had not intended to endorse in this race," Estes said.
11 employees test positive for virus at Topeka Housing Authority
Tomari Quinn @Tomari_TCJ Thursday Jul 16, 2020 at 2:39 PM Jul 16, 2020 at 5:28 PM Employees at the Topeka Housing Authority have been working from home for the past two weeks after 11 tested positive for COVID-19. Trey George, president and CEO, said the organization had been practicing social distancing and had provided masks, gloves and booties to employees. It also was closed to the public. "We really did think we were doing everything right," George said.
Michael A. Smith: What COVID deniers, George Floyd protesters have in common
Tomari Quinn @Tomari_TCJ Monday Jun 8, 2020 at 12:59 PM What do COVID deniers and protesters of police brutality have in common? The first group tends to be older, whiter, and more conservative. The more militant ones confront those wearing masks in public, but most simply choose not to wear masks themselves, despite the clear evidence that these slow the pandemic’s growth. They also crowd together in public spaces — in some cases a deliberate snub to public-health authorities.
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