Daily
Topeka
Wednesday, April 8th, 2026
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 8th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Compassion Impact Center opened yesterday at 601 NW Harrison inside the former Children's Palace to offer one-stop services aimed at helping unsheltered people with support from over 60 local agencies. WIBW
- ➤ The sixth annual Aggieville Showdown takes place this weekend with cattle shows at 6 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Riley Co. Fairgrounds & a Grand Drive at 6:30 p.m. Saturday in Aggieville Business District. The free event features vendors, a fashion show and music. WIBW
- ➤ Gage Park’s new playland is adding features like a Sky-Trail, zip line, slides and a climbing rock. Shawnee County Parks and Recreation said the free installations (set to finish early this summer) will offer a fun experience for local families. WIBW
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Former Capital-Journal staffers, including Meg Wingerter (author of her debut historical fiction 'The Silence that Remains' after 15 years in the making), have now published at least 30 books that highlight a broad range of topics linked to their journalistic roots. The Topeka Capital-Journal
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ The Kansas Department of Labor’s January report shows that private sector jobs increased in professional & business services and government while finance and construction declined. KDOL will continue monitoring trends as local employers face workforce challenges and expect a rebound later. WIBW
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Topeka High School students taught first- and second-graders at Whitson Elementary about saving, spending, and budgeting during financial literacy month as part of the national Jump-Start Teen Teach-In campaign. The session also let the kids decorate piggy banks + gain hands-on experience with money. WIBW
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Topeka Zoo commissioned artist Shane from Abstract Dissent to paint a mural that highlights plastic pollution and ocean health — the work previews the May traveling exhibit ‘Washed Ashore’ and should finish in about two weeks. WIBW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Small business owners met with Rep. Derek Schmidt on April 7 in Topeka (hosted by the Chamber and Go Topeka) to raise concerns about rising insurance rates, gas prices and taxes after the One Big Beautiful Act. Schmidt will present their input at a legislative forum tomorrow. WIBW
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The third annual Your Community Cares event on fentanyl awareness will be held Saturday, April 11, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Evergy Plaza (630 S. Kansas Ave) and will offer live music, panel discussions, family activities, and free narcan and test strips. WIBW
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2026 Spring Topeka Market Days
April 10-11 — Hotel Topeka At City Center — Entry varies — Explore over 100 unique vendors while enjoying live music and delicious food options.
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Jefferson Starship Live Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Prairie Band Casino & Resort — Cost info not provided — Experience iconic arena rock with Jefferson Starship's legendary hits.
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Switch In Time Rocks The Barrelhouse
7:30-11:30 p.m. — Happy Basset Brewing Co — No cover charge — Enjoy an evening of legendary rock music with a favorite setlist to keep you dancing.
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Damien Gunn Band Live at Kickstart Saloon
7-11 p.m. — Kickstart Saloon — Ticket Info Not Provided — Enjoy an evening of live music with Damien Gunn Band in a vibrant local venue.
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Live Music with Big Rick Soul Band
6-10 p.m. — Compass Point: Home of Dirty Girl Adventures — Free entry — Celebrate the courtyard grand opening with great music, dancing, and fun.
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Steps for Stegman 5K
1:30-5 p.m. — Jardine Elementary — Support a worthy cause — Participate in a 5K walk/run to honor Dr. Bridget Stegman and raise funds for ALS research.
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Auditions for Shrek The Musical
6-9 p.m. — Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy — Free entry — Showcase your talent in this exciting audition for the beloved fairy tale musical.
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Through The Darkness Tour
7-11 p.m. — 6th & Polk Music & Event Space — Tickets available — Experience raw emotions and new music as Hollow Like Her debuts tracks from their upcoming EP.
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Hairball Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Stormont Vail Events Center — Last-minute tickets available — Experience a unique tribute to rock music with Hairball.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Topeka
Welcome to the Daily Topeka, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Topeka, Kansas community. If you like the Daily Topeka, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Topeka.
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