Good morning, Topeka.

On Feb. 2, 2026, the Governor’s Arts Awards honored 24 Kansas artists and arts organizations in Topeka.

Organizers said the event connected creative minds from rural areas to big cities and offered awards from Emerging Arts Organization to Legacy Awards.

Topeka Regional Airport is building a new hangar with Davcon Aviation to boost commercial flights and create 350 new jobs.

Construction starts this summer and is expected to be finished by the end of 2027 — a key step in expanding local air traffic.

Participants in Kansas’ Learning Quest 529 savings plans will get new options and lower fees starting in March — with TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing Inc. taking over management to offer improved investment tools for post-secondary education funding.

Kansas lawmakers are considering a bill requiring written parent assurance that kindergarteners are potty trained before starting school (exempting students with individualized education plans) amid concerns over local control and access for vulnerable children.

Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt testified Monday in support of SB 409, a bill that would eliminate out-of-pocket costs for supplemental and diagnostic breast cancer screenings including MRIs & ultrasounds.

The Senate Insurance Committee is set to review the measure later this week.

The Shawnee County DA office will host its second Citizens Academy starting March 25 to teach residents about the criminal justice system and its role.

The 10‑week program meets Wednesday evenings at the District Courthouse (200 SE 7th Street) and is for residents 18+ with a background check.

Topeka’s senior living center, formerly McCrite Plaza, is under new ownership and will now be known as Heritage Grove Estates.

The McCrite family transferred ownership on Feb. 1 after 50 years of service, choosing an operator committed to quality senior care.

Kansas City Royals and Gray Media have announced a deal that will let local fans watch select games free on WIBW-TV.

The home opener is set for March 30 against the Minnesota Twins — the first free broadcast of the opener since 2007.

The Marshall Tucker Band Concert

7-9 PM — Prairie Band Casino & Resort — Enjoy a night of classic southern rock hits from a legendary band.

CNA Refresher Course

Feb 17 - Feb 23 — Homestead Assisted Living & Memory Care of Topeka — Course fee applies — Complete your nursing assistant refresher course with a mix of online and in-person clinical training.

Evening with Cleveland Blue

6-10 p.m. — Compass Point: Home of Dirty Girl Adventures — $10 cover — Experience soulful blues with the legendary Cleveland Blue and a local opener.

Topeka LEGO Brick Convention

10 AM - 5 PM — Stormont Vail Events Center — Tickets start at $39 — Experience a weekend filled with creativity and fun at the Brick Convention.