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In today's newsletter:
And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Keith H.!
Today's riddle: What has a neck but no head? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. Kansas communities can learn from 'painful lessons' of data center developments in other states (hppr.org) — Topeka's new one-year moratorium on data centers is giving city leaders time to study how big facilities could affect local power, water, noise and neighborhoods before a proposed Compass Datacenter project moves forward southwest of town. Experts from Kansas and Virginia outline best practices on zoning, cooling systems, grid upgrades and transparency so communities like Topeka don't repeat costly mistakes seen elsewhere.
2. Topeka USD 501 settles with U.S. Department of Education over transgender policies (sentinelksmo.org) — Topeka's USD 501 has reached a settlement with the U.S. Department of Education over how the district handled records and communication involving transgender students and parental rights. The agreement ends a federal dispute, preserves funding, and requires the district to end gender support plans, update guidance to keep parents informed, and add FERPA-focused training for staff.
3. Black Rodeo debuts in Topeka (wibw.com) — A new Black Rodeo is wrapping up its inaugural run tonight at the North Topeka Saddle Club, with gates opening at 7 p.m. and events at 8. Organizers and vendors are using the family-friendly rodeo, open to all races, to spotlight Black cowboy history while giving local riders a chance to compete and improve.
4. How state grants are expanding public media's role in rural Kansas (current.org) — A new state grant is helping Topeka's KTWU create TV specials and podcasts highlighting rural Kansas jobs, training tools and economic innovation. The $100,000 award, part of a $500,000 statewide program, will fund new Working Capital episodes and partnerships with groups like Washburn University and HirePaths to showcase real career paths for young people in smaller communities.
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Ok Topeka! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A bottle (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
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