Daily
Topeka
Thursday, April 9th, 2026
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 9th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Topeka Zoo will host Party for the Planet on April 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors can enjoy hands-on activities and interactive exhibits that show how every person makes an impact on Earth—with about 30 local organizations taking part. WIBW
- ➤ Westminster Presbyterian Church will celebrate 100 years on April 18 with a community walk through its history at 1275 Southwest Boswell Avenue. The event will feature food trucks, music and a scavenger hunt (including a hidden tunnel and a three-door elevator) that highlights its long legacy. WIBW
- ➤ Washburn University is hosting Sexual Assault Awareness Month events in April— a candlelight vigil today at Union Underground, a Day of Action on April 16, denim day on April 29 and Survivor Art Night on April 30 at the campus. The events aim to support survivors and build community. WIBW
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A fire at a single-family home on SE Croco Road in Shawnee County on Wednesday afternoon injured one person (who declined treatment) and resulted in the loss of five pets, as firefighters rescued five others after occupants safely evacuated. WIBW
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Go Topeka will honor local small businesses at its annual awards ceremony on Thursday, May 7 at 5 p.m. + the event takes place at Topeka Social, 518 SE Adams where 18 finalists in six categories will be recognized. WIBW
- ➤ The former Taco Tico building in north Topeka is being converted into a new Little Caesars pizza restaurant. Construction is expected to complete early to mid-June, making it the second location in the city. WIBW
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Kansas Tourism announced (Wednesday) that the Pony Express Historic Byway has been designated as Kansas’ 13th scenic byway, stretching from U.S. Highway 36 near Troy through several counties to the Hollenberg Pony Express Station. Its designation highlights cultural, recreational and economic opportunities along the route. WIBW
- ➤ Topeka Symphony will present 'The Clown' on Saturday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Washburn University’s White Concert Hall — the event features Stravinsky’s Petrushka and Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto with conductor Kyle Wylie Pickett and violinist Aubree Oliverson leading a performance full of theatrical elements. WIBW
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Despite a reported ceasefire in the Iran war, gas prices continued rising in Kansas and nationwide on Wednesday. AAA said Kansas' average unleaded cost $3.44 a gallon, with Topeka prices ranging from $3.25 to $3.59 and diesel prices also increasing. WIBW
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Washburn University students are excited for longer days as extra sunlight helps them study and enjoy campus life; psychologist Anne Weese said the connection to nature boosts mood (students have been taking advantage of outdoor spaces). WIBW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Topeka business leaders met with lawmakers at the Greater Topeka Partnership's spring legislative forum on Wednesday, April 8, where participants discussed business concerns (including mental health support for the Kansas Highway Patrol and rising costs) and shared updates on bipartisan efforts. WIBW
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ KU sharpshooter Elle Evans competed in the College Slam Dunk and three‐point Championships during the Final Four weekend in Indianapolis, helping her team win the Pedigree Team Shootout and clinching the women’s title with a decisive two‐point money ball. Her performance capped her college career at Kansas. 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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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