Daily
Topeka
Friday, February 20th, 2026
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Couture for Cancer, hosted by the American Cancer Society, will be held Saturday, March 7 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Vaerus Aviation at Forbes Field; the fundraiser features a fashion show and a silent auction with online bidding opening Feb. 27 (tickets are online) to support patient transportation. WIBW
- ➤ In January, 54 volunteers helped Topeka Rescue Mission open a warming center that sheltered nearly 200 people during extreme cold. The agency now seeks more daily volunteers to serve meals, sort donations, and greet visitors. WIBW
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Advisors Excel named industry veteran Shannon Larson as president of AE Wealth Management on Thursday, Feb. 19 in Topeka (she brings over 25 years of leadership experience) to support the firm’s growth as it aims to reach $250 billion in assets. WIBW
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Ross Elementary held a Black History Month celebration on Thursday afternoon that featured students singing, dancing, and performing poetry with community speakers. The event honored the school's namesakes by spotlighting the legacy of Merrill & Barbara Ross. WIBW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Shawnee County Commission on Thursday approved industrial revenue bonds to expand the Subaru dealership at 3115 S Kansas Ave, build retail space near I-470 and Topeka Blvd, and housing bonds for a multi-family project and planned duplexes (requested by local developers). WIBW
- ➤ Topeka improved its WalletHub ranking by rising to 38 of 50 capital cities and 25 for best-run cities as of today. City officials plan to visit top-rated Madison — a key capital with fast growth — to exchange ideas for further progress. The Topeka Capital-Journal
- ➤ Union Pacific Railroad is closing the K-9 crossing west of Frankfort for repairs next week; motorists must use a detour via K-99, K-16, and U.S. 77 from 8 a.m. Monday, Feb. 23 until 8 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, weather permitting. WIBW
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Paul Kindling (95) helped bring heart surgery to Topeka in 1975 and was honored at Stormont Vail Health’s 50th anniversary celebration of the program. He led local doctors to perform the first open heart surgery and still consults for disability services organizations. WIBW
- ➤ Kansas has remained in high influenza activity since mid-December with local hospitals reporting hundreds of cases in February. Health officials advise people to rest at home unless they have severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or chest pain. WIBW
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Crews demolished a vacant building that once housed Johnny Carino's Italian restaurant on Wednesday in west Topeka. The building, located at 6130 S.W. 6th Ave., had been empty for years and was torn down near Wanamaker Road — while a nearby Red Robin remains open. WIBW
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Lawrence will serve as the base camp for the Algerian men's soccer team during the summer FIFA World Cup. The team will train at Rock Chalk Park + up to 15,000 fans are expected to visit. Kansas Public Radio
- ➤ Kansas won 81-69 against Oklahoma State on Wednesday night in Stillwater (the Jayhawks returned to the court after their streak ended against Iowa State), with Darryn Peterson scoring 23 points in 18 minutes. Kansas will play Cincinnati on Saturday. WIBW
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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.
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Larry the Cable Guy Live Show
7-10 p.m. — Prairie Band Casino & Resort — Ticket prices vary — Catch the hilarious Larry the Cable Guy as he brings laughs to his fans with all-new material.
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Mater Dei Irish Fest 5k
3-4 p.m. — Evergy Plaza — Check the festival's website for registration fee — Celebrate the return of the Mater Dei Irish Festival with a spirited 5k and lively Irish music.
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Hoops Madness
10:50 a.m.-11:15 p.m. — Prairie Band Casino & Resort — Tickets starting at $87.45 — Experience an exciting day of basketball action at Prairie Band Hoops Madness.
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AM Club
10 AM – 12 PM — Townsite Tower — Buy one get one free — Enjoy great music and vibes while making new friends over coffee and treats.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Topeka
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