Stacey Saldanha-Olson

Emporia, Kansas

Enterprise Reporter at Topeka Capital-Journal

Enterprise Reporter for CJOline and Gannett Kansas 🇧🇷🩵🇺🇲

Articles

More than 3,000 students will graduate in Topeka. Here's when each graduation is

6 days ago | cjonline.com | Stacey Saldanha-Olson

Around 2,150 high school students and 1,382 higher education students will graduate in Topeka, Kansas. Washburn University's commencement ceremonies will take place between May 14-17. Other area high schools, including Washburn Rural, Shawnee Heights, Seaman, Silver Lake, and Hayden, will hold graduations in mid-to-late May. Thousands of students will hear their school's band play fight songs and "Pomp and Circumstance" as they celebrate educational triumphs at graduation ceremonies.
Topeka resists Trump mandate to strip DEI from city codes or risk losing $45M

1 week ago | cjonline.com | Stacey Saldanha-Olson

The Topeka City Council unanimously voted to further review changes to city code regarding diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. The potential changes were prompted by concerns over losing $45 million in federal funding due to President Trump's executive orders against DEI. Community members and city leaders expressed strong opposition to the changes, citing Topeka's history with civil rights and the potential negative impact on vulnerable populations.
Eli Bohannan wants to address homelessness and roads if elected to Topeka post

1 week ago | cjonline.com | Stacey Saldanha-Olson

Eli Bohannan, a Walmart asset protection investigator, is running for Topeka City Council District 1. Bohannan's campaign priorities include addressing homelessness, infrastructure and education. He aims to collaborate with community organizations to find solutions for homelessness and improve Topeka's roadwork. Bohannan wants to better understand the challenges facing Topeka's schools and find ways to improve the education system.
Once Upon a Prom: Topeka West students take the dance floor at the Beacon

1 week ago | cjonline.com | Stacey Saldanha-Olson

Once Upon a Prom: Topeka West students take the dance floor at the BeaconTopeka West High School prom takes place at The Beacon on May 3, 2025Stacey Saldanha-Olson/The Capital-JournalTopeka West High School prom takes place at The Beacon on May 3, 2025. Stacey Saldanha-Olson/The Capital JournalTopeka West High School prom takes place at The Beacon on May 3, 2025. Stacey Saldanha-Olson/The Capital JournalTopeka West High School prom takes place at The Beacon on May 3, 2025.
ICE has a Shawnee County resident in custody. Here's what we know

1 week ago | cjonline.com | Stacey Saldanha-Olson

A Facebook post alleges ICE agents are in Topeka, Kansas. A man named Emmanuel Rodriguez-Maldonado is being held for ICE, charged with obstruction related to hunting. Local sources have not confirmed increased ICE presence in Topeka. Rodriguez-Maldonado's current location is unknown. A recent Facebook post claims immigration officers are in Topeka, but is it true?
Activist Curtis Pitts says Topeka should not give into pressure to remove DEI

1 week ago | cjonline.com | Stacey Saldanha-Olson

Topeka, Kansas, is considering removing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) positions and ordinances. Local activist Curtis Pitts emphasizes Topeka's history as a leader in human rights and urges the city to prioritize local needs over national trends. The DEI position has been vacant since approximately January 2024, and the city is now considering eliminating it. Topeka could be stripping Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts.
A fourth candidate for mayor has entered the race. Now there will be a primary

1 week ago | cjonline.com | Stacey Saldanha-Olson

Gabriel Killman, 22, is the fourth candidate to enter the Topeka mayoral race, triggering a primary election. Killman's platform prioritizes improved communication and transparency between the city and its residents. He advocates for term limits for mayor and city council members. Killman also highlights the need for better road maintenance and sidewalk repair responsibility. A fourth Topeka mayoral candidate has entered the race, which will now require a primary election.
A transgender professor at Kansas State University is suing for discrimination

2 weeks ago | cjonline.com | Stacey Saldanha-Olson

Kansas State University associate professor Harlan Weaver, a transgender man, is suing the university for gender discrimination and retaliation. Weaver alleges his supervisor, Christie Launius, pressured him to return to work early after a hysterectomy and treated him differently than cisgender colleagues. He claims Launius created a hostile work environment and retaliated against him after he filed complaints with the university.
Local elections are in full swing. Who's running for Topeka City Council?

2 weeks ago | cjonline.com | Stacey Saldanha-Olson

Election season is in full swing in Topeka. As we approach the filing deadline for mayor and Topeka City Council, a multitude of candidates have thrown their hat in the ring. But who will be our next city leaders? Well, that's up to you and how you vote on election day. This year the filing or withdrawal deadline is noon on June 2. The primary to narrow the mayoral candidates will take place Aug. 5 and the general election will be Nov. 4.
Auburn-Washburn School District considers bus service cuts. How can you weigh in?

2 weeks ago | cjonline.com | Stacey Saldanha-Olson

Auburn-Washburn School District is considering eliminating bus service for students living within 2.5 miles of their school. The proposal would charge families $300 annually for K-5 bus service within the 2.5-mile radius, with exceptions for low-income and special needs students. A bus driver voiced concerns about the plan's impact on student safety and family burdens, citing a lack of sidewalks and infrastructure. The school board will hold a meeting on April 30 to discuss the proposed changes.