Daily
Topeka
Wednesday, April 9th, 2025
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 9th of April.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Helping Hands Humane Society at 5720 SW 21st St. had its front window shattered yesterday and now faces a $1,000 bill for a replacement (security cameras did not capture the incident) as it asks for community support. WIBW
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Tulip Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 12 at Ted Ensley Gardens at Lake Shawnee, where visitors will enjoy craft vendors, music and other activities alongside thousands of blooms. Admission costs $5 and funds raised will support the Friends of Ted Ensley Gardens. WIBW
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ At a policy retreat in a Topeka office building, conservative members of the state Board of Education said Monday that reducing state mandates would let local school districts focus on core subjects like reading, writing and math—aiming to lighten burdens on teachers and administrators. Chair Cathy Hopkins noted that removing some rules for 284 school districts serving nearly 500,000 students could improve classroom instruction. Kansas Reflector
- ➤ Camp Courage, held at the Topeka Fire Dept., will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 2 to 6 and will offer free training for young women (ages 16-20) interested in exploring a career in fire service. WIBW
- ➤ Topeka High School students are learning the basics of personal finance during Financial Literacy Month as they study budgeting, banking, and saving in a semester-long course—teacher Sheila Krohe said the class helps them build a strong financial foundation for future expenses. The course comes as more teens express concerns about managing money for big purchases like cars, houses, and food. WIBW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Governor Laura Kelly signed several bipartisan bills that give Kansans a way to recover wildfire damage from electric utility fires through House Bill 2107—a process that requires claims to be filed within two years. Other bills allow Kansas State University to sell property, ease liability rules for public utilities and revise the rules for changing concealed carry licenses. Kansas Reflector
- ➤ On April 8th, the Topeka City Council approved a $9.1 million budget for housing and neighborhood improvements that will fund housing development, community development, neighborhood services, homeless and social services, and administration—$3.6 million is set for homeless and social services. The plan supports programs like the Topeka Opportunity To Own Program and Shelter Plus Care to help local residents. The Topeka Capital-Journal
- ➤ Gov. Laura Kelly signed bipartisan legislation Tuesday establishing a task force — with 13 voting members — to develop a long-term water plan that addresses Kansas’ water supply challenges. The group will deliver a preliminary report in 2026 and a final report in 2027. Kansas Reflector
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The 2025 County Health Rankings and Roadmap report now tracks how societal rules and power shape community health. The University of Wisconsin Public Health Institute and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation released the report to help local leaders plan policy changes—funding for it will end in 2026. Kansas Reflector
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Jerry Seinfeld Live in Topeka
7:00 – 8:30 PM — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Tickets from $42 — Enjoy a night of laughs with legendary comedian Jerry Seinfeld.
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Open House for Stunning Shawnee Heights Ranch
1:30-3 p.m. — 2613 SE Scorpio Ave, Topeka, KS — Free entry — Explore a beautiful 5BD/3BA home featuring custom upgrades and spacious living areas.
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Sesame Street Live! Say Hello
6-10 p.m. — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Fun for the whole family — Sing and dance along with Elmo and friends in this interactive musical adventure.
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BUILD My Future
9 a.m. — Stormont Vail Events Center — Free entry — An engaging hands-on showcase for students to explore career opportunities in the construction industry.
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Hairball: A Rock Revival Celebration
— Time not specified — Stormont Vail Events Center — Tickets available now — Experience the electrifying performances of iconic rock bands in one unforgettable night.
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A Taste of Ireland
7:30-9 p.m. — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Tickets starting at $51 — Experience the rich culture of Ireland through an engaging theatrical performance.
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TopCity Half Marathon
7:30-11:30 a.m. — Evergy Plaza — Registration required — Lace up for the 6th Annual TopCity Half Marathon and 5k as participants race through the heart of Topeka.
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Daily Topeka is a community newsletter sharing current events in Topeka, Kansas. Our mission is to make local news more accessible, highlight extraordinary people across the Topeka community, and support local organizations. If you like Daily Topeka, you can support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Topeka.
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