Daily
Topeka
Wednesday, May 6th, 2026
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 6th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Gage Park Improvement Authority is expanding the carousel building in Gage Park (the project was approved by taxpayers) and has removed train tracks for added space while the historic ride will remain closed until summer 2027. Shawnee County Parks and Recreation said the project will enhance community enjoyment. WIBW
- ➤ Capper Foundation is hosting adaptive summer camps that help kids gain confidence. Registration is open for iCan Bike from June 8-12 at Central Park Community Center, iCan Swim from July 13-17 at Capper/CapFed Natatorium, and Concert for a Child on June 19 at Evergy Plaza + volunteers are needed. WIBW
- ➤ Doorstep Topeka marks its 60th anniversary on Saturday, June 6, at Christ the King Catholic Church from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event features a 5K, car show, kids zone, and a Touch-A-Truck with the Twister Truck (an original pickup from the movie Twister) to honor service. WIBW
- ➤ Kansas families can explore attractions for free this summer as Sunflower Summer returns from July 9 to Aug. 2 with free tickets (covering one eligible student plus one guardian). Lt. Gov. David Toland said Kansas Tourism is accepting attraction applications with a final list due in June. WIBW
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Officials said a waterline break has closed the northbound lanes on S.E. Croco Road north of S.E. 6th Street since Tuesday and that repairs are underway with lanes expected to reopen in 2-3 weeks. WIBW
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Roo the cheetah will leave the zoo on May 15 (to join another facility and potentially become a dad), and new cheetahs are expected to arrive soon. WIBW
- ➤ Students at State Street Elementary School watched traditional Mexican dances Tuesday to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Organized by nonprofit SparkWheel, the event aimed to connect students with local history, community, and culture. WIBW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Topeka City Council voted on May 5 to raise the hotel transient guest tax to 8.5%, effective in 2027. The new rate, which lacks a sunset date (ensuring alignment with regional standards), will modify local revenue for economic development. The Topeka Capital-Journal
- ➤ Weather delayed the partial reopening of S.W. Topeka Boulevard near the Polk-Quincy Viaduct, which is now set for Thursday, May 7, conditions permitting. Motorists will see one lane in each direction and lifted turning restrictions at the I-70 interchange. WIBW
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Experts urge Kansas to address health care gaps as telehealth services and community health worker programs expand. Plans aim to improve access for uninsured Kansans while supporting rural hospitals and better serving communities including Topeka residents + neighboring areas. Kansas Reflector
- ➤ Today, TUKHS St. Francis is hosting special events and an awards program to honor nurses during National Nurses Week, running May 6 to 12 on its Topeka campus. WIBW
- ➤ On Tuesday, May 5, Astra Mental Health and Recovery held its first Breakfast for Hope and Healing fundraiser in Topeka to mark Mental Health Awareness Month, sharing community care stories and awarding a Mental Health Hero Award to honor local advocacy. WIBW
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Washburn's men's tennis team, riding a fourth straight conference title, will host the NCAA Central region match at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, plus the women's team, seeded third in the central region, will meet Arkansas Tech for their NCAA first round at 11 a.m. Friday, May 8. WIBW
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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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Evans United Carnival 2026
May 21-31 — Stormont Vail Events Center — $18.30 General Admission, $10.05 Child (3-11) — A vibrant carnival featuring parking lot exhibitions and festivals for family fun.
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Party with The BASH
8-11 p.m. — Thunderbirds Grille — Cost info not provided — Dance the night away with live music at Thunderbirds Grille.
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Doggie Date Night
6-8 p.m. — Evergy Plaza — Free entry — Enjoy a fun evening bonding with your pup in the heart of Topeka.
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Signal Ridge Music Evening
6-10 p.m. — Compass Point: Home of Dirty Girl Adventures — Free entry — Enjoy a night of Appalachian Folk-grass tunes with Redd & The Paper Flowers.
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
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Topeka
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