Daily
Topeka
Thursday, February 26th, 2026
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 26th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Two Arab Shrine units (Antiques and Sun Devil) donated canned goods to Let’s Help food pantry Wednesday to help combat local food insecurity. WIBW
- ➤ Topekans were confused when Housing and Credit Counseling Inc closed its office on Feb. 25 after merging with Money Management International, but Councilwoman Karen Hiller said operations continued remotely so residents could still get housing counseling and financial education. The Topeka Capital-Journal
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Link Innovation Labs, a new 17,000 sqft bioscience hub, opens in downtown Topeka’s Innovation District and will support startups, researchers and industry partners with office space + coworking areas and a flexible lab facility. The center is part of GO Topeka’s strategy to boost local business and drive high-quality job growth. Go Topeka
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Runway Remix exhibit opens Friday, Feb. 27 at the Alice C. Sabatini Gallery at the Topeka & Shawnee Co. Public Library, featuring wearable art created by local artists and volunteers using items from the library's collection; the interactive show will run free through May 17. WIBW
- ➤ Topeka Zoo will host two spring events with ZooVerse on March 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (featuring local vendors and a cosplay contest) and Roar and Pour on April 25 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with early bird tickets now available. WIBW
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Kansas FFA leaders hold Give Kansas FFA Day today to support National FFA Week by aiming to raise $50,000 for scholarships and programs. The event features local chapters and statewide efforts to promote agriculture education (according to Kansas FFA officers). WIBW
- ➤ Voters in the USD 417 district will decide on a 30-year, $31.5 million school bond on March 3 to improve facilities at Council Grove Junior-Senior High, Council Grove Elementary and Prairie Heights Elementary — upgrades should modernize classrooms and enhance safety while costing taxpayers $5 million, Superintendent Tyson Eslinger said. WIBW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ After a Feb. 20 fire injured a Topeka firefighter in a Lew McGinnis-owned apartment, officials said no smoke detectors were installed (Kansas law requires landlords to install and maintain them and for tenants to ensure they work). Residents can report violations to the property maintenance team. The Topeka Capital-Journal
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Security Benefit donated $12,500 on Wednesday to Florence Crittenton Services, a nonprofit marking its 125th year by supporting mental health programs for community members from ages 4 to 70. The gift sustains treatment, education, and supportive services in Topeka. WIBW
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Washburn men's basketball has been ranked No. 1 in the NCAA Central Regional Rankings following a strong season. The Ichabods will host Pittsburg State on Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m. on WIBW 13.5 and play Missouri Southern on Saturday at 1 p.m. WIBW
- ➤ Washburn’s women’s basketball defeated Pitt State 71-56 and the men’s team won 88-49 on Wednesday night on channel 13. The Ichabods will finish their season Saturday at Lee Arena with the women’s contest starting at 1 p.m. WIBW
- ➤ Washburn sophomore Jasel Bailey was named the MIAA Women’s Tennis Athlete of the Week Wednesday afternoon after helping her team win 4-2 over Midwestern State with a 2-0 doubles performance and a three-set singles victory. Washburn will host an exhibition against Pratt CC on Friday, Feb. 27 (11 a.m.). WIBW
- ➤ Washburn women’s basketball was ranked just outside the top five in the NCAA Central Regional rankings released on Wednesday afternoon. The team, holding a 19-7 record, played Pittsburg State at 5:30 p.m. yesterday at Lee Arena. WIBW
-
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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Tower of Power Concert
7-10 p.m. — Prairie Band Casino & Resort — Cost not specified — Experience the best in funk and soul music from the legendary Tower of Power.
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Gelli Print Plant Collage Workshop
5-7:30 p.m. — Mize Art Studio — Cost not specified — Create vibrant printed papers and transform them into unique plant-themed collages.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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