Daily
Topeka
Wednesday, April 15th, 2026
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 15th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Monday, April 13, Topeka restaurants joined forces to cater lunch for about 200 Coast Guard employees working without pay during the partial government shutdown. The businesses are offering month-long discounts to support these federal workers at the Coast Guard Pay and Personnel Center. WIBW
- ➤ Doorstep is celebrating 60 years as Re-Imagined Jewelry sells earrings at Cafe Quetzal through April, donating 95% of sales + NeighborFest will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church on Saturday, June 6 with a 5K, car show, kids zone and a quilt raffle on April 21. WIBW
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A storm in Hillsdale left 50 to 60 homes badly damaged and 100 homes affected as crews cleared debris overnight while Evergy de-energized power lines and officials planned safety inspections before volunteer cleanup, with only minor injuries reported (one person refused transport) and no missing persons. WIBW
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ WIBW and other Gray Media channels have been off DISH Network for over a month after the provider rejected proposals that extended service during severe weather and major events; Gray Media officials said DISH added more demanding terms to earlier agreements. WIBW
- ➤ Topeka businessman Ken Daniel, founder of Midway Wholesale and the local Business Association, died on March 25 at 80 after a long career in supplying building and roofing materials. A celebration of life is scheduled for 2 p.m. April 25 at Countryside United Methodist Church. The Topeka Capital-Journal
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Washburn University Theatre debuts air guitar comedy Airness from April 17 to 26 at Neese-Gray Theatre in the Garvey Fine Arts Center. The production features 7:30 p.m. shows on select dates + a 2 p.m. matinee on April 26; tickets are a $10 donation, free for Washburn students and staff. WIBW
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Kansas State Board of Education voted Tuesday to appoint Jake Steel as the new K-12 commissioner, and he will begin his duties on June 1. A Garden City native with a Harvard doctorate, Steel worked for four years at the state Department of Education. Kansas Reflector
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Pottawatomie Co. Sheriff’s Office reminds residents that text-to-911 is available when a voice call is unsafe. The office noted the service helps those with hearing or speech disabilities (or in dangerous situations) and recommended calling 911 whenever possible. WIBW
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Anne Weese of Kansas State University Athletics explains on the Hear me. See me. podcast how stress and pressure affect the body and mind and offers tips for athletes and others to stay calm at work and school today. WIBW
- ➤ Astra Mental Health and Recovery is offering Integrated Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders for children and teens facing mental health challenges with substance use disorder at its Youth Crisis and Recovery Center in Topeka — the program, which provides up to 28 days of treatment, opened in Fall 2023. WIBW
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Hotel Topeka’s inspection period is extended by 30 days—until May 15—while the June 14 closing stays unchanged. The change gives Endeavor Group a final chance to secure an agreement with Shawnee County for the Maner Conference Center. WIBW
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Topeka Scarecrows goalie Sammy Bernard donated $953 to Helping Hands Humane Society on Tuesday, April 14 – one dollar per save he made this season. The team prepares for its playoff opener tonight at 8:05 p.m. against the Binghamton Black Bears. WIBW
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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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HME Fabrication Facility Tour
12-1 p.m. — HME, Inc. — Free entry — Explore the structural steel and miscellaneous metals fabrication facility and learn about the Haas Group's specialized companies.
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The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight
8:00-9:30 p.m. — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience an epic concert breathing dark energy into legendary Rock & Metal.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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