Daily
Topeka
Tuesday, April 21st, 2026
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 21st of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The K9 Edition 2nd Annual Car Show to support local K9 units will run from noon to 4 p.m. April 26 at The Dugout Sports Bar and Grill (1545 SW Fairlawn Rd) with registration starting at 10:30 a.m. and a $15 entry fee. WIBW
- ➤ Kathy Votaw will leave her role as executive director at the Topeka LULAC Senior Center on May 1 after nearly a 13-year tenure building engaging programs and a welcoming community; community member Catherine Blume said her leadership made everyone feel like family. WIBW
- ➤ An online auction to benefit Flint Hills Foster Teen Camps began Monday, April 20 and runs until 5 p.m. April 26. The auction offers items like a Kansas City Royals VIP Suite experience to support summer camp sessions at Living Water Ranch for foster teens in June, July, and August. WIBW
- ➤ Over 1,600 community members gathered for Abilities Day at the Topeka Zoo on Monday — the third annual event hosted by the Capper Foundation and Dialogue Coffee House — with special sensory areas and animal activities offered throughout the day. WIBW
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ A new restaurant, Izumi Sushi & Hibachi, will open at the former Old Chicago near 12th and Wanamaker, offering a fusion of sushi, curry, teriyaki and Chinese appetizers by Thanksgiving. WIBW
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Today, the Topeka Civic Theatre held its annual Kansas Holocaust Commemoration featuring speeches from Holocaust survivor Judy Jacobs (who has spoken for 20 years) and musical performances by Jewish musicians and a kids choir. The free event helps educate new generations about this history. WIBW
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A statewide survey finds Kansas teacher engagement increased 3% while the risk of leaving dropped from 16% to 12% between 2023 and 2025 + educators noted that principal support, technology access and manageable workloads helped improve retention. Kansas Reflector
- ➤ On Monday, the Kansas Board of Regents approved a three-year labor contract for 1,500 University of Kansas faculty and staff in Lawrence and Overland Park — featuring a 1% raise and updated salary benchmarks — with the deal taking effect in April 2029 pending final approval. Kansas Reflector
- ➤ Kansas passed Senate Bill 361 to join a federal voucher style program that offers tax credits for donations to scholarship organizations. The program will take effect in 2027 and critics say it may favor private schools + leave public schools behind. Kansas Reflector
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Topeka transportation officials remind drivers to slow down and obey work zone limits as construction continues during Work Zone Safety Week. They urge motorists to put down distractions to help keep workers and themselves safe. 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.
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
Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
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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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